If The Penthouse had a theme song, it would be "Livin' is easy".
The most challenging thing about moving here was learning to let go of life's little problems, to turn them over to Mike instead: the sink is plugged...not my problem; the front light is burned out...n.m.p.; there's a roof leak...n.m.p.; time to pay the phone bill...n.m.p. Even when the community well ran dry, leaving me waterless...n.m.p. (It took Mike almost a day to fix that one, but fix it he did.)
Here, livin' is easy, and it's not just because the climate that is perpetual summertime.
To top it all off, Donna makes the world's best Nanaimo Bars.
J. D. Armstrong
My ideal living is no problems, no worries and no stress. The Penthouse offers all this and more. Pay the rent and then play or relax as I choose. The other consideration at this time of my life is security and knowing that if I fail to show up for a meal, someone will come and check on me to make sure all is well. I'm happy to call it home.
Sunny
Living in Mexico has so many benefits, but living at the Penthouse adds even more. I feel like I am on vacation every day! Going in the swimming pool, not having to cook and enjoying interesting conversations with other residents of many ages and from many cultures make my days enjoyable.
Janice
I've been at The Penthouse 2 ½ years. I love it. Once you get inside the portals of The Penthouse you have heaven on earth. The staff, and the hosts, Donna and Mike, are the most wonderful in the world. They give you respect and they give you loving care. I don't want to be any place else. I love the food. Oh, we have the best cooks. I'm a very satisfied, happy camper. It's a wonderful place, the best in the world. I am very happy, every minute of the day, every night, all the time. This is a wonderful place to be, and anyone that comes here won't want to leave it.
Julie Havris
Living at the Penthouse is a delight! I am a younger person that decided to join the community, and I do enjoy it. One of the things I like is the community atmosphere the place has. People are not alone, the fact that breakfast and dinner are served for those that want it creates a safe and friendly time to interact with neighbors and friends in a very non-planned way. It is easy to make new friends that are invited. Also, after a while you get to miss those that left.
Margarita
I'm from England, London, actually Wimbledon where they play tennis. I think this is the best move I've made, I've been living alone too long. You get around the 90s and you begin to think, I miss people—so I moved here and its been great. Everyone is interesting, they all come from all over the place, which makes it very good. The food is excellent. It's a good move. I think I'm friendly with everyone, there's one or two that I perhaps get on a little better with than others. But it's very easy, you meet them for breakfast, you meet them for supper, and there's always conversation going on. Everyone is very bright, most of them have college degrees, not me, but they have. I am very happy here indeed.
Pauline Forrester
Our experience at the Penthouse was truly wonderful. Mike and Donna are such a genuine and caring couple who made our stay so comfortable and fun. It was so great having an opportunity to dine with the residents and hear their marvelous stories and to see how happy they were in their "home away from home." The Penthouse truly provides a unique opportunity for community living and care which is heads above the rest. From specially chosen fresh organic foods, so creatively prepared, through to all the extra touches, such as celebrations for birthdays and scrabble games, everything has been thought of, to provide a wonderful home for those not able or wanting to be on their own. The accommodations are attractive and spacious and the grounds provide an abundance of beautiful plants and nature all around. The surrounding town is friendly, safe and full of wonderful things to enjoy, and the weather couldn't be more perfect. No extremes, just beautiful, comfortable, sunny weather all year round. All in all, The Penthouse provides an amazing place to call home.
Ross and Anne Walmsley (short-term B&B residents)
I have lived here almost a year. At first I wasn't sure, it was a big adjustment. I have a home still that just sits empty. This is a test. But I like it and this is where I belong. I had to find that out for myself. I had to try it out because I wasn't sure if I would like something like this, but I do. It's home for me. I feel cared for, like someone checks on you if you don't show up at a meal, to make sure everything is OK. I have connections with people if I want them, or if I don't want them, it's up to me. But this is home.
They allow you to do what you choose (with your apartment). They have furnishings. But I've lived in this area for 18 years so I've accumulated my own things, and that makes a home for me. So I brought whatever I wanted. I painted the walls the colour I wanted, it became a home. Sometimes with rentals you are expected to live in a space where it doesn't work for you...simple things, like colours. I am hyperactive, I don't need bright red rooms. The world is not ready for Susie in a bright red room. Ha. It's too stimulating.
It is home. I do like living here. The people who manage this place are caring. And the people who live here, there's a variety of people. I'm the most normal of all of them, ha, ha. But there's a variety of people, lots of experiences, lots of sharing. I think it's a good place for a lot of people.
My apartment happens to be a casita, this is one of the bigger ones. If I don't like myself I can get away from me, I can go to another room. But not everybody needs an escape plan, you know, ha. My apartment has 2 bedrooms, and a kitchen which I rarely use. But I want people to think I cook once in awhile.
I eat here, they have wonderful cooks, I eat here most of the time. Once in a while I eat out with friends, and once in a while I bring a friend here and they are included in our dinners. I play bridge and I have friends come, so once in awhile I'll cook lunch for them. That's only in a very weak moment, ha.
There's no perfection, all of us know that. We've all lived long enough. But this is satisfying to me, I'm comfortable here.
There's all sizes of places, so then the price range varies. I'm not the one to tell you how much, but I know that that exists here.
Sue Wagner
I’m a long term resident here. It was important to me to have a community of people around and I certainly have that at The Penthouse. People are friendly and everyone tries to look out for each other as best they can. Some people stay for a short time and others longer, so you always have new faces, as well as the comfort of old friends. The management are active in making this community feel like family—birthday celebrations, activities, barbecues, etc. It’s perfect for me. I like the privacy of my apartment as well as being able to walk out my door and find someone to talk with. If you choose to live here, I look forward to getting to know you.
Vivian
Merry Christmas, Mike and Donna “the couple with the one word business model”...Love!
Jack
Thanks for inviting me into the “dream”. Here's to many more holidays filled with peace and happiness!
Cynthia
In lovely surroundings and good fellowship we enjoy food that is both nutritious and delicious.
Viola
Penthouse living offers the best of both worlds, I enjoy my own space and privacy, yet friends and interaction with others are right at my fingertips.
Cari
A couple of things I appreciate most about living here are the nice people, and the homey and friendly atmosphere.
KF