Our Residents

Meet The Residents – Pauline and Ron

Where did you move from? 
Kensington Park, Orewa.

What do you love most about The Botanic?
The community here is so friendly and welcoming. In no time at all, we knew everyone and they knew us. We love walking through the gardens too sometimes we stroll through them 2-3 times a day.

What are you enjoying about retired life?
Doing what you want, when you want. We love the freedom and its reassuring to know that if we need anything done, like a lightbulb changed, it’s all taken care of.

What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before?
Our retirement was gradual. Ron had a long and successful career in insurance before slowly reducing his hours to part-time, and then fully retiring 15 years ago.  The key is to do it in stages and it’s an easy, fun process for everyone.

How do you live a life filled with purpose?
Keeping fit and active is really important. The gardens are beautiful and we go for a walk 2-3 times a day, and Ron is at the gym at 7.30am every morning, and then in the pool. He’s usually home for coffee by 9am!

What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast?
The quieter life. We’ve lived on the Hibiscus Coast for 12 years and we love that there’s always a lot going on here, but we’re out of the hustle and bustle.

“We love the freedom and its reassuring to know that if we need anything done, like a lightbulb changed, it’s all taken care of.”

What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village?
Don’t leave it too late. Talk to residents who are already living in the village and find out about their experiences. Ask any questions you have, and always look at the bigger picture.

How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life?
You don’t have any security concerns living in a retirement village, and that’s a big benefit to us.

What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café?
It’s hard to pick one, but the lambs fry is a good deal, and Ron likes the steak, egg, and chips too. But all the food is fantastic.

What is the advice you live by? 
Keep busy, keep your mind occupied, socialise regularly, and keep moving. That’s the key to enjoying a great retirement.

Published 10 May 2024

Recent Posts

What Types of Accommodation Are Available at The Botanic?

The Botanic Silverdale offers the very best in aged-care living with modern apartments and luxury villas designed for active retirees living independent and purposeful lives. Our residents can choose from spacious, light-filled homes with modern finishes, top-end amenities, and easy access to the vibrant Botanic community and facilities.  Our homes cater to independent living and can also be adapted for increased support needs in the future, ensuring true peace of mind. So, whether you are just starting to think about retirement and where you might see yourself, or perhaps you are looking for the perfect luxury retirement village for a relative or loved one, we’re here to guide you through the accommodation options available at The Botanic. What Sets The Botanic’s Villas Apart? Our garden villas at The Botanic The villas at The Botanic combine contemporary design, generous proportions, and superior comfort for those who prefer standalone, low-maintenance living with easily accessible indoor-outdoor spaces. Key Villa Features: Modern open-plan living: Generous lounges, designer kitchens with engineered benchtops, and high-spec fittings form the villa core. Luxury bathrooms: Fully tiled en-suites with underfloor heating and elegant walk-through wardrobes are standard. Indoor-outdoor flow: Raked ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass, and substantial patios or balconies connect seamlessly to gardens and greenways. Premium appliances: Fisher & Paykel appliances, heat pump air conditioning, and abundant storage. Security and convenience: Secure keyless entry, internal-access garaging, and the MY LUMIN communications/duress call system provide safety and ease. Year-round comfort: Latest insulation ensures the villas are always comfortable. Internal-access garages, private patios, and immediate access to boardwalks and gardens round out the villa experience, ideal for residents seeking elegant privacy with all the perks of village life. Browse current villa listings at The Botanic. What Makes The Botanic’s Apartments Special? The Rimu Apartments at The Botanic Apartments provide thoughtfully crafted, maintenance-free living, perfect for those who value a central location, lock-up-and-leave convenience, and sweeping views over the landscaped village or Silverdale beyond. Key Apartment Features: Spacious, light-filled layouts: Floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, and generous open-plan living spaces. Designer kitchens and finishes: Quality appliances, engineered benchtops, and stylish materials throughout. Balconies and patios: Each apartment includes a large private balcony or patio, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Safety and technology: Secure entry, underground parking, wireless connectivity, and MY LUMIN 24/7 duress call support. Accessible design: Some apartments are fully accessible, with widened entrances, practical layouts, and adaptations for ease of use. Apartments range from one to three bedrooms, catering both to solo retirees and couples who want extra space for guests, hobbies, or a home office. Browse available apartments at The Botanic. Can I Experience a 3D Walkthrough of Villa or Apartment Designs? Yes, prospective residents are encouraged to explore 3D walkthroughs for both villas and apartments to help visualise layouts, finishes, and the living experience at The Botanic. You can view the 3D walkthrough videos for our villas and apartments on our Homes page; however, for the full experience, organise a personalised tour of our homes with one of our helpful sales team – Michelle or Kathryn – who will be more than happy to show you around. How Are The Homes Designed to Support Lifestyle and Wellbeing? All homes at The Botanic are built to support independent, purposeful living with options to increase support as care needs change over time. MY LUMIN platform: Enables instant communication with on-site staff, community engagement, duress calls, and smart home features. Accessibility: Many units include step-free entry, large corridors, and mobility-friendly bathrooms. Direct access to world-class amenities: Gardens, pathways, and community facilities are just outside your door, fostering wellness and social connection. Energy efficiency: Excellent insulation, modern HVAC systems, and double glazing for year-round comfort and cost savings. What Accommodation Options Are Currently Available? As of July 2025, The Botanic offers a variety of move-in ready villas and apartments in different sizes, configurations, and locations within the village. Villas: 1 Sage Close is currently selling now Eastern Villas (Bronzewater Drive):Three bedrooms, large balconies, open-plan design, elevated views, luxurious finish, available from late 2025. Single-Level Villas (Sage Close):Two bedrooms with courtyard gardens, raked ceilings, walk-through wardrobes, private planters, available from late 2025. Apartments: G09 Rimu Apartments is selling now Nikau and Rimu Apartments:Two and three-bedroom options, floor-to-ceiling windows, huge patios or balconies, lock-up-and-leave living.Custom accessible units are available for residents who desire additional mobility features. See the full listings of current villa and apartment availability, prices, and descriptions directly:Available Villas | Available Apartments What Questions Should Prospective Residents Ask? 1. What is included in the standard villa or apartment? Each home includes kitchen appliances, high-quality flooring, heating, drapes, security systems, parking, and access to all village amenities. Specific finishes and extras vary by home. 2. Are the homes customisable? Many residents personalise their home’s décor and, in some cases, may be able to select finishes or request adaptations for accessibility or layout. 3. Are pets allowed? Yes! In the first instance, please seek management approval or speak to the sales team for guidelines. 4. What if my needs change after moving in? All homes can accommodate home care support, and The Botanic’s in-development continuum of care (including memory care and aged care) ensures you can stay in a familiar community as needs change. 5. How can I view or tour these homes? Arrange a private tour with Michelle or Kathryn from the sales team, or use the detailed 3D virtual walkthroughs available on our Homes page for a realistic online preview. Why Choose The Botanic for Your Next Home? The Botanic’s villas and apartments deliver the gold standard in luxury, security, and independence, set amidst spectacular gardens and a vibrant, supportive community. This is an aspirational lifestyle, thoughtfully designed to adapt to you. For personal consultations, 3D virtual tours, or to learn more about available homes, contact the team at The Botanic. Start your next chapter in a place where our residents are living a life less ordinary. All property listings are correct as of 31 July 2025.
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Life at The Botanic: Redefining Luxury Retirement Living in Silverdale

