The Cambridge retirement village opens at Epping
Baby boomers are embracing downsizing without downgrading as they settle into a $200m 28-storey tower in Sydney’s northwest. Attractions include a pool, gym and their own Gold Class-style cinema.
Baby boomers Vince and Cathryn Hantos’ lives “revolve around Epping”, so when they decided to trade in their large abode of 50 years for an apartment, they opted to move just a kilometre away in the same suburb.
Almost two weeks ago they started unpacking boxes into their new three-bedroom unit on the 25th floor of the 28-storey tower The Cambridge, which claims to be the tallest retirement living village in the country, and the third tallest in the world behind Chicago and Toronto.
Levande Retirement Living operates the 158-unit complex while Opal aged care operates a 132-bed facility at the site in the centre of the suburb.
Apartments at the $200m retirement village range from $790,000 to $2.4m, in a complex that features a swimming pool, Gold Class-style cinema, gym, beauty salon and private dining room for those aged over 65.
“We started looking at townhouses and none of the ones in our area had lifts, and at our age it’s not practical to live in multi-storeys,’’ Mrs Hantos, 78, said.
Her husband said they contemplated moving from their house with a swimming pool and garden for five years, and made a decision to relocate six months ago.
“Basically our lives revolve around the Epping area because Cathryn’s in the CWA and I’m in the Men’s Shed,’’ Mr Hantos, 79, said. “It’s the perfect location.’’
The Metro, rail line and shops are a stone’s throw from their new dwelling, which has two balconies for the greenthumbs, and is close to the Eastwood Country Women’s Association, where Mrs Hantos is a volunteer at the tea shop.
“We’re both active ... and all our activities radiate between 10 and 15 mintues from Epping,’’ she said.
The couple signed up to the Probus Club at the complex where they find it easy to make new friends.
“Everyone’s just so friendly because we’re in the same situation, we’ve all left our homes of long standing,’’ Mrs Hantos said.
“It‘s extraordinary how friendly people are. You’re instantly their friend.’’
Levande Retirement Living chief executive Kevin McCoy said homeowners sought spacious homes because “one- and two-bedders don’t cut it anymore”.
By the time construction reached level 17, all 13 three-bedroom units were sold off the plan so it forced a reconfigurement, and there are now 41 units with three bedrooms.
Mr McCoy said while some residents have moved from the UK to be closer to their expat adult children, most newcomers at The Cambridge previously lived within a 5km radius of Epping.
“People want to stay in the areas where they’ve lived for the last 30 years because their relationships are there ... their grandchildren are there,’’ he said.
“They’re not interested in moving out to a greenfield site on the outskirts of town.
“I think the biggest drawcard is the transport location – you can walk to the Metro. I’ve met some of the residents who kind of never went into Sydney but now they go every second weekend because it’s so easy.’’
There is also a craft room, potting shed and church hall run with the neighbouring Our Lady Help of Christians parish.
“This is actually about being part of a community, safety, making friends, the next chapter of your life,’’ Mr McCoy said.
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Originally published as The Cambridge retirement village opens at Epping
