Keen to move to the retirement stage of their lives, Donna and Dennis Callcott spent more than two years inspecting land lease communities across NSW and Queensland.
“We really did our homework. We looked at more than 20 communities, up and down the coast, often staying in motels nearby after we’d done the inspection,” Donna said.
“In the end, we choose to move here. It’s our little piece of paradise.”
“Here” is the 20 hectare Mudgee Spring Lifestyle Estate by Lincoln Place, located in NSW’s central-west region.
Donna and Dennis moved into the community in December last year, after purchasing a two-bedroom home with a study.
They are now enjoying every aspect of their new home.
“We are lucky to be able to wake up each morning, and see the beautiful scenery from our back patio and living room window,” Donna said.
“We’re also really enjoying the friendly and growing community here at Mudgee Spring, and also within the Mudgee township.”
“And if we need to get back to Sydney to see family or friends, it’s only a three hour drive.”
FIND OUT MORE: Lincoln Place’s Mudgee Spring Lifestyle Estate
Why Donna and Dennis moved in
After working for 40 years as a truck driver, Dennis was not surprisingly sick of the Sydney traffic and ready to retire. “When I first started driving trucks, it was only busy during peak hour. Now it’s peak hour in Sydney every waking hour of the day,” Dennis said.
So the couple felt the time was right to move from their north-western Sydney home and into an over 50s community.
Donna and Dennis outside their home in Mudgee Spring
The couple were drawn to Mudgee Spring, where they admired the well-built and insulated homes with level access.
“We saw so many land lease homes that are pre-fabricated and placed on piers, and therefore have front stairs,” Donna said.
“The homes here at Mudgee Spring are professionally built on-site, directly on the slab, and have step-free access.
“This is the sort of thing we may need as we get older.
“In addition, because the home is so well-insulated, we’ve only had to turn the air conditioning on for a few hours each day to deal with the winter chill.”
“We also liked the fact that there was plenty of green in this community, with residents having their own front and rear lawn space. Some other communities just seemed to have a lot of concrete and asphalt.”
Homes at Mudgee Spring have level access
Donna and Dennis also warmed to the fact Mudgee Spring was a gated community, and therefore provided additional security when they wanted to travel.
The community’s handy location close to town, and its great views and communal facilities, were other important factors.
Mudgee Spring already has a bowling green, pickleball court and outdoor dining pavilion for residents and guests.
Mudgee Spring has a popular pickleball court
As the community grows over the coming years (it will eventually have 206 homes) Mudgee Spring will also feature a clubhouse, outdoor heated pool, gym, community garden, theatrette, games room and other premium amenities.
Artist’s impression of future clubhouse at Mudgee Spring
Mudgee Spring is located only minutes from the Mudgee’s town centre, district hospital, golf club, bowling club and tennis club.
Donna and Dennis say they have enjoyed meeting other new residents in the community, and getting to know the Mudgee town folk.
“The people here are lovely,” Donna said. “Although we’ve only been living here for a relatively short time, we’ve already had a few events together and catch-ups on a street or doorstep.”
“Everyone is very welcoming. If you are going to go on a walk around the community, be prepared to have a chat.
“We’ve also found the people at the markets and restaurants in town have been great, and very welcoming to new residents.”
Mudgee Spring is located close to the Mudgee township
About the land lease model
Donna and Dennis have been able to take advantage of Lincoln Place’s unique land lease model of homeownership.
Under this model, residents can purchase a high-quality home secured by a long-term lease but without the cost of the land factored into the price.
This means the home is typically less expensive than other nearby suburban homes, and also doesn’t attract stamp duty, body corporate fees, council rates or deferred management fees.
When it comes time to sell, owners retain all proceeds from the sale including 100% of any capital gain.
A range of two and three-bedroom new homes are available at Mudgee Spring, including homes with recreational vehicle garages and studies.
These homes typically feature a spacious open plan design, with a contemporary kitchen containing modern energy efficient appliances.
The homes also have generous indoor and outdoor living areas, which are perfect for entertaining.
Bedrooms typically have built-in or walk-in robes, while garages usually have space for two cars and backyards are fully fenced.
Homes start at $530,000, and are selling fast.
FIND OUT MORE: Homes at Mudgee Spring
Current outdoor pavilion at Mudgee Spring
Artist’s impression of future swimming pool at Mudgee Spring
About Lincoln Place
Lincoln Place is a trusted national developer and operator of lifestyle estates designed specifically for the over 50s market.
Its homes are architecturally designed within a master planned neighbourhood setting, providing lifestyle facilities and spaces that prioritise connection, independence and financial security.
More than 3,000 people live in Lincoln Place Lifestyle Estates, with a national portfolio of more than 20 communities in urban and regional growth centres along Australia’s east coast.
Find out more at www.lincolnplace.com.au
This content has been prepared by Downsizing.com.au on behalf of Lincoln Place
