A Poole homeowner loves the sense of togetherness she has experienced since purchasing an apartment in an over-55s independent-living community. 

Claire Mackendrick, 76, purchased an apartment in Platinum Skies’ Vista community in Mount Road, Parkstone, having moved from a two-bedroom bungalow in Poole which she no longer felt able to maintain. 

After losing her husband three years ago, Claire’s daughter encouraged her mum to view the apartments available at Vista, which have access to a range of communal facilities including a homeowners’ lounge, activity room, treatment room, and garden with a viewing platform over Poole Harbour. Vista has offered Claire a new start in life alongside her pet dog, Harry, who loves his new home which is based just a stone’s throw from Poole Park and Sandbanks Beach. 

Claire said: “My daughter found Vista online and persuaded me to come and have a look. From the moment that I was shown around, I knew it was for me. I turned to my daughter and said ‘If I live here, it'll be like being on holiday every day of the year.’

“It’s the best move that I could possibly have made at my age and in the position I was in. It’s also the easiest move that I’ve ever made because I literally did nothing. The removals men came, packed my old home up, put it all in a van, and 20 minutes later, I was here. It all went extremely smoothly.”

Asked what makes the difference for her at Vista, Claire said: “One of the best things is waking up in the morning and knowing that you can go out for the day, and when you get back, there's always somebody here. Plus, if you're not feeling too well, there's always a door to knock on. The best bit is that you never feel alone.”

Vista is located just a six-minute drive away from Poole Park, a seven-minute drive to the Dolphin Shopping Centre, and a 10-minute drive to Sandbanks, where families can enjoy a day at the beach or catch a ferry over to Studland. The nearest convenience store is just a five-minute walk away, which also features a bus stop to take people into Poole and Bournemouth town centre. 

Each Platinum Skies community has a dedicated onsite Community Manager who helps to organise fun activities such as wine tasting workshops, yoga, coffee mornings, quizzes, and crafts, as well as providing practical and emotional support to the community’s homeowners. 

Prices for an apartment in Vista start from £225,000 with the Platinum Skies flexible shared ownership option. 

To book an in-person or virtual appointment to view a home in Vista, go to Platinumskies.co.uk or call the Platinum Skies team on 01202 040996.