Embracing a new chapter at Elliot Springs
As retirees, Burdekin locals Ian and Shirley found themselves at a pivotal moment in life - ready to embark on a new chapter and downsize from their longtime family home.
Downsizing in retirement offers a range of benefits, from simplified living to financial freedom. For Ian and Shirley, this transition meant not just finding a smaller house, but discovering a new vibrant community and a lifestyle perfectly suited to their needs.
Ian, a former sugar cane farmer and Shirley, with a background ranging from education to real estate, had raised their four children and were now empty nesters. With a desire to downsize after spending 26 years in their previous home in the Burdekin, they decided it was time to sell up, and embark on an adventure to find a new home for their next season of life.
“We had built our last home 26 years prior in the Burkedin, where we were both born and bred,” Shirley said. “It was a large home on a large block...we knew we needed to downsize.”
On their search for a new home, the couple researched various regions and suburbs, and initially considered a move down south for a cooler climate. Older, established homes were proving to have too many drawbacks for the couple, who had their own list of requirements. Shirley envisioned a low-maintenance garden, and a single-level home and Ian wanted space for both his caravan and a shed.
“We’ve travelled for a year all over Australia in the caravan.…there’s so much to love in our own country!” Shirley said. “As big travellers, we needed room for the caravan and a shed. We also didn’t want a pool that we’d have to maintain.”
They ultimately found the ideal spot to build their ideal home right in their backyard, while on one of their regular trips to Townsville to visit their children.
“We saw the expansion of Elliot Springs and realised that, having family spread across the region, it was the perfect central location for us to stay connected with our loved ones,” Shirley said.
“Coming from a small town, farming background, we also liked the “small village” feel of Elliot Springs,” Shirley said. “It’s a close-knit, friendly community where neighbours look out for each other. The community Facebook group, neighbourhood watch page and regular events are some examples of this.”
After deciding to buy land in Elliot Springs, Shirley and Ian secured a spacious 850sqm corner lot backing onto the seasonal Whites Creek, where they were able to build a new 4-bedroom house, with space for their caravan, shed, and plenty of plants and gardens.
The building process, guided by Sales Executive Meryl's expertise and the Proview Homes team, was smooth sailing from start to finish.
“John Plozza, a trusted family friend, and his Proview Homes team ensured that every detail of our dream home was perfect. They went above and beyond,” Shirley said.
Now almost six months settled into their new abode, Ian and Shirley are enjoying the tranquillity and natural beauty that the community offers.
“We love the outlook,” Shirley said. “Trees, greenery, the hills (and wallabies) and by chance, we even have a great restaurant next door. We feel safe and secure, and we have friends that live just around the corner here in the neighbourhood.
“At this stage we’ve got the local servo, Wadda Mooli Park, bike and walking tracks, weekend cafe, water reservoir and soon we’ll have a Coles Supermarket, plus more to come. All this and we’re only 12 minutes to the Fairfield Shopping Centre that has everything we need close by. We would recommend to others that Elliott Springs is THE place to build!”
Just 15 minutes from the heart of Townsville, Elliot Springs' 40-year masterplan includes a future town centre, six schools, parks with sports and recreation facilities, commercial precincts and more. Learn more about life at Elliot Springs here.