Inside Nancy Lane’s Elegant Independent Living Apartment Home

Nestled on a picturesque campus in Stamford—just minutes from Greenwich—Edgehill offers Nancy Lane a safe, sunlit, comfortable sanctuary.

When Nancy made the decision to move to Edgehill, she was embarking on a profound transition. After spending decades in a spacious seven-bedroom Greenwich estate, where she and her husband raised their four children, the prospect of downsizing represented a major life shift. That transition became even more poignant when her husband tragically passed away on the day she moved in. Yet, amidst that deep loss, her new apartment home quickly evolved into much more than a place to unpack.

Reflecting on her decision, Nancy sees the move not as a compromise, but as a thoughtfully curated selection. “Downsizing didn’t mean leaving my life behind,” she shares. “It meant bringing the parts I loved most into a space that works best for me now.”

Smart Design Meets Everyday Comfort

Her search for the perfect blend of layout and location led her to The Chestnut floor plan, featuring a spacious primary bedroom, a flexible den and an extra half bath. Positioned on the ground level, the home provides exceptional day-to-day convenience, placing campus amenities and her vehicle just steps away. Beyond accessibility, the layout offers seamless balcony access from both the den and the bedroom.

It is natural to wonder how a one-bedroom floor plan will fit your lifestyle, but Nancy found that The Chestnut exceeded all expectations. The open concept and high ceilings create a light-filled, generous space that feels effortlessly comfortable.

“We came from a seven-bedroom house, so I never imagined a one-bedroom could feel this spacious, but it really does,” she explains. “I don’t miss all that extra space. My home gives me exactly what I need with essentially nothing I have to take care of.”

That freedom from home maintenance is further reinforced by Edgehill’s comprehensive suite of services. With details like landscaping, lawn care and snow removal fully managed by the community associates, Nancy can direct her energy entirely toward enjoying her day. That convenience extends to family as well. With four children, nine grandchildren and a new great-grandson, she loves welcoming family members when they come to visit.

Edgehill’s dedicated guest suites provide visiting family with elegant overnight lodging right on campus, allowing Nancy to enjoy rich quality time with loved ones while keeping her personal home routine completely intact.

Curating a Home Filled with Stories

Inside her home, her sense of freedom is paired with deeply personal character. Rather than starting over with new furnishings, Nancy deliberately curated her interior with meaningful heirlooms, fine family china and generational crystal.

Rather than saving these treasures behind glass doors for rare special occasions, she incorporates them into her daily routine, surrounding herself with living history.

Placed near the window in her bedroom rests a treasured chair passed down from her grandmother. It holds a special emotional resonance for Nancy, who recalls sitting in her grandmother’s lap while being read to as a child—and now uses that very same spot to read her own favorite books.

Lifecare: Confidence and Peace of Mind for the Future

Beyond the day-to-day luxury of her apartment home, one of the most reassuring aspects of Nancy’s move was choosing a community backed by Lifecare. As the only CCRC in the Stamford-Greenwich area offering a Lifecare plan, Edgehill provides access to an active Independent Living lifestyle alongside guaranteed access to higher levels of care on campus, including Assisted Living, Mind & Memory Care, Sub-Acute Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing—should health needs ever change.

For Nancy, having a Lifecare plan in place provides a sense of comfort and security. Knowing that any future care needs are accounted for allows her to enjoy her independent lifestyle today, with the confidence that her long-term plans are already well established.

Hospitality, Balcony Views and Vibrant Living

The balance between personal retreat and welcoming space defines Nancy’s day-to-day rhythm. Mornings often begin outdoors on her private terrace, where she enjoys a quiet breakfast or a book while taking in views of the manicured campus grounds and neighbors out for daily walks.

Beyond her front door, the broader Edgehill community adds a rich dimension to her lifestyle. Whether attending local lectures, joining fitness classes or dining with friends in the main dining venue and casual Grille Room, there is always an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors. Yet, Nancy finds equal delight in bringing community life back into her own home. She routinely hosts intimate cocktail hours and six-person dinner gatherings, utilizing her open layout to foster close-knit conversation and welcome new residents to the neighborhood.

Ultimately, her home stands as a testament to how thoughtfully designed spaces can support a full, connected life. As Nancy puts it: “My home gives me room to keep what matters, space to entertain and a home that feels comfortable every day.”

When asked to sum up what her transition to Edgehill has meant to her, she offers a simple, glowing review: “My favorite thing about life in my apartment at Edgehill is everything. I love it here!”