Lynda and Geoff Duvall owned a lovely sprawling family home over three levels with a huge garden in the Sutherland Shire. A couple of years ago, Lynda realised it was time for a change.
As an active couple in their early 70s who recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, Lynda and Geoff maintain a busy lifestyle. They enjoy a range of interests, including travel and serving as executive members of Probus Club, and Geoff remains involved in his career, marking for the Higher School Certificate.
When the time came to downsize, Lynda and Geoff considered the benefits of a village. They wanted a beautiful new home to suit their needs with lovely amenities, a top-quality apartment with a city view, and all the ease of knowing that their lives would become free from home maintenance, leaving them time to travel.
That’s why they made a forward-thinking decision to move into Bupa Sutherland Retirement Village.
“A lot of friends were looking at downsizing, and so were we. I’m an avid gardener, but I knew that in the years to come our family home would be too much for us, with too many stairs. Geoff and I discussed a move – we knew exactly what we wanted. Then we got a letter from Bupa about the new village. We wanted a three-bedroom home so we could have a home office, and we needed two car spaces. We thought it was best to move while we have so many years ahead of us to enjoy a new lifestyle. It’s like travelling – you should do it while you’re able to do it.”
Quality design made it easier to downsize
Lynda and Geoff sold their home when the gardens were at their loveliest and chose a beautiful, spacious apartment in Bupa Sutherland. They knew they’d enjoy the facilities and the new community of friends. “You know the people are going to be like-minded, and you won’t have the young ones around you with their own type of socialising. The people here are our age, and we’ll be able to make new friends and mingle. We’re looking forward to that!”
With previous experience in interior design, Lynda appreciates all the fine details and finishes at Bupa Sutherland. “The finishes are just lovely, and the designers and architects have thought of everything – from the quality of the fittings to the spacious, open plan. Even the front doors to the units are beautiful. We love the balconies, and I’ve brought my garden with me! I potted from our original garden for 12 months, and I’ve got the most beautiful slipper orchids.”
Lynda and Geoff also value using the third bedroom in their new home as a study. “We spend so much time on the computer, and we wanted an office space where we could both work uninterrupted.”
“We also love the aspect of our apartment, and the storage is wonderful. Bupa has thought of everything.”
“I’m keeping ten chairs for family events, like Christmas, and we’ll be delighted to have the grandchildren with us for sleepovers. I’ve organised our furniture to maximise the space, and we measured everything. The large, open plan makes such a difference, and made it easier to downsize.”
Bupa has partnered with the Duvalls every step of the way
Both Lynda and Geoff value the integrity and care of the Bupa team. They were given all the information they needed to make a decision to purchase, without any sales pressure. Every question was answered as they chose their new home, and Lynda’s experience working with architects and understanding interior design meant that she knew exactly what she wanted.
“Nothing has been any trouble for the Bupa team. Velvet and Kristie, the sales team, have been wonderful. They have tried their hearts out to come back with all the answers I needed. The quality of the village is excellent, the finishes are lovely and I’m ecstatic with our new home. Aaron is the village manager and I hope he never leaves. They’re all coming up to our new home for cheese and biscuits in the New Year.”
The future looks bright
Moving to the village in their early 70s while still young and active was a lifestyle choice for Lynda and Geoff.
Though they could have purchased an apartment in a standard all-ages building with city views, Bupa offered a truly luxurious home that included useful amenities – like a café, a cinema room, a hair salon and workshop – plus easy transition to aged care if they need it the future.
Lynda and Geoff are looking forward to a long and healthy future at Bupa Sutherland. “Of course, your family home feels like everything, next to your children. You question yourself making a move like this. You’re saying goodbye to an old way of life and saying hello to something new. It’s a big decision, but we know we’ve done the right thing. I believe that you can enjoy and embrace a new life at any age. It’s up to you to choose to be happy.”
“People have asked us if we think we’re too young, in our early 70s, to be here. But we’ll have a wonderful time enjoying all the facilities, travelling again when restrictions are lifted, locking up our front door and never worrying about a thing. We’re young and active and ready to enjoy this new phase of our lives together!”
