Whatever happened to Costerfield House?

EIGHTEEN months after Costerfield House was officially opened, many residents are asking what happened to the transportable villa.

Heathcote Dementia Alliance president Sandra Slatter explained that there have been many positive developments since the official opening.

“Where is Costerfield House? Mystery solved – it is now located at Reflections at Eppalock where it proudly stands amongst gardens in an idyllic setting,” she said.

“Costerfield House was the brainchild of Heathcote Dementia Alliance (now trading as Dementia Alliance) following the demise of the proposed dementia village during COVID.

“Dementia Alliance (DA) and Advance Heathcote spent several years working on getting a dementia village up and going.

“When they saw opportunities were declining, they decided to come up with an alternative solution – Costerfield House, a care villa purposely designed and constructed for people with dementia.

“The shell was constructed in Mildura, transported to Heathcote and situated at the back of Heathcote Health.

“Dementia Alliance leased a small parcel of Heathcote Health land and began designing and developing the fit-out.

“The design received the highest environmental score given by Dementia Australia.”

Costerfield House was officially opened in 2023. The Dementia Alliance offered the care villa to Heathcote Health but the offer was declined.

“At this time, constructing care villas was not a DA core business so a sister company was created to commercialise Care Villas Australia,” Ms Slatter said.

“The 1.5-bedroom fit-for-purpose care villa was further refined and Care Villas have commenced marketing.

“These care villas will be available for people to purchase and position on their properties for their loved ones.

“There is also an opportunity for holiday parks to consider having them.”

Costerfield House has won several national and international awards, including a prestigious win at the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards, taking home the Property and Design Award for the groundbreaking Smart Care Villa.

“It was also a finalist in the 2024 SilverEco Solution – Ageing Well Award as the Most Outstanding Creator of Fit-for-Purpose Affordable Dementia Housing in the World at the 2024 Global Awards,” Ms Slatter said.

“In mid 2024, Dementia Alliance started looking for an appropriate site to relocate Costerfield House as their lease was coming to an end.

“Fortunately, a Dementia Alliance board member offered DA a long-term lease for 10 acres on her property located at Eppalock and the rest is history.

“In October 2024, Costerfield House was located to its new home, confirming that it could indeed be relocated. Further additions were added including a decking and ramp.

“Stage 1 Open Day was held in March when more than 60 visitors attended.”

Costerfield House at Reflections at Eppalock will provide short-term stays for people with dementia and their carers.

Anyone wanting to visit Reflections at Eppalock and see Costerfield House can email hello@dementiaalliance.au or visit dementiaalliance.au .