Life in bloom.

As a former military wife, Kathy had a list of past addresses the length of her arm. She was finally ready to put down roots somewhere that held a special place in her heart.

After a lifetime of happy memories holidaying in South Devon with her late husband, Kathy decided to take the plunge and move to the coast. On the lookout for somewhere to call her forever home, she stumbled across a Blue Cedar Homes advert in The Telegraph. The rest, as they say, is history.

Here is Kathy’s story: “When I first found out about Blue Cedar Homes, I thought what a brilliant idea. All the homes are lovely and light, with bags of room and when you get to my age you accumulate a lot of things. I brought six hundred books and forty paintings with me when I moved and everything fitted in beautifully.

My friends back in Somerset were nervous that I was moving into a retirement village! But it is nothing like one. I am so happy here. My neighbours are lovely, and although we are very di erent, we all get on famously.

I still do my own thing here too. I have always been active and I love having a busy social life. Whether neighbours, gardening club, book group, I am rarely in the house!

Andy our Estate Manager is the nicest man. I think he must go beyond his job description. My maintenance charge is only minimal, but he cuts my grass, does the rubbish, changes light bulbs. He is great. I have not made use of all of his services yet, but if I buy any more paintings I will ask him if he will help me hang them.

Although Andy is around to help, I love being in the garden myself. So it is nice to have the option. Since moving in, I have planted some lovely scented roses. Spending time outside makes you realise how peaceful it is here.

Both Maisie, my black lab, and I have a new zest for life. She has discovered a late life passion for sea swimming and chasing seagulls, and I just feel so lucky to be able to call this place home.”