Allan and Mary Crane grew up in Northern Virginia and made a home for themselves in Southern Maryland, where Mary worked as a visual merchandiser, designing store windows and in-store displays. Allan owned a company which built computer systems primarily for the Department of Defense.

After 20 years, they retired to the mountains of Bethel, Maine, where they spent another 22 years in a sprawling home on 45 acres. It was a wonderful property, but as time passed and their children grew up, their family of five was back to just the two of them, and it became a lot to take care of — both physically and financially.

Luckily, Allan served on a committee 15 years ago that was investigating the viability of 55+ and retirement communities in the Bethel area. The committee happened to visit Highland Green, and Allan was enamored. 

“I just fell in love with the place and put a pin in it. When Mary and I visited Highland Green together 15 years later, I still loved it and she did too,” Allan says.

Building the next chapter

Then came the building process, which Allan notes was spectacular.

 “Our move to Highland Green was a well-tuned orchestra from start to finish. The process unfolded like dominoes, and Highland Green stacked up all the dominoes,” he says. “It all started when Highland Green Marketing Director Jon Leahy took us on a walk through the forest and recommended his favorite property up on a hill, which is now part of Diamond Drive. With the quarry in front and some woods and the golf course behind, it was our favorite too.” 

Mary adds that they were also thrilled with the ease of their move to Highland Green. “Building a home is so much simpler when Highland Green is guiding you. I can’t say enough about the team of super-knowledgeable, top-notch experts they put together — from the interior designer, to the electricians, plumbers, and carpenters,” she says.

The Cranes also took advantage of the Rent While You Build program at Highland Green, which was very convenient for them. “Living in an existing Highland Green house while we were waiting for our home to be built made it nice for us. Besides not worrying about where we would live after our previous home sold, if any questions popped up about our new Highland Green home, we were right there to answer them.”

Embracing the Highland Green lifestyle

Allan and Mary have been enjoying their new, bright, and open Highland Green home and lifestyle since January of last year. They’ve gotten together with all of their neighbors and also enjoy dinner at Highland Green’s on-campus restaurant from time to time when they are not in the mood to cook. 

The Cranes can pursue their individual passions at Highland Green as well. Mary shares that although she was not a hiker on their previous property because it was a little scary by herself, she has become an avid hiker at Highland Green. “With the marked trails and the community nearby, I feel very comfortable. I have hiked throughout the community, up to the river and back and all along the heath,” she says. Allan is an artist and says he plans to become involved with the art-related clubs on campus as soon as he gets a chance.

The Cranes are also extremely happy with the surrounding area, particularly because now that they live at Highland Green, they are closer to Portland where there is so much to do. They previously had to travel almost two hours each way for ballroom dancing lessons. Now, they can enjoy their hobby more easily since it is less than a half an hour away. They have also become quite fond of the Community Center because they say it is perfect for practicing their ballroom dance moves. Since Allan and Mary moved to Highland Green, it certainly appears that their dance cards have become fuller.

About Highland Green

Highland Green is a distinctive 55+ active adult lifestyle community located in Topsham, Maine, designed to offer a blend of independent living, natural beauty, and vibrant social engagement for residents aged 55 and older. Set on a sprawling 635-acre campus that incorporates a 230-acre nature preserve, Highland Green provides a unique living environment that emphasizes both community and connection to the outdoors. Residents come from more than 34 US states, creating a diverse and dynamic population that enjoys a balance of tranquility and activity throughout the year.

Contact Highland Green

[email protected]
www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com
1-866-854-1200
2 Kingfisher Drive
Topsham, ME 04086