Sara Maitland (12 October) suggests that it is not easy to find a suitable property for a hermitage. I downsized from a house and large garden into a self-owned flat in a retirement property two years ago. It has occurred to me that this is an example of modified hermitage living. I do not hear friendly neighbourhood noises as I did in my house. The likelihood of anyone “dropping by” is remote. To reach me from the outside, any visitor has to have a prearranged instruction about how to call me on the keypad system.  Another change for me has been to learn to live in this particular sort of community. My neighbours care for each other to varying degrees. Some have taken on tasks to do with the recycling, supplementing the garden work of a contractor, arranging outings etc