Leesburg Landing's First Residents Share Their Experience

On September 17, 2024, James "Jim" and Marcia Henderson became the first official residents of Leesburg Landing, the final residence building at Ashby Ponds. 

Now, after more than 16 years of growth, the Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., is complete.

"This is an exciting time in Ashby Ponds' history. We are happy to continue welcoming new residents to Leesburg Landing and introducing them to the gold standard in retirement living--a vibrant experience that helps our residents further enrich their lives," says Sales Director Elizabeth Dunwoody.

"Ashby Ponds is exceeding our expectations in every way. We are very, very happy," says Marcia, who looks forward to making the most of her retirement at the thriving community she now calls home. 

First steps

The Hendersons' journey to Ashby Ponds began with visits to several friends who had already moved to the community.

"We had a favorable impression of Ashby Ponds, beginning with our first visit," says Marcia. "As a result, we knew this was a strong option for our future."

"For more than 40 years, we lived in our single-family house in Herndon, Va., about ten miles from campus," says Jim. "That meant that moving to Ashby Ponds would allow us to continue to go to the same church and continue participating in the activities we already enjoyed."

Impressed by what they saw, they decided to join the Priority List. Their membership saved their place in line for a future residence and granted invites to exclusive events, opportunities to meet current residents, and first notice of new construction. 

"We came to almost every event offered during that time, particularly enjoying opportunities to meet the resident ambassadors," says Jim. "We asked them questions and were able to get a feel for the community from their perspective."

The couple also took advantage of Ashby Ponds' Live the Life program--an overnight experience in a furnished residence that allows Priority List members to sample the community's lifestyle, restaurants, activities, and amenities.

"Even though we'd been on campus many times, staying overnight helped us to really consider what it would be like to live at Ashby Ponds," says Jim. "We were treated as if we were residents the entire time."

The perfect home

With their Live the Life stay finalizing their decision to move to Ashby Ponds, the Hendersons turned their attention to selecting the perfect home for them. 

"Throughout our time on the Priority List, we learned about the construction of new buildings and the types of apartment homes offered," says Marcia. "The fact that Leesburg Landing would be Ashby Ponds' final residence building played into our decision. We knew that we wanted the Potomac floor plan, so when it was revealed that Leesburg Landing would offer the Potomac, we knew it was time."

As construction proceeded on Leesburg Landing, the Hendersons worked with Isabel "Izzy" Wilson, Ashby Ponds' planning and moving consultant. 

"Izzy came out to our house, twice, accompanied by a woman from the moving company," recalls Jim. "They measured everything, laid out our furniture on the floor plan, and illustrated what we could bring and how it would all fit."

The couple also decided to work with one of Ashby Ponds' preferred real estate agents to sell their house for top dollar. 

"Our moving experience was a good one, thanks to the help we received," notes Marcia.

Leading the way

The Hendersons were welcomed with open arms by their new neighbors, members of the resident-led Welcoming Committee, and staff. 

"Everyone was wonderful, introducing themselves and inviting us to dinner," says Marcia.

"On our second day, we were recruited to the bocce team, a group we now enjoy very much," adds Jim.

Soon enough, the couple was joined by fellow Leesburg Landing neighbors. Now, Jim and Marcia divide their time between their previous activities and new experiences at Ashby Ponds--many of which they attend with their new friends. 

"The best advice I can share is to get on the Priority List early," says Jim, reflecting on their journey to Ashby Ponds. "Doing so secures your place for the home you want. It also provides time to look at floor plans and narrow down what you want." 

"Now that Ashby Ponds is built out and there are no new buildings coming, joining the Priority List is more important than ever before," explains Dunwoody. "If you're interested in a vibrant, worry-free retirement, now's your chance to get in line!"

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Ashby Ponds, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.