When my husband died suddenly eight years ago, I struggled to maintain our lovely home and garden and ended up tired, unhappy and generally unwell. My GP suggested a move to a retirement village but was adamant that my family looked thoroughly into what was available.

After we had visited every village in Paraparaumu, it was unanimous that Sevenoaks gave us the best vibes.

After 5 ½ years, even my small garden was taking its toll and after a spell in hospital, and on the advice of the doctor, I moved into an apartment. To have had the opportunity of down-sizing has been wonderful. I cannot speak too highly of the staff at Sevenoaks and the facilities available to residents.

We moved into Sevenoaks over 20 years ago when the village was first being developed and there were just a few villas surrounded by paddocks and Kapiti sandhills. While only in our 60s, with some friends doubting the wisdom of our choice, the thought of freedom from the ongoing maintenance and extensive gardens our previous large family home involved, was incentive enough.

It is a decision we have never, never regretted. We have been free to spend our retirement following our leisure interests, knowing if something goes wrong with the property, assistance is just a phonecall away. We can go out, go away, knowing everything is safe and secure and being kept an eye on. We love being part of a safe and caring community.

Sevenoaks villas have been designed to provide plenty of space with maximum privacy and the gardens are just so beautifully maintained. The lifestyle is everything we ever hoped for. There are just so many activities on offer if you want to be involved, but above all, everyone respects each others' privacy and you determine your level of involvement in the village. Our advice to others – "don't leave it too late, make the move while you can still get maximum enjoyment from the benefits village life brings."

Moving to Sevenoaks at the age of 70 with my late husband Mac was the best thing we ever did. We had eight happy years together in our villa before Mac’s health deteriorated and he required hospital level care. Having him here at Sevenoaks, in the Lodge, meant I was able to visit him twice daily at mealtimes. If he had had to move elsewhere I couldn’t have done this as I have never held a driver’s licence.

Mac had three years in the hospital before his death in 2005 and I was so grateful for the ongoing support of the caring staff. After getting to know residents and staff in the Lodge so well, it seemed logical to become a volunteer and since then, I have assisted daily in helping residents at mealtimes. The Lodge has such a happy atmosphere and I find volunteering a rewarding and enriching part of my life.

Before moving into Midlands Gardens, partway through 2009 we carried out an extensive search of retirement villages in the Kapiti region using websites and visits to help. We had decided to move to Kapiti from Taupo to be nearer family. The Kapiti climate was also an attraction.

Jocelyn had had a family member in an Apartment at Sevenoaks for a number of years and we liked the feel of the village. Also, after investigation, we realised the significant financial benefits of being part of a Charitable Trust.

Our preference proved to be well-placed. The steps in selling our home and moving here were made so simple by the support given throughout the process by staff. They were absolutely marvellous and have continued to be so. The purchase process went without a hitch and on moving in, we immediately had visits from the care co-ordination team who assisted us to settle, including finding a doctor. Maintenance and gardening staff were also quick to make themselves known to us.

As soon as we walked into our villa at Midlands we knew it was for us. The homes here are modern, spacious and sunny and life in the village is fun with friendly and helpful people. You can be involved in as little or as much as you choose. We have an active life outside the village but find we can incorporate both. The move has been everything we hoped for and we have absolutely no doubts we have made the right decision.