Thinking of downsizing and retiring? Nest Residential
Who wants to end up in a retirement village? “Not me, that’s for sure,” says Simon Fenwick, of Nest Residential Homes.
I know, I know, easy to say when you are middle-aged like me, and not facing decreased mobility and increased care.
Easy to say when you can still mow lawns and get out and see friends. Sure, the retirement villages look amazing and have plenty of enticing activities to get you in the gold trimmed doors, however I find the whole idea of paying a hefty portion of my life savings towards living with the cast of Waiting for Godot a little too depressing.”
At this point, Simon admits he has not seen and doesn’t really know what Waiting for Godot is about, yet in his mind the comparison is correct. What is the alternative? he asks. His answer: “Health and wellbeing focus while living on Lakeside Drive, Pegasus.”
“What? I am not going out there, it’s too windy too far and frankly just too damn new. Well, actually,” he says, “with the Northern Corridor completed a few years ago, coupled with the Woodend Bypass being fast-tracked, Pegasus is not too far and will end up being less than 30 minutes to the city centre.
“It is not that new anymore. It was initially conceived in 1997 and the first residents moved in in 2008, and is now home to over 5000 people. As Ravenswood grows with shops,
a supermarket and 1100 homes of its own, the Woodend-Pegasus-Ravenswood area is rapidly becoming the next satellite town to Christchurch.
“Well you still don’t like it you say. No, you haven’t been out there in a few years. What do I say to that? Everybody should visit it. There’s a large network of walking trails linking into the Pegasus Coastal Trail and a truly spectacular unspoilt beach. Everybody seems to own a friendly dog that they walk often, not to mention the playgrounds, cafés, restaurants, and one of Canterbury’s top rated golf courses.
“It’s still windy and you just can’t fix that can you? No, you can’t, although you can design for it,” Simon explains. “How about a beautiful lakeside house where you can see the sunrise from the master bedroom? How about two living areas, one for the morning looking over the lake, and one for the afternoon opening out to a sheltered deck looking towards the alps? Should I mention the double garage, low maintenance garden and second bedroom and ensuite?
“If you’re keen to see such a place, visit our new show home (pictured on this page) at 21C Lakeside Drive, Pegasus.
Open Homes Thursdays and Sundays,
Times listed on TradeMe
Contact Lance Farrant, Bayleys
027 228 2846
