Residents Testimonials

We liked and appreciated our new, airy, free-standing home with our own front and rear gardens and since that time my wife and I have enjoyed life here to the full and never regretted our decision to make the move here.

We have made marvellous friends amongst the other residents and although we own a campervan, our time has been so rich and enjoyable that my wife and I have not had the urge to go camping too often.

We, as residents, have an excellent relationship with management – the staff members go out of their way to be of service to the residents. As a result the residents count the staff as their friends.

I am only too happy to recommend Bridgewater Lake Retirement Estate to anyone considering the move to a retirement estate.

I moved to Bridgewater Lake Retirement Estate with my wife Val in August 2004 after living in Bundoora for 46 years. Val is confined to a wheelchair and the design of our home and the ease of access to all facilities has made life a lot easier for Val and me.

I am in my 70’s and lead an active life style, which has not stopped since moving into our home on the estate. In fact, it has got even busier.

I’ve always been involved in sport – badminton, cricket, football and rope quoits. My passion is live theatre and I have been an active member of one of Victoria’s prestige non-professional companies the “Catchment Players of Darebin”. I am coordinator of set construction and it keeps me busy as we have several productions a year. My background as a cabinet maker and then woodwork teacher has been put to good use!

In my youth I trained as a gym instructor – I’m so impressed by the gym facilities here at Bridgewater Lake. The benefit to Val has been great. Must make a note to self - to check out the gym more closely for myself!

Since moving to the estate I have taken up Lawn Bowls – none of us have to worry about the Sheep Station yet but we are all having a lot of fun and laughs on a Tuesday afternoon.

I love nature and the environment. Living by the lake with such beautiful and extensive gardens intertwining the estate every day is a pleasure. Val is able to move around the estate independently which is another great delight for us both.

I am particularly looking forward to the development of the “Blokes Shed”. We already have a workshop located in Club Bridgewater and I have room enough in my garage for a bench and tools but it will be great to have a shed where we men can get together. The chin wagging and mate-ship is already evident but it will be terrific to be able to get together with the other blokes in the shed. Every man needs a shed – particularly one you can share with your mates. Of course, the main reason I will enjoy the shed is it will be somewhere where craft and trade skills can be enjoyed.

We love the spirit of companionship with our neighbours here at Bridgewater Lake Retirement Estate. Together with the staff, they have become our new ever growing family.

“There is no way I’m going to live in a Retirement Village!” That was the answer I gave my wife Mary on many occasions when the subject was raised.

I knew that we would have to move from our home of 54 years in Pascoe Vale because of the maintenance, large garden, steep drive and stairs up to the front door.

We had looked at buying a block of land and building, but our choices did not seem to give us what we needed at our time of life; smaller home and block of land on the flat, company suitable for our age group, security phone and transport to shops if we were unable to drive.

On hearing about Bridgewater Lake Retirement Estate through a mail-out offering 2, 3 or 4 bedroom homes with our own title, which I found was not offered at every village, I thought I should at least have a look, as Mary thought I had a blinkered view. It was a surprise, as it was not like a Retirement Village, but more like a suburban estate. I signed on the spot!

It was the best decision we have ever made and it felt like home from the first day.

Recently we visited our old neighbours and the effort to climb up the drive and steps to the front door made us realize what a difference a few years had made. You can leave it too late to make the move.