DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Road Trips to Retirement – The Ponds at Bayberry

Road Trips to Retirement with The Blake’s

Road Trips to Retirement AVI

Our life long dream…work for about 30 years, pay off the mortgage, get the kids through college then retire and start enjoying life traveling around the world.

Not once were the words “you have cancer” part of that dream. Oh, it’s a phrase and a harsh reality that I’ve heard too many times from too many family members, however, I never thought I would be hearing it about my own spouse.

Approximately 2 months after hubby signed his retirement papers, he was diagnosed with small intestinal cancer, the surgery and recovery came and went before his official retirement date of July 1.

Now with a new reality mixed in with that dream, we are on a mission to downsize our home, and move into a no-shoveling or lawn/pool maintenance 55+ community so let the ride begin!

You are cordially invited to tag along, so hop in, buckle up and let’s get started on these Road Trips to Retirement…you never know, we just might become neighbors!

June 2015 060

As a Boomer who Blogs with a Millennial Mind, it only seemed natural to not only blog about but to also vlog about our adventures in finding a new home in a 55+ community. We want to begin this journey in the state of Delaware for several reasons. First of all, I am not 55, so my retirement date is still a few years off and secondly our oldest son, who is intellectually disabled may be living with us for several more years. He loves his school, job and the benefits he receives in Delaware which are probably much better than those in other states.

Our youngest, currently a sophomore at Bowie State University is loving school and doing well, but I can see him returning home after graduation just long enough to save up enough to have a good financial foundation before he starts on his life’s journey.

Last Saturday hubby and I drove to New York to attend a graduation party for my best friend’s daughter. Prior to returning the rental car, we decided to take a Sunday cruise and check out the new 55+ community by Blenheim Homes, The Ponds at Bayberry, so this is where our adventure begins.

Blenheim Homes Entrance

We toured several of the homes, 3 were fully staged and 2 were Quick Delivery models.  This particular model, The Loren had an awesome layout, unfortunately it was also a two story and we are avoiding steps all all costs, however, Tayair would love it #Eagle’s Territory!

Eagle's Territory

Now I want you to take a quick video tour of The Cooper, The Loren and The Tracey models then leave me a comment below as to which one you liked the best.

 

Wait until you see which one I chose…I could actually see myself sipping Sangrias in the Sunroom!

Entrance to 55+ Home

The Ponds at Bayberry is a 55 and Better Active Adult Community centrally located for travel and shopping in an exclusive country setting, offering 389 single family detached ranch homes with a variety of social and community amenities. Tree line streets, walking trails and shortened neighborhood blocks. We are looking forward to coming back for a visit once the Resort like amenities are built.

Signage to The Ponds at Bayberry

Road Trip to Retirement at Blenheim Homes

 

Okay, which model was your favorite and why?

Blogging with Blake Header



23 Comments

  • Good luck with this new leg of life and prayers for your husbands full healing.

  • I’m sorry to hear about your husband! Those were some beautiful places… I think documenting this like you are is a really fun idea!

  • I LOVE them all and I’m cracking up at your disclaimer of not being 55 yet…LOL! I can’t wait to visit and have some sangrias with you!

  • I’m going with the first home due to no stairs and it being convenient for your hubby. Both homes are really nice! I love following along your road trip to retirement. Looking forward to following along some more. Also, I got your Avon prize pack, thanks so much sis! I been so busy running around getting ready to leave out of town this weekend and didn’t get a chance to say thanks, it came yesterday. #ProductReviewParty

    • DeDivahDeals says:

      Thank you, yes, we liked the first one as well and will be visiting another community on Sunday. Glad you received the Prize Pack, congratulations again and thanks for always supporting me.

  • cindy knoke says:

    I want to see your McMansion. Our house is big. I like room. This whole basement thing to me is fascinating considering I live in callifornia and we don’t have any. I have seen one basement in my life. It’s like a house under a house. I think I like the Loren the best, but I am not sure. I would have to see them. I love looking at models. Do this more pretty please. Your husband is a looker. Don’t tell him. He’ll get stuck up. Best to keep hubbies humble. Where we going next???????

    • A. Blake says:

      I’ll show you the outside of the McMansion because I am tired of keeping the inside spotless…lol We definitely need a basement so that when Malik comes home, he will need a place to workout and play his music which is what he does now. I am glad you like this series because I had plans on doing more, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. BTW…hubby will never know!

  • staciesayzso says:

    Both of those places are absolutely gorgeous! But I have to say I like the second one best. So much space. Feel better hubbs!

  • glendakstyle says:

    I’m glad to read your husband is healed. Enjoy your new journey.

  • Teresa says:

    I love the idea of these 55+ communities, wish we had them here in the UK. I would happily move into any of these properties but I like the idea of no stairs so that would be the one I choose.

    • DeDivahDeals says:

      Hi Teresa, the 55+ communities just became really popular in the last 10 years because people are tired of doing yard work. I never thought I would be moving again, but hubby is adamant so hopefully we will find something soon and make a profit when selling our home.

  • Sonya K says:

    All of the homes looked great!!! My favorite was the one with the stairs, but I probably would not want a house with stairs if it was where I was planning to retire to like you guys. I’m looking forward to seeing your next video.

  • Jeanne D says:

    Thanks for inviting us along on your Road Trip to Retirement. Most important of all, I hope that your hubby’s recovery is smooth and seamless and fully successful. I loved seeing the homes and touring right along with you on this part of your journey. I’m a bit confused though because to the right of the main entrance of the Cooper and Loren look like a garage; however, there is only grass, and no driveway. I guess if you won’t be driving much, it won’t matter! Tee Hee.

    • DeDivahDeals says:

      Jeanne, thank you for riding along with us, and yes, there is no way to enter the garage from the model homes as they are just for show. However, once the community is full, they will sell the models and dig up the grass for asphalt, however, you are right, I don’t want to be driving too much or too far when I retire. Thank you for the well wishes for hubby as he begins chemo treatments on Monday.

  • […] you missed the first Road Trip to Retirement, click here to read the post and watch the […]

  • Paula Rhoads says:

    I have seen both and you are missing a third that outshines them all. Champions’ Club in Magnolia! Antoinette, you should check it out!

I love reading your comments!

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