The adventure of it...

I’ve lived in this community for years in a number of dfferent houses, and actually downsized into what’s still a big house back in 2000. I’m 89, not as agile as I was and feeling the strains of age, and things I wouldn’t have thought twice about are a real pain and stress. And I try to avoid stress at all times. But I love living in this area and have no intention of leaving – it's my home.

When I heard Birchgrove were building right here, I thought, “That’s it.” I don't need riverside views; I just need to live locally. I considered retirement villages where you buy, but the more I thought about renting, the more I liked the idea. It really started to make sense, especially after seeing the mess my daughter-in-law was left to deal with after her father passed away. It was massive – and I don’t want that for my boys, so I wanted to put plans in place.

I really wanted a two-bedroom apartment, as a close friend and I spend alternate weekends with each other. I’ve also two sons and grandchildren who live far away so having a spare room means they can stay when they visit. That’s the adventure of it all... the more I thought about renting, the more I liked the idea. It really started to make sense.

Moving here won’t disrupt my life; I’ll keep up with my ‘Move it or Lose it’ class and enjoy a meal with friends. I’ll play bridge and go to my writing group – in fact I’d love to start a bridge, leisure writing or reading group when I move in – if people are open to it. The incredible communal spaces – club room, bar and multi-purpose room – will be perfect for those type of social activities. It’s about simplifying life while keeping what matters most.

Downsizing isn’t just about space; it’s about simplifying life while keeping what matters most.

So, I’m preparing for the move, taking my time, deciding what to keep and what to let go. And it’s been exciting. Reserving off-plan early allows me to be involved from the start, choose what I thought best for this next phase of my life.

So I’ve chosen carefully what I thought was best for me. You know where the sun is – to have gin and tonic in the evening rather than morning coffee.