Shared life at Totara Lodge.

Totara Lodge is where much of the village’s shared life happens.

Sitting centrally, it’s easy to walk to, and large enough to accommodate gatherings without ever feeling crowded.

Residents use it in different ways; some meet for cards, craft, art, writing, or informal drinks, and the space works because it doesn’t dictate how it should be used. It simply provides the space.

One of the consistent comments from residents is that involvement remains entirely optional, and while there is always something happening, there’s no expectation that you attend.

Friendships tend to form naturally here because paths cross regularly, because people recognise each other, and over time, an acquaintance often becomes a genuine connection.

At the same time, privacy is respected. If you prefer to spend a week focused on your own interests, nothing changes. The space is there when you want it.

Shared indoor spaces include activities that can be picked up easily and returned to over time, with table tennis offering a familiar and accessible option. Within areas such as Totara Lodge, where games and informal gatherings already take place, it becomes part of how residents spend time together. Some play regularly, while others join in from time to time, and the format allows for both. It supports movement and coordination while also creating space for conversation, which often carries on beyond the game itself.