Retirees Ken Crampton and Sharyn Taylor have discovered the perfect balance between home comforts and travel freedom at Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Rivers.
The couple continue to embrace their love of adventure, setting off on caravan trips from their lock-up and leave home base in a peaceful pocket of the northern NSW coast – a secure over-50s’ community by Lincoln Place, formerly known as Northern Rivers Lifestyle Estate.
“We can keep doing what we love, which is exploring Australia, while our home and garden are in safe hands,” Sharyn said.
Before they discovered their perfect lifestyle in Gulmarrad, 6km from the historic town of Maclean, the couple visited over-50’s communities along the Queensland coast around Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.
“Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Rivers has everything we want. It’s so peaceful with a beautiful outlook of trees and kangaroos hopping about. We enjoy breathtaking sunrises, are only 17 minutes from Brooms Head and 25 minutes from Yamba,’’ she said.
The couple say they have upsized instead of downsized, moving from two bedrooms to three.
“We have a big kitchen, huge pantry and media room, generous yard and a double carport with space for our caravan,’’ Ken said. “Having accommodation for the van was one of the attractions for coming here. Plus it’s a really lovely base to come home to.’’
The gated community provides them with peace of mind during their travels. “Before we moved here, we often worried about our home while away,’’ Sharyn said. “Now, with neighbours who look out for each other, it feels so secure. As soon as our neighbours hear we are going away, someone has already offered to water our garden.’’
The couple travel on average four months of the year, touring Australia in their caravan or setting sail on an occasional cruise. But when at home, they enjoy the community’s social life – from bowling or pickleball to casual gatherings with their new neighbours. “You can be as social as you wish,” Sharyn said. “I love the on-site pilates and yoga classes, which means I don’t need to get the car out.’’
The community is in its early stages of development with additional homes and a clubhouse under construction. A pool and gym will soon add to the current amenities.
Community Manager Rebecca Woodleigh said Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Rivers attracted like-minded people who valued flexibility and connection. “It’s perfect for travellers who love the freedom to lock-up and leave whenever adventure calls,” she said. “The homes are modern, spacious and low maintenance. It’s a place that feels like home whether you’re staying put or passing through between adventures.’’
Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Rivers operates under the land lease model, giving residents full ownership of their homes and any capital gains while leasing the land. There are no stamp duty costs, body corporate or exit fees, or council rates. A weekly site fee covers maintenance of the community and full access to lifestyle amenities.
New homes are available for immediate occupancy and are priced from $565,000.
Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Rivers is located at 85 Sheehans Lane, Gulmarrad. To book a private tour or for enquiries, call 1300 844 492 or visit lincolnplace.com.au
