Carol Ray didn’t just want a place in her neck of the woods — she wanted one that felt like home right away. The longtime Chester, Virginia, resident and retired art teacher sought to live somewhere near friends and family that would enable her to continue being the socially engaged, creative person she had always been.
Lucy Corr’s Independent Living Cottages offered all of that and more. Today, nearly four years after her move, she knows she’s where she’s supposed to be. “This is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life: to come here on my own without my family having to make the decision for me,” she said.
A home that truly feels like it
Carol toured other communities in the area with her two sons and even considered an apartment in Lucy Corr’s Independent Living building. “I wanted more room, and I needed more hard flooring than carpet — I had inherited my mother’s cat, and as an art person, I’m kind of messy and spill things often,” she said.
So when she explored the Weatherford Traditional Cottage, her choice became clear. With vaulted ceilings and a brightly lit space for the art Carol has collected over the years, the cottage immediately felt like a natural extension of her life. Plus, it came with the option to add the hard flooring. “I love my cottage,” she said. “I like it as well as any house I’ve ever lived in.”
Every cottage features private outdoor space, ample storage and the comfort of a quiet neighborhood environment, just a short walk from the community’s dining and activity centers. One feature quickly rose to the top of Carol’s list of favorites: the attached garage. “Your car is protected, and when you get in it there will be no snow or ice,” she said.
Though the cottages come with plenty of privacy, they are far from isolating. With just over 80 Independent Living residents, the community is intimate enough for familiar faces to become fast friends.
“Even though we live in separate entities, there’s a palpable sense of community with everyone else living in the cottages,” Carol said. “It’s easy to get to know people because it’s not too big.” She added that people often relocate here because of positive word-of-mouth.
Steadfast support and community comfort
For an active, sociable person like Carol, Lucy Corr’s variety of programs is more than fitting. On any given week, her calendar might include discussion groups, exercise classes, book club meetings or even line dancing, an activity she participates in regularly. She previously served on the residents’ council for two years.
Fridays are dedicated to the beloved community Social Hour, a tradition Carol rarely misses. Outings to restaurants and cultural events offer even more opportunities to explore and socialize. “If you know of something that’s happening in the community, like a church concert or something, you can ask the staff to run a bus to it, and they’ll take you,” Carol said.
When Carol underwent a difficult season of cancer treatment over the last year, a supportive network of staff was always at hand, even though she remained largely independent. From maintenance services to on-site IT support to the newer physician clinic available to residents, she appreciates having help nearby when she needs it.
Looking forward, the added security of access to higher levels of care — without leaving the community — brings Carol peace of mind: “If I go to assisted living, I’ll still be at Lucy Corr.”
The right place at the right time
Carol reflects on her move to Lucy Corr with gratitude, confidence and a sense of belonging. “I just feel, for me, it was the right place at the right time,” she said. “And I’m very happy that this is what I chose.”
For older adults looking for independence and a sense of connection, Carol’s experience shows what life in the cottages can offer. “Our two floor plans offer lots of flexibility: about 1,300 to 1,800 square feet of living space and optional additions like a sunroom, a pet-friendly outdoor area or a two-car garage,” said Lucy Corr Senior Living Sales and Marketing Manager Cassandra Mitchell. “Your home feels like yours from the moment you walk in.”
Beyond the brick-and-mortar amenities, Mitchell added that Lucy Corr’s community- and activity-focused culture sets it apart. “Here, retirement is just the beginning — there’s so much to do, and you can still make friends and build relationships,” she said. “And you still have your independence.”
To learn more, visit our senior cottages webpage.
