Making a “Change” for the Better!

So you’ve worked hard, built a successful career, gained experience and achieved your dreams. You’re at a crossroads where you’re ready to make a major lifestyle change. The words Seachange and Treechange conjure up exciting possibilities, but where do you begin?

Perhaps asking yourself some questions will make your reasons for wanting a change clearer, showing you where you want to be, why you want to be there and what you want from your new lifestyle. Consider Marian Grove Over 55’s New Release apartments, part of Marian Grove Retirement Village on the beautiful Coffs Coast, as a case study.

Where would you like to be?

Leaving the city behind for a sea or tree change doesn’t mean you have to miss out on things you enjoy. In fact, sometimes it means those things are closer and easier to access! Marian Grove’s New Release Apartments are just a few minutes from some of the region’s most stunning beaches. You can spend your days exploring, or wining and dining locally without having to go too far from home.  In addition, for the golf enthusiasts, not one, but three courses, Bonville, Sawtell and Coffs Harbour are located within ten minutes’ drive from the village.

You don’t even have to make a choice between the trees and the sea. At Marian Grove, you’re surrounded by valleys and hinterland to the west, including the scenic Bellingen Valley, the Promised Land and Dorrigo National Park, yet just five minutes to the east is the gorgeous main street of Sawtell, offering a range of boutique stores, charming cafes, the iconic Sawtell Cinema and those beautiful beaches.

There’s a major shopping centre within 5 minutes’ drive, as well as the larger regional hub of Coffs Harbour only 15 minutes away.  Access to doctors, services, Coffs Harbour Health Campus (hospital), Sawtell and Coffs Harbor train Stations and Coffs Harbour Regional Airport are all within 10 minutes by car.

Marian Grove Lifestyle Village is part of not-for-profit organisation, Sawtell Catholic Care, with a history that has grown and evolved over twenty five years, and a great reputation for providing quality retirement living in an inclusive community of Christian care. Set within 27 acres of landscaped, award winning gardens surrounded by a bushland sanctuary, with an on-site Chapel, café and recreation center, as well as a highly regarded co-located aged care service on the grounds, we have an enviable retirement community lifestyle.

Why do you want to move and what kind of lifestyle are you looking for?

Research shows that social connection to community, family and friends results in longer, happier, healthier lives. Apart from the attractions of the location, our residents love their rich and connected social life. Living in Marian Grove means the company of like-minded neighbours, who will always give you a smile and a ‘hello’ as you pass by. 

For the traveller, there’s the security of being able to lock up your apartment and leave, safe in the knowledge that you have neighbours close by who know you and care about your welfare.

If you’re looking at downsizing and reducing maintenance on your home to free up your time, here’s what you’ll find in the New Release.

Designed by local architects Casa Koala, the apartments are unparalleled in comfort and functionality. This includes open plan living with all the latest modern conveniences at your fingertips.

There are 51 stunning apartments in the complex, consisting of modern, contemporary 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options. Apart from the one bedroom spaces, the majority have two bathrooms- one main bathroom and an ensuite. They offer quality fixtures and fittings throughout, including reverse cycle ducted air conditioning and ceiling fans, LED downlights, solar hot water system (with a gas boost), Bosch appliances (cooktop, oven, rangehood and dishwasher) as well as stone benchtops and glass splashbacks. There is the choice of two neutral colour schemes; “Coastal” or “Hinterland”. Full height sliding glass doors lead either to your large patio style balcony or courtyard.

With lift access to the apartments, secure underground parking and CCTV security throughout the building and grounds, it’s no wonder residents comment on how safe they feel living in Marian Grove Lifestyle Village.

There’s a rooftop terrace with BBQ and several serene spots around the extensively landscaped grounds and courtyards. A second BBQ area downstairs will allow you to make the most of the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of the Coffs Coast and a dedicated gym space with the latest equipment will keep you fit to enjoy it!

Finance is an important consideration in your research. Every retirement village has a financial model which complies with State Government legislation. At Marian Grove the financial model is by way of a Loan Licence agreement which means you pay a departure fee when you leave this village.

Prices average approximately $590,000, with full price lists available upon enquiry. The first residents have just moved in, so there’s still time to make sure you get first choice and don’t miss out on these beautiful apartments!

Finally, word of mouth is a great way to find out what it’s actually like to live somewhere like Marian Grove Retirement Village.

We asked one of our very first Marian Grove New Release residents to share her feelings about moving into her new home. Peggy searched for almost two years before she found the New Release. “I think being on my own, after a couple of falls and having two acres to look after made me think about things” she said. “I wanted a place where I didn’t have to worry about maintenance, or mowing the lawns, somewhere I could just shut up the place and go. When I saw this I thought; that’s exactly what I want. It’s close to everything, the airport, the hospital, the beach. That was the best thing about it, that’s why I decided to come and have a look.”

Peggy says she is independent and likes to do things her own way. “Your kids have their own lives but here I’m close enough to them to walk and see them, walk to watch them play soccer and just come back and be comfortable in my own home, or have them over to visit me.”

So what about that move? “I had all the help I needed to get organized” she said. “It was marvellous customer service.”

Now that she’s settled, Peggy has no regrets. “l’ll be honest, I did have a moment where I thought- have I done the right thing“ she said. “I mean, coming from two acres, with a house with a wood fire and all the animals and the space, it does make you wonder. But then I remember the first night I was here, I really fell in love with it. I kept finding more and more cupboards to put things away in, it was like Christmas! My sister came to visit and she couldn’t believe it. “It’s just so homely,” she kept saying, “look at the bathroom and the kitchen, I can see why you felt the way you do.” It’s like a brand new start for me.”

Peggy looks forward to the time when COVID restrictions ease and she can travel again “I wanted somewhere I could lock up and leave” she says, but for now she’s got plenty to keep her busy. “Oh I love it. Apart from being close to the shops and the beach I can just stay here in Marian Grove and still have so much to do. There’s the gym downstairs if you want to use that, and all the walks! I can walk down to the Grove Café and meet a friend and the Wetland bushwalk which I haven’t done yet but I plan to soon. Everything I need is here!”

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