How Ken and Sharyn found the freedom to live life on their terms

For Ken Crampton and Sharyn Taylor, retirement wasn’t about slowing down.

It was about having the freedom to keep exploring Australia while enjoying the comfort and security of a home they loved coming back to.

After researching several over-50s communities, the couple found exactly what they were looking for at Lincoln Lifestyle Northern Rivers on the NSW North Coast.

A home base for adventure

Travelling has always been a big part of Ken and Sharyn’s lifestyle.

Whether it’s a caravan trip across Australia or the occasional cruise, they wanted a home that would support their love of adventure without creating extra responsibilities.

“We can keep doing what we love, which is exploring Australia, while our home and garden are in safe hands,” Sharyn says.

Their new home provides an ideal balance between freedom and peace of mind. With dedicated space for their caravan and a low-maintenance design, they can simply lock up and head off whenever adventure calls.

Finding the right fit for passionate travellers

Before choosing Northern Rivers, Ken and Sharyn spent time exploring a range of communities.

They wanted somewhere that offered privacy, space, and a relaxed lifestyle, while still being close to the things they enjoyed.

When they discovered the community at Gulmarrad (NSW), they knew they had found something special. Located about 20 minutes from the popular beach destinations of Yamba and Brooms Head, it offered the quiet setting, coastal access and relaxed lifestyle they had been looking for.

“It’s so peaceful with beautiful views, plenty of wildlife and easy access to the coast,” says Sharyn.

“We enjoy incredible sunrises and we’re only a short drive from some beautiful beaches.”

More space, less maintenance

Like many people considering downsizing, Ken and Sharyn assumed they would need to compromise on space. Instead, they found the opposite. “We actually upsized,” Ken laughs.

Their home includes a spacious kitchen, a large pantry, a media room, a generous yard, and enough room for their caravan.

The result is a home that supports the lifestyle they want today without the maintenance and workload they wanted to leave behind.

Independence with peace of mind

One of the biggest benefits of the move has been the confidence to travel without worrying about their property.

“Before we moved here, we often worried about our home when we were away,” Sharyn says.

“Now it feels incredibly secure. The neighbours look out for each other, and there’s always someone willing to help if needed.”

For a couple who spend several months travelling each year, that peace of mind is priceless.

Social when you want it

While Ken and Sharyn appreciate their privacy and independence, they also enjoy having opportunities to connect with other residents.

The key difference is that participation is entirely their choice.

“You can be as social as you want to be,” says Sharyn.

From casual gatherings with neighbours to activities like bowls, pickleball, yoga, and pilates, the community offers plenty of opportunities while still respecting everyone’s personal space and lifestyle.

A lifestyle built around freedom

For Ken and Sharyn, the move wasn’t about joining a retirement community. It was about creating a lifestyle with more flexibility, less maintenance, and greater freedom.

Today, they have a secure home, a peaceful environment, room for the things they enjoy, and the ability to hit the road whenever they choose.

And when the journey ends, they know they have the perfect place to come home to.

“It’s a lifestyle that gives us the freedom to live life our way.”