Ron and Shaila’s Sea-Change
Ron and Shaila Harper made the move to Ocean Club Resort just over 6 months ago and in that short time they have discovered that it is the best decision they could have ever made
When they first started thinking about their retirement, they knew a sea-change was on the cards. They shopped around but they couldn’t quite find anything that really jumped out at them; until they visited the mid-north coast.
“When we visited we thought the weather was amazing – so consistent no wonder the CSIRO say it’s the best. Then we found Ocean Club Resort and thought ‘this is going to be quite expensive, possibly going to be out of our league’, but we found the house prices so reasonable,” said Ron.
Originally from the Southern Highlands in a home they built themselves, the couple were ready to embrace resort-style living.
“The gardens were starting to become a bit of a chore and it was very cold in the winter, so we thought we would come up here where the weather is warmer and the property is smaller and easier to look after,” said Ron.
“It’s hard when you first come to a place, you don’t know really what it’s going to be like – but I must admit we’ve been quite happy with the way things have turned out. Not only the place but also the people that we’ve met.”
“I think they’re all a bit laid back because they’ve given away work – everyone is in a pretty good mood most of the time!” said Shaila.
The couple not only found things they were looking for, like a yard for gardening, but lots of pleasant extras that come with the high-end finishes in their new home.
“I’m so proud to have this home – I just love every part of it. The alfresco area – that’s really great! We have entertained 3 or 4 times already with new friends that we have met since arriving here”, said Shaila.
And when Shaila isn’t entertaining, she and Ron get involved with the numerous onsite activities that are available to all of the residents.
“I’ve just started mah-jong – a card game played with cards and figurines. And yesterday I went to line dancing; I’m new to both but I think I’m going to enjoy them. Also, I’m thinking of taking up golf”, said Shaila.
Shaila even admits, “it’s hard to keep up with my reading and cooking I’m so busy!”
Ron loves the gym, bowls and checking out the library, when he isn’t painting at home, although he admits he finds that they get out a lot more than they used to because there seems to always be something on: “You can do as much as you like or as little as you like – it’s pretty good.”
“It’s certainly not a retirement home it’s a lifestyle village and I think it’s a great way to be retired and active – it’s a beautifully presented place, so you love living here, and it’s a good way of life to be able to make friends so easily,” Ron says.
“All in all I think we’ve hit the button with this one!”
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