Retirement isn’t the end of the road; it’s the start of something new! At The Botanic in Silverdale, we see this stage of life as a time to do more of what you love, surrounded by people who share your outlook. Whether it’s connecting with neighbours, exploring new interests, or simply enjoying a slower pace, life at The Botanic is about finding joy in the everyday. With beautiful surroundings, thoughtful amenities, and a warm, welcoming community, this is a place where you can truly feel at home. A Community That Feels Like Home The community gardens at The Botanic are just one of the places our residents love to socialise Life at The Botanic is all about feeling connected – to your neighbours, your surroundings, and your sense of self. Picture strolling through the village and being greeted with a wave or a friendly chat – the kind of place where it’s easy to strike up a conversation and even easier to make a new friend. Whether you’re someone who loves a full social calendar or prefers the quiet comfort of familiar faces, you’ll find your rhythm here. From day one, you’re part of a community that values inclusion, respects individuality, and supports each other. With resident-led groups, relaxed get-togethers, and regular social events, there are plenty of ways to settle in, get involved, or simply enjoy things at your own pace. Enjoy Everyday Comforts, Designed Just for You What makes life at The Botanic truly special isn’t just the beautiful setting among lush gardens; it’s the thoughtful touches that make each day feel a little easier, a little brighter, and a lot more enjoyable. Our village has been designed with your wellbeing, comfort, and sense of fun in mind, offering a range of world-class amenities that feel more like everyday luxuries. Here’s just a taste of what life here includes: The Clubhouse Café – A favourite spot to catch up with neighbours over barista coffee, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch, or just relax and soak in the village atmosphere. Poolhouse and Gym – Stay active your way, whether that’s a swim in the heated indoor pool or a light workout in the gym. Bowling Green – Whether you’re in it for a friendly competition or just a laugh with friends, it’s always a good time on the green. Community Gardens – Spend time outdoors, tend to a few plants, or simply enjoy the peace of our shared garden spaces. Resident-Led Clubs and Activities – From book clubs to creative workshops, there’s always something to get involved in – or even start up yourself. It’s all here, ready when you are, so you can shape your days just the way you like. Exciting New Amenities on the Way At The Botanic, we’re always looking ahead, and there’s plenty to look forward to. We’re committed to growing alongside our community, with new spaces and experiences designed to bring even more enjoyment to your day. Thanks to resident feedback and thoughtful planning, here’s a sneak peek at some of the facilities on the horizon: Golf simulator Private cinema Wellness centre Dedicated activities room Croquet court and billiards room Each new feature is about adding more ways to connect, unwind, and enjoy life, your way. Stylish Homes That Feel Like You The Botanic Garden Villas The Botanic Rimu Apartments Every home at The Botanic has been designed with real living in mind – light-filled, beautifully finished, and tailored to suit your lifestyle. Whether you choose an apartment close to the action or a private villa tucked among the gardens, you’ll enjoy generous living spaces, a designer kitchen, and your own outdoor area to relax in. Our team is here to help make your home feel just right, with options to personalise your space and make the transition easy. With no maintenance to worry about and plenty of flexibility, you can settle in knowing everything has been taken care of. Keep an eye out for our upcoming post on the different types of accommodation available – we’ll walk you through floor plans, features, and what makes each home special. Make sure you check out the homes that are currently available at The Botanic. A Lifestyle That Supports Your Health and Wellbeing At The Botanic, we believe that feeling good is an important part of enjoying life to the fullest. While our Wellness Centre and on-site healthcare services are part of our exciting future plans, you’ll already find yourself well placed when it comes to looking after your health. We’re located close to a wide range of essential services – including medical centres, dentists, x-ray facilities, and more – all just a short walk or drive away. In the meantime, our community offers a variety of wellbeing activities designed to help you stay active, balanced, and connected: Aquacise and strength & balance classes Armchair yoga and tai chi Gentle yoga and guided meditation Relaxed group walks and social fitness It’s all about supporting your health in a way that suits your lifestyle – with the freedom to join in as much or as little as you like. A Social Life That’s as Full as You Want It to Be There’s