\u201cI remember the conversation distinctly. My son, Colin, simply said, \u2018Come on Dad, you\u2019re not getting any younger. I think it might be time to move.\u2019 I had to admit that he was right. I was starting to need a bit of help with the house, there was the garden to maintain and quite a lot of general upkeep.\u00a0 I decided to look for somewhere where life would be a little easier.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d lived in Harrow since 1954 and I didn\u2019t really want to leave the area. My daughter-in-law, Marie-Louise, spotted an advert for Randolph House in a newspaper. The development was only three miles from where I was living at the time and I thought it was worth a visit, so my son, daughter-in-law and I went to take a look.<\/p>\n \u201cAs soon as I arrived I was impressed,\u201d Len, a widower, recalls.<\/p>\n \u201cI viewed a two-bedroom apartment on the second floor, and I thought, \u2018This is beautiful\u2019.\u00a0 We had a look round at all the facilities: the homeowners\u2019 lounge, the grounds, and the fabulous guest suite \u2013 even the laundry room! Then we went to visit the restaurant and stayed for lunch, which was superb.<\/p>\n “I thought, \u2018Now, here\u2019s a place I could call home.\u2019\u00a0 We came back and had a second viewing of the apartment.\u00a0 I just knew it was the place for me.”<\/p>\n \u201cI opted for a part exchange\u00a0<\/a>which proved to be a real blessing.<\/p>\n “I didn\u2019t come alone though \u2013 my cat Bandit and I are growing old gracefully together, so it really sealed the deal when I discovered that I could bring him along with me.<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n Having always been a keen musician, Len has made good use of the spare bedroom in his new apartment.<\/p>\n \u201cMoving from a three-bedroom house to a two-bedroom apartment, it was important to me to live somewhere with plenty of space \u2013 and that is what I\u2019ve got here,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve turned my second bedroom into a music room where I keep my upright piano, harpsichord and my little spinet.<\/p>\n “I sit down and play the piano every single morning and play a few of my favourite hymns. It\u2019s a real tonic. Some of my friends sometimes come round and listen, so I\u2019m glad I can spread some enjoyment through one of my greatest passions.\u201d<\/p>\n Since moving to Randolph House, Len has immersed himself in community life.<\/p>\n \u201cI go to the restaurant every\u00a0day for lunch. The food is absolutely delicious and there\u2019s always plenty of choice. Our lovely chef, Florence, is a real inspiration.<\/p>\n “I always look forward to the roasts on Wednesdays and Sundays.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve made some great friends here and we often see each other in the restaurant or the homeowners\u2019 lounge. The social side of living at Randolph House is important to me and I can honestly say, hand on heart, that moving here was the best thing for me at this time in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n As Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease and events are reintroduced to Randolph House, Len and his fellow homeowners are looking to the future.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been making plans,\u201d he divulges.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve talked about holding a concert in the restaurant or lounge for everyone at Randolph House who wants to come and enjoy some music.\u00a0 We\u2019re really looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n Having the church of St. John The Baptist, Greenhill, on the doorstep is incredibly important for Len, who is a devout Christian. \u201cThat\u2019s another wonderful thing about living here. I\u2019m part of such a diverse and friendly community and we all embrace that.<\/p>\n \u201cI often enjoy just sitting and looking out at the splendid views over the treetops from my apartment.<\/p>\n “I can see Stanmore Common in the distance and Bentley Priory. I\u2019m in the heart of Harrow and I\u2019ve got everything I need; my cat, my music and the perfect place to call home. I\u2019m really very happy!\u201d<\/p>\n Prices at Randolph House\u00a0 <\/a>currently start from \u00a3372,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and from \u00a3494,995 for a two-bedroom apartment.<\/p>\n Rental<\/a> and Part Buy Part Rent<\/a> options are also available.<\/p>\n Discover seasonal events and open days near you.<\/a><\/p>\n For more information, please visit McCarthy Stone<\/a> or call 0800 201 4743.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/newclone.retiremove.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Len-Gray-578.jpg\")
<\/a>Open to the idea of moving, Len, 89, visited prospective properties in Chorleywood, but his heart was in Harrow in North London.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/newclone.retiremove.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2141_HRR_RND_RLP_EXT_3-1024x683.jpeg\")
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