--- title: "A New Chapter Begins: One Couple's Journey to Collington" description: "After 46 years of marriage, Partha and Barbara are preparing for another milestone: moving to Collington, where they'll be among the first in 2030 homes." image: https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-02%20103538%2000.png --- - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [Contact](http://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [1.888.257.9468](tel:18882579468) Search [![kendal\_collington-crop](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hubfs/New%20Brand/kendal_collington-crop.jpg)](https://collington.kendal.org/) Search - Community Life - [Independent Living](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/independent-living/) - [Lifecare](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/lifecare/) - [Community Overview](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/overview/) - [Gallery & Videos](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/gallery-videos/) - [Wellness](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/wellness-center/) - [Dining](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/dining/) - [Things To Do In Collington](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/local-attractions/) - [Lifelong Learning](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/lifelong-learning/) - [Resident Stories](https://collington.kendal.org/topic/residentstories/) - Care Services - [Assisted Living](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/assisted-living-personal-care/) - [Memory Support](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/memory-support/) - [Short-Stay Respite](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/short-stay-respite/) - Values - [Mission & Quaker Info](https://collington.kendal.org/values/mission/) - [Welcoming Diversity](https://collington.kendal.org/values/welcoming-diversity/) - [Sustainability](https://collington.kendal.org/values/sustainability/) - Planning - [Plan a Visit](https://collington.kendal.org/plan-a-visit/) - [Campus](https://collington.kendal.org/plan-a-visit/campus/) - [Floor Plans](https://collington.kendal.org/floor-plans/) - [Pricing Information](https://collington.kendal.org/planning/pricing-information/) - [Resources](https://collington.kendal.org/planning/resources/) - News & Events - [News](https://collington.kendal.org/news/) - [Events](https://collington.kendal.org/events/) - [Blog](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog) - About - [Leadership Team](https://collington.kendal.org/about/leadership-team/) - [Board of Directors](https://collington.kendal.org/about/board-of-directors/) - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [FAQ](https://collington.kendal.org/about/faq/) - [Financial Information & Compliance](https://collington.kendal.org/about/financial-information-compliance/) - [Contact](https://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [Contact](http://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [1.888.257.9468](tel:18882579468) - [Home](https://collington.kendal.org/) - [Transforming the experience of aging](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog) - A New Chapter Begins: One Couple's Journey to Collington # A New Chapter Begins: One Couple's Journey to Collington ---  After 46 years of marriage, Partha and Barbara have learned a thing or two about building a life together. Now, they’re preparing for another exciting milestone: moving to Collington, where they’ll be among the first residents to move into the community’s expansion homes.  **Planning for the Future** The couple’s decision to explore retirement living began with a practical consideration: acknowledging that, as they grew older, they might eventually [need some assistance](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/assisted-living-personal-care/). Indeed, the ability to [age in place](https://collington.kendal.org/2015/07/15/aging-in-place/) was one of their most important priorities. “Barbara was the driver,” said Partha, acknowledging his wife’s reasoning that they should look for a community where they can go in as [independent living](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/independent-living/) and if they need assistance down the line, it’ll be there. “And we won’t have to move again!” added Barbara. **Why Collington Stood Out** ![barbara and partha](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/barbara%20and%20partha.jpg?width=298&height=398&name=barbara%20and%20partha.jpg)As Barbara and Partha researched their options, they discovered that finding an available home was a real challenge. Many communities had waiting lists stretching years into the future. Collington’s addition of 55 pristine [cottages, villas and apartments](https://collington.kendal.org/expansion/#homes) offered an opportunity to secure a home without the lengthy wait they encountered elsewhere. Availability wasn't the only factor, however. “We didn’t want some urban high rise,” said Barbara. Instead, they envisioned a cottage-style home amidst bucolic [natural beauty](https://collington.kendal.org/news/collington-campus-accredited-as-an-arboretum/). Collington’s 125 acres fit the bill. Barbara especially loves the campus’s [hiking trails](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/walking-trails-lead-to-peace-and-possibility) and lake, while the covered walkways offer a convenient way to enjoy the outdoors