always something happening at The Botanic. Whether you’re keen to get involved or simply want the option when the mood strikes, our community thrives on shared interests, meaningful connections, and plenty of good times. Here are just a few of the ways you can get involved: Join a resident committee, help shape village life, or even start a new club of your own Get involved in choosing guest speakers or arranging community events Head out as groups to the local Hibiscus Coast beaches, farmers’ markets, galleries, or golf courses, all accessible from Silverdale with easy access to SH1 or to the extensive bus network from Hibiscus Coast Station. The best part? Life here is resident-led. That means you can help create the experiences that matter most to you, and your voice is always heard. You live the life you choose. A Place to Grow, Explore, and Enjoy Our Sales Manager, Michelle, can walk you through the village Retirement at The Botanic isn’t about slowing down; it’s about doing more of what you love, discovering new interests, and enjoying the freedom to live life your way. With supportive neighbours, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of opportunities to get involved, this is a community where you can truly thrive – physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. As Michelle, our Sales Manager, puts it: “Every resident brings something unique to our village. Here, they find the freedom to pursue their passions and the encouragement to try something new, whether that’s painting, yoga, volunteering, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk through our gardens with friends.” Begin Your Journey at The Botanic Life at The Botanic is about more than just a place to live; it’s about finding a community that feels right. With beautifully designed homes, welcoming neighbours, and a lifestyle full of possibilities, this is where your next chapter can truly begin. Here’s what you can look forward to: A range of accommodation options to suit your lifestyle A vibrant calendar of social events and wellbeing activities Evolving facilities shaped by the interests of our residents A friendly, inclusive environment where you’re free to be yourself Wondering what daily life here really feels like? Kathryn, our Sales Consultant, shares:“The greatest compliment we receive is when residents tell us they wish they’d made the move sooner. Here, life feels richer, connections are deeper, and every day brings something to look forward to.” What Our Residents Say Residents often highlight the sense of belonging they feel at The Botanic. Helen shares how she enjoys the luxury to do what she wants to do, “I am part of a women’s lunch group who lunch once a month. I do strength and balance, tai chi classes and meet up with friends from the village all the time. I am so busy!” Helen loves the sense of community at The Botanic, describing it as “friendly, welcoming, and helpful. My neighbours are especially wonderful and help me without hesitation.” Read more from Helen in our Meet the Residents feature. Residents Bets and Bob have embraced life at The Botanic Bets and Bob have also quickly adapted to life at The Botanic, saying how much they love, “The location, making new friends, living life with amazing people, and the ‘time freedom’ we now have.” They also love the community at The Botanic, describing it as “friendly, vibrant, young at heart and diverse, and everyone is striving to live a ‘life less ordinary’.” Read more from Bets and Bob in our Meet the Residents feature. Kaye and Tony have also embraced life since making the move to The Botanic from Torbay. When talking about the things they love the most about The Botanic, Kaye says, “The people! We have made some wonderful new friends and love spending time with them. There are a lot of very impromptu meals and wines together in our homes or The Clubhouse Café!” Tony goes on to say, “The best people live here. If you’re retired, come and live in this fabulous village and really enjoy life.” Read more from Kaye and Tony in our Meet the Residents feature. Their stories, along with those of many of our residents, reflect how The Botanic transforms retirement into an enriching experience. Ready to Live Life at The Botanic? If you’re considering your next move, we’d love to welcome you for a tour, a chat, or a coffee at our Clubhouse Café. Our team, including Michelle and Kathryn, are always here to answer questions and guide you through the options that best suit your aspirations. Start your next chapter with confidence, joy, and a community that truly feels like home. Welcome to The Botanic - where luxury retirement living exceeds every expectation. Coming Soon:Stay tuned for in-depth posts on the types of accommodation available, our thriving social scene, premium wellness facilities, and the many future amenities poised to make life even more extraordinary at The Botanic.
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Winter Open Weekend: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025

