Meet The Residents – Rosemary and Paul
Where did you move from? Originally, we were from Torbay/Waiake Beach and moved to a new townhouse on Millwater Parkway. It was a very happy 8 years, but in the last year we began looking for a new development and when “The Botanic” show room first opened, the luxury lifestyle village really appealed to us.
What do you love most about The Botanic? The great design, the lovely garden setting, and the fantastic feeling of ‘belonging’ within a community of like-minded new friends.
What are you enjoying about retired life? The lack of stress, and we feel so relaxed because our time is our own to enjoy. That said, strolling around the village takes forever because of all the impromptu conversations we now have with our new friends, neighbours, and acquaintances.
What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before? We had no idea just how busy we would become! There’s no time to be bored!
How do you live a life filled with purpose? We have always been active, but now we have the time to make great use of our electric bikes, golf, beach walking and also the pool, gym, and the bowling green.
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast? The close proximity to one of our daughters and our four-year-old granddaughter, and taking part in all their activities including Sunday morning “Nippers” with Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. It’s great having Orewa on our doorstep and the Silverdale Central Mall.
How would you describe the community at The Botanic? Amazing! Our community is full of like-minded, intelligent people who all have interesting lives to learn about, and great stories to tell.
How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life? Through Christmas and New year, we went away for five weeks and never once worried about our villa or our gardens. The two of us travel a lot so the ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle is a real bonus. It makes retirement stress-free.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café? Paul loves the The Clubhouse Cafe “Big Breakfast” – even if it is not Breakfast time! And Rosemary loves cooking and creating meals at home, but she’s a fan of the year-round Clubhouse Soup offerings which are creative, and constantly changing with the seasons.
What is a great quote (or advice) you live by? Do it – now!
