After 40 years in Falmouth, Massachusetts, Maureen followed her daughter and son-in-law not only to The Canyons, but to the very same home. Sharing a multigenerational home provides a private living space for Maureen — and a whole new way of life.
Tell us about multigen living.
I couldn’t be happier. I feel connected and separate at the same time. When I saw that I’d have my own front door, kitchen and garage, I thought, “I can do this.” I also asked Shea to turn my second bedroom into a deck, so I have my very own spot for coffee in the morning and cocktails with friends in the afternoon.
How did you land on The Canyons?
Coming here from Cape Cod, I asked where in the world are the trees? We looked at Colorado Springs, which I didn’t like, and at Longmont, which is flat farm land. I loved the topography of The Canyons, the little hills and berms, the wildflowers and birds. I love the trail system and so does our corgi, Oxford.
What do you think of the location?
It’s a great place for us to get into the city and go to nice restaurants and museums or tea at the Brown Palace. There’s nothing prettier than Castle Rock, and I love having Park Meadows close by. I can easily get to Red Rocks, where I’ve met with my brother for lunch and a tour of the museum. I can be in Breckenridge in two hours.
How did you make friends here?
Living in one town for 40 years, I knew everybody. But coming here, I didn’t know anyone. How do you get friends at 70? So I went to The Exchange and asked The Canyons’ lifestyle manager at the time, “Are there any women here who look like me? I need friends.” She said yes, there’s a group of ladies who come in on Fridays at 10 for coffee. So the next Friday I walked in and started some lovely friendships. We still meet on Fridays and go out to lunch, plays and concerts.
How else do you stay busy?
I go to the gym and use the treadmill. And I go to lots of events, like trivia nights and Friday Night Live at The Exchange, and wine tastings and mahjong at Canyon House.