Highland Hall Manor

Pros

• The young lady named Lord works in the office and is very helpful.
• She gave him hope that he could get into a house there.
• She was sweet.
• She was wonderful.

Cons

• The speaker is overwhelmed with frustration.
• The speaker is ready to pull their hair out.

Review

Just minutes ago I found myself in the office, feeling the weight of the day pressing down, when a young woman named Lord stepped into my path with a warmth that instantly settled the room. She works in the office, and the moment she spoke, I could hear the care in her voice. Her greeting was simple, but it carried a note of confidence that something good might happen today. The conversation began with listening rather than rushing, and she made me feel seen in a way that was both surprising and comforting.

Lord offered a spark of hope: the possibility that I could get into a house over there. She explained that there are steps to take and things to consider, but that the goal could be within reach. She framed the process in plain language, translating what often feels like a maze of forms and requirements into something understandable. As she spoke, the tension in my shoulders loosened a notch, and a sense of possibility began to form, like a door that was perhaps just barely ajar now starting to swing open.

Her sweetness showed in every gesture - the patient questions, the steady eye contact, the way she paraphrased my concerns to confirm she understood. She didn't minimize the hurdles, but she reframed them as solvable challenges. She offered concrete next steps, perhaps arranging a follow-up or guiding me through the necessary paperwork, and she assured me that someone would be by my side throughout the journey. In that moment, it wasn't just information being handed over; it was an invitation to hope.

I'll admit the tension I carried in the moment - I'm here, ready to pull my hair out with the stress of finding a home, the deadlines, the budgeting, the fear of not making it. Yet what I found with Lord was a counterweight to that fear. Her kindness transformed the atmosphere from one of overwhelm to one of focus. The idea that a house could become a reality didn't feel distant or theoretical anymore; it felt plausible, grounded in support and a real person who cared about my situation rather than just my file.

Walking away from the desk, I carried a plan rather than a panic. Lord had not merely told me what might be possible; she outlined a path, explained what I needed to gather, and laid out a timetable I could expect. The office's energy shifted in that instant - from pressure to direction. The hope she offered wasn't wishful thinking; it was a tangible possibility backed by someone who treated me as a person with needs and aspirations, not as another case to process.

Moments like these reveal the quiet power of good service. Lord's approach - listening first, explaining clearly, and handing me something actionable - made a real, measurable difference. It reminded me that offices and institutions are staffed by people who carry empathy as part of their job, and that empathy can turn a tough day into a turning point. That single interaction renewed my trust in the system and in the people who work within it, restoring a sense of control over a situation that had felt out of reach.

As I sit with this feeling, I'm buoyed by a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. The road ahead may still be long, but the first steps feel clearer because of Lord's kindness. If someone else finds themselves overwhelmed by the maze of housing options, I want them to know there are people who listen, care, and can offer a path forward. To Lord, I owe a sincere thank you - for turning a moment of doubt into a window of possibility, for reminding me that even on tough days there are people who brighten the way.

Located in Essex, Connecticut, this neighborhood offers a variety of amenities within close proximity. Residents can enjoy dining options such as The Griswold Inn and Carlson's Landing, as well as cafes like Savour Cafe and Bakery. For medical needs, there are several physicians' offices nearby including Connecticut Ear Nose & Throat and Middlesex Gastroenterology. The area also has convenient access to pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, as well as hospitals like Yale New Haven Health Old Saybrook Medical Center. Transportation is easily accessible with the Amtrak/Shore Line East - Old Saybrook Train Station just a short drive away. Additionally, nature enthusiasts can explore nearby parks such as Gillette Castle State Park and Chatfield Hollow State Park for outdoor activities. With its range of services and activities, this neighborhood in Essex provides a comfortable and convenient setting for senior living.

Restaurants

• The Griswold Inn (0.4 miles)
• Carlson's Landing (0.5 miles)
• Black Jax Saloon (1.2 miles)
• La Marea (2.2 miles)
• Pizza Works (3.8 miles)
• The Hangry Goose (3.9 miles)
• Monkey Farm (4 miles)

Physicians

• Connecticut Ear Nose & Throat (0.5 miles)
• Kressley Elisabeth M MD (0.5 miles)
• Middlesex Gastroenterology (1.5 miles)
• Middlesex Hospital Primary Care (1.7 miles)
• Obstetrics, Gynecology and Menopause Physicians, PC (1.9 miles)
• Shoreline Eye Group (2.4 miles)
• Gales Ferry Pediatrics (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Savour Cafe and Bakery (1.3 miles)
• Mystic Market Kitchen and Eatery (3.7 miles)
• Ashlawn Farm Coffee (3.8 miles)
• Turtle Cafe (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (9.4 miles)
• Cafe Sol (10.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Yale New Haven Health Old Saybrook Medical Center (2.4 miles)
• Charter Oak Walk-In Medical Center PC (9.5 miles)
• Flanders Health Center (9.6 miles)
• Middlesex Hospital Madison Outpatient Blood Drawing Facility (10.2 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak/Shore Line East - Old Saybrook Train Station (3.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• Walgreens (8.2 miles)
• Killingworth Family Pharmacy (8.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (8.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (9.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (10.5 miles)
• Nathan Hale Pharmacy (10.7 miles)

Parks

• Gillette Castle State Park (5 miles)
• Chatfield Hollow State Park (10.3 miles)
• Hammonasset Beach State Park (10.5 miles)
• Machimoodus State Park (11.1 miles)