Ann Carroll describes coming home to the UK from Spain and retiring to a McCarthy Stone apartment
After living abroad for 15 years, Ann Carroll was keen to bring some Spanish sunshine to her new McCarthy Stone apartment at Queen’s Gate in Wokingham.
“I’ve added colour here, there and everywhere with my collection of Spanish flamenco dancer paintings – some of them specially commissioned,” she explains.
“Everyone who visits loves the pictures, the colours and vibrancy.
“I couldn’t live in an apartment with no colour. When I walk in, it uplifts me, I feel different. People who visit say it has that effect on them too. Life’s just better in colour!”
No stranger to travel, adventurous Ann has lived all over the world, including Germany, USA and Pakistan.
The move to Spain came in 2002, after her divorce.“We had a lovely home but when we separated, I decided I needed a change,” she adds.
“I felt like I needed to do something a bit mad. I had a friend who lived in Spain, so I thought why not? I moved out there, near Marbella, and stayed for 15 years.”
Ann loves to blend vibrant colours and hues, and the sunshine shades of Spain run through the whole apartment as a reminder of her happy times there.
“I’ve added more of the colour of Spain with red and yellow cushions and every week I buy flowers that match my décor – always yellow and red with accents of other colours.
“I absolutely love flowers and have to have ones which match. I’ve added ornaments and plenty of books too – I love reading.
“When I moved in, the McCarthy Stone team helped me plan where to hang them and put them up for me too, so I could really add a personal touch.
“The painting in my bedroom is a bit cheeky. It’s a couple embracing. I tell people it’s me when I was younger, as a joke.”
When she moved from Spain to her home in Wokingham, Ann found she couldn’t manage the garden on her own – so her daughter suggested Queen’s Gate.
“I liked it so much that I just thought, ‘I’m doing it!’.
“It was such an easy process for me – just move in and put my own mark on my new home. I love that I get to enjoy the outdoor space and watch other people doing the hard work. I have a cleaner here, too, who makes sure the place always looks its best.
“One of the best things is having two bedrooms – my daughter and grandchild live in France and it’s lovely they can stay with me when they come over.
“The reassurance that Sonja our House Manager is able to help and assist and the 24- hour careline is there when I need it. Plus I have lots of friends here and we all get on wonderfully.”
Ann’s travels have also influenced her culinary skills. “I’ve picked up so many recipes and tips. I learnt how to make a lot of curry-based dishes from scratch when I lived in Pakistan and friends are always complimenting me on them when I have them over for dinner.”
When she’s trialling a new dish, Ann often invite her friends from Queen’s Gate.
“We always find a reason to get-together, whether it’s a cheese and wine night or just drinks and nibbles. For New Year’s Eve I made lots of delicious canapes for us all and we spent the night drinking champers until gone midnight.
She has also joined the Queen’s Gate singing group.
“It’s so liberating just to sing your heart out, even if you might not be the best singer. We have the most wonderful time.
“Life is what you make it – and I love to make people laugh and brighten up their day.
“My personal style is colourful and bright,” she says. “People say it’s just like my personality!”
WIN A £20,000 JOHN LEWIS HOME MAKEOVER
McCarthy Stone is offering their homeowners the chance to win £20,000 to spend on soft furnishings and interior design flourishes. The idea is to help you give your home a unique look and style – with a little help from the John Lewis Home Design Service.
*Terms and conditions and qualifying dates apply.
