A warm welcome

If Cathie and Rob were looking for confirmation that living at Yarra Rossa was the right decision, they didn’t have to wait long. On the very day they moved into the brand-new retirement village in Red Hill, a welcome pack from BaptistCare arrived, complete with tea, biscuits and two coffee cups. It was a small gesture that meant the world to Cathie and Rob.

“That was a lifesaver for us,” Cathie recalls. “I’m thinking, ‘Oh, no – we need tea; it’s in this pack!’. So that was really thoughtful. And the maintenance man came the day we moved in to make sure the washing machine was right, so we could use it straight away. Everyone here has been really helpful.”

Having moved from another retirement village that wasn’t right for them, Cathie and Rob thought they knew what to expect when they shifted to Yarra Rossa. But this time the transition was much more professional, they say. The sales team helped the couple transfer their money across from the other village, and recommended a moving company that made the process incredibly smooth.

As well as the friendliness of the Yarra Rossa team, the village had plenty of factors that appealed to Cathie and Rob. First, it’s located near their grandson’s boarding school, and secondly, it’s a place where their dog Charlie, a cavoodle, is welcome.

Plus, having lived in the country before moving to Canberra 17 years ago, the couple craved idyllic views – so the lush green vistas of Red Hill won their hearts right away.

“We wanted a view and we wanted some privacy – we didn’t want to have another apartment straight across from us,” Cathie says. “So we’re on the highest point of the hill, and we’ve got a lovely view out over Red Hill, with lots of lovely trees and the sky.”

Initially the couple considered a two-bedroom plus study unit, but chose a two-bedroom unit because of its gorgeous view. They’re surprised by how spacious their new home is – and knowing it’s brand new is a great feeling.

The couple can’t wait to see the Yarra Rossa community evolve. The village’s facilities, including the heated pool and bowling green, have already impressed them, while keen repairman Rob is looking forward to using the men’s shed. They’re confident that Yarra Rossa will continue to provide them with the retirement lifestyle they seek.

The café in the village is terrific, and that will get used more and more, says Rob. “With the underground carpark and the lifts going up and down, it’s all pretty well set up.”

“We love the area – it’s a lovely spot. And BaptistCare has been terrific. It’s worked out really well.”