Upon learning of the Napa Valley Adventist Retirement Estates, a conference-owned facility in Yountville, Calif., Howard Hardcastle, a retired senior, did not take long to decide to become a resident.

“No town that I know of can surpass Yountville as a place to live,” explains Hardcastle. “It is quiet, clean, well-planned and surrounded by vineyards. Its residential and downtown areas together with its parks and walking trails provide delightful places to walk.”

However, NVARE’s location was not the primary reason that Hardcastle decided to reside there. Weary of having to care for himself and his home on his own, Hardcastle desired the services that NVARE offers.

A 74-apartment facility, NVARE offers many conveniences for its residents. Each apartment comes with a small kitchenette, bathroom, individual climate control, spacious closets and an emergency call button. Weekly housekeeping, daily vegetarian and vegan cuisine, transportation and free launderettes are just some of the amenities available for residents.

“I love having someone come in once a week to clean my apartment, change my bed and wash my sheets,” said Hardcastle. “Also, one of the things that can be a burden for older singles is getting an adequate diet. That is not true for residents at NVARE. The food is so good, mealtimes are major events of the day!”

Hardcastle is among the nearly 80 residents who live at NVARE. Coming from various regions throughout the United States, many of the residents at NVARE are retired pastors, teachers or medical professionals. Currently, there is a waiting list of individuals who are interested in making their home at NVARE.

NVARE’s residents enjoy an active lifestyle. Each morning, there is an opportunity for the residents to go shopping or meet medical appointments, as NVARE provides bus transportation twice a week to both St.Helena and Napa and monthly visits to Angwin for shopping. In addition, NVARE also provides residents with bus transportation for outings to San Francisco, the mall, musical concerts and other special events.

Weekends are filled with many options as well. NVARE conducts Friday evening vespers, where many of the residents assume leadership roles in the program. On Sabbath morning, residents are free to worship at NVARE, across the street at the Yountville church, or at the nearby Napa or St. Helena churches.

Ron Stretter, administrator at NVARE, is excited about the ministry that NVARE is providing for active Adventist seniors in the Napa Valley area. “Having worked in this conference for the last 12 years, it is a real joy to know that the NCC owns and operates such a wonderful place for its Adventist seniors.”

Hardcastle agrees and is glad to be at NVARE. “At home, life gets pretty lonely at times, but that doesn’t happen at NVARE,” said Hardcastle. “I can have as little or as much companionship as I want. I love the Christian environment and the friendship of the residents.”