Retirees Michael and Kathie Vogel sold their home interstate and travelled 1,800km north in search of an idyllic lifestyle at Aveo’s Mountain View Retirement Village in Murwillumbah.
The couple moved from their acreage property, 40km outside Ballarat in regional Victoria, to far north NSW, attracted by a treechange, warmer climate, proximity to medical facilities and the support that comes from living in a friendly community.
“The potential for my health to decline is high so we made a decision to move somewhere that could provide more support particularly for Kathie,’’ Michael said. “One day my doctor asked me a pointed question: ‘What are you going to do when the time comes and you can no longer drive?’
“That’s when I realised how isolated we were on our property in Victoria without a support network. Mountain View became our solution.
“Kathie’s high school friend Maureen already lived at Mountain View and had been encouraging us for a long time to make the move too.
“As luck would have it a three-bedroom unit became available and we sold our property in three weeks. We headed north, with our two cats, in June 2024.’’
The couple are enjoying an active social life surrounded by their friendly new neighbours, and Michael’s health has improved.
“Now we have a genuine community on our doorstep,’’ he said. “I’m more of a people person but since moving here Kathie is definitely becoming one too.’’
A keen guitarist and vocalist, Michael joined forces with fellow resident and drummer Jan, to form a band, The Village Boys.
“I’ve sung and played the guitar since I was eight and have played semi-professionally. Jan and I play anything from ballads to rock’n’roll and perform regularly at dance nights held in the hall at the village.’’
Set on 11 hectares in the Tweed Valley, Mountain View is a vibrant community surrounded by spectacular views and lush rainforests. Residents enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle with time for leisurely strolls through the established gardens. Close to cafes, public transport, beaches and the town centre, residents are spoilt for choice.
Facilities include a pool, bowling green, restaurant, community centre, salon, library, community bus and resident-led convenience store.
“Life at Mountain View has exceeded all our expectations and we live without home maintenance in a beautifully appointed unit,’’ Michael said. “We couldn’t have picked a more perfect place, our only regret is not making the move sooner.’’
Residents have the flexibility and choice to pay for additional services such as meals and housekeeping to help support them to live independently for longer.
To learn more about Mountain View Retirement Village, click the link below.
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