Among the first residents moving into the newly completed second tower at the master-planned retirement community in Sydney’s Hills Shire, are Pat and Frank McCaffery.
The couple’s move into Corymbia Residences isn’t just about a dream new home but also a joyful reunion with long-time friend Sandra York, a bond that began more than 60 years ago.
The friendship formed when Sandra’s late husband Ted, a close friend of Frank, attended Pat’s 18th birthday party. The two couples went on to celebrate each other’s weddings, welcomed their first children around the same time, and became next door neighbours after both secured land in a housing ballot at Constitution Hill, 28km west of Sydney’s CBD.
Later, with growing families, both couples moved to Baulkham Hills, 30km northwest of the CBD, this time 12 doors apart. Over the decades they supported each other through life’s milestones and challenges.
“We raised our children side by side and shared so much – even silly moments like chatting in the street in our dressing gowns waiting for the school bus to collect the children,” Pat recalled. “Our friendship only grew stronger over the years.”
The McCafferys relocated to another part of NSW and after Ted’s passing, Sandra moved to the Waratah building at Aveo’s Bella Vista Haven in 2021. The remaining trio kept in touch and often visited Sandra at the community, enjoying weekends and becoming familiar with the lifestyle on offer.
When construction began on the Corymbia Residences, Pat and Frank decided to place a deposit on an apartment at Bella Vista Haven. A few weeks ago, the couple moved into their new fifth-floor home overlooking the picturesque lake, and just a short stroll from Sandra.
“To be neighbours again and create a new chapter after all these years is wonderful,” Pat said. “We also feel so welcomed by the other residents here, many we already know from Friday night Happy Hour, the perfect icebreaker.”
Community Manager, Colin Streit, said the residents’ story reflected the strong spirit of Bella Vista Haven, where connections – both new and old – are at the heart of the community.
“Today’s retirees expect more than just a comfortable home in retirement,’’ he said. “They want beautifully designed spaces that encourage fostering friendships and social connection.”
Almost 75% of the 83 contemporary apartments, including two multimillion-dollar penthouses, in Corymbia Residences have already sold.
Several new lifestyle additions, including a library and state-of-the art cinema, will complement the existing residents’ lounge and bar, salon, gym, café and lakeside restaurant. Construction is also nearing completion on a multi-lane indoor pool with infrared saunas, and an alfresco BBQ area.
One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus the final two penthouses, remain with price range $664,000 to $2,060,000.
On completion of the master plan, Bella Vista Haven will feature nine buildings, 437 apartments and a co-located 135-bed aged care residence.