LAINE and Jim Down have called The Shoreline home for just over three years, but the decision to move into Coffs Harbour’s most exclusive retirement living estate was one they had been quietly considering for much longer.
With the upcoming opening of the highly anticipated Watermark Apartments in April, Laine and Jim’s story offers a timely insight for anyone considering their next chapter.
“We’d looked at just about every option around greater Coffs,” Laine says.
“But when we heard The Shoreline was coming, we changed our minds straight away.
“We watched it being built.
“We knew this was where we wanted to be.”
Their decision was shaped by experience.
Both had lived through the challenges of helping elderly parents who delayed moving from the family home until circumstances forced their hand.
“We said we would never do that to our kids,” Laine explains.
“We wanted to be proactive, not reactive.
“We wanted to make our own decision, while we were well and able.”
Downsizing, something many people fear, turned out to be surprisingly easy.
“I don’t miss our old house at all,” Laine says.
“We’d been there nearly 50 years, but once we sold it, it stopped being our home.
“This felt right straight away.”
For Jim, safety and simplicity were key drivers.
“I was still climbing ladders, pruning trees.
“We were sensible enough to know that wasn’t going to last forever.
“Here, we don’t have to worry about maintenance, security or technology.
“It’s all taken care of.”
What hasn’t changed is their lifestyle.
They still play bowls, walk the beach, visit the Surf Club, see friends, travel, and stay closely connected to family.
“Our children both say how happy they are that we’re here,” Lanie says.
“It takes the worry away.
“They know we’re safe.”
“Don’t leave it too long,” Jim says.
“We wish we’d come sooner.
“You don’t know what’s ahead, and it’s so much easier to make the decision early.”
The Shoreline Community Open Day will be held on 7 March, 10am to 1pm.
Register your interest and come see for yourself a theshoreline.com.au.
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