KOCHI: For children, leaving parents in a dilapidated old-age home is always a difficult decision which they are forced to make due to various reasons. The senior citizens too, though they don’t like to become a burden on their children, are often reluctant to move into retirement homes.
But, now both the parties can heave a huge sigh of relief. Say goodbye to the conventional community retirement living concept with its gloomy ambience and many inconveniences, for here comes an opulent ‘gated villa complex’.
The complex, on the outskirts of the city, has facilities that will have some of the five star hotels to go green with envy. It aims to provide a different community living experience for the senior citizens.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 24 crore on 3.5 acres of land surrounded by greenery in Mulanthuruthy, Graceland is a world-class post retirement facility. The facility which has apartments and villas is scripting a new chapter in a state which is witnessing an increase in the number of old-age homes.
A ‘not for profit’ venture, it offers two types of accommodation facilities in the form of fully furnished 17 2-BHK independent private villas on four cents of land and 40 1-BHK apartment units at a cost of Rs 48 lakh and Rs 28 lakh respectively.
The project is promoted by a group of senior citizens led by former advertising guru K George John.
“The project took root after my elder brother asked me to find him an old-age home. I travelled and visited a number of old-age homes in the state but found them lacking. I promised my brother that I will construct a facility with an aim to create a community of senior citizens where they can live a dignified and independent life, free of tension, loneliness and daily chores. Graceland was conceived and created keeping in mind the problems faced by senior citizens,” says, George John, adding those who turn 55 can own a villa or apartment in Graceland.
A lot of specialities make Graceland a lot different. The unique concept of ‘My Kitchen’ an exclusive space in the large kitchen area, provides the facility to cook your magic and treat your guests or friends. It also promises garden-fresh, chemical-free organic vegetables, a huge clubhouse in 16,000 sq ft, game room, well-stocked library and reading room, mini cinema theatre, open air amphitheatre, yoga and meditation hall, medical clinic with doctor and nurse stations, golf carts, ambulance and buggy services. It also has space where children and relatives of the inmates can come and stay.
“We have created a place which nobody will dare call ‘an old age home’ simply because it is a ‘villa complex’ where only senior citizens will be allowed to stay. We want people to enjoy the second half of their life to the fullest,” John adds.