\u201cI\u2019ve added colour here, there and everywhere with my collection of Spanish flamenco dancer paintings \u2013 some of them specially commissioned,” she explains.<\/p>\n
“Everyone who visits loves the pictures, the colours and vibrancy.<\/p>\n
“I couldn\u2019t live in an apartment with no colour. When I walk in, it uplifts me, I feel different. People who visit say it has that effect on them too. Life\u2019s just better in colour!”<\/p>\n
No stranger to travel, adventurous Ann has lived all over the world, including Germany, USA and Pakistan.<\/p>\n
The move to Spain came in 2002, after her divorce.\u201cWe had a lovely home but when we separated, I decided I needed a change,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt like I needed to do something a bit mad. I had a friend who lived in Spain, so I thought why not? I moved out there, near Marbella, and stayed for 15 years.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve added more of the colour of Spain with red and yellow cushions and every week I buy flowers that match my d\u00e9cor \u2013 always yellow and red with accents of other colours.<\/p>\n “I absolutely love flowers and have to have ones which match. I\u2019ve added ornaments and plenty of books too \u2013 I love reading.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I moved in, the McCarthy Stone team helped me plan where to hang them and put them up for me too, so I could really add a personal touch.<\/p>\n \u201cThe painting in my bedroom is a bit cheeky. It\u2019s a couple embracing. I tell people it\u2019s me when I was younger, as a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n When she moved from Spain to her home in Wokingham, Ann found she couldn\u2019t manage the garden on her own \u2013 so her daughter suggested Queen\u2019s Gate.<\/p>\n \u201cI liked it so much that I just thought, \u2018I\u2019m doing it!\u2019.<\/p>\n “It was such an easy process for me \u2013 just move in and put my own mark on my new home. I love that I get to enjoy the outdoor space and watch other people doing the hard work. I have a cleaner here, too, who makes sure the place always looks its best. \u201cOne of the best things is having two bedrooms \u2013 my daughter and grandchild live in France and it\u2019s lovely they can stay with me when they come over.<\/p>\n “The reassurance that Sonja our House Manager is able to help and assist and the 24- hour careline is there when I need it. Plus I have lots of friends here and we all get on wonderfully.\u201d<\/p>\n Ann’s\u00a0travels have also influenced her culinary skills. “I\u2019ve picked up so many recipes and tips. I learnt how to make a lot of curry-based dishes from scratch when I lived in Pakistan and friends are always complimenting me on them when I have them over for dinner.”<\/p>\n When she\u2019s trialling a new dish, Ann often invite her friends from Queen\u2019s Gate.<\/p>\n \u201cWe always find a reason to get-together, whether it\u2019s a cheese and wine night or just drinks and nibbles. For New Year\u2019s Eve I made lots of delicious canapes for us all and we spent the night drinking champers until gone midnight.<\/p>\n She has also joined the Queen\u2019s Gate singing group.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s so liberating just to sing your heart out, even if you might not be the best singer. We have the most wonderful time.<\/p>\n \u201cLife is what you make it \u2013 and I love to make people laugh and brighten up their day.<\/p>\n “My personal style is colourful and bright,\u201d she says. \u201cPeople say it\u2019s just like my personality!\u201d<\/p>\n WIN A \u00a320,000 JOHN LEWIS HOME MAKEOVER\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n McCarthy Stone is offering their homeowners the chance to win \u00a320,000 to spend on soft furnishings and interior design flourishes. The idea is to help you give your home a unique look and style \u2013 with a little help from the John Lewis Home Design Service.<\/p>\n Find out more<\/a>.<\/p>\n *Terms and conditions<\/a>\u00a0and qualifying dates apply.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/newclone.retiremove.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/2-Ann-Carroll-lounge-jpg-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/a>Ann loves to blend vibrant colours and hues, and the sunshine shades of Spain run through the whole apartment as a reminder of her happy times there.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/newclone.retiremove.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5-Ann-Carroll-Flowers-jpg-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/newclone.retiremove.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/McS_LOCKUP_BLK_RGB_LARGE.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n