Julie and Phil Greenwood may have recently retired but they have no intention of retiring from their busy social calendar.
The Canberra-based couple love walking and keeping fit, going to the theatre, eating out, singing in a choir and volunteering for local groups.
In fact, the Greenwoods probably have a more active social life now compared to when they were both working (Julie as teacher and community worker and Phil in the Air Force and not-for-profit sector).
However, Julie and Phil are certain about one thing - they don’t want to continue to spend their days maintaining a four bedroom home and garden which no longer suits their needs.
There are lots of things I would rather be doing, than cleaning the pool, trimming trees, mowing the lawn, scooping up leaves and worrying about painting and other ongoing maintenance,” Mr Greenwood said.
So, come December this year, the Greenwoods will be moving into the second stage of the Greenway Views Seniors’ Living community at Tuggeranong in Canberra.
About Greenway Views
The award-winning Greenway Views site sprawls across 3.7 hectares and will eventually contain 317 premium apartments.
Following the sale and completion of 200 first stage apartments in May 2020, Greenway Views’ operator LDK has commenced marketing 117 apartments across two buildings in the project’s second and final stage.
Apartments range in size from studios to three bedrooms, with some also having study areas.
LDK has just released a series of artist’s impressions to illustrate what’s on offer in this Stage Two construction which is currently underway.
These impressions show the modern fittings and stylish design of the proposed new 80 person restaurant, bar and cafe space, which will look out over a picturesque duck pond and stream.
They also give a glimpse into the apartments’ design, including the focus on spacious open plan living, maximising sunlight and views and understated yet sophisticated finishes.
All apartments have been designed to capture views of the village’s lush natural surrounds, including the beautiful Brindabella mountain range or Greenway Views’ very own babbling brook.
At the same time, LDK has released a promotional video (available below), which outlines the proposed target market for the apartments - active retirees such as the Greenwoods.
“Good food - it’s a bit like dancing - you should get into it,” says one of the video’s actors. “I mean if you’re not winking at a roo while overlooking the Brindabellas, then what are you doing with your life really?,” says another.
“We will keep doing the things we do now”
Even though their apartment won’t be completed until the end of 2021, Julie and Phil Greenwood are already looking forward to the many facilities and activities at Greenway Views.
This includes more than 80 social activities every month, including art club meetings, walking groups, midweek movies and happy hours.
It also includes the fitness centre, Village Veteran’s Shed, a bar with a baby grand piano and snooker table, a cafe and theatre and much more.
“Our life will continue with all the things we do now, just where we are living will change,” Mrs Greenwood said. “We are not restricting our current lifestyle.”
“We both drive, we like going places at night and seeing our friends, along with voluntary work - all these things will continue.
With both our sons having left home, we are also looking forward to having more people around us at Greenway Views and making new friends.”
Mrs Greenwood also doesn’t technically regard her move as a “downsizing”, given that the couple rarely enter a number of the now redundant rooms in their current house.
“We currently simply shut off all the unused rooms, and live in one part of the house. This area is similar to the space in our new apartment,” she said.
One of the big differences though with our new apartment will be the views, which we are looking forward to. Because our apartment is at the end of one of the buildings, we will have views on both sides, including to the Brindabellas.”
For the Greenwoods, another important feature of Greenway Views is that it will be their ‘forever home’ - a place where they can receive care, when they need it, either in their apartment or in a central care hub at the site (known as the Aspire by LDK).
This is part of LDK’s ‘One Move Promise® which means that - unlike residents of many other retirement villages - Greenway Views residents don’t have to leave to get the care they need.
The Greenwoods also draw a sense of comfort from the fact that, as they are staying in Canberra, they will also be able to access high-quality public health services.
Make the move to Greenway Views
Apartments in Stage Two are attracting interest from both Australian Capital Territory and NSW residents. Already 50 per cent have been contracted for sale.
Studio apartments start from $595,000 and three bedroom plus apartments from $1.2m.
This apartment price is fully refundable on departure, with a separate membership fee payable for ongoing services.
