From high-rise to country vibes

Switching high-rise city living for a resort-style country lifestyle at GemLife Woodend has turned the page on a new chapter in the lives of Ken and Karen Usher.

The couple, who recently moved from Perth to be closer to family, looked extensively at housing options in Victoria and as far away as Newcastle in NSW before coming across GemLife Woodend over-50s lifestyle resort. The pair was immediately struck by the difference.

“When we walked into the first display home at GemLife, after a long search, I said to Ken “I could live in this” and he agreed. The quality of the homes, the finishes and fixtures are outstanding. The high ceilings, the low maintenance aspect, while still having some yard and a nice outdoor alfresco area, plus being able to choose your house designs and interior features,” said Karen.

“Everything we’d seen beforehand was very similar. The feel was quite different at GemLife.” Ken and Karen also liked the concept of owning their home within an over-50s lifestyle resort, in addition to no entry or exit fees and the added perk of being able to retain their capital gains if they decided to sell.

“We appreciate that capital gains don’t have to be shared – we keep all of it. Some places keep 30 per cent or more,” said Karen.

The couple enjoy keeping fit and have already joined the resort’s popular walking group, with Karen already joining in with the craft group, and both are looking forward to the country club opening.

“We will use the pool, do yoga, arts and crafts and Ken will like being involved in the men’s shed,” said Karen.

“A lot of people are still working here, some full-time, some part-time or volunteering.
People are active and out and about,” said Mrs Usher.

“People say we are too young to live here. They find it hard to understand the difference between a lifestyle resort and a retirement village. At GemLife it’s all about lifestyle – people are active and want to try new things,” she said.

“The location is great. The town is beautiful, there’s a lot to explore in the area and it’s not far from the city either.”

The Ushers involved their family in the decision and had its enthusiastic backing. “They loved it and said we can’t go wrong,” said Karen.

“This is a new chapter of our lives and we’re looking forward to new adventures.