Retirement village features waterfront bar and snooker lounge

Sisters Marilyn Blight and Lee Jones are looking forward to dining by the waterfront, booking a relaxing massage and taking walks around beautifully landscaped gardens.

The pair are not taking a holiday but among the new residents moving into the $400 million retirement community at Bella Vista developed by the Aveo Group.

The first stage, Waratah, comprises 64 independent living units and was officially opened last month at a special event featuring performer Rhonda Birchmore.

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The sisters purchased adjacent one-bedroom apartments and are looking forward to living near each other.

“What attracted me to come into Bella Vista was the difference — it was brand new and central to us both for family — it was a very easy decision for me to make,” Jones, who is relocating from rural NSW, says.

“I won’t have a big house to look after, I will have the security as I live on my own and no more lawns to mow.’’

Sisters Lee Jones and Marilyn Blight with Rhonda Birchmore at the opening of the Aveo development at Bella Vista.

Blight, who will be moving into her property with husband David, loves the location as it is close to where they lived in Winston Hills.

“It is so close even from where we were — we can still do everything in our surrounds, it’s just wonderful,” she says.

Most residents who live in retirement villages are 70 and over and in the next five years, this age group is projected to increase steadily.

Care is on hand for residents at the luxury development.

By building luxurious retirement communities in suburban or densely populated areas, the Aveo Group says it is appealing to older people who want to move but remain close to the original family home or relatives.

There have been more than 750 enquiries for the Bella Vista development from retirees in the Hills Shire, Blacktown and Hornsby regions.

Comparable to a five-star hotel, the project features a waterfront restaurant and a bar, snooker lounge, gym, function rooms and walking circuits.

The development also includes a waterfront restaurant.

There is 24-hour medical care, including GP and allied health services such as podiatry, massage, physiotherapy and clinical care. The site is also close to Norwest Private Hospital.

Aveo CEO Geoff Grady says retirement attitudes and needs are changing as people entering this stage of life want to maintain their lifestyle.

“Being part of the exciting Norwest precinct and incorporating beautiful gardens, a lake and retail space into the community’s design will play an instrumental role in bringing the local community together,” he said.

Apartments in the Waratah are priced from $495,000 and properties are still available. They feature timber or tiled flooring, airconditioning, large balconies and high ceilings.

This article from the Hills Shire Times originally appeared as “Care and comfort in luxury surrounds”.