Ben PhilipAshton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living is a premier independent living community in Portland, Maine, designed to provide seniors with comfort, convenience, and community engagement. The residence blends elegant architecture with a homely environment, offering a balance of independence and support. With all-inclusive services, beautiful surroundings, and a wide range of amenities, Ashton Gardens is tailored for retirees who desire an active lifestyle without the burden of daily household responsibilities.
Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living
Overview
Ashton Gardens is an independent living community located at 830 Ocean Avenue, Portland, Maine. Operated by Hawthorn Senior Living, this mid-rise community offers a lifestyle that’s both refined and enriching for seniors seeking comfort, independence, and social engagement.
Location and Architecture
The residence overlooks an 18-acre bluff in coastal Portland, offering scenic views and access to meandering walkways, raised garden beds, and cozy fire-pit seating areas.
The building’s design incorporates Italian villa–style stone accents, cementitious siding, and a balanced residential feel. Common areas like a covered fourth-floor deck, third-floor gym, and a reading room on the second floor are all optimally placed to take advantage of these views.
Living Options and Floor Plans
Over 50 unique floor plans are available, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Apartments vary in size, starting at approximately 355 square feet to more spacious layouts.
Many units include fully furnished spaces with kitchenettes, though some may only have microwaves and refrigerators rather than full stovetops.
Included Services and Amenities
Monthly rent follows an all-inclusive model, typically covering:
- Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, sewer, basic cable, and Wi-Fi
- Dining: Three chef-prepared, made-from-scratch meals served daily in communal dining areas
- Housekeeping and Linens: Weekly cleaning and linen service
- Transportation: Local shuttles and arranged trips for shopping, medical appointments, or outings
- Well-Being Programs: Regular events, social activities, off-site trips, intellectual gatherings, guest lectures, and arts and crafts. Residents can enjoy a vibrant, engaging community life
Additional On-Site Features
- Recreational Spaces: Library, salon, movie theater, exercise gym, and private dining room
- Outdoor Spaces: Garden areas, walking trails, and social gathering spots for games or relaxing outdoors
- Support Services: Management staff resides on-site and is available around the clock. Basic assistance like medication reminders or in-home health care can be arranged via third-party providers
- Additional Services: Move-in coordination, concierge services, and more
Pricing Snapshot
While prices can vary over time, here are some recent estimates:
- Studio units start around \$2,545 per month
- One-bedroom units average about \$3,195 per month
- Two-bedrooms can reach up to \$4,395 per month
Other estimates cite studios from \$2,500 to \$3,200, one-bedrooms from \$3,150 to \$3,300 and above, and two-bedrooms from \$4,000 to \$4,400 or more.
Summary of pricing:
Unit Type | Approximate Monthly Rent |
| ——— | ———————— |
Studio | \$2,500 – \$3,200 |
1-Bedroom | \$3,150 – \$3,300+ |
2-Bedroom | \$4,000 – \$4,400+ |
Resident and Visitor Insights
Feedback is largely positive, though opinions vary:
Positive Aspects:
- The environment is quiet, comfortable, and welcoming, with friendly staff and engaging activities like bingo and movie nights
- Clean, classy, and comfortable atmosphere with happy residents
- Lovely reviews often highlight excellent dining and beautiful landscaping
- Overall experience ratings are generally very high
Constructive Feedback:
- Some units lacked full stovetops, which limited cooking options
- Occasional understaffing impacted response times
- Some residents felt that fine dining-style service could be too slow, suggesting buffet-style dining as an alternative
Overall Summary
Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living stands out as a thoughtfully designed independent living community that emphasizes comfort, activity, and care.
- Prime architectural design and scenic location
- Comprehensive, inclusive service model with meals, utilities, and social programming included
- A wide variety of living arrangements to suit individual preferences
- Plenty of amenities to support wellness, engagement, and community
- Pricing reflects a premium independent living offering, around \$2,500–\$4,400 per month depending on unit type
Ashton Gardens is designed for those who want independence and social connection but prefer the tranquility of a supportive environment. It provides a community that feels like home while offering peace of mind and opportunities for a fulfilling lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living?
A. Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living is an independent senior living community operated by Hawthorn Senior Living. It offers private apartments, chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, and a vibrant social environment, all in one monthly rate.
Q: How many homes are in the community?
A. The community offers more than 50 unique floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes. This variety ensures residents can choose the size and layout that best fits their lifestyle and needs.
Q: What types of homes are available?
A. Ashton Gardens provides studio apartments for those seeking simplicity, one-bedroom apartments for comfort and space, and two-bedroom apartments for those who prefer larger living arrangements or want room for visiting family members. Many homes include kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators.
Q: What amenities are available?
A. The community provides a wide range of amenities, including a library, salon, movie theater, fitness center, private dining room, outdoor garden areas, walking trails, and a covered deck with scenic views. Weekly housekeeping, linen service, and all utilities are included. Three freshly prepared meals are served daily.
Q: Are there educational opportunities?
A. Yes. Ashton Gardens frequently hosts guest lectures, discussion groups, and intellectual activities that encourage lifelong learning. Residents can engage in book clubs, workshops, and cultural programs that stimulate both the mind and spirit.
Q: What healthcare facilities are nearby?
A. Ashton Gardens is close to several reputable healthcare facilities in Portland, including Maine Medical Center and other clinics that provide primary and specialized care. While the community itself is not a medical facility, third-party healthcare services and medication assistance can be arranged.
Q: What shopping and dining options are available?
A. The community offers on-site chef-prepared meals in a communal dining area. Additionally, it is conveniently located near shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants in Portland, giving residents easy access to retail and dining options outside the community. Scheduled transportation is available for shopping trips.
Q: What recreational activities are nearby?
A. Residents can enjoy outings to Portland’s scenic parks, art galleries, museums, and waterfront attractions. Within the community, recreational opportunities include arts and crafts, fitness classes, games, movie nights, and social gatherings that keep residents active and engaged.
Q: What committees are available for residents?
A. Ashton Gardens encourages resident involvement through committees such as the dining committee, activity planning groups, and volunteer groups. These committees allow residents to share their input, help organize events, and contribute to community life.
Conclusion
Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living is more than just a retirement residence; it is a community designed for independence, social connection, and comfort. With spacious homes, numerous amenities, educational opportunities, and nearby healthcare and shopping facilities, residents enjoy both convenience and peace of mind.