Having lived in Camden, 60km and an hour’s drive to the closest beach, it was always a dream for Andrew and Roz Ernsteins to retire to the coast. Andrew, 66, is a big fan of water sports and loves to go boating, kayaking, fishing and surfing – so it was a no-brainer to move closer to the water when the time was right.
During their online searches for a stand-alone house to buy on the South Coast of New South Wales, they came across an advertisement for an open day at Coastal Waters. Intrigued to see what an over 55s retirement village had to offer, they both took a day off work and spent the weekend at Jervis Bay.
“We didn’t intend to do anything – we were just curious,” says 67-year-old Roz.
Coastal Waters is situated just a few minutes’ walk to the water and a short drive to the spectacular white-sandy beaches around Jervis Bay, Hyams Beach and Booderee National Park.
“We looked at a few villas, some pre-loved, some new, but we were drawn to this one villa. We came back to it four times that day,” says Roz. “The next day we put a holding deposit on it.”
Resort-style living
Having always holidayed on the South Coast, the Ernsteins loved the Jervis Bay area. And they just couldn’t go past what Coastal Waters had to offer – a village in a safe and supportive environment with natural settings, resort-style amenities and easy access to shops, services, attractions and activities.
What the couple particularly liked about the Coastal Waters set-up was the social aspect. If they were to buy a house, as newcomers to the area they envisaged going weeks without seeing or talking to anyone. “So, if something happened to one of us, it could be a very lonely life,” says Andrew.
But Coastal Waters has so many activities on offer, there is plenty for residents to do. Boasting an indoor swimming pool, a bowling green, croquet lawn, snooker room, indoor bowling alley and a club house, activities onsite include aqua aerobics, tai chi, yoga, painting, choir, yachting and joining a walking group. “It’s very social,” says Andrew.
What Roz and Andrew also love about the activities is that you’re not locked in to one activity week after week. You can pick and choose what you want to do and change every week if you so desire.
“I do craft two days a week while Andrew plays 500,” says Roz. “Everyone is so friendly and so lovely. And the staff are so willing to help.”
So, earlier this year, with their townhouse sold, the Ernsteins resigned from work and moved to Coastal Waters.
A home to be proud of
The Ernsteins bought a brand-new, two-bedroom villa with two bathrooms, plus a media room which is big enough to double as a bedroom when the family come to visit.
The villa has an open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area with an alfresco area that overlooks the village’s gardens.
Roz loves having a designated room for the TV. And they both love the fact that their villa backs onto trees and shrubs, which provides them with their much-desired privacy.
And, of course, they adore the location of Coastal Waters – it’s not far from the sea, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of holidaymakers. But best of all, they feel like they wake up in paradise every day. “It’s just so peaceful and quiet here,” says Roz.
With no more mowing lawns and having to maintain an old house, they really can live the life they’ve always wanted. They have their independence and a great social life. If they want to potter around in their own garden, they are free to do so. If not, the staff will look after it. And they can put their own stamp on their villa.
“We’ve bought a few plants and are putting some pavers down and adding a water feature, so it’ll be a nice outdoor area,” says Roz.
So, would they recommend Coastal Waters to other retirees? “If you like the water, just go for it,” says Andrew. “It’s absolutely marvellous. The lifestyle is so relaxed. We’ve never had any second thoughts. We highly recommend it.”
“It really is the best move we’ve ever made,” adds Roz.
Find out more
Coastal Waters is an independent retirement living village with resort-style facilities exclusively for over 55s. Two- and three-bedroom homes are available and ready to move into now. Book your private tour today and find out more about Lendlease’s coastal living designs and pricing options.
Call 1800 550 550 or visit www.retirementbylendlease.com.au/coastal-waters/
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Coastal Waters.
