Nowadays there are more lifestyle village options than ever. For those retiring today, many of these options weren’t available to their parents. Among the options is choosing between a brand new village or an established one. The benefits of a new village seem obvious, but what about established villages? Established villages can offer some distinct advantages over brand-new villages. We’ll look at these advantages in this article.
The Beauty of Mature Grounds
Spring has sprung, and residents at Fairview Lifestyle Village are enjoying the blooms, bulbs, and birdsong nestled in the abundance of lush gardens.
In this established village, residents enjoy the vibrant tapestry of colour and life, which invigorates both body and soul. The tranquil environment also fosters closer relationships among neighbours, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful grounds together.
But it’s not just the beauty of established natural surroundings, it’s also the feeling of spaciousness a traditional village offers.
“The gardens are beautiful, and we can easily walk around the village”
“Every day lately, I wake up to the sound of birds, which is such a lovely change. In our previous house, which was in a new development, there were no trees, so we hardly heard any birds. It’s truly wonderful to be surrounded by nature here.”
Spacious Living for Enhanced Comfort
A spacious village life gives you a feeling of openness and facilitates ease of movement. Recent comments from retirees looking at retirement villages reveal that some can feel quite claustrophobic.
High-rise buildings loom over the grounds, casting shadows and creating an overbearing atmosphere that can feel intimidating. Corridors that are too narrow only add to the feeling of constriction.
On the other hand, those looking for a homely atmosphere mention the importance of spacious surroundings, wide corridors, high ceilings and large dining areas. While gardens and established trees provide a sense of comfort and timeliness.
Designed for enjoyment – not for high-density
The owners of Fairview Lifestyle Village designed their village around residents’ needs. Here, instead of trying to fit as many dwellings into the village as possible, they carefully considered how their decisions would affect the lives of our residents. Safety, comfort, and accessibility were their design considerations.
Of course, modern homes and high-quality facilities were a given, but this also meant caring about all the details that add up to make a big difference to the overall feel of the community. Wider streets, considered property placement, and beautiful green spaces and gardens were all included to create a comfortable environment that would feel spacious and promote a sense of well-being and connection.
We also wanted to ensure that communal areas were added to facilitate community gatherings and provide relaxing spaces where all residents felt at home. Our village has numerous recreation, entertainment and dining spaces, all providing opportunities for socialising in a country club-style setting.
Stylish modernism or traditional comfort?
Choosing a retirement village is not like choosing a hotel – you’re choosing a home. You won’t be staying there just a few nights or weeks, so think about how you’ll feel living there for a long time.
There are ultra-modern homes and traditional homes. A traditional look can give you a feeling of homeliness. It can provide you with the comfort you need to settle in. An ultra-modern home is exciting to start with, but over time it will invariably lose its sparkle, so how will you feel living there then?
“I love the character of my home. It feels more homey and comfortable with its wood detailing and traditional look.”
Would your family enjoy visiting you here?
When considering where to live, think about how your family might feel visiting you there. For example, some villages are very family-friendly. Grandchildren have overnight visits with residents and are able to use the pool within certain hours. Large open spaces and established trees create a park-like atmosphere, making them a wonderful place to visit. While spacious open-plan living areas and decks make them ideal for entertaining family and friends.
The unseen attributes in choosing a retirement village matter too
The decision to move to a retirement village involves more than just evaluating its physical attributes. The unseen aspects, like community spirit and understanding, contribute significantly to residents’ well-being.
With decades of shared living and learning, we understand what it takes to support our residents. Unlike newer villages that are still finding their identity, our well-established culture of care leads to a rewarding and enriching environment.
A strong culture of care and community
When Fairview Lifestyle Village was first thought of all those years ago, owners Scott and Dave didn’t want to create just any retirement village – they set out to create a community based on care. That focus on care has informed the decisions that have built Fairview to what it is today and continues to guide us moving forward as we strive to ensure we’re providing a caring environment for our residents.
It’s always the people who make any community what it is, and we’re so happy that the people who call this place home are committed to supporting each other and making this such a great place to call home.
We hear many amazing stories of neighbours looking out for each other. This is truly a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels valued. As one resident put it.
“There is a lot of care here – a lot of caring people. If someone gets sick, everyone cares and drops things off to people.”
To make a place feel like home, it takes more than amenities – it takes heart, and that comes from the people who live and work here. A thriving community fosters a culture of kindness, compassion, and understanding.
Our residents look out for each other. Whether it’s lending a helping hand or providing a listening ear, the beauty in supporting one another creates an unparalleled sense of belonging.
Among our team members, you will find some of the most caring and kind people you have ever met. Since residents are like family to them, every interaction is genuine and heartfelt. Many of our staff members have worked at our villages since they first opened their doors, so they know what it takes to make residents feel at home.
Parting thoughts
When considering a retirement village, it’s a very important decision. So be sure to evaluate your choice on how you would feel living there for a very long time. It’s not like choosing a hotel – you’re choosing a home. Established villages can have those homely aspects that newer villages are missing like established grounds, spaciousness and an established community of care.
A modern facility doesn’t necessarily equate to a homely one. When the initial excitement of a new village wears off, ask yourself this question: how will living there feel?
Choosing a retirement village involves many factors; space, established grounds, and unseen attributes are just as important as its newness.
We believe that the culture of a village is what truly makes it feel like home. Our villages have that special something that draws people in. So many of our residents said they immediately knew this was the right village for them. There’s an energy pull, an inexplicable vibe that just feels right. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’re in a place where you truly belong.
