Margaret River Lifestyle Village officially opened | Photos

Boasting a microbrewery, established orchard, electric bikes and access to the Rails to Trails network, the village aims to combine the security and comfort of living in an over 55’s community with the appeal of the Margaret River way of life. 

“We have really tried to capture the Margaret River region’s famous and unique lifestyle in our village, said Village Project Director, Adan Nicholson.

“We set up our Clubhouse in stage one of the development – something which traditionally is done further down the track - so we could establish a truly unique community in one of WA’s most incredible locations. 

“We have several boutique home designs which our residents can personalise. Having an energy efficient village has been paramount in our development. Each home has a water tank, and solar panels,” said Mr Nicholson.

With the central Clubhouse furnished and operational with north facing verandas, library, gym, cinema, bar, games room, fire pit and barbecues, village developers expect the sales to increase.

Last Tuesday the Village owners hosted an event for residents, and those involved in the development for Melbourne Cup.

Simon Watkins from A Chef Who Listens catered the event and taught residents and their friends how to make two simple and delicious party-friendly recipes.

Cooking lessons, gardening workshops and wine making, beer making will be some of the workshops available to residents in the lifestyle village.

Mr Nicholson said he believed approximately 50 per cent of MRLV residents will be from outside the Margaret River region.

“We chose Margaret River to open our Lifestyle Village for several reasons, mainly because of the wonderful things the region offers. But also, the south west is a place where many young families have moved to either from Perth or across the country.

“A place where they can bring up their families, surrounded by karri trees, surf and a safe and prosperous community.

“Because of this group of families’ moving to the region, their parents are also wanting to be here, close to their children and grandchildren.”

Trudy Jones, one of the residents at the village, recently moved from Perth to Margaret River to be closer to her family.

“I felt I was missing out on my grandchildren and I wanted to be closer to them and share in all that day to day stuff like weekend sport and helping out whenever needed,” she said. 

Ms Jones is now living in her village home, opposite the Clubhouse with the forest behind her. She enjoys being with her family, doing day-to-day things with her grandkids, which she had missed out on being so far from them in Perth.

She said the loved the village concept, particularly “the solar power, rain water tanks, electric bikes, home brewing, wine making and the forest.”

After visiting a vacant lot Ms Jones secured her plot, designed and built her home and was one of the first to move into the village.

“Moving to a Lifestyle Village is about taking stock of what you really need in your life now and then editing out what you no longer need. This gives you less things and more experiences. That improved experience is what we are creating at MRLV,” said Mr Nicholson. 

SAVE THE DATE:

MRLV will be hosting an Open Day on Saturday December 8 from 12pm until 2pm, where the public will have a chance to meet the residents, view the homes and the development. For more information visit www.mrlv.com.au