Enliven’s Huntleigh Apartments worth purring about

Huntleigh Apartment owner Shirley Robertson with Gabbie the cat.


Shirley Robertson has always been an independent woman, so when it came time to choose a retirement village, she didn’t want that to change.

“Huntleigh was a no brainer,” she says of her Enliven apartment complex, which is located on Karori Road close to the shopping centre, buses and the city.

Shirley is still happy with her decision 10 years later, and finds the apartments and neighbouring rest home easy to maneuver as she nears her 80th birthday.

“I’m really glad I was able to make the decision for myself and keep control of my life,” says Shirley.

“I am able to continue doing what I love and take part in activities. I can talk to other residents, or be quite content just by myself.”

The apartments are bright and modern, and inspired Shirley to try out her interior design skills, utilising her favourite colours of light blues and greens.

But she says the best addition to her home is her feline friend Gabbie, a grey and white moggy cat who has stayed with her for 10 years.

“I thought a retirement village wouldn’t want a cat hanging around, but Gabbie made quite the impression. Now there are a few cats here and they make themselves at home as much as the residents do.”

Both Huntleigh Apartments and neighbouring Huntleigh Home welcome residents with pets, as long as the animal gets on with others. It’s all part of Enliven’s elder-centred philosophy, which includes supporting people to maintain connections with their family and friends, the community, children, animals and nature. The philosophy is shared by all of Enliven’s homes and villages, including Cashmere Home and Cashmere Heights Home in Johnsonville. 

Enliven’s Huntleigh Apartments have fully renovated apartments available. Anyone interested is invited to attend an open day, held every Thursday until August 8. Open days are held at 221 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington. For more information call sales agent Allan Davidson on 04 439 4949 or visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz.


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