Neighborhood Close-Up: The Village at Woods Edge

THE VILLAGE AT Woods Edge is nestled on 70 acres in Franklin and boasts independent and assisted-living home choices for residents of the senior retirement community.

Opened in 1990, The Village's 54 independent-living apartments each offer 479 to 962 square feet with emergency response systems, round-the-clock security, walk-in closets, major appliances and private, covered balcony or patio. Monthly service fees include most utilities, a main meal in the dining room, housekeeping every other week, scheduled transportation, limited laundry service, and recreational and social activities.

The community's 42 assisted-living apartments range from 371 to 485 square feet, with three daily meals and snacks, dedicated personnel on duty 24 hours a day, weekly housekeeping service and extensive activities.

Two years ago The Village added 21 cottages, situated on four cul-de-sacs, according to marketing director Marian Lewis. Each has 1,967 to 2,502 square feet, a security system and major appliances. Basic monthly service fees include 10 meals per person per month, scheduled transportation, activities, grounds maintenance and more.

Optional services for the independent-living apartments and cottages include laundry, personal care, hair and nail salon, catering and guest meals, among others.

Although the services differ from independent to assisted living, they all combine personal freedom with security, comfort and convenience. That's what led Mary Addie Flowers, 77, to purchase a two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage in The Village at Woods Edge in 2006.

The retired school teacher and principal of Southampton Academy relocated from a single-family home in Drewryville, where she and her husband, now deceased, raised three children.

"At that house, I listened to every little noise. But here, I don't have any fears at all," said Flowers, whose mother once lived in The Village's assisted living.

"I consider this home and when I drive back into the area, I say, 'Thank you, God. It's good to be home."

Phil, 89, and Rae Frankfort, 87, are Franklin natives who wouldn't want to live anywhere else and haven't for a long time.

After almost 15 years in an apartment at The Village, the Frankforts relocated to a cottage two years ago.

"When they built them, we signed up on the list and bought it. This is our little neighborhood, and we feel right at home here," said Phil Frankfort.

About The Village at Woods Edge

The community is at 1401 N. High St. in Franklin.  Call Marian Lewis, marketing director, at (757) 562-3100, or visit www.villageatwoodsedge.com.

 Nearby recreation  Fitness center inside main building, fitness trail planned on the grounds, James L. Camp Jr. YMCA, Cypress Cove Country Club

Nearby shopping  Downtown Franklin, Wal-Mart Supercenter on Armory Drive
 

Available cottages
The Meherrin, a two-bedroom  home with den, one-car garage and 1,967 square feet, starts at $238,500 deposit with a $957-per-month fee ($270 fee for second person).

The Nottoway Plus, a three-bedroom cottage with den, sunroom, one-car garage and 2,502 square feet, starts at $294,000 deposit with a $1,125-per-month  fee ($270 fee for second person).

Available apartments
A one-bedroom traditional apartment starts at $58,692 deposit with a $1,395 monthly fee (second person $628 fee).

A one-bedroom den apartment starts at $95,706 deposit with a $1,876 monthly fee (second person $628 fee).

A two-bedroom custom I and II starts at $119,757 deposit with a $2,539 monthly fee (second person $628 fee).

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net