It’s not the size of her apartment that makes Kitty Ramey’s life big; it’s her appetite for life. Kitty, along with her friends Holly, Rahye, and Toni, moved from their condos on Venice Island, FL, to Village On The Isle. Though their apartments vary in size, their shared enthusiasm for fun expands their living space across the community’s beautiful, amenity-filled campus.
Living Large in Retirement
“We’re all very involved because the people here are so friendly,” Kitty explained. Holly is an artist active in the woodworking and art departments, Rahye runs the Trinity neighborhood library, and Toni, a recent resident, plans to join the sewing group. Kitty, who is sporty and outdoorsy, hasn’t settled on a specific volunteer activity yet, but her schedule is already packed.
“I play Pokeno on Monday, Mahjong on Tuesday, dominoes on Wednesday, and bingo on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Every Sunday, we have a big event or brunch,” Kitty shared. Her busy schedule reflects her belief that putting oneself out there is far more enjoyable than sitting around.
Despite her active lifestyle, Kitty values her private time. “The turtle is my spirit animal because I go out and do stuff, but I’m a ponderer, so I like my private time. Everyone here honors that privacy.”
594 Square Feet of Peace
Village On The Isle offers various maintenance-free residences, but Kitty chose a one-bedroom Cocoa floor plan in Matthew Hall. “I wanted every room to have a purpose. I moved from a two-bedroom villa with rooms I never used. Everything I wanted to bring fits perfectly.”
The residence’s 594 sq. ft. may sound small, but she assures it isn’t. “These apartments are surprisingly bigger than people think. I have more closet space here than in my villa.” Her home features a full-size kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, deep storage cabinets, a large full bathroom with a walk-in shower, and ample storage. The bright, open-concept layout flows from the kitchen to a large living room, opening onto a lanai, adding outdoor space. An equally large bedroom with a wall of windows and a large closet is on the other side of the living room. A stackable washer/dryer is inside the very large bathroom.
While some residents customize their homes, Kitty was pleased with what she found. “They do a beautiful job with interiors here. I often catch myself admiring the designer's great taste.”
Rightsizing for a Lighter Life
Moving to a senior living community often means downsizing. Kitty has “rightsized” her life twice, experiencing its logistical and emotional benefits. “What we’ve all found is that you never miss anything you give away. It feels great. It feels light.”
If the idea of a full, fun, secure, and maintenance-free life at Venice’s only not-for-profit Life Plan Community appeals to you, visit Village On The Isle. Schedule your visit or learn more by calling 941.202.4451.
"Interiors are beautiful here. I often catch myself admiring the designer's great taste.”