When longtime Mudgee locals Ann Gant, 84, and her husband Phillip, 87, had their idyllic farm life turned upside down, Lincoln Lifestyle Mudgee Spring became a calming retreat where everything in life became a little easier.
The over-50s lifestyle community at Spring Flat by Lincoln Place is experiencing growing demand from local downsizers seeking a lower maintenance lifestyle, with 35 residents now calling the community home.
Ann and Phillip were living on a 14-ha lifestyle property 22 kilometres outside Mudgee, where they raised cattle and sheep while working and travelling extensively for almost 40 years. But when Phillip’s health needs changed suddenly, Ann found managing the farm on her own increasingly difficult.
“We had 39 wonderful years living the farm lifestyle and made so many memories with family and friends over the years,” Anne said. “We absolutely loved it and never dreamed of leaving.
“Phillip had two massive strokes in 2022, so he couldn’t help me on the farm anymore, and there was a lot involved with feeding the animals and gardening to keep the place looking beautiful.
“Our daughter suggested we have a look at downsizing and suggested Lincoln Lifestyle Mudgee Spring. While it was really hard to give up the property, we’re settling into our new lifestyle here and enjoying it.”
Since making the move in October, Ann said living at the community had made life easier in more ways than one, placing them close to everyday conveniences and offering some financial relief.
“Being so close to town, we have easy access to all of the medical services, which has become really important,” she said.
“Our property was about a 20-minute drive from town, but now, everything is so accessible, and we’re even closer to our daughter and grandchildren.
“The financial benefits were also one of the reasons moving here was so appealing. Mudgee can be a bit of an expensive area, and as pensioners, purchasing a home in town was not financially viable for us, but through the land lease model at Lincoln Lifestyle Mudgee Spring we’re better off.”
Under Lincoln Place’s land lease model, residents own their home and any capital gains while leasing the land it occupies. For residents at Mudgee Spring, it means no stamp duty, council rates and entry or exit fees, offering significant financial advantages for residents seeking to downsize without compromise.
Ann said their two-bedroom home met Phillip’s new needs and was a comfortable, relaxing space for the pair within a vibrant community of friendly, like-minded neighbours.
“Our home design is The Crest, and it’s so perfect for us,” Ann said.
“We especially love the open plan layout at the back of the house, which is beautiful and makes it easy to get around.
“While I spend a lot less time gardening than I did before, my lovely garden at the back of the house is coming along nicely.
“The community is great too, and we have a lot of lovely neighbours, including people we knew long before we moved here who also lived in the area, as well as new friends.”
“We get involved in the community when we can, we’ll go to the regular Friday catch-ups, and sometimes we’ll just ask our friends to come and have a little drink with us at home.”
The welcoming Lincoln Lifestyle community, located at 38 Spring Flat Road, Spring Flat, provides secure living, complemented by facilities including a competition-size bowling green, a pickleball court, a BBQ area, and caravan storage. A range of new resort-style facilities are planned, with a clubhouse under construction.
About Lincoln Lifestyle Mudgee Spring
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Lincoln Lifestyle Mudgee Spring is a masterplanned community crafted for over-50s, where the region’s famed food and wine culture and stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a vibrant, connected life.