Heather’s story

A new chapter at Catalina

Heather White didn’t expect to make a big move in her eighties, but sometimes life unfolds in surprising ways. “I’d had enough of the big gardening,” she explains with a chuckle, “and, you know, the usual reasons people move.” Two years ago, at 83, she decided it was time to start fresh, leaving behind the heavy upkeep of her old place and settling into something simpler. When she first heard about Catalina, she thought, Well, why not?

“Suddenly, this place started rising up, and I thought, this is looking really good!” she recalls. As the first stage of homes began to take shape, Heather knew she had found something special. “My daughters came with me for our first visit, and we were all so impressed with how we were greeted and shown around. Everything just felt right.”

The exhibition house sealed the deal. “We could go in, look at all the plans, and you could tell from the finish that it was well-built—just as good as you could do it.”

“The layout was so thoughtful. The roads are wide, the lighting is perfect, and even simple things, like having the letterbox at your front door and easy garbage removal, just makes life smooth.”

Location mattered, too. Catalina’s spot was perfect for family visits. “It’s easy for my daughters to come up on the motorway, which means I never feel cut off,” Heather says. But it wasn’t just the practical things that won her heart—it was the sense of peace. “It’s so calm here.”

And then there’s the cafe—one of Heather’s favourite spots. “It’s such a friendly place to meet people,” she says. “The ambiance is lovely, and the food is great. I often meet my friends from inside the village and outside. It’s wonderful to have a place where you can share time with everyone.”

Heather also appreciates how the village offers support when she needs it. “Even if you can’t drive or need help, there’s always someone willing to offer a hand.” It’s the little things—like never needing to change a light bulb—that make a difference.

“The services take care of everything, so there’s no stress.”

What really stands out, though, is the variety of activities. “The community center is amazing. I can’t imagine fitting everything into a day even if I tried!” Heather laughs. “Vicky sends out the daily messages—Zumba here, yoga there, Tai Chi, and so much more. The choices are endless!”

Heather compares Catalina to other villages she’s heard about and shakes her head. “I know for a fact that in other places, you don’t get this level of care or choice.”

Most of all, it’s the sense of community that makes Heather feel at home. “Everybody makes everyone welcome,” she says warmly. “It’s a relaxed, happy lifestyle. I feel lighter, like a weight’s been lifted from my shoulders. This is exactly what I was looking for.”

For anyone considering making Catalina their home, Heather offers a simple piece of advice. “I’d give it top marks. Come and have a look—feel the atmosphere, meet the staff, and see all the things there are to enjoy. Once you’re here, I’m sure you’ll want to stay.”

Reflecting on the past two years, Heather says “Now, I’ve got everything I need here. I wouldn’t change a thing.”