A home for happy ever after

Bob Crothers and Annette Young have a lot they’re thankful for.

In the past two years they’ve rekindled their romance after 54 years apart and found their forever home to spend time in together at Bolton Clarke’s Baycrest retirement village in Hervey Bay.

 “When we reunited Bob drove over a thousand miles to get to me,” says Annette.

“He didn’t want to wait a second longer. That was two years ago, and we have been together ever since.”

The pair sold their homes and bought a caravan, planning to travel Australia with Annette’s dog Elvis in tow.

“The world had other plans!” says Annette. “So, we started looking at homes and retirement villages in Bundaberg, Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

“We spotted Baycrest, came to look, loved what we found and never left!”

She says Baycrest stood apart from all the other options they had considered, including the support they received from Sales Consultant Pat Sturdy and Village Manager Sally Zentveld.

“Baycrest was beautifully presented - it was the lifestyle that we needed. We were so lucky and blessed to have found it. Pat and Sally made our transition from our caravan home to our villa easy and uncomplicated. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

“From meeting Pat, she was so very helpful, honest and kind to us. She explained everything so clearly and made us feel very comfortable from the get-go.

“It was also great that we could bring Elvis. I wouldn’t do it without him – he’s part of the family, he’s the mayor of the place! He loves it at the dog beach.”

Bob says he’s enjoying the relaxed, safe, and secure lifestyle after leaving his farm and big house.

“I never have to mow another lawn!” he says. “The maintenance team takes care of it – and the pool too, which is great.

“I love going swimming. I can exercise and then head home and relax.

“And there’s so much to do! If you want to be involved you can, and if you want to keep to yourself you can. Your amount of privacy is up to you.

“When you’re young, fit and carefree you never think you are going to seek a secure haven. But we become more vulnerable as we age – the villa gives us security, and we’ve got medical support on hand 24/7 if we need it. It’s perfect for us and no doubt for the rest of the ageing community.

“Even my doctor told me this is the best village in Hervey Bay.”

Annette says the pair are getting involved with the village social club – when they aren’t staring lovingly into each other’s eyes.

“We feel like teenagers again!” she says.

“We can’t speak highly enough about the place – we can’t believe how good it is.

“We’re having the time of our lives!”

Image details: Happy ever after: Bob, Annette, and their dog Elvis love their new home at Bolton Clarke’s Baycrest retirement village in Hervey Bay.