Downsizers Develop Flourishing Friendships at Glenfern

Ros and June are two of the “early settlers” at Hometown Australia’s Glenfern community, designed for over 50s near Port Macquarie. Both moved to Glenfern in 2023 – Ros solo and June with her husband Rob. They are enjoying their growing friendships in this welcoming tight-knit community on the Mid-North Coast of NSW and are eager to embrace the experiences their new home offers.

After her husband passed away in 2021, Ros gradually decided that moving was the right step for her. She realised it wasn’t realistic to keep spending time and money maintaining her large home and garden. During a drive around the area with her son, Glenfern caught her attention, and after a bit of further research it ticked all the boxes as her new place to call home. “I’d contemplated what I’d like to do if I was on my own, and always believed community living would be the right place for me,” she says. “While I hadn’t priced retirement living before, the affordability here was a real bonus. I thought I’d be lucky just to find a new home, but everything fell into place and was all perfect.” Once she decided to move, Ros didn’t waste time putting her house on the market. She began decluttering, a process she describes as “tiring but rewarding”, selling or donating her furniture and possessions, and settling on the essentials she needed. After buying a few extras to suit her new lifestyle, it was time to say goodbye to her old home and start building a new life at Glenfern. “I moved out of my old place and into this one in a day,” she laughs.

For others, it’s a longer and more involved process. June admits that downsizing can be tough. “While we’d moved a few times and were used to it, lots of people have a strong attachment to their family home,” she says. “And the packing-up process is draining as well. Emotionally, it’s so important for people to be prepared, and be kind to themselves.” Originally from North-West NSW, June and her husband Rob had been living in Port Macquarie for over a decade. “The property was just getting a little bit too much for us. We saw some publicity about the Glenfern community and took a drive out here which started it all for us,” she explains.

The couple looked at a few homes at Glenfern, but the one they initially chose wasn’t quite right for the timing of their move. Then Sue, Glenfern’s Sales Manager, rang them about another home that became available, and it proved to be perfect. “We were sold on it!” June says. Having lived near the beach in Port Macquarie for over a decade June is a keen swimmer and watersports enthusiast, and she still swims regularly – in Glenfern’s pool and at the beach. Set slightly inland at Thrumster, the security of the community and serenity of the neighbouring bushland reserve creates a peaceful oasis, with Port Macquarie and its beautiful beaches only a 10 minute drive away. June also mentions how special it is to be surrounded by unspoiled nature in this “koala belt” region of NSW. “The opportunities to hike around the trails and tracks are important for keeping fit and healthy at this age,” she adds.

June’s husband Rob requires ongoing medical treatment and the couple is grateful for the top-notch medical facilities in Port Macquarie. “The hospital here is terrific and the clinic Rob goes to is comparable to the ones you’d find in any of your biggest centres. It means we don’t have to travel, unlike a lot of people who live in regions or smaller towns,” she says.

Ros and June quickly became great friends. “June lives two doors up from me and even while I was moving in, I knew I was going to like her. “We clicked and it was so nice to find a kindred spirit,” Ros says. June and Ros are both on the social committee, where they’ve joined forces with other residents to organise regular get-togethers, activities, and special events. A recent Mother’s Day function was hugely successful, attracting near-perfect attendance with residents coming together in the clubhouse for a fun-filled high tea.

Glenfern has a wide assortment of ages in its resident community making it easy to meet likeminded people of a similar age demographic. “We’ve got under-60s right through to those in their eighties, who don’t seem at all like they’re 80-year-olds, actually! I’d say between 65 and 75 would be the average”, says Ros. She also adds that there’s a combination of singles and couples, with some still working in interesting and fulfilling jobs like marine rescue and medical transportation. “When I first moved in, many of the amenities were still in development, so watching everything come together has been amazing. The clubhouse, in particular, has turned out fabulous,” Ros adds.

There are opportunities to mix and mingle daily, with activities to suit both male and female residents. Residents can enjoy coffee or drinks at the stylish clubhouse, with views over the 25m pool and bowling green. There’s also a pickleball court, sports bar, cinema, and gym. June shares that “rollups” on the bowling green set alongside the clubhouse are proving popular, with more experienced bowlers generously sharing their know-how. “There’s a weekly bowling group and a few residents here are talented bowlers. They’re offering their expertise coaching some of the others that want to improve their skills, which is really great,” June says.

Further afield, Port Macquarie offers so much more in the way of hiking, golf, fishing, and a host of watersports. For those that prefer gentle exercise or are less mobile, short walks, or a friendly game of pool, table tennis or darts are always on offer in the clubhouse. Being a pet-friendly community means a lot for the residents with canine and cat companions. After Ros’s elderly dog passed away, she appreciated being able to help care for some of her neighbours’ pets. “We have a great community spirit I’d have to say, with lots of friendships forming. It’s a perfect balance, if you just want your own space, you can close the door and people are mindful of that. It’s a given that if somebody’s front door is open, you can yell out or say hello. If not, you let people rest and enjoy their space,” June says.

Overall, June believes the Glenfern community gives people in her age range a real sense of security and safety. “It’s about the future and knowing that if, at one point, you’re on your own you have the peace of mind that there’s a community that will give you support.”

At Glenfern, residents enjoy a premium lifestyle without the hefty price tag, along with the comfort and security of owning their home while leasing the land. This financial benefit frees up funds, enabling them to enjoy more of life’s pleasures, such as travelling – something which Ros plans to do more of this year with a family celebration interstate mid-year and a cruise in November.

Describing her new home, Ros says, “I love everything about it. The kitchen, dining and lounge room are all combined, which is great. The alfresco area opens right off the dining room, which is the perfect spot for catching the sun. It’s just amazing.” June wholeheartedly agrees and mentions that Rob, a former builder, and her son, who has worked in carpentry, were “blown away” by the build quality of the homes.

Land lease living offers numerous additional advantages – not only do you have the many benefits of living in a maintained community but you retain capital gains tax on selling and don’t pay stamp duty, council rates or exit fees.

Along with single-storey residences, Glenfern is now offering a limited number of generous two-level open-plan homes, which are architecturally designed to maximise space and prioritise accessibility. The lower level opens into a spacious alfresco entertaining area, while the upper-level main suite features a private balcony, ensuite and walk-in robe. The two-level homes feature lifts so that residents can access the upper level easily at every stage of life.

Discover your dream home today at Glenfern! Visit the website here or contact Sales Manager, Sue Shepherdson, (02) 7255 2900 or GlenfernSales@hometownaustralia.com.au.

This article has been written in partnership with Downsizing.com.au.