May 2024 – When Sue Morton moved from country Victoria to Portland Lifestyle Estate last December, she hoped to find a new community and a slower pace of life. Less than six months later, she was embarking on a Southeast Asian adventure with her newfound friend and neighbour, Julie Hampshire.
Downsizing is a significant life transition that requires considerable thought and planning. For many, it’s a tough decision to leave home behind. But for Sue, moving to Portland Lifestyle Estate was an obvious choice.
“There were people here, and everyone sort of had the same idea,” she says. “Plus, there is no maintenance.”
Estate living takes much of the hassle out of downsizing. Homes at Portland Lifestyle Estate are designed for ease of living, allowing residents to enjoy a lock-up-and-leave lifestyle and spend more time embracing the freedom of retirement. With clubhouse facilities and “marvellous” community manager Debb, there is a lively calendar of events and activities for residents to enjoy.
“We’ve got water aerobics today, and they have happy hours,” Sue says. Activities are also planned for special events such as St Patrick’s Day. “And on the 30th, Julie and Marion have organised a morning tea to raise money for cancer,” she adds. Julie and Sue’s friendship began when they met in the street one day and started talking.
“It just clicked,” Julie says. “She gets on well with everyone,” Sue adds.
Julie and Sue joke about their intergenerational friendship. “She’s like a daughter,” Julie says. However, Sue reassures me that Julie is a young 80. Her secret is staying active. “I do exercise classes every day,” Julie says.
Julie’s Tuesday dinners have quickly become a community favourite, starting when she cooked a meal for a neighbour who was recovering from a knee replacement.
“She just started inviting more people over,” says Sue.
“I love cooking, but it’s not the same cooking just for yourself,” Julie says. “Now I cook for about eight to ten people every week,”. In large part due to Julie’s warmth and generosity, their street has developed a vibrant community spirit.
“We have street parties and things, so it’s just a good, social atmosphere,” Sue says.
When Sue told Julie she was planning a trip to Vietnam with her childhood friend, Julie jumped at the idea. “She said, ‘Why don’t you come along?’” Julie recalls.
The secret to their travel companionship: “She likes to have a drink and a good time,” says Sue. During their Vietnam holiday, the travellers visited the cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An. In July, they have another trip planned to Singapore.
Like Sue, Julie decided to downsize to the Estate last year, having lived in Portland her whole life.
“We had seven acres. It took me four hours to mow the grass every couple of weeks. It was just getting too much for me,” Julie says. “Where I am now, I have a few easy-care pot plants,” she adds.
Since moving to Portland Lifestyle Estate, Sue has also embraced the coastal lifestyle and small-town charm. “You’re right by the water here. We go down for a walk by the Marina and around the waterfront and grab a coffee,” says Sue.
Similarly, Julie enjoys watching the ships in the harbour. “You can watch the whole port working,” she says.
Portland Lifestyle Estate is a tight-knit community, where “everyone looks out for each other,” says Julie.
However, the pair both agree that the best part of Estate living is that you can opt into as many or as few of the activities as you want. “You’ve got your own space, but when you need, there’s always someone close by,” Sue says.

Feel at home at Portland Lifestyle Estate
Discover the perfect location for your brand-new dream home and start living the lifestyle you deserve at Portland Lifestyle Estate by Lincoln Place.
Located in the charming historic town of Portland Victoria, this vibrant community boasts 119 architecturally designed homes and outstanding resort-style facilities including a covered swimming pool, clubhouse, bowling green, theatrette, gym, craft room, community garden, workshop and BBQ areas.
Choose from a variety of house designs and home sites to find the perfect fit for your ideal lifestyle. This is your opportunity to downsize to a secure lifestyle community, where you can spend more time with family and friends, and expand your interests.
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