in less-than-perfect weather. Partha appreciates that, even in creating room for the expansion, the community took care to [preserve its natural surroundings](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/spring-at-collington). “Every blade of grass here is sacred,” quipped Associate Director of Sales and Marketing Cory Hall. **Starting the Process Early** ![Fall Colors at the Lake Photo](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Fall%20Colors%20at%20the%20Lake%20Photo.jpg?width=548&height=365&name=Fall%20Colors%20at%20the%20Lake%20Photo.jpg)Barbara and Partha selected a two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa with a den and a one-car garage. “We chose a villa because we needed a garage for our vehicle,” remarked Barbara. Their new home will also represent a significant change in space. They currently live in a five-bedroom house with four-and-a-half bathrooms and a finished basement. [Downsizing](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/upsides-of-downsizing) will require some decisions about what to keep and what to leave behind. Barbara is already considering ways to simplify the process, including leaving certain large items with the house rather than moving them. Fortunately, because their villa is part of the new expansion, Barbara and Partha have time to prepare gradually. They can approach downsizing as a series of [manageable steps](https://collington.kendal.org/events/tips-tricks-for-downsizing/?marketing_event_name=Moyer%20%E2%80%93%20Downsizing) rather than a last-minute undertaking. Their experience is a reminder that moving to a retirement community [shouldn’t happen in a rush](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/the-hidden-costs-of-waiting-too-long-to-plan-for-senior-living). With senior living in [unprecedented demand](https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/news/strong-fundamentals-high-demand-keep-senior-living-at-top-of-commercial-real-estate-space/), it really can’t. Starting the process early gives you valuable time to make decisions, prepare your belongings and look forward to what’s next. **More Than a Beautiful Home: The Value of Community** ![WINDON-20231207-311-1689](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WINDON-20231207-311-1689.jpg?width=456&height=304&name=WINDON-20231207-311-1689.jpg)Although Barbara and Partha are excited about their new villa, they're just as enthusiastic about the people and experiences that await them. “Everyone is in the same situation, and I’m looking forward to meeting new friends,” said Partha. Added Barbara, “Everyone always seems very happy to be here; there are no negative comments.” In addition to new friends, the couple is also excited to participate in the many activities in and outside the community with fellow residents. Barbara's enthusiasm is clear. She doesn't envision spending all her time in the villa. Instead, she looks forward to getting out, meeting people and [becoming part of the community](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/overview/). That sense of connection is an integral part of what makes retirement living so appealing. A home provides comfort and privacy, but a community offers opportunities for friendship, shared interests, [intellectual engagement](https://lathrop.kendal.org/community-life/lifelong-learning/) and new experiences. **Is It Time for Your Next Chapter?** Barbara and Partha's story illustrates the value of looking ahead. They began considering their future before they needed to make a change, identified what mattered most to them and found a community that aligned with their priorities. If you're beginning to think about your own future, consider what matters most to you. Is it remaining independent? Enjoying nature? Having opportunities to make new friends? Knowing that additional support may be available if your needs change? For Barbara and Partha, the answers led them to Collington – and toward a new chapter in Collington’s history and their own. *For more about Barbara and Partha’s journey to Collington,* [*click here*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZpJxh8EQLQ)*.*   ### Write your next chapter at Collington. [Contact us](https://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) to learn more or schedule a tour today.   Share - - - ![Collington](https://collington.kendal.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Collington-Logo-white.png) Together, transforming the experience of aging.® - ![Equal Housing Opportunity](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2724579/Kendal_March2020/Images/eho.png "Equal Housing Opportunity") - ![Handicap Accessible](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2724579/Kendal_March2020/Images/WheelChair.png "Handicap Accessible") - ![Leading Age Member](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2724579/Kendal_March2020/Images/LeadingAgeLogo.png "Leading Age Member") - ![FSA](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2724579/Kendal_March2020/Images/FSA-Alliance-Logo-White-copy.png "FSA") **Collington** 10450 Lottsford Road Mitchellville, Maryland 20721 Sales/Marketing: 1.888.257.9468 General Information: 1.301.560.3601 **[Contact Us](http://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/)** **Charitable Giving** Partner with Collington, a Continuing Care Retirement Community and support meaningful initiatives within our community. 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