Golf courses are increasingly suiting Australia's downsizers to a tee, by providing the land for new retirement housing projects with scenic fairway views and within pitching distance of the clubhouse.
There has been a surge in new golf course retirement living developments across Australia.
These projects allow retirees to easily enjoy the great outdoors, while at the same live in a relaxed setting close to the bars, restaurants, entertainment and other communal facilities in the course clubhouse.
Given the increased activity, Downsizing.com.au has taken a swing at preparing the ultimate guide to the best new golf course retirement and downsizing developments across Australia.
Ninth Middle Ridge Toowoomba (Queensland)
On 28 May, Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio turned the soil to signify the start of construction of this 85-dwelling project, by Aura Holdings.
Ninth Middle Ridge will provide a range of two, three and four-bedroom retirement village apartments, on a site within Toowoomba Golf Club. Prices range from $575,000-$1.17 million.
The project is expected to be ready to occupy by September 2021.
Residents will have an opportunity to become full club members or social members to access clubhouse facilities, including restaurants and cafes.
Aura Holdings director Tim Russell said the Ninth Middle Ridge project, and the Somerset Indooroopilly project below, would offer retirees very special lifestyles within two of Queensland’s most prestigious golf courses.
“When your working life is done and there’s more time to hone your game, imagine the appeal of a superbly-appointed home where you can head right out onto the beautiful green fairways,’’ Mr Russell said.’
Mr Russell said the villages would also appeal to non-golfers seeking a peaceful and secure lifestyle with stunning views that could never be built out.
But where do I park the buggy? At Ninth Middle Ridge, golf buggy storage sheds have been constructed as part of the project’s early site works.
Verge at Burleigh G.C (Miami, Gold Coast)
The Verge at Burleigh G.C. project is located on Burleigh Golf Club on the Gold Coast.
This RetireAustralia project will include 145 one, two and three-bedroom retirement village independent living apartments, with approximately half overlooking the course, along with 32 state-of-the-art care apartments.
Around 40 of the independent living apartments are anticipated for completion in early 2021.
These apartments feature open-plan living, age-friendly design features and a spacious balcony or terrace making the most of lush, expansive green views.
Independent living apartments are priced from $530,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with study, $740,000 for a two bedroom, two-bathroom apartment and $865,000 for three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment.
“A collaboration between RetireAustralia and Burleigh Golf Club, The Verge at Burleigh G.C. is the first of its kind on the Gold Coast and represents a new dimension in active living,” said RetireAustralia CEO Dr Brett Robinson.
“Planned down to the last detail to provide the perfect lifestyle for older Australians, it has been specially designed to allow retirees to live life to the full and discover a new sense of health and well-being in one of Australia’s most sought-after locations.
“Along with all the benefits of its golf course location and the beautiful surroundings, The Verge will feature an outstanding range of exclusive resort-style facilities with everything residents need right at their doorstep.”
The clubhouse facilities – including a restaurant, bar and deck overlooking the course - are within easy strolling distance and will complement The Verge’s wide range of recreational spaces and opportunities for social interaction.
But where do I park the buggy? A range of golf buggies will be stationed directly at The Verge for the exclusive use of residents, subject to availability.
Somerset Indooroopilly (Queensland)
This is a second golf course project by Aura Holdings, in the western suburbs of Brisbane. It is located on land occupied by Indooroopilly Golf Club.
It will provide 168 two or three-bedroom apartments and luxurious four-bedroom penthouses set across four low-rise buildings across two stages of development. In the first stage, 81 apartments/penthouses will be built.
Prices range between $680,000 to just over $2.5 million.
As with the Toowoomba project, residents will have an opportunity to become full club members or social members to access facilities.
But where do I park the buggy? At Somerset Indooroopilly, there will be space for 30 buggies and storage for clubs in the basement carpark.
Flagstaff Hill (South Australia)
This retirement village project by Living Choice is located at Flagstaff Hill Golf Club, in Adelaide’s southern suburbs.
The project is being developed in two stages. Stage one comprises 42 villas and the first six homes are currently under construction, while stage two includes 123 apartments and a magnificent new clubhouse with numerous facilities.
The villas are located on the former practice range and the apartments will be located above the new clubhouse and on the golf course.
At present, villa prices range from $559,900 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa to $699,900 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom villa. The first residents are due to move in, in July 2020.
Luxury apartments will also be available, priced from $399,900 for a one-bedroom apartment to $1,229,900 for an ultra-luxurious four-bedroom penthouse with glorious fairway views.
Reduced ingoing contributions are available through Living Choice’s “assured lease” option, which allows incoming residents to defer a portion of the cost of their home to when they leave.
Incoming residents will be able to access special golf club membership deals, along with access to all facilities in the clubhouse.
There will be a modest pre-paid food and beverage levy per person per month, to ensure the ongoing viability of the restaurant and cafe.
Living Choice’s Group General Manager, Jason Sack, said Living Choice Flagstaff Hill would be South Australia’s first fully integrated golf course retirement village.
“We want Living Choice Flagstaff Hill to become a sought-after hub in the local community and we’re excited to be on our way,” Mr Sack said.
“Many golf clubs are struggling to attract members and to prosper, they need to have a ’point of difference’.
“Even if the village residents don’t all play golf, they will no doubt support the restaurant and café and so will their friends and families. It’s a win-win for both the village residents and the club. Being surrounded by so much green space is also a huge attraction.”
But where do I park the buggy? The villas have extra large garages to accommodate both a car and a golf buggy. The apartments will have undercover parking for both cars and golf buggies.
Eden Gardens Estate (New South Wales)
Eden Gardens Estate is a new over 55s lifestyle project containing 114 land lease community homes and 16 freehold house and land packages, on the NSW Far South Coast.
The project is located on part of the Eden Golf and Country Club, which has an 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course.
Residents will have full use of their own private community facilities which include a lounge, business centre, outdoor entertaining area and BBQ facilities.
Residents will also have the opportunity to utilise the club’s facilities including the golf course, bowling greens and wider facilities managed by Eden Fishermen’s Club.
The project will be completed in six stages, with stage one (24 homes) to commence later this year and be completed mid 2021.
“Eden Gardens Estate has been designed to take full advantage of the golf course’s natural beauty and provide residents with a spacious community setting where living, socialising and entertainment are all part of the community offer”, said Steve Bowmaker, a spokesperson for project developer Lincoln Place.
“Eden is the ideal location for a land lease community with a beautiful historic township, stunning scenery and modern facilities all in the local government area.
“It offers local residents an opportunity to remain in the area and enjoy their retirement years and for many out of area retirees the opportunity to enjoy lifestyle benefits of a fabulous township in a naturally beautiful setting.”
But where do I park the buggy? The majority of homes within Eden Gardens Estate are designed to accommodate golf buggy parking
La Dimora Retirement Resort (Victoria)
The La Dimora Retirement Resort is a retirement village located alongside the Hidden Valley Golf Course at Hidden Valley Resort, at Wallan, 45km north of the Melbourne CBD.
A total of 25 villas has been built, with the first residents occupying their homes in November 2019. Construction on another 21 villas is due to start in coming months. The resort has the capacity to expand to 500 homes over the next decade.
Prices start from $450,000 for two-bedroom villas and $540,000 for three-bedroom villas.
For a monthly fee, residents get full access to the golf course and its associated facilities.
Describing the resort as the “perfect setting”, Roger Kwok, Managing Director of Arcadia Group said he saw his company’s role as to “make sure each resident can enjoy that just-retired joy every time they walk out their door.”
But where do I park the buggy? Garages in each villa are built with suitable space for your own golf cart.