Ashby Ponds Priority List Members Plan with Confidence

Eager to find a vibrant retirement community near their daughter and her family in Arlington, Va., Connecticut natives Richard and Leah Stancil cast a wide net over the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and began their research. 

"We are still very active, so we were looking for a community where we could make friends and take part in activities," says Richard. 

With impressive on-campus amenities and dozens of clubs, Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., stood above the rest. But what really sealed the deal was the Priority List--an exclusive membership that offered them an inside look at community life as well as planning and moving support. 

Living the life

Upon joining the Priority List, the Stancils received invitations to members-only events, including a champagne brunch orientation; an activities expo; and seminars on moving, finances, and health care services available at the community. 

The couple was also given the opportunity to sign up for a Live the Life stay--an overnight experience in a furnished residence that allows members to utilize amenities, dine at on-campus restaurants, and chat with current residents. 

"Becoming Priority List members was key to our decision to move to Ashby Ponds," notes Richard. "Not only did we reserve a place in line for the home we wanted, but we took advantage of a Live the Life stay, which provided us wonderful insight into what life is really like as a resident." 

He continues, "It puts you in the environment, providing opportunities to check things out for yourself, which is much more impactful than reading about it or watching a video--because you are doing it."

"During our stay, we enjoyed dinner with a couple who were so friendly and helpful, answering our questions and sharing their experiences," says Leah. "I also watched an exercise class, swam in the pool, and took a card making class. When I asked if there was a Jewish group, I was told there certainly was! We met some of the members and found them to be lovely. We also went out to the resident gardens and toured the medical center. The experience was amazing."

"We knew, from that experience, that we wanted to live here," adds Richard.

Reaping the rewards

With their sights set on Ashby Ponds, the Stancils turned their attention to planning for their out-of-state move--made significantly easier, thanks to their Priority List status. 

As Priority List members, Richard and Leah had access to Erickson Realty and Moving Services for help with selling their house, downsizing, packing, and moving. In fact, the Ashby Ponds team measured all the furniture they were moving and created a mock-up of their new home to ensure everything would fit. 

"It worked beautifully," says Leah. "We placed everything just as we planned. The team also helped us make decisions on how we would use our second bedroom."

Thanks to all the diligent preparation, the Stancils experienced a stress-free move in July 2024 and have been living their lives to the fullest ever since. 

"Many days, I feel like I'm on vacation," says Leah, who joined the card making group and the walking club and taught a class in bookbinding. "I've even signed up for a garden space."

Richard spends some of his free time woodworking and playing cribbage. "There are several master carpenters here with unbelievable skill," he says. "I work on several projects I brought with me. I also enjoy taking our dog on walks and to the community dog park."

And together, they volunteer as ambassadors to meet with new Live the Life guests. They also visit their daughter Marla and her family several times a month.

Risk-free research

If you're interested in learning more about Ashby Ponds, Sales Director Elizabeth Dunwoody notes that joining the Priority List is one of the most helpful steps a prospective resident can take during the decision-making process. 

"The Priority List provides plenty of opportunities to ensure that Ashby Ponds is the right fit for you," she says. "Plus, you hear about new construction--like Leesburg Landing, the final residence building opening this year--and it's risk free!" 

The onetime $1,000 deposit is applied to the entrance deposit for your residence or will be fully refunded, should you ultimately decide to move somewhere else.

"For us, joining the Priority List was a wonderful way to learn about life on campus while also providing us the chance to move into a newly opened building," says Leah. "All around, it was a win-win." 

Invest in your future self at Ashby Ponds. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free residences, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!