Living the Golf Lifestyle: Owners’ experiences

When Terry and Gloria, moved from their idyllic location in beautiful Nelson Bay, NSW, to the Gold Coast, QLD, finding a property that provided much of what they enjoyed in their previous home was a crucial part of the decision.

"We had a lovely view of the sea from our kitchen in our previous home", said Gloria. "We enjoyed being close to a natural environment, outdoor spaces, fresh air and not too much traffic. We were only 5 minutes from the beach and 15 minutes drive to the country, so finding a home that could replicate as much of this as possible, was a high priority."

Terry and Gloria, a professional couple in their 50s, live as empty nesters most of the time, but have two adult children and three grandchildren. They needed a place large enough to have the grand kids plus occasionally parents come to stay, as well as regular guests from elsewhere.

The couple stumbled across living alongside a golf course by accident and solely as a result of renting a home in a Golf Course community for six months. By the time their lease period ended, the couple was ready to buy a golf home of their own, eventually settling in Arundel, on the Gold Coast. The home borders on the Arundel Hills Country Club, renowned for its 18 hole championship golf course and picturesque design.

"When we first moved to the Gold Coast, we rented several properties so we could determine the best suburb to settle in and possibly buy a home here", said Terry.

"Like many who move to the Gold Coast, we envisaged buying a water front house on one of the numerous canals. By chance the very last property we rented was alongside a Golf Course and it opened our eyes to how peaceful and relaxed it is to live in a golf home. The sense of space and quiet even though you are living close to a busy city really started to grow on us."

"We viewed over 60 homes in various suburbs, including a number of waterfront homes. But once we had lived on a Golf Course the choice to buy one became a no-brainer."

Although Terry used to play golf years ago, he gave it up due to work commitments and other reasons. Regardless of neither Terry or Gloria playing golf, they look forward to returning to the quiet, relaxed, peaceful environment living alongside a Golf Course provides.

"Interestingly a number of our neighbours share similar circumstances and all agree it's so relaxing and peaceful to live here, while providing you with a hundred acres of manicured back yard to view, without having to do any of the gardening.

"We are fortunate to be able to see the fairway through the trees from our backyard and pool", Gloria adds. "It's quite different to just looking at bush as you can see the expanse of grass and greenery beyond the trees, but still get the birds and other wildlife that frequent the area.

"Although we don't play golf, we still use the Club facilities, as social members. There is an excellent restaurant and other amenities to take advantage of. Our home is not in a gated community, but the 'sense of community' here is much greater than we experienced in other suburbs, both urban and in the country. We can't believe we are so close to the city, but come home to this quiet peaceful retreat each night", Gloria said.

"If you haven't tried it, then maybe find a chance to check it out. After buying here, we will probably never go back to a normal suburban block. It is just too nice an environment to give up."