My Move To Serene…
We love to hear how our residents came to choose Serene as their ‘forever home’. One of our newest residents, Marie Wilkinson, shares her beautiful story.
After the death of my beloved husband of 60 years, I lived alone in our home for 18 months. The house was positioned at the end of a street with a native koala corridor of big trees on one side and the tidal waters of Port Stephens fronting it – idyllic, if somewhat isolated. I had, of necessity, adjusted to aloneness, even though my family kept in touch often and visited whenever possible; a great many friends also helped!
My five adult married children and eleven grandchildren live in Sydney, Perth, (though regular visitors to Coolangatta), Melbourne, Newcastle and Tweed area. My home was in Lemon Tree Passage, about 50 kms north of Newcastle – so not very close to any of them.
I was still coping with the gardens, which were beautiful and well loved, the lawns were tended and mowed by a professional, but anything more than regular upkeep and maintenance of the house was testing my ability. I also feared wild storms with the threat of one of those big trees blowing on the house, or bush fires, which had burnt quite close in 2019. My social life only operated during daylight hours; driving home to a darkened house and garage at night worried me; even though I have many sensor lights installed!
During a holiday with my daughter in Fingal, both she and a visiting daughter, with love and concern for my security and peace-of-mind, arranged an inspection of a number of residential units in the Tweed area, with a view to my possible relocation there.
First on the list was Serene Living’s South Gold Coast retirement village.
We had been advised to pencil in at least an hour, to view the available units and to learn the details of what the investment involved. The Tweed Heads Retirement Living complex, in close proximity to shopping and medical facilities together with churches and clubs, consisted of a six storey building containing 77 established units. Linked by a common area to this, was a second smaller brand new wing of 9 units, which had only been officially opened that same week.
We spent much time going over (and over!) the units as well as the other facilities and activities offered. All our queries and questions were answered and explained by the Sales Manager, courteously, patiently and in fine detail. By the end of four hours, we were not just impressed but very happy, and so the idea of a move had blossomed into a commitment to purchase one of the brand new units. As a result, and with the affirmation of family members who were present, I ‘signed on the dotted line’.
Almost overawed by my decision, I wasn’t interested in any of the other units we saw that day! The ensuing couple of months were busy, but successful with all that was entailed – selling, packing, moving and legals.
I had hardly settled in to my new home when the restrictions of Covid and lock-down become established. Without security or maintenance concerns, I was very grateful to be here at Serene . I believe that all the “stars were aligned” on that day, when I decided to make the big move to Serene Living.
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Serene Retirement Living provides everything an active over 55 could possibly desire – see our retirement living features & amenities.
Serene Living is the leading over 55’s apartments in Tweed Heads. We welcome you to book an appointment to view our apartments or enquire now on (07) 5536 6820.
