Mr & Mrs Burt

Norman and Evelyn Burt moved in to Woodland Grove after searching for a home where they could enjoy their own view, garden and private patio, as well as having the opportunity to meet like-minded neighbours.  

Evelyn said: “Woodland Grove offers the high quality home and luxurious lifestyle we are looking for. It’s a relaxed but active pace of life. We knew it was home.”

“Milltimber is a great area and Woodland Grove is a lovely building. It’s so secluded, with such beautiful grounds, I feel like I’m in a country club.”

Norman continued: “I love waking up here in the mornings and coming home at the end of the day. No-one could live here and not be happy.”

The Burts decided to move because their extensive family home became too much to maintain. Evelyn said: “The empty rooms were wasted on us and the garden was too big. We had our reservations about the stress of moving a lifetime of belongings, but Woodland Grove were there for us every step of the way.”

“It wasn’t a drastic change. Our apartment is a great size. We have a spare bedroom and more than enough space to host our family on special occasions.”

The couple remain extremely active and have found time to get increasingly involved in their hobbies, which include swimming and indoor and outdoor bowling.

Mr & Mrs Edwicker and Roxy

Alec and Patricia Edwicker were the first people to move into Woodland Grove. “It ticked all of the boxes,” said Alec.

After downsizing from Coventry to live with their daughter in Bieldside in 2001, the couple decided it was time to buy a house of their own again. They wanted to remain in a private countryside location with the excellent views they had at Bieldside. However, the fact that Woodland Grove welcomed pets was the jewel in the crown for the Edwickers and their adorable German Shepherd dog, Roxy.

Patricia said: “We were over the moon when we moved in. The apartments are lovely. We’ve personalised ours quite a lot and recently installed a fireplace.”

Alec has been able to continue his love of gardening, but on a more manageable scale. He said: “I keep my pots on the balcony but looking onto the grounds is like having your own garden without the maintenance.”

Alec and Patricia also value the community atmosphere at Woodland Grove. “It just keeps getting better. Our lives have opened up since we moved here and we have more time for social activities, like keep-fit classes, bowling and the theatre. In fact, our daughter jokes that she has to make an appointment to see us!”

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Ms Downton

“I knew straight away that this was home,” smiled Norma Downton.

“Woodland Grove is secluded, without noise from traffic or other buildings. I have four grandchildren and they love to play in the gardens. It’s the perfect place to invite the family.”

“The complex is very secure. I feel so comfortable here. Even at night, I’m confident returning to my apartment alone. I’ve been able to retain my independence and all my own belongings, but eliminate the hassle and worry associated with managing a big house.”

With far less of her time consumed by domestic upkeep, Norma concentrates on enjoying the things she loves. She has an active social life, recently took a two-week holiday in Italy and has even found time to get to grips with the world wide web.

Norma relishes the community aspect of the accommodation and has made some great friends. She said: “There’s always someone around. I love the sociable environment. It encourages independence but provides the option of companionship.”

“We have coffee mornings every two weeks and a social night every second Friday. It’s a good chance to catch up and an excuse to get a bit dressed up. We’re always planning our next event. I haven’t been this busy since I was 25!”

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Mr and Mrs Edwards

For Doris and David Edwards, the location of Woodland Grove was irresistible. “Our old house was fairly rural so last winter was really difficult for us. We wanted to move closer to the town and Woodland Grove offered an ideal balance. It’s located in the country, but also on the edge of the city,” explained Doris. “It’s beautiful here.”

Mr and Mrs Edwards opted for a ground floor flat. “We loved the luxury of being able to easily walk out onto the patio in our old house and didn’t want to lose that. When the weather’s nice, we eat out there. It’s lovely having the neighbours stop for a chat.”

“The people who live around us are so nice. We like having the option of getting together when we want with them but also enjoy our own space.”

The couple are delighted to have more time to spend together. With a daughter living in London, it was becoming increasingly important to have the freedom to visit her frequently. “Before, we had four acres of ground and the stress of looking after a garden. It’s wonderful not having that burden anymore.”

David used to manage Aberdeen hotel The Mariner and recently handed the reins over to his son, Michael. Doris continues to work as a wine importer. They spend a lot of time golfing and recently took a golfing holiday abroad.

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