Five-star LGBT retirement community under construction in Sonoma Wine Country

Fountaingrove Lodge sits on a lush, 10-acre piece of land in Sonoma County, surrounding by rolling hills and inviting greenery -- not to mention some of the country's best vineyards. While construction is ongoing, Fountaingrove's grounds will soon be bustling with its new residents: LGBT seniors.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seniors will find a diverse, welcoming community focused on wellness and contemporary living, with activities and amenities designed specifically to create a comfortable retirement.

"Fountaingrove Lodge is a dream that has been several years in the making, and reflects our desire to provide fine retirement living opportunities for a broad range of seniors," says Bill Gallaher, founder and principal of Oakmont Senior Living (OSL), who developed the concept with his wife, Cindy. "We are excited because where other LGBT retirement projects have stalled or failed, Fountaingrove is a reality. Of the more than 30 retirement communities we've developed, this latest project will fill a void that has existed for far too long, and we are proud to lead the way on this front."

Six beautiful bungalows and sixty-four well-appointed apartments will offer "home sweet home" to LGBT senior citizens. There's no need to worry about creating a home that reflects your design tastes, however; Fountaingrove's Design Center will allow residents to customize their home with a carefully chosen selection of finish materials.

"Our goal is to provide a beautiful, secure, social, and dynamic community for LGBT seniors with the dignity and respect they deserve. We feel Fountaingrove Lodge compliments those sensibilities," says OSL co-founder and principal Cindy Gallaher. "We anticipate that this project will become the hub for the broader North Bay LGBT community, and reflect the interests and passions of our residents."

The property will offer amenities of a small town: wireless service in main areas; a library; a business center; a bank; a salon and day spa; a great hall for special events and for dancing; a gift shop; and a pet park, among numerous other sites for socialization and relaxation. Fountaingrove will also be a Continuing Care Retirement Community, providing peace of mind for a growing number of seniors who want to live independently now but would like to have health care service close by. Plans also include an onsite care center which will provide memory care for residents suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia.

For more information about Fountaingrove Lodge, please visit www.fountaingrovelodge.com or call (707) 576-1101.

- Hannah Clay Wareham