Recently, new residents of The Somerset Lifestyle and Retirement Village in Somerset West moved into their beautiful Life Right cottage – Luciano and Josephine Spezialetti.

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If you spend a little time with Luciano and Josephine Spezialetti, two things become very clear: they adore each other, and they enjoy life with plenty of laughter. Their story sounds more like a movie script than real life.

Luciano, an Italian mechanical engineer living in Johannesburg, was trying to recover money owed by a Cape Town company where Josephine worked. After several unsuccessful attempts to collect payment, Luciano sent his Chairman, Paddy, to investigate. Paddy returned insisting Luciano simply had to phone “Sophie” at the company because they were “made for each other.” Eventually, Luciano gave in and made the call, only to discover that “Sophie” was actually Josephine. Fortunately, the name mix-up did not matter. The conversation flowed easily, and before long the pair were speaking regularly. Josephine says she immediately felt a connection. Her father was Italian, her brother is named Luciano, and she says meeting him felt strangely familiar and comforting. A few months later, Josephine moved to Johannesburg, and the couple married in 2001.

Today, 27 years later, their warmth toward one another is still unmistakable. Luciano’s journey to South Africa began in 1969, when, after studying engineering in Italy and completing compulsory military service in the Alps, he accepted a contract to work in South Africa. He planned to stay only one year but never left.

The couple later retired to Hermanus, a town they had long loved for holidays, before recently making the move to The Somerset Lifestyle & Retirement Village. They say they have been wonderfully welcomed by residents and staff alike. Josephine especially enjoys how convenient everything is in Somerset West, while Luciano is thrilled that a favourite tool shop is nearby. Together, they are now looking forward to summer days, open windows, warm evenings, and making many new memories in their new home.

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy of their lovely cottage at The Somerset.

Homes at The Somerset are of uncompromising, solid construction, beautifully appointed, and ideally located to enjoy stunning views of False Bay and the mountains. We offer a special selection of properties, including Freehold Homes, Life Right Apartments, and Life Right Cottages.

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