When Richard Griffiths started thinking about how he wanted to spend the next chapter of his life, he was very clear on what mattered most – staying connected to the people and community he loved. What he needed was a home that would make it easy for him to do just that.
Richard, 78, had first considered downsizing three years ago with his wife Anne, but they didn’t find a home that suited them. So they decided to stay put, figuring they’d have plenty of time to adapt their large four-bedroom, two-storey Allambie Heights home to accommodate their needs later. Then, Anne was diagnosed with cancer, sadly passing away in 2023. Like many who go through such an unexpected and heartbreaking change in circumstances, Richard decided to make downsizing a priority, intent on finding a home that he could manage by himself.
“I was living in this in this nice, large house, thinking, ‘it doesn’t make sense for me to spend all the rest of my life here. A family should come and live here’,” he explains.
Around this time, he noticed the Bellburra development starting to take shape in his own suburb. Intrigued, Richard began chatting to the sales team, and the more he learned about this emerging village, the more boxes it ticked. “It just made so much sense,” he says. “The apartments are a good size, and they’re nicely situated with a view out over the bush, and it was connected. So many of these places with nice views, particularly retirement villages, are out in the bush – so to do anything, you’ve got to get in a car.
The great thing about Bellburra is you can walk to the shops, and you’ve got the buses going up and down to Chatswood, to Warringah Mall, to the city and to Manly. It was a nobrainer for me.” Eager to make sure he didn’t miss out on the chance to secure a stunning low-maintenance home that centred him amongst nature and kept him close to friends and family, Richard was one of the first residents to sign up. “I thought it was an opportunity that I really shouldn’t let go,” he says.
What makes Bellburra special is the sense of community that will form among residents. Bellburra, says Richard, will allow him to make the most of the next part of his life, surrounded by new friends, while still being able to spend time easily with his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and friends on the Beaches. He’s also looking forward to investing time in hobbies that have fallen by the wayside in recent years, as well as taking up new interests. “I’m looking forward to not having so many things to have to worry about or to be concerned with, like house maintenance and looking after the garden. I want to use that time to do other more interesting things,” he says.
While the downsizing process, and letting go of the family home, has been tough, Richard is confident that the benefits of living at Bellburra will make it worthwhile. Knowing he’ll be living somewhere that meets his needs as he ages is also reassuring. “Especially when you’re on your own, to have that community environment that’s not intrusive but where people keep an eye on each other – I think that is very reassuring as you get a bit older.”
Experience Bellburra in person
To help showcase village life, we’re hosting small tours for those looking to snap up one of the last remaining homes. Capacity is limited, so if you’re interested please call Karen, Velvet or Kate from the Bellburra Sales Team on 9450 0715 or complete the form below.