"We are thrilled to be here" - residents Robin and Gai Mitchell on life at The Gracewood
The Mitchells cite many reasons for loving their new life at The Gracewood, including the warmth and friendliness of fellow residents, the tranquil bushland setting, and the many social and community facilities.
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16 April 2021
Stories
| Retirement Living
Having purchased a final stage apartment at The Gracewood off-the-plan in 2019, Robin and Gai Mitchell sold their North Rocks home so quickly that they had to move in with one of their sons for many months while waiting for construction to be completed.
But on 1 July last year the big day finally arrived and the couple have been happily settled ever since, not regretting for one moment the decision to purchase their two-bedroom apartment and start the downsizing process when they did.
The Mitchells cite many reasons for loving their new life at The Gracewood, including the warmth and friendliness of fellow residents, the tranquil bushland setting, and the many social and community facilities, including the village’s heated indoor pool and gym.
They particularly appreciate the sense of safety and security, having experienced a burglary at their former home while they were absent for just 30 minutes and during which their dog was injured and Gai’s jewellery stolen.
“Feeling so safe and secure here is a very important factor”, Robin reflects.
“People here also really look out for each other,” Gai adds. “This is a really caring community, full of genuinely nice people.” Robin says, “We drop into the café, planning to stay for half-an-hour or so, and often end up being there for more than two hours because everyone is so friendly and happy to chat.”
While Gai says she is greatly enjoying regular aquarobics sessions in The Gracewood’s pool, Robin – a keen writer – has joined The Gracewood’s Writing Group. The couple are also enjoying attending many of the lunches, dinners and wine and cheese evenings spontaneously organised by residents, as well as attending the village’s trivia nights and movie screenings.
The Mitchells are very strong advocates of the importance of, and benefits to, retirees in planning ahead and moving to a well-serviced retirement village while still fit and healthy, both having gone through the very difficult experience of looking after mothers who developed dementia while still living in stand-alone homes.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late” is one of the messages the couple now share with ACT retirees, having kindly agreed to attend and speak at information sessions for another state-of-the-art BaptistCare retirement village now under development, Yarra Rossa in the Canberra suburb of Red Hill.
“Based on personal experience, we are delighted to recommend BaptistCare as an Independent Living and service provider,” says Robin.