Pam de Bell had been researching retirement living for three years following the death of her husband and had pledged to be settled somewhere before she turned 80.
Then her move-in day collided with Auckland’s sudden return to lockdown, but even Covid-19 couldn’t de-rail her plans!
“I just made it by three weeks!” she laughs.
Pam says she looked at many villages but it was a write-up in her trusted Consumer magazine that convinced her Ryman had the right offering for her.
Staying local was also a big deal with her two daughters and grandchildren all out west.
“It’s very, very convenient with all the services on your doorstep, and there’s a bus stop right outside!”
So sure was she that Miriam Corban was the place for her, Pam was the very first person to sign a contract, something she thinks Sales Advisor Craig Atkinson wasn’t quite expecting.
“I came in to find out about it but I was already pretty sure so I decided there and then. I think Craig was a bit surprised!”
Top of her list was securing a spot that had morning sun, to make up for the rather gloomy aspect she’d had at her house.
Having never bought a home straight from the plans before she now marvels at the process.
“I didn’t see the apartment until about an hour before I was due to move in – but it exceeded my expectations!”
Now settled in, she enjoys relaxing with a good book listening to her favourite music or getting to know her fellow residents.
“It’s been nice to meet new people. Three of us went out to dinner after lockdown and I very much enjoy being part of such a caring community.”
