Linda Norris found that a luxury flat at The Twynams in Hampshire was the perfect place for herself and her beloved cat
When Linda Norris decided to downsize from her home in Bassett, Southampton, and move to a retirement community, one of her first considerations was whether she could take Roxy, her 12-year-old Birman cat.
Linda, a former mayor of Southampton, had lived by herself for 40 years and was prompted to move to a retirement community - The Twynams in Hampshire - after losing a number of close friends during the covid pandemic.
‘Although I’ve lived happily by myself for years, as I got older I was increasingly aware of being on my own, especially if anything went wrong,’ she says. ‘This insecurity was the catalyst for me to move to a retirement community, which I knew would provide security and help me look after my own welfare. It’s comforting to know that if people don’t see me for a few days they’ll give me a call.
‘However, I wouldn’t have given The Twynams a second look if they didn’t allow pets. I’ve had Roxy for 12 years, and cats all my life, so she was the main priority when I was considering where to move. We now enjoy going out for walks around our apartment block in the village.’
As well as suiting Roxy, it was important that Linda’s new home helped her stay active.
‘The best thing about The Twynams is that it gives you the opportunity to keep fit,’ she says. ‘It has a fabulous wellness centre, with a swimming pool that looks out onto green space and a steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. Before living here it was really hard to motivate myself to leave the house to exercise, so moving to a place with all the facilities right on my doorstep has helped me regain my fitness.’
The Twynams’ location was also ideal. ‘It only takes 18 minutes for me to return to Southampton, which was important to me so I could retain all the connections and the life I had there. It’s good to be able to hop in the car and reach Southampton so quickly to meet old friends.’
Launched by Anchor, one of England’s largest specialist providers of housing and care for people in later life, The Twynams is a collection of luxurious twobedroom apartments. Each home has contemporary interiors, with plenty of windows to maximise light and offer stunning views of the surrounding Hampshire countryside. The kitchens are ergonomically designed and fully integrated, with state-of-the-art appliances and units. Living areas have underfloor heating and there is ample storage throughout.
The Twynams is part of Anchor’s Bishopstoke Park community, which offers plenty of outdoor space, including allotments and sensory gardens; a state-ofthe-art wellness centre with swimming pool, gym and beauty salon; and a restaurant providing a selection of seasonal fresh food using local produce. The Twynams also boasts a guest suite for visiting friends and family.
The new collection of homes start from £595,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £975,000 for one of the five rooftop flats, which have their own terraces. Further weekly charges and exit fees apply.
♦ To arrange a one-to-one appointment contact the Bishopstoke Park team on 02380 987517 or bpsales@anchor.org.uk.
♦ For further information visit thetwynams.com
