Inside the new Port Macquarie lifestyle community made for tree change over 50s who want to keep active

The clubhouse will be located near a sports bar, where residents can use BBQs and enjoy some drinks and a meal with friends.

“The clubhouse and sports bar will be a sophisticated farmhouse feel with a modern twist, with raked recycled hardwood timber ceilings, bush-style stones lining feature walls and cane and timber furniture,” Mr Dearden said.

“This design reflects the fact that Glenfern adjoins and looks out over a piece of sensitive bushland, which is also a protected koala corridor.

“In addition, we’re using recycled hardwood timber posts in a pleasant, shaded colonnade around the clubhouse, which adds to this overall style.”

Importantly, the individual components of Glenfern’s communal facilities are located alongside each other, which will make them connected and lively spaces.

“We’ve noticed that, in some other retirement communities, the main community centre is disconnected as it doesn’t interact with anything around it,” Mr Dearden said. “We want to avoid that at Glenfern and create a space that is the heart of the community.”

“Here you’ll be in the gym with views of the pool, or you’ll be in the sports bar where you can see and talk to people playing bowls or using the pickleball court.

“So, it feels like the community is coming together and there is plenty of activity going on.”

This sense of activity goes to the heart of Glenfern’s appeal as a home for over 50s who are keen to get out and about and enjoy life and nature.

The project will include Hometown Australia’s first 25m pool (with two lanes) allowing residents to keep an active lifestyle by doing laps. Alongside this will be an indoor gym and wellness centre, and a heated and covered spa.

For those who prefer to stay dry while keeping active, Glenfern will also have a pickleball court. Played with a wooden paddle on a 6m wide by 13m long court, the game of pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.

It’s a hugely popular sport in over 50s communities, both in Australia and overseas.

A competition length artificial grass bowling green completes the outdoor activities.

When it’s time to stay indoors, residents can enjoy a movie night in the boutique cinema, perfect for a night in with a small group of friends, family or the grandkids. The cinema features comfortable armchairs and surround sound. The community will also feature boat and caravan parking and a men’s shed.

Glenfern’s homes are being built across three stages, with homes featuring a double garage, two bedrooms, ensuite and walk-in robe, multi-purpose room, and covered alfresco area. Prices start at $595,000, with three internal and external colour schemes to choose from.

The homes will be sold under Hometown Australia’s innovative land lease model, where residents own their dwellings and then secure a long-term lease on the land on which it stands.

This model has significant benefits, including allowing residents to avoid paying stamp duty or council rates, while also having the potential for eligible homeowners to claim Commonwealth Rental Assistance.

Glenfern’s homes are selling fast - find out more about the community and lodge an inquiry for more information