Would you like to find out more about luxury retirement living on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast? Mark your calendars for The Botanic Silverdale’s Special Winter Open Weekend on Saturday, 19th July, and Sunday, 20th July, from 10am to 3pm. Come along to 17 Small Road, Silverdale and see first-hand what makes The Botanic Silverdale the Hibiscus Coast’s premier, luxury retirement village. Exclusive Access to Our Newly Completed Villas! The hard work is over, and our brand new two and three-bedroom villas are now available to view at The Botanic Silverdale – and they’re even better in person! The finishing touches are complete, and now is the perfect time to come and explore these beautifully designed luxury homes. From premium finishes to seamless access and sun-filled outlooks, every detail has been designed with lifestyle in mind, and now it’s yours to see! Step inside our new, single-level duplex villas, and you’ll find stylish, light-filled interiors with generous storage and a layout that makes everyday living easy. Each home includes an internally accessed carpark and enjoys easy access to all the village’s luxury amenities. Life at The Botanic, Silverdale Life at The Botanic is about so much more than living in a beautiful retirement home on the Hibiscus Coast. It’s about being part of a vibrant and connected community with luxury amenities right on your doorstep - from The Clubhouse Cafe to the wellness centre, pool, and Community Gardens - this is resort-style retirement living at its very best. What Can You Expect at the Open Weekend? 1. Tour Our Stunning New Two and Three-Bedroom Villas Meet our fabulous sales team, Michelle and Kathryn in the Show Home as they guide you through our luxury, light-filled retirement homes with high-spec finishing, fabulous indoor-outdoor flow, and the very best in modern retirement living. 2. Learn About Life at The Botanic Meet some of our Residents and hear their stories about retiring, village life, and how they contribute to our vibrant community. Whether it’s walking through The Botanic’s landscaped pathways, admiring the Community Gardens, or finding out more about The Botanic’s resident-led social activities, you’ll gain a true sense of what life is like here at The Botanic. 3. Explore World-Class Amenities You are free to walk through our village, or we can drive you in one of our golf carts. While here, be sure to check out our Wellness Centre, which includes a 20m lap pool, spa, sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym. And if you’re feeling peckish, make sure you visit The Clubhouse Café and grab a coffee and a sweet treat on us! 4. Discover Resort-Style Living The Botanic offers amenities that redefine retirement living, and as one of our recent blog posts highlights, The Botanic “is a modern retirement village that is rich in connection and community, supporting like-minded residents to live the retirement they choose in a vibrant, nature-rich environment”. Why Visit The Botanic? Situated on Auckland’s beautiful Hibiscus Coast, The Botanic offers people more than just a place to live—it provides a lifestyle which is rich in connection, wellness, purpose, and joy. It really is the ‘best-in-class’ in modern retirement living, supporting Residents to live well, naturally, in their golden years. Plan Your Visit When: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025 Time: 10am-3pm Where: The Botanic Silverdale, 17 Small Road, Silverdale For more information, contact Michelle or Kathryn on 0508 268 264 or fill out a contact form, and we’ll get in touch with you. Come and see why more than 170 retirees now call The Botanic home. We can’t wait to welcome you! If you’re still not sure whether retirement living is for you, make sure you check out some of our recent posts, which are here to help guide you through the retirement process: https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/understanding-retirement-in-new-zealand-a-comprehensive-guide/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/the-right-time-to-make-the-move/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/the-botanic-a-premier-retirement-community/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/making-the-move-to-the-botanic/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/an-introduction-to-the-botanic-silverdale/ https://thebotanic.co.nz/news/how-to-embrace-your-retirement-years/
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