For many people, the question is not whether they will simplify their lives someday, it is when.
Maybe the house still works, but the maintenance is starting to feel too burdensome. Maybe you want more time for friends, travel, hobbies or family. Or maybe you simply want to make your next move while the decision is still fully yours.
That was part of what brought Charles and Nadine Parker to the Cottage Neighborhood at Masonic Village at Burlington.
“We decided that we would move before we had to move,” Nadine shared. “So we could make the decision of where we wanted to be.”
For the Parkers, that decision has made all the difference.
“This is probably one of the best decisions we’ve ever made,” Nadine said.
A home that fits the way you want to live now
Cottage living at Masonic Village is designed for active, independent seniors who are ready for less upkeep without giving up the comfort of a private home.
Each cottage offers convenient first-floor living, a private garage, generous storage space and room to relax or entertain. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plans give residents the space they need, while removing many of the responsibilities that come with maintaining a larger house. To get a better feel for the layouts, you can view our cottage floor plans online.
No yardwork. No snow shoveling. No weekend home repair list.
That freedom is a big part of the appeal. Residents can spend less time managing a house and more time enjoying the life they came here to live.
A true neighborhood feel
The Cottage Neighborhood has 66 homes, and residents often get to know one another quickly.
“I think we know everyone in the cottages,” Charles said. “And when we go up to the main building, we know a lot of people up there. So you expand your number of people that you get to know, and we enjoy that.”
That sense of connection is hard to measure, but easy to feel. Charles described the people as “like a big family,” sharing how neighbors look out for one another and step in when someone needs help.
It also shows up in simple moments, like calling a neighbor to make dinner plans.
“You call your neighbors up and say, ‘Hey, you want to go up for dinner tonight?’” Nadine said. “So you get together with other couples or a bunch of people, and then you go to the restaurant and enjoy a wonderful evening together. And that’s socializing.”
Privacy when you want it. Community when you want it.
One of the benefits of cottage living is that residents can enjoy their own space while staying close to everything happening throughout the broader Masonic Village community.
Nadine talked about playing cards a few nights each week, including Mahjong and Rummikub, along with the many classes, movies, bingo and activities available to residents.
“There are more activities than you can possibly attend,” Nadine said. “So you can pick and choose.” To see what is happening this month, view our activities calendar.
That balance is what makes the cottage lifestyle so appealing. You can enjoy the comfort of your own home, then head over for dinner, a program, an activity or time with friends whenever you choose.
A thoughtful move for today and tomorrow
Cottage living is also part of Masonic Village’s broader Life Plan Community. Residents can enjoy the independence of their own home today, while knowing additional support is available if their needs change over time.
It is one more reason many people choose to make the move before they have to. They can settle in, get comfortable, build friendships and enjoy the community while still planning ahead.
For Charles and Nadine, that decision gave them the best of both worlds: a private home that fits their lifestyle and a community that feels welcoming, active and supportive.
Come see the Cottage Neighborhood
Masonic Village at Burlington currently has one cottage home available.
If you have been thinking about simplifying, planning ahead or finding a community where you can feel at home now and supported for the future, this may be the right time to take a closer look.
We invite you to schedule a personal tour, explore the Cottage Neighborhood and see what life here can feel like.
Call 609-479-1777 or click here to schedule your visit.