VMCH St Joseph's Mews Retirement Village - a unique and peaceful senior living community operated by Villa Maria Catholic Homes. Nestled in the leafy and serene suburb of Hawthorn in Victoria, our beautifully landscaped and secure village offers a range of one or two-bedroom units, each with their own private balcony or courtyard where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Our residents enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community through our range of social activities to choose from. You can join in a friendly game of cards, participate in a fitness class, or simply catch up with friends over coffee in our communal lounge. You'll never be short of things to do.

We also provide the highest standards of care and support that are customized to meet your personal needs. Our experienced team of caregivers and professionals are always on hand to help you with everyday tasks. We want you to enjoy a happy, healthy and fulfilled life with us.

St Joseph’s Mews offers a unique blend of independence, community, and comfort that is unmatched in the retirement living industry. Contact us today to arrange for a personal tour, and discover the idyllic lifestyle that awaits you at VMCH St Joseph's Mews Retirement Village.

VMCH Healthcare Retirement Communities and Lifestyle Resorts 

Reviewed By: villages.com.au Editorial Team 
Last Updated: June 2026 

VMCH (Villa Maria Catholic Homes) is a Victorian not-for-profit provider of retirement living, aged care, home care and disability services. Its retirement communities offer independent living for people aged 55 and over, with a focus on community connection, security, wellbeing and support when needed. This guide explains VMCH retirement village locations, facilities, ownership arrangements, costs and frequently asked questions to help you compare retirement living options on villages.com.au. 

About VMCH Healthcare 

Who Is VMCH Healthcare? 

VMCH is one of Victoria's largest not-for-profit providers of retirement living, aged care, home care and disability services. The organisation has been supporting older Australians for more than 100 years and operates retirement communities throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. 

Unlike lifestyle resort operators focused purely on housing, VMCH provides a continuum of support services including retirement living, home care and residential aged care. This can provide peace of mind for residents who value access to additional support services as their needs change over time. 

VMCH retirement villages are designed for independent living, allowing residents to maintain their lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of a welcoming community environment. Many villages also provide access to support services and several are located alongside residential aged care homes. 

What Makes VMCH Healthcare Different? 

VMCH at a Glance 

• Not-for-profit organisation with more than 100 years of history 

• Retirement villages located across Melbourne and regional Victoria 

• Independent living for people aged 55+ 

• Access to home care and support services 

• Some villages co-located with residential aged care 

• Pet-friendly communities (subject to approval) 

• 24-hour emergency call systems 

• Village managers and support staff available to residents 

• Strong focus on wellbeing, community and social connection 

Where Does VMCH Healthcare Operate? 

VMCH currently operates retirement villages throughout Victoria, with communities located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas. 

VMCH Healthcare Communities by State 

Interactive Community Directory 

What Is Living at VMCH Healthcare Like? 

Lifestyle and Social Activities 

VMCH communities are designed to encourage residents to remain active, connected and engaged. Residents can participate in community events, social gatherings, hobby groups and wellness activities while maintaining their independence. 

A key feature of VMCH retirement living is the balance between privacy and community. Residents can enjoy social activities as often as they choose while still having the freedom and independence of their own home. 

Common activities may include: 

• Resident social clubs 

• Community events 

• Arts and crafts groups 

• Fitness and wellbeing programs 

• Faith-based activities at selected communities 

• Volunteer opportunities 

• Shared dining and social gatherings 

Wellness and Recreation Facilities 

Facilities vary between villages, particularly between boutique communities and larger developments. 

Many communities also provide: 

• CCTV security 

• Village management 

• Emergency response systems 

• Landscaped gardens 

• Home care access 

• Community transport options 

Home Ownership at VMCH Healthcare 

Do Residents Own Their Homes? 

VMCH retirement villages generally operate under a retirement village leasehold model. Residents typically receive a long-term lease, commonly a 49-year lease, which provides security of tenure and the right to occupy their home within the village. 

Under the VMCH model, residents receive: 

• Security of tenure 

• Rights under retirement village legislation 

• Access to community facilities 

• Ongoing village management and support 

• Building insurance included within village operating costs in many communities 

Because retirement village contracts vary, prospective residents should always review the residence contract, disclosure documents and village-specific information before proceeding. 

Buying a Home in a VMCH Community 

The process generally includes: 

1. Research suitable communities 

2. Arrange a village inspection 

3. View available homes 

4. Review disclosure statements and contracts 

5. Obtain independent legal and financial advice 

6. Complete the purchase process 

7. Move into the community 

VMCH offers both apartment-style residences and villa or unit-style homes depending on the location. 

What Types of Homes Are Available? 

Home styles vary by community and may include: 

• Two-bedroom units 

• Three-bedroom units 

• Premium apartments 

• Villas with garages 

• Modern open-plan designs 

• Accessible layouts 

• Energy-efficient homes 

• Homes suitable for couples or singles 

Examples currently available range from affordable retirement units through to premium luxury apartments in suburbs such as Kew, Camberwell and Toorak. 

What Does It Cost to Live at VMCH Healthcare? 

Home Purchase Costs 

The cost of purchasing a home within a VMCH retirement village varies significantly based on: 

• Location 

• Home size 

• Property type 

• Village facilities 

• Market conditions 

Current advertised homes range from approximately $580,000 through to more than $1.5 million depending on the community and residence selected. 

VMCH advises that stamp duty and GST generally do not apply to retirement village homes purchased through their villages. 

Ongoing Fees and Charges 

VMCH states that maintenance charges contribute toward operating communal facilities and village services and are reviewed annually in consultation with resident committees. 

Are There Exit Fees? 

Yes. VMCH retirement villages generally include a Deferred Management Fee (DMF), sometimes referred to as an exit fee. According to VMCH, this fee is payable when a resident leaves the village and contributes toward the costs of services and facilities provided throughout residency. 

Important points for prospective residents: 

• Exit fee arrangements vary between communities and contracts 

• Disclosure documents must outline applicable fees 

• Residents should seek independent legal and financial advice before signing 

• Resale and departure arrangements are governed by retirement village legislation and contract terms 

For current information, refer directly to VMCH retirement living documentation and village-specific disclosure statements. 

Who Is VMCH Healthcare Best Suited For? 

Ideal Resident Profiles 

VMCH retirement villages may suit: 

• Active retirees seeking community living 

• Downsizers wanting less home maintenance 

• Couples looking for long-term security 

• Singles wanting social connection 

• People wanting access to support services 

• Residents planning ahead for future care needs 

• Those seeking a not-for-profit provider 

Potential Considerations 

Before choosing a VMCH community, consider: 

• Preferred location 

• Home size and layout requirements 

• Ongoing fee affordability 

• Exit fee arrangements 

• Community culture and lifestyle 

• Future support needs 

• Proximity to family and services 

As with any retirement village, visiting communities and reviewing contracts carefully is recommended before making a decision. 

Find a VMCH Healthcare Community 

If you're considering retirement living in Victoria, VMCH offers a range of communities from boutique village settings through to larger retirement precincts. 

Next steps: 

• Browse VMCH retirement communities 

• View available homes for sale 

• Compare locations and facilities 

• Request community information 

• Arrange an inspection 

• Review ownership and fee structures 

• Speak with a retirement living specialist 

Taking the time to compare villages can help you find a community that matches your lifestyle, budget and future retirement goals. 

View all villages and aged care facilities of VMCH