Stockland has welcomed foundation homeowners to its first over 50s boutique community in Victoria in the sought-after suburb of Berwick, south-east of Melbourne.
The five homeowners were transported by stretch Hummer into the gates of Halcyon Berwick where they were met by community staff and a brass band.
The lucky homeowners were driven to their doorstep and welcomed into their new homes to the sounds of the local Arcadia Civic Band who played a number of upbeat and festive tunes.
Inside was a gift of a beautiful picnic hamper, complete with lunch and refreshments.
One of the community’s first homeowners, Merren Bailey, said they were on such a high after being welcomed into the community.
“Driving in the gates in the stretch Hummer, we felt like rock stars with all the cameras clicking away,” she said.
“I’ll never forget it as it made the move feel so special. It was such a buzz.”
Merren had been looking “on and off for a few years” for her next chapter and came across Halcyon Berwick.
“It felt very comfortable and all of the staff have been wonderful,” she said.
“I’ve always wanted to live in a gated community and ever since I was a little girl I’ve wanted a brand new home, so it’s all fallen into place.”
Glenys and Ray Parker have made the move to Halcyon Berwick from their large family home of 47 years and are settling in well.
“We’ve come into a brand new home which still has a few touches of our old home, but we’re finding the size very manageable,” Glenys said.
She said they were looking forward to getting involved in community life.
“Ray is looking forward to playing bowls, pickleball and the pool,” she said.
“I’m a big reader so I’m interested in the library, getting involved in crafts and also the social aspect.”
Glenys said the COVID lockdowns had showed them that life in the suburbs can lonely.
“We would go for a walk and we’d be lucky to se anybody, whereas here there will always be someone to chat to.”
The final foundation homeowners who made the big move are Jen and Martin Rees with their black Labrador Jessie, who was also given a special welcome.
Jen said the welcome was “fantastic” and that they were delighted to be able to move in.
“We were just expecting the community bus to pick us up but when the stretch Hummer arrived with champagne we were blown away,” she said.
The couple had made the decision to move from their family home of 30 years which was on an acreage block, to be able to enjoy an easier lifestyle and a better quality of life.
Jen has Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) which sometimes hinders her movement, so to be on a smaller, flat block with less maintenance as well as situated within a social community was the drawcard.
“Even in the short time we’ve been here, our social life has improved with Happy Hour and Movie Night it’s been great,” she said.
“I really feel a sense of freedom here that I haven’t felt for a very long time.”
Halcyon Berwick Project Director Nicky Guirguis said there had been a lot of anticipation in the build up to this event.
“Our homeowners and homebuyers are very excited about the start of a new journey for them, especially coming off the back of the COVID pandemic when many people have felt really isolated,” she said.
“They are looking for a sense of kinship and to live within a supportive community of friends; it is more than just a home.”
BOUTIQUE BERWICK
Located 48 kilometres south-east of Melbourne CBD and close to the Princes Freeway, Halcyon Berwick is set within a beautiful natural reserve, lakes and green open spaces in the Stockland masterplanned community of Minta, with safe access to kilometres of walking pathways.
There is a range of architecturally designed, low-maintenance homes to choose from which are all generously sized, thoughtfully appointed and built to flow seamlessly.
Each home also comes with a 6 Star Energy Rating, passive solar design considerations, and the option to upgrade to solar.
The hub of the community will be the Clubhouse, where homeowners can enjoy facilities such as a cinema, indoor heated swimming pool, billiard room, lounge and dining room, outdoor alfresco and BBQ areas, pizza oven, spa and gym, yoga retreat, community garden, arts and crafts centre, bowling green, pickleball and croquet court, a workshop, kitchen and bar, and even a dedicated dog wash.
To visit the display homes at Halcyon Berwick, please call 1800 727 170 or visit https://stockland.com.au/residential/vic/minta/over-50s-living
