Practical living
Tucked away just north of Upriver Drive, is a new style of retirement community living. Village West, a neighborhood of condominiums was developed and is owned by Riverview Retirement Community
When Tom and Rosemarie Talkington, both recently retired, were ready to downsize they moved from their 5,000-square-foot home in Spokane Valley to a 2,000-square-foot condo.
“We were mentally prepared,” said Rosemarie Talkington.
Riverview owns the home, but if the Talkingtons decide to move or need to move into assisted living, they will receive 80 percent of the current retail value of the house.
The couple has enjoyed customizing their new home.
Savannah, the Talkington’s miniature Schnauzer, eagerly greets guests. Vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan give the condo a contemporary look. An antique wood ladder draped with a handmade quilt stands in the entry.
Cherrywood floors gleam golden in the afternoon sun. The décor is a mix of old and new. Tom Talkington served 22 years in the military and the couple enjoys traveling, so many of their furnishings have a European feel.
A slate trimmed fireplace sits in one corner of the living room. Next to it, wood-framed French doors open to his office.
“We had them enclose this area,” he said. “It was supposed to be a sun porch.”
Bookshelves hold his collection of military history books, and an antique chaise lounge is placed underneath the windows.
Pendant lights with gold, green and blue translucent shades illuminate the kitchen which is outfitted with granite countertops. A Turkish rug from the couple’s old home just fits its new space in the kitchen.
The lively lipstick-red guest bath caused quite a stir. When someone asked why such a bright color, Rosemarie Talkington grinned and answered, “I’m not old yet, and I want a red bathroom!”
White wicker furniture fills the guest room. Family photos line the cream-colored walls, including a black and white snapshot of the Talkingtons as teens. The high-school sweethearts recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
A vintage brass bed dominates the master bedroom suite, and a brass-trimmed trunk rests at the foot. Rosemarie Talkington’s childhood doll and her one-eared Teddy Bear rest in an antique baby buggy.
An ornate vintage picture frame given to her by her daughter has found a new use. She covered a board with quilt batting and fabric, and her husband placed the board inside the frame. They placed six black and white family photos inside.
“We do almost everything together,” she said.
There are touches that reveal the home was designed for seniors. The master bath is fully wheelchair accessible and comes equipped with an emergency call button that rings at Riverview’s nursing home facility. And even though the Takingtons are fit and active, the fact that the condo has no stairs makes sense to them. The home is intended to allow independent living in a secure environment.
“This house fits us nicely,” Tom Talkington said.