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THE BRANDON SUN • Lake Life • SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2024
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“We had seasonal cabins there, and when my sister found this lot in town, we thought it would be perfect to build our retirement home. So, we sold the cabins and bought this lot,” she said. “We’ve had the cabin for three years now, and we absolutely love it. We al- ready had friends and family in the area, so it felt like a natural choice for us to build here.” She describes Ninette as “a quiet town with a beautiful lake, perfect for spending time outdoors and enjoying the company of good people.” Reflecting on the decision to move three years ago, Cooper said that de- spite the stress of moving, she wouldn’t hesitate to make the same choice again because her family is happy there. She added that her children shared similar sentiments about the move, saying they love it there. “They grew up camping and spend- ing time at the cabin, so they’re thrilled to have a permanent home in the area. We’ve had the cabin since 2011, but I’ve been going to the town since the early ’90s, so it’s been a part of our fam- ily for a long time.” For both the Lentons and Cooper, Ninette offers not just a retirement destination but a place where cher- ished memories intertwine with the beauty of lakeside living. As they settle into their new homes, Melaine said they look forward to em- bracing the laid-back lifestyle, spend- ing time with loved ones, and relishing every moment by the shimmering wa- ters of Pelican Lake. “Our children and grandchildren also look forward to visiting us too.”
“Plus, in winter, I can stay with one of our kids if the weather gets too rough,” she added. “And if I need to stay home during bad weather, it’s not a problem. I am not in a critical role that requires me to be in the office every day.” The Lentons are not alone in their pursuit of lakeside retirement bliss. Mortgage broker Sheila Cooper said she and her family have also embraced the allure of lakeside living in Ninette. “We’re drawn to the lake itself — boating, fishing, and just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the area,” Coo- per told the Sun.
“For me, there’s a sense of peace be- ing by the water,” Melanie said. “It’s stress-free and allows us to enjoy activ- ities like boating, which we love.” The couple store their boat at the Yacht Club located conveniently near their home. Dennis highlighted the appeal of Ninette. “The town is a small, friendly com- munity with plenty of outdoor activi- ties like golfing and hiking trails. It’s a beautiful area, and we both grew up in small towns, so it feels like home to us.” As they transition into the commu- nity, Melanie expressed their expec- tations: looking forward to spending time with friends and family, enjoying the lake, and taking advantage of the activities the area has to offer, not- ing their plan is to take each day as it comes and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle. Dennis said there is a bit of a trade off when it comes to the cost of living, but it’s worth it. “The cost of living is relatively simi- lar, although groceries might be slight- ly higher. However, we find that we save money on other expenses, like not having to drive around as much or spend money at malls.” Melanie acknowledged the need to return to Brandon for certain items, saying, “Yes, for certain items like clothing, we’ll need to come back to Brandon. But for everyday essentials, Ninette has everything we need.” As for managing work while living in Ninette, Melanie said she’ll be working a few days from home and a couple of days in Brandon, which isn’t too bad of a commute.
We’re drawn to the lake itself — boating, fishing, and just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the area. ~ Sheila Cooper “
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Cooper’s connection to Ninette runs deep, with family ties dating back de- cades. “My aunt and uncle were originally from Belmont but moved to Ninette years ago,” she said. “They even start- ed a little store called The Grocery Box, which has become a local landmark. It’s named after them, and it’s been a part of our family’s history for generations.” Like the Lentons, Cooper also decid- ed to settle in Ninette by the lakeside, building a house to have a beautiful view of the lake.
» aodutola@brandonsun.com » X: @AbiolaOdutola
The kitchen area of Sheila Cooper’s lakeside semi-detached home.
The interior of the Lenton’s semi- detached home. (Submitted photos)
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