Designing Your New England Active Adult Community in Today's Economy

  One of the most noticeable shortfalls I see at Active Adult and Independent Living Communities throughout New England is the lack of attention that is given to the designing or staging of the community. Ironically this is one of the easiest components to remedy when promoting your 55+ community. When tastefully done proper staging can really push the sale over the top.
  When deciding on changing the look of a model at your community a budget should be constructed and serious consideration should be taken to hire a professional interior designer.  The next step is to see what your competition has done.  This is invaluable as you may see designs you want to avoid and those that are truly captivating.  Two communities I recommend you to tour are Chatfield Farms in Beacon Falls, CT and Red Mill Village in Norton, MA. Both of these communities have painstakingly paid attention to every detail when staging and designing their models.  The walk-in closets are staged with a bathrobe and slippers and the second bedrooms even have baseball mitts and child pictures to help the prospect envision living at that community with a bedroom ready for their grandchildren. 
  I do realize that during these economic times operating budgets are severely constrained. However, this is a chance to make some minor adjustments in your models that can pay big dividends with your prospects. Take the bathrooms for example. Here a a few inexpensive tips to inject some life into your models.
1) Hang a large mirror instead of tile - a mirror will add depth to your bathroom design and help to spread light around. Consider covering the wall with a larger mirror which would be a less expensive alternative to tile.
2) Visit consignment shops for used light fixtures - often you'll find high quality used fixtures priced much lower than new standard fixtures.  A lot of these fixtures will add charm to a room as well as create a cozy, warm feeling as we head into the winter months.
    Take a look at the models at your community. Ask yourself if you would want to move into your model. If nothing else, take a few hours and walk through your models with a pen and paper. Jot down rooms you think would use an update. As communities are taking longer to sell out it is imperative that you revisit the  staging and interior design of your models. A stale model has difficulty selling. Lastly, staging and interior design says a lot about the builder and developers.  When I ask a buyer about the community they just visited invariably their first response is how lovely the model is......provided time and effort was put into the staging and design of that model.

Birch Bay Village - Maine's Jewel For Retirement Living

  Birch Bay Village situated in Bar Harbor, Maine is truly a breathtaking place to retire.  The natural beauty of Maine is clearly evident at this retirement community. Birch Bay Village retirement community on Maine’s scenic Mount Desert Island offers a peaceful setting, friendly neighbors and caring staff to residents age 55 and better. The 55 acre campus borders Acadia National Park and provides spectacular views of Frenchman Bay. Retirement living options include: individually owned cottages, independent rental apartments, assisted living care in Pleasant Cove, and memory loss care in Safe Harbor. When you see all that Birch Bay Village has to offer you will want to make it home.
  What makes this community unique is the fact that there are a wide variety of living options and services available for those 55 and older.  The cottages are a draw for the 55+ active adult. When visiting this community I was overcome with the beauty and tranquility of this community.  The cottages give you an unrivaled view of Frenchman Bay. The homes range in square footage from 1200 to 1900 square feet. Ample room and quality craftmanship make these perfect retirement homes for the empty nester.  Adjacent to Acadia National Park and oceanfront living make this community appropriate for residents who want to remain active and experience Maine's natural beauty up close.
   Once you become a resident at Birch Bay Village you have acess to all the services available at the Inn and priority when moving within the community.  An active social calendar at Birch Bay Village ensures all residents will find an acitivity to suit their palate. Mount Desert Island Hospital is minutes away for high quality access to healthcare.
    The staff at Birch Bay Village is extremely warm and accommodating. They take care to make sure their homeowners are satisfied and their days are replete with activities. The natural beauty of Maine is at its best at Birch Bay Village.  For those who want to experience tranquil, beautiful retirement living Birch Bay Village is a must see for active adults and retiring seniors.

See the Buzz That is Happening at WestRidge in Hudson, MA

Thorndike Development has introduced WestRidge in Hudson, MA. From the looks of the momentum this community is producing it is already a hit with the active adult homebuyers.
WestRidge is a 146-home condominium community for active adults, 55 years of age or better, in Hudson, MA, which features both attached and detached homes. The traditionally designed neighborhood is situated on more than 31 acres and features spectacular views of western hills. The property gracefully borders the Assabet River and is surrounded by an additional 73 acres of open space.
  Five different homes are available to the discerning active adult homebuyer ranging in square footage from 2015 to 2600 square feet. Westridge gives the 55+ buyer distinctive home styles, superior craftsmanship, personalized options and maintenance-free living at attractive pricing options.
 Thondike Development has shown its ability to develop Active Adult communities as Red Mill Village in Norton, MA can attest to that.  WestRidge is a community in central, MA that is building momentum and we do recommend you put this on your list of communities to visit during the Fall.