Life at Waterbrook

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Wondering what it is really like to live at a Waterbrook?

We asked past Waterbrook Greenwich Resident Rosalind Beavis or “Buzz” as she prefers to be known, about her experience.

For seven years, Buzz was a Resident of Waterbrook Greenwich, before relocating to the Southern Highlands three years ago to be closer to family.
“Resident drinks on Friday evening was a wonderful way to meet neighbours, and because it was weekly it was a great way to stay in touch with the community” says Buzz, who regularly returns to visit her friends at Greenwich.

“My other favourite things included art classes, the weekly discussion group, exercise and aqua aerobics classes, the book and film clubs and the monthly health matter talks. I also enjoyed the travel talks, and even went on one of the trips, a cruise, with fellow Residents, an amazing opportunity that I would never have had otherwise.”

“The restaurant at Waterbrook was of a very high standard, delicious menus for lunch and dinner or a great place to catch up with Residents or family for a coffee.  There were also special celebration events, like Melbourne Cup lunch Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day, always beautifully themed by the staff,
I will always remember these occasions.”

When Buzz heard the news that Waterbrook had acquired a site in Bowral, she was overjoyed, and contacted Joanna and Liane to let them know that she would be a future Resident. “Amongst other things, I have missed the 24-hour Concierge, it was so wonderful to know there is someone there to call, especially at night. The maintenance team were incredible, if I had trouble with a window or hanging a picture, the team were always there, such a wonderful service, one I would appreciate now in my own home.”

If you have any questions about the 5 star service that Waterbrook is synonymous with, and which will be a very big part of living at our Bowral Lifestyle Resort, Buzz would be pleased to chat about her experience to any new Resident. Contact Lizzie if you would like to meet Buzz and have a chat.

It’s all in the detail

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It’s all in the detail

We have listened intently to our Residents over the past 20 years and we ensure our design teams are familiar with these conversations in order to create spaces that work for our Residents, now and into the future; perfect synergies between form and function.

Our residences are comfortable, elegant and spacious, ensuring Residents have plenty of space for family and friends when they come to visit. Practicality is an equal driver; ensuring ease of living by fully equipping each kitchen, bathroom and laundry for functionality.

A variety of floorplans are available offering a wide range of options to suit most needs. Secure lock-up garages, CCTV monitored systems and visitor parking provided.

Waterbrook believes luxury comes from functional spaces and intelligent design, rather than opulence and excess. This philosophy enables us to focus on delivering the sort of details that make life easier and more comfortable, spaces become places of inspiration and aspiration.

Our residences are calming and understated, yet warm and inviting. There is room for everything that is important to our Residents.

Retirement just got exciting!

Uncovering pathways

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Uncovering pathways

Every week, something new is bought to our attention at our Southern Highlands Waterbrook site. Whether it be the roof going on our display residence which is currently under construction, or the uncovering of something from a bygone era, there is never a dull moment!

Recently, our groundsman uncovered a leafy pathway meandering along the front of the buildings, originally used to get from the school down to the bottom flats and creek. Along the length of it runs a beautifully preserved drystone retaining wall built from rock which was extracted from the Mount Gibraltar quarries known as Bowral Trachyte. This is special because “The Gib”, as Mount Gibraltar is commonly called, is clearly visible from our Retirement Lifestyle Resort site.

Even though the quarries were located locally, the rock was mainly shipped to Sydney for use in buildings that are now listed on the State Heritage Register such as the QVB, the ANZAC Memorial, Martin Place and Challis House. The quarries are no longer operational (production ceased in 1986 after 100 years of constant extraction) and are listed as historically significant sites due to the contribution of Bowral Trachyte to the built history of New South Wales.

We feel very lucky to be able to give this amazing rock a new lease of life within our landscaping plan.  Here’s to more discoveries!

Unearthed Treasures

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Unearthed Treasures

Look what the Waterbrook Bowral Team found buried under the old tennis court….  Springett’s family Lemon Fizzy glass bottles, circa 1950!

The boys from the OLSH school obviously obtained the drinks and took them to their common hiding place near the courts and who would have thought, 70 years later, that the Waterbrook Team would find them intact with not a chip in sight – naughty boys!

The Springett Family were retail and wholesale, food and beverage pioneers in the Highlands. The Springett’s had established themselves in Bowral when they opened a general store in 1926.  Two decades later the Springett Family expanded this general store into a bakery and soft-drink plant. These buildings were the first to distribute soft drinks and sliced bread in the Highlands. The soft drink plant was the first in Australia to bottle the iconic fizzy drink Passiona.

In 1972 the Springett’s opened Springett’s Arcade in Bowral. Today the Springett family are still managing this historic building with 38 shops and offices in the heart of Bowral.

Looking forward to finding more treasures!

Retirement Bowral – Is it for you?

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Retirement Bowral – is it for you?

Whether it is retirement Bowral or elsewhere there are usually several questions that require some thought.

Firstly, deciding where you would like to live.  For most people it takes a special retirement living development to entice them from their current home.

Then there are questions, such as:

Do you want to stay in your local community or move closer to family or friends?

If you would like to move to a different community or to a quieter place like the country, do you research and perhaps plan an extended trip to enable you to explore all of the advantages and disadvantages of living in a new community and a different area.

Is your home maintenance getting a bit much for you or would you just prefer to spend more time on leisurely pursuits?

Retirement villages can offer you that freedom, with a large team of staff to take these responsibilities away.

Are you feeling as though you just want life to be easier?

Retirement communities offer easy connections to social activities and leisurely pursuits, most of these are on site and they may also offer transport locally.  Most retirement villages also help with care or medical support, coordination of these services is usually provided by the retirement village.  In short, your social life and enjoyment of life start to ramp up!

Do you feel that having someone to look out for you would be beneficial?

Retirement villages provide staff to oversee the running of the retirement village and to provide a helping hand when needed for residents.  Emergency call facilities provide peace of mind in case of a medical or security incident.

Will I still have my privacy?

Retirement villages provide choices for residents, you can be social at times or private, it is completely up to the individual.  Most communities are very respectful regarding each resident’s preferences.

Can I remain independent in a retirement village?

Absolutely! Retirement villages assist in ensuring you remain independent as long as possible, providing a number of services that you would not be easily attainable in your family home.  Social interaction also keeps you mentally active and is beneficial for your long-term wellbeing – some call it the village effect!

Will I save money by selling the family home and moving into a retirement village?

Usually the sale of the family home will provide more funds than (usually) smaller retirement village residence would cost.  The usual transaction is the funds from the sale of the family home will provide for the retirement village residence and additional funds for your lifestyle.

Please visit a retirement village that seems worth exploring and perhaps that will help you to  make the best move for your future.