As a former Director of Social Services, Paul Knight has spent a lifetime understanding what truly supports people as they grow older, the balance of independence, connection and thoughtful help that makes later life feel expansive rather than constrained. A lifelong North Londoner with a fondness for the streets around Regent’s Park and Marylebone, he brings a gentle curiosity to everything he does. Recently, he uncovered an unexpected artistic talent during a Wallacea Living design workshop, a discovery that delighted everyone, not least Paul himself. He calls this next stage “a place full of possibilities.”
“When I talk about it, I realise how much I’m ready for the change,” he says. “It’s going to be an enjoyable change.” After decades in the same Victorian house, a place layered with family history, he knew it was time for a different rhythm. “Pottering around a big Victorian house at my age doesn’t make much sense,” he says with a warm smile. “It was time.”
He began thinking about it years ago, during the long period of caring for his late wife. Quietly, steadily, he began exploring what his future might look like. He visited several options across London, ruling them out one by one until Wallacea Living appeared.
“Suddenly Wallacea pops up… and I thought, interesting,” he says. “Location, location, location really does matter. It matters practically and emotionally.”
What caught him first was the neighbourhood which was familiar to him. Marylebone on the doorstep, Regent’s and Hyde Park within reach, the canal looping through Little Venice. “I love walking,” he says. “I’ve already discovered a little circular walk.” There’s a gentleness to the way he describes it: a pub stop for lunch, a bench by the canal, a visit to the M&S Foodhall before heading home to cook.
Inside his future apartment, he sees renewed possibility. “I’m imprinting my own views on the decoration,” he says. He’s been working closely with Wallacea Living's partners, The Homemover Specialist, choosing quality joiners, decorators, designers. “It’s been really enjoyable… having people to bounce ideas off who know what they’re doing.” He laughs, slightly surprised. “I’ve enjoyed the experience. I didn’t expect that.” And as the process has unfolded, he’s found the support from the Wallacea team unexpectedly personal. “Once you’ve committed, there’s a lot of support that starts to come,” he explains. “They’re not intrusive… but as soon as you say you need something, they can step in.” The support has been more human, and more bespoke than he imagined. “The feeling they offer has been very warm,” he says. “I hadn’t realised how personalised they would make it.”
Then he says something quietly telling: “I wish I’d been in this position at the age of 75.” Not a regret, rather, a recognition of how energising this stage can be. He’s making the most of that now. The decision is made. The shift has started. And what’s ahead feels like life opening up again.Social connection matters too. “If you’re 85, sadly many of your friends have passed on or moved away,” he says. “So it’s really important to have a new social life. Here, the possibilities for that are immediate.”What he’s looking toward now is simple: a home that feels right, neighbours he’ll come to know, routines that give shape to the day, a sense of ease he hasn’t had in years. “This is the right place for me,” he says. “I can see a future where I don’t need to worry.”Soon he’ll be on the ninth floor, looking west to a blue sky, soft sunsets, and a future he’s ready to enjoy.
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