Comfortable living at Bellarine Springs

I MOVED into Bellarine Springs last September and I’m really enjoying my new life and making new friends in this tight-knit community.

Since my husband died 20 years ago, I have lived a very active and independent life on my own. Until recently I was living in a two-bedroom apartment in Port Melbourne but then I had a fall and broke my femur bone. Living in the apartment became difficult as there were stairs from the garage and I couldn’t manage it if I was carrying my shopping.

I talked with my daughters, Natalie and Paige, about moving into a retirement village and finding somewhere with easier access. My daughter Natalie lives in Ocean Grove so it made sense to look in the Bellarine Peninsula area to be close to her.

We looked at quite a few villages in the area and eventually we chose Bellarine Springs. My main reason for choosing to live here is the quality and design of the homes. They are well built and designed, I like the use of brick, and the quality of the kitchen appliances is excellent. I also like that the houses are not too close together, mostly they are separated by the garages.

Being brand new, my home is low maintenance, everything is sparkling new and easy to look after. As I had already downsized some years ago when I moved into the Port Melbourne apartment, it wasn’t too difficult moving into Bellarine Springs. My home here is bigger than the apartment, but I was still surprised how well all my furniture and things fitted in.

I have a nice westerly-facing backyard and I am planting some petunias and want to put in some more natives for flowers and colour.

I’m quite a social person and I enjoy that you can always go to the community centre and find friends there to talk to, there’s also lots of activities on if you want to take part. I’ve joined a Tuesday night social group and we often go out for a meal and a chat. I also do the aqua aerobics twice a week, it is a really good way to exercise.

While it’s been great making new friends in the village, I still stay in touch with my friends and family in Melbourne and often catch the ferry over the bay to see them. I love the ferry, it’s such a lovely day trip and an enjoyable way to visit Melbourne.

Bellarine Springs is located at 101 Central Road, Drysdale. To find out more, phone Fiona Olin on 1300 756 204 or head to bellarinesprings.com.au

WITH LINDA DAVEY

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