Some years ago, we attended a man’s funeral and heard how his wise decision to embrace retirement village living early, had created a great life of friends and experiences and the ability to now leave his widow surrounded by a familiar community of supporting neighbours.
We decided then that we would do the same as soon as we were entitled. Ever since we’ve researched different styles of villages both in New Zealand and abroad, and talked to the residents about their experiences.
We were looking for a place where we could enjoy the village gems without compromising our active life connected to young family and friends. I wanted a trendy home with the features I’d dreamed of for years. Travelling, motor homing, cycling, happy hours, grandkids, family occasions and work projects were all part of the retirement life we planned.
Our search kept coming up short when every village we visited had too many compromises. In some there was a lack of privacy, others were in less desirable districts, some had too many rules and others felt too institutional.
And then we discovered Bethlehem Shores. For a while we were ready to relocate to Tauranga. But as passionate Hamiltonians, we didn’t want to leave our hood.
When we heard about Tamahere Country Club, a sister to Bethlehem Shores, it seemed our dreams had come true. The large, independent, designer houses located in the heart of the greater Tamahere village with its diverse community, a motor home park, adjacent bike trails, bar and café, and close to the road network for easy lock up and leave, ticked our boxes. Our decision was easy!
But to be honest it hasn’t always been met with approval. Our same-age friends with their paradigm of retirement villages wondered why such a young-minded couple would “go in”. We have enjoyed telling them about the luxury vibrant Tamahere Country Club lifestyle in significant modern homes, and watched them quickly turn from doubters to potential neighbours.
Our kids were both instantly excited for us. Our son said he loved us choosing a luxury active lifestyle upgrade, instead of growing old.
We’re professionals with a history of high demand corporate roles and businesses ownership. William was executive management at retail chains including PlaceMakers, Plumbing World, Levenes and Texas Home Care in the UK. Most recently he was a management consultant and has now retired to manage our rental portfolio and short stay properties. I’m a marketing and communications specialist predominantly in transformational change roles in the energy and higher education sectors. I’m now working part time as a freelance marketing consultant and writer.
We have worked in the Pacific Islands. It was great to have a positive impact on their local economy, and the individuals, and learn the culture. We remain committed to the growth, sustainability and success of the Pacific people.
We both love coaching and mentoring, particularly young people, and are often advising people in their business and personal lives. Cycling, walking in the bush, golf, beaches, motor homing and DIY spin our wheels. We are very passionate about conservation and are strong DOC supporters and Forest & Bird lovers. Most of all we love living life with our family who are split between Hamilton and Melbourne.
Buying our dream home at Tamahere was easy. The information, the team and their processes made it hurdle free. What particularly impressed us was their readiness to adapt for us. While we talked through the sale process with Sandy, the architect changed the house plan on our preferred section and redrew our driveway layout to meet our requirements. We asked for additional motorhome services and within days they had incorporated them.
We can’t wait to watch the village blossom and to move in next year… and to meet our new golfing and happy hour buddies.