Downsizing in Cumming, with space for guests

By Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Senior Living

Ann McGowan stayed in Cumming when she downsized from a 3,400-square-foot home to a smaller one. The layout and social activities, as well as proximity to Northside Hospital-Forsyth, made The Orchards of Habersham Grove the right place for her. McGowan, a retiree who worked in the athletic department at Marist School for 20 years, chatted about her ranch condo in the 55-and-up community.

Q: Where did you move from?

A: In 2008, my husband, Bob, passed away. We owned a home in Habersham on Lanier (in Cumming). It was a much larger home. After he died, I just decided that I didn’t want to stay there just because of the upkeep, and I didn’t need all the room. I had looked at these condos while he was still sick. Afterwards, I just came back to them and just fell in love with it.

Q: What did you like about the Orchards?

A: No. 1, it’s a small community. There’s 88 condos in here and everybody knows everyone, and I mean that in a good sense. Nobody is a busybody. They wave. You’ll stop and visit.

Q: How did the layout meet your needs?

A: I have four children and they’re all, of course, grown. The Charleston model has an open plan. I thought that’s good for family getting together; you don’t feel like you’re squashed in.

Q: How are guests able to spread out when they visit?

A: It’s a kitchen and dining room, and then the fireplace kind of separates the living room area. A little sitting area is part of the kitchen. I have my kitchen table with chairs. Then I have two other Queen Anne chairs, so it’s a nice area for people to sit, if they want. Then I have the dining room set up and the living room. There’s plenty of space.

Q: How does the upstairs give you extra space?

A: There is one big room upstairs. We had that finished off with a bathroom. I have two twin beds, a sofa, a big overstuffed chair and a television. I have a whole little apartment up there, which is great for company and if I need somebody to stay with me.

Q: How is the home set up for you as you age?

A: The doors are wider, in case you end up with a wheelchair. I have arthritis. I don’t have it bad, but you never know what the future is going to be. I’ve tried to store things, which is easy to do here, where I don’t have to be reaching or getting up on a step stool. I just don’t use the higher shelves.

Q: What did you do to downsize?

A: We had two garage sales and made over $1,000. My children took what they want, but nowadays children don’t always want what the parents have. We also sold some stuff on Craigslist.

Q: What is one item that you sold?

A: I had a piano that we bought when my children were little. I bought it at Rich’s for $900, and I sold it for the same amount of money.

Q: How do you and your neighbors socialize?

A: The activities here are unreal. They play all kinds of cards. I played poker the other night and won $3. Once a month, they have a covered dish dinner. If you want private parties, you can use the clubhouse.

Q: How close is it to medical facilities?

A: Northside Hospital-Forsyth is maybe five minutes away, and I volunteer over there. A lot of the people that live here volunteer at the hospital, which is nice.

At a Glance

Ann McGowan’s new home in The Orchards of Habersham Grove in Cumming has three bedrooms plus a den, three baths and about 2,200 square feet. Homes in the neighborhood range from $224,900-$239,000.