July 2023

The dream of our retirement came to us within an hour

 

June has just arrived, the sun is high in the sky and everything outside is beautiful and green. I'm on my way to Holbæk to meet with Jette and Kim.

Jette and Kim are about to start a new life as pensioners and the joy of anticipation radiates from them when I meet them. They can hardly wait until August 1, the day they get the key to their new apartment in Viggohaven in Holbæk.

Curiosity led to the dream

Kim and Jette came across an ad in the newspaper with an invitation to an information meeting where the Viggohaven housing community would be presented.

"We hadn't really imagined moving, but we were curious when we saw the ad and agreed that we had to go for it," says Jette.

Kim and Jette were completely sold already an hour into the presentation.

Kim continues "We decided already during the presentation. This was our dream and this was where we wanted to live. And by the end of the meeting, we had already decided which apartment we wanted."

Many test homes and open houses have been visited

Kim and Jette's decision at the information meeting has only been confirmed at all the open houses they have been to around Zealand.

"We've seen all the test homes. We've been to Sophushaven in Slagelse three times and once in Næstved - and we've been to every open house here in Holbæk. In Slagelse and Næstved, we talked to many residents and were also invited into several homes, which has only been positive. We would recommend that everyone drives around to other Agora gardens and talks to the residents if in doubt."

Friendships before moving in

Jette and Kim are very open to other people and are more than ready to be part of the Viggohaven community. They have already met some of their future neighbors at the open houses and new friendships have already been made.

In chorus they say: "We've already made great friends with the other residents. We've met other future neighbors who have also been to all the open houses, so through that we've already created a relationship and are now on hugs and cuddles."

Construction is followed several times a week

The construction has been followed closely since the first sod was cut. At least twice a week, Jette and Kim visit the construction site and have diligently taken pictures week by week. They know a lot about the construction and the whole concept, and are both familiar faces at both the open houses and among the craftsmen.

"We've even been out with cake for the craftsmen".

The move-in is approaching

Kim wasn't calm until the apartment was signed.

"Kim wasn't himself at all, didn't sleep at night and was restless - until we signed the lease," says Jette.

Kim continues: "I sat and pressed refresh, and when the contract arrived at 12:00, it was signed at 12:01".

It's clear from both of them that they would be ready to move in tomorrow if the opportunity arose, but they have to wait another month and a half.

"We can hardly keep our arms down and have asked if it's possible to move in before the agreed date. We are so looking forward to it all. It's the whole concept; moving into something completely new, meeting nice and friendly people around us - and basically the community and all the opportunities it gives us."

But Kim and Jette have to wait until August 1, when the moving company is hired.

Red carpet and champagne have been purchased

The schedule and all the details are in place - and nothing is left to chance.

"Kim has bought a red carpet and 3 large flags. A red carpet and two flags for the main entrance and a flag that will stand at no. 18, where we will be living," says Jette. Kim goes on to talk about the things they have planned.

"Our new café table will be the first thing to be set up in front of our apartment on move-in day, and we've bought champagne so everyone who comes by can have a glass"

Good attitude and openness go a long way

With Kim and Jette's attitude and openness to life in Viggohaven , I have no doubt that they will be an asset to the community. The garden guild will flourish with Jette at the forefront and I wonder if the food club has scored high with Kim on board. And they're probably not the only guilds that will benefit from them.

We look forward to handing over the keys to Kim and Jette's new home on August 1, where we're sure they'll shine even brighter than the sun does today.