After living in a large suburban house for some 50 years, Pam and Bob Thomson were growing tired of home maintenance chores and looking forward to a change in scenery.
in the Bernborough Ascot lobby
“We were in a big suburban house, which takes a bit of looking after,” Bob said.
When searching for a new home, the couple discovered a new retirement living project located alongside Doomben racecourse, 8km north-east of the Brisbane CBD.
It didn’t take long for them to decide to move into a new two-bedroom apartment.
“With the races just being right next door, we can very easily go there and it’s a good chance to dress up,” said Pam.
For Bob, it means he can enjoy a maintenance-free ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle, including not having to worry about mowing the lawn.
“There’s now a lot more free time available, including to play golf,” he said.
“The standard of the premises is such that there are very few things to do in the unit, which means we can spend more time enjoying the amenities, such as the theatre, games room and library, or riding around the river.
And it means we can watch the horses go around.”
About Bernborough Ascot
Pam and Bob have moved into Bernborough Ascot, a new retirement village being developed and operated by Lendlease, Australia’s leading provider of seniors living communities.
Bernborough Ascot has a unique location - it’s on a 2.3 hectare site directly alongside the home straight corner of Brisbane’s premiere racecourse, Doomben.
The project’s first stage, a seven-storey building containing 69 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, and communal facilities, opened in late 2020. A limited number of apartments are still available in this building, known as Fig Tree House.
Apartments have a range of stunning views, including over the wide open spaces of the racecourse, city skyline and mountains.
Resident facilities available in Fig Tree House include a clubhouse (with café, bar and BBQ), library, arts studio and theatre.
The full-sized cafe enjoys uninterrupted views of the racecourse and offers everything you could need, from fresh salads to sweet treats and freshly brewed barista coffee.
There’s also a village bus with scheduled drop-offs and pick-ups, a communal herb garden and organised health and wellbeing and social activities.
Eventually, the project will include 300 apartments across multiple stages, with even more resident facilities planned for these stages.
An open day, including food, drinks and entertainment, is being held on 9 October so people can learn more about Bernborough Ascot. Friends and family are welcome. To RSVP, please click here or call 1800 550 550.
Apartments designed for hassle-free and stylish living
Designed by award-winning architects Marchese Partners, all Bernborough Ascot’s apartments are light-filled, contemporary spaces that maximise style and minimise maintenance.
Positioned to maximise cooling breezes and cross-flow ventilation, the apartments feature Italian-made kitchens with Miele appliances and stone benchtops, double glazed doors and windows and ducted air conditioning and ceiling fans.
Importantly, the apartments also feature a range of features to help residents age-in-place, including wide doorways and hallways, bathrooms and balconies free of trip hazards and easily accessible power points.
There’s also a 24-hour emergency call system on-hand and large storage cage accompanying each basement car park.
The entire project is expected to be the most sustainable project of its type in Australia, after securing the retirement living sector’s first 6 Star Green Star Communities rating.
On-site solar panels supply the community with energy, while rainwater tanks and other water sensitive design features reduce potable water consumption.
The site has excellent access to public transport, with Doomben train station just a seven minute walk away, while a Brisbane City Council bus stop is within two minutes’ walk. Shopping, dining/leisure and medical services are all close-by.
Residents already enjoying the race course lifestyle
Bernborough Ascot’s residents are already beginning to enjoy the racecourse lifestyle.
Just like the Thomsons, Jo Wilson and husband Bluey moved in after tiring of home maintenance.
“After touring Bernborough Ascot with the village concierge, my husband and I fell in love with the spectacular city views, the proximity to the Doomben racetrack and the beautiful mountain vistas,” Jo said.
Jo puts her skills as a massage therapist to work a few days a week at Brisbane Racing Club, working closely with the jockeys.
For resident Joan Rodgers, moving to Bernborough Ascot felt like coming home. Joan and her family previously trained and raced horses at Doomben.
“I know this area very well, and love this area and the horses, and I think it is a good place for me to retire,” she said.
“I just love the concept of living on a race track.
“It’s always been a passion for us, we trained, bred and raced horses, and it (this project) is something new and I think it is going to be a real winner.”
Meanwhile, Ethel and Keith - who recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary at Bernborough Ascot - are enjoying the project’s central location and public transport ease.
“The location of Bernborough Ascot is great,” Ethel said. “The other day I wanted to take my grandchild, Eve, into the city, and it was just so easy.”
“We hopped on the bus and were there in minutes.”
Find out more
Inquire now about living at Bernborough Ascot, by visiting retireinascot.com or calling 1800 550 550. Two and three bedroom apartments are currently available, starting from $655,000.
This content has been prepared by Downsizing.com.au for Lendlease
