They are self-professed, happily homeless nomads. For the past three years, Leslie and John Carothers who have lived in the Chicago area for more than 40 years, have spent much of the year traveling. This fall, the couple used The Merion in Evanston as their home base for seven weeks.
The Merion is a luxury senior living rental community in the heart of downtown Evanston. The newly renovated building boasts beautiful, furnished apartments as well as multiple dining venues, an on-site fitness center, a wellness center and more.
“We’ve stayed a lot of places during our travels over the past three years. Many of them are places that you wouldn’t want to be at for very long. That’s definitely not the case here,” Leslie said. “We’ve had such a lovely stay.”
John is a retired attorney and Leslie is in commercial real estate and not quite “finished working.” In May 2013, the couple sold all of their real estate, put their furnishings and belongings into storage and hit the road. Since that time they’ve driven across the U.S. with extended stays in Florida and California. They’ve also traveled to Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. This past year they spent six months in France.
The Carothers are resolute about being absent from the Midwest winters, but also determined to stay in Evanston during the warmer months, spending time with family and friends. They’re also inseparable from their fourteen-year old Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Zoe and Elliott.
In returning to Chicago earlier this fall, the Carothers looked for a place to rent for seven weeks that was furnished, and accepted dogs. “It’s not that easy to find,” said Leslie. A friend recommended The Merion and they knew at once that it was the perfect fit. “The apartments are lovely and tastefully done with attractive artwork. We were immediately drawn to it,” Leslie said. The couple moved into their newly renovated two-bedroom rental with just their suitcases and their dogs. Everything else was provided by The Merion, including the beautiful furnishings, linens and more.
Zoe and Elliott are not only welcome at The Merion, but have taken on veritable rock star status. “People might not necessarily know our names, but everyone knows and loves Zoe and Elliott,” said John. They’re greeted and admired everywhere they go he said.
The world travelers have found the staff at The Merion to be world-class. “The people are all attentive and helpful and always willing to help,” said Leslie. She added that the staff is remarkable about encouraging dialogue about how things are going and how things might be improved. “The chef came out one night and asked for our comments. He was very serious about listening,” she said.
The couple raves about the live, musical entertainment that is on site several times each week. “They have wonderful musical guests. Really high quality,” said Leslie. “They also have many interesting art programs, lectures, and classes too.” She added that she frequently uses the fitness room, which is “very well-equipped.”
“We really love the location of The Merion. You can walk two blocks in any direction and find five great restaurants,” said John.
“The Merion is perfect for someone looking for a retirement community that permits you to be completely independent, while at the same time, taking care of all of your needs,” said John. “We’ve had a lovely stay!”
The Merion is a luxury senior apartment community for active, independent retirees seeking a hassle-free rental home in Evanston. Formerly known as The North Shore Hotel, The Merion has been totally renovated with upscale finishes and amenities.
As seen in the Chicago Tribune.