DOWNSIZING WAS SOMETHING KARL AND DEBORAH BYRIE HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT FOR ALMOST FOUR YEARS AND AFTER JUST SIGNING UP FOR A NEW HOME IN THE ECO-FRIENDLY GEMLIFE MORETON BAY OVER-50S LIFESTYLE RESORT, THEY ARE CONFIDENT IT’S THE RIGHT MOVE FOR THEM.
“We started researching a few years ago and visited a lot of similar resorts. Then we attended an open day at GemLife Palmwoods and loved the homes and all the facilities that were on offer in GemLife resorts. So, when Moreton Bay came up – an area we both love – we were determined to sign up sooner rather than later,” said Karl, 64, a former tech manager at the University of Queensland.
At 57, radiation therapist Deb is still working full time but joined Karl in his excitement at being a homeowner in the future GemLife Moreton Bay resort.
“The upkeep of our current five-bedroom home with its ongoing maintenance, pool and gardens is something we were keen to get away from and we also wanted to downsize into a lifestyle resort while we were young enough to enjoy all the fabulous facilities because we are both very active,” said Deb.
Karl has already started a Facebook page for GemLife Moreton Bay contract-holders for which he has an impressive 42 members, and the couple are also looking forward to being actively involved in many groups once they move into the resort.
Deb is a keen walker and enjoys Pilates and yoga while you’ll find Karl cycling about 12km each day. Both enjoy swimming and the gym and are keen to have a go at pickleball and lawn bowls.
“Keeping fit and healthy is important to us,” said Deb.
“It’s a huge bonus that we will be living close to nature and near water. As we live only about 5km west of the resort now, we are very familiar with the area and can visit the same shopping centres etc, if we like.
In addition, once in our new home, we will benefit from the beautiful sea breezes, and the peace and quiet. I can imagine us there already,” she said.
Deb and Karl also love the fact that much of the resort’s natural surroundings will be preserved and are delighted that part of it will include a koala habitat.
“We spend a lot of time outdoors and believe the ecological aspect of GemLife Moreton Bay is really important. Having no back neighbours is going to be great too.”
With four grandchildren aged between three months and 15 years, the couple say the move will also enable them to stay close to family and will give them the opportunity to indulge their passion for travel.
“We intend to do a lot of travelling in the future both overseas and in our motorhome. The gated resort offers amazing security, and we don’t have to worry about anything. Just enjoying ourselves while we are away,” said Karl.
Despite it being early days in the resort’s development, the couple say they are so excited that they are ready to move in now and cannot wait to begin a whole new life at GemLife Moreton Bay.