Home on The Grange

So, why The Grange?

When the time came to choose where to go next, both couples were drawn to the same place: BaptistCare's premium retirement living community, The Grange.

A long-time local, Malcolm had followed the development of The Grange from the beginning. When he and Deb drove through, they were both struck by the beautiful surroundings and thoughtfully landscaped grounds, but most of all by the warm welcome. 

“We were taken to morning tea and from that moment on, we felt included,” Malcolm says.

Set across 55 acres in Lake Albert, The Grange is dotted with peaceful parks and ponds and offers a quiet, spacious setting that’s just 10 minutes from the shops, health services and vibrant social and cultural life of Wagga Wagga. Architecturally designed homes are nestled amongst mature trees, landscaped gardens, a signature resident vineyard and winding walking paths, with open views of the surrounding countryside.

Colleen and Lance were similarly searching for a retirement village that offered community and convenience, but was also peaceful and scenic. 

“We loved that The Grange is away from the hustle and bustle,” Colleen says. “It’s quiet, surrounded by trees, and close to the lake. But we’re also just ten minutes’ drive from the shops.”

She particularly likes the location of their spacious garden villa, which backs onto a paddock dotted with sheep.

“It’s close to the entrance and the vineyard, and it feels open, like we’re in the country.”

A place of community and connection

From the start, both couples were clear: they didn’t just want a beautiful new home, they wanted to join a community. And at The Grange, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

The men’s shed is a hub for woodworking, metalwork, and mechanical projects. The beekeeping group manages eight hives and produces honey, soap, and beeswax products. The wine club, associated with the vineyard, brings people together for tastings, sausage sizzles and day trips to the Charles Sturt Winery at bottling time, while the thriving village garden invites green thumbs to grow their own produce. 

Lance has thrown himself into activities at The Grange.

“I play bowls on Mondays, go to men’s morning tea and table tennis on Tuesdays, more bowls at the Rules Club in Wagga on Wednesdays, then darts and pool at night,” he says. “On Thursdays, we sometimes do line dancing. Fridays are busy too – morning tea, table tennis, more bowls, then Happy Hour at The Grange.”

He also joins the walking group. “We walk by the lake and up to the café at the golf club, although I’m more of a coffee drinker than a walker. Let’s just say I stroll!”

“He’s definitely more of a talker than a walker,” Colleen laughs. “But he’s great at mixing, and here, there’s always something happening.”

Helping out with Herbie

Malcolm and Deb found volunteering a great way to get to know their 200 new neighbours.

When the Women’s Committee needed someone to deliver a new weekly newsletter, Malcolm put his hand up. Before long, he was also delivering the monthly village newsletter. “I figured if I was already picking up one set, I might as well do the other,” he says.

Deb helps too and the job only takes around 20 minutes – longer if they stop for a chat, which they often do.

Malcolm also became a volunteer driver of Herbie, the community golf cart that helps residents move around the village. Deb often joins him, helping those with mobility issues get on and off the cart.

“It helped people know us by name,” Malcolm says. “They’ll sing out, ‘G’day Malcolm, hi Deb,’ here at The Grange, and in the shops in town.”

Where community comes naturally

It’s this warm sense of community that both couples love about The Grange.

“People really look after brand-new residents like us,” Lance says. “And the staff are great. You feel welcome.”

“The neighbours are lovely,” Colleen agrees. “Everyone comes up to say hello and makes you feel part of things.”

Colleen and Lance also feel they brought the right mindset with them. They came determined to enjoy life at The Grange to the fullest, to get involved, and make it work. That attitude, they say, has made all the difference.

“It can take a little time to adjust, so come with the right attitude,” Colleen says. “There’s a great social committee here. We always say yes to things.” They recently attended a recital at the Civic Theatre with a group from The Grange, followed by dinner. “It was a really enjoyable night,” Colleen says.

Malcolm says it’s the feeling of community and the people that set The Grange apart. “We’ve all come from different backgrounds, but we’re at a similar stage of life.”

Less upkeep, more enjoyment

Back on the farm, Malcolm had two falls from a ladder resulting in injuries, so he also highly values the low-maintenance lifestyle. “At The Grange, you don’t need a ladder,” he says.

Villas at The Grange have floor plans that are thoughtfully designed for practical, low-maintenance living, complemented by quality fixtures and stylish finishes. Longevity is everything when it comes to luxury retirement design, with all of the new villas designed to support healthy ageing – including zero-step entries, wider doorways and hallways, level-surfaces and slip resistant flooring.

Making the move

For anyone considering a move to retirement living, Lance and Colleen advise not to wait too long. “It’s so much harder to move when you’re older,” Colleen says.

Malcolm suggests going out to The Grange and having a good look around. “Get to know what’s going on,” he says. “The Grange is a beautiful property and a whole new lifestyle. It’s a very welcoming place to call home.”

As he reflects on the last two years at The Grange from where he is sitting in his light-filled courtyard, Malcolm adds that Wagga is a wonderful place to retire.

“There’s not a cloud in the sky today and sitting out here in our courtyard, the sun is beautiful and warm on my back. I feel we’re very, very lucky to be here.”