Perth couple switches city life for over-50s living in country Woodend

Over-50s lifestyle resorts are becoming an increasingly popular option for Australian downsizers yet remain relatively unknown in Victoria, with most people assuming the model is the same as a retirement village.

Couple Karen and Ken Usher, who recently moved from Perth to country Woodend to be closer to family, looked extensively at options in Victoria and as far away as Newcastle before coming across GemLife Woodend over-50s lifestyle resort, with the pair immediately struck by the difference.

“It’s unbelievable – it a different concept altogether. 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 Mrs Usher.

GemLife Woodend operates as a Residential Park, commonly referred to as a Land Lease Community (LLC), providing an innovative and sustainable way to finance affordable housing that is ideal for those who are ready to downsize.

Homeowners own their home and ‘rent’ the land, paying a weekly site fee that contributes to the cost of maintaining common facilities, as well as general operational overheads. As a result of the separation of homeownership and landownership, homes are affordable, freeing up capital for homeowners to live their life to the fullest and enjoy the things in life most important to them.

“We love the concept of owning your own home at the resort. And, of course, there are no entry or exit fees like many retirement villages, plus we have the option of selling on the open market and get to keep our capital gains if we decide to sell,” she said.

GemLife Woodend offers spacious, luxurious homes complete with deluxe fittings and finishes, top-of-the-range kitchen appliances, plus energy-efficient hot water systems and solar PV panels.

“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,” said Mrs Usher.

GemLife Woodend currently has 12 meticulously-designed, two or three-bedroom right-size home designs to choose from, all customisable, with multiple facade and colour-scheme options.

“Everything we’d seen beforehand was very similar. The feel was quite different at GemLife,” she said.

Designed especially for active over-50s, residents have exclusive use of first-class recreational facilities at the resort’s expansive, lakeside country club. Opening soon, the club will include a heated indoor swimming pool and spa, gym, tennis court, cafe and bar area, ten-pin bowling alley, games and entertainment room, golf simulator, optional caravan storage and much more.

“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.

Located in the spectacular Macedon Ranges, GemLife Woodend boasts a unique protected woodlands habitat for rare Black Gum trees.

“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,” she said.

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

For more information visit GemLife Woodend’s link or call 1800 931 188.