Derek Jarrett and Kerry Bright watched the evolution of Helena Valley Lifestyle Village for years before taking the plunge and moving in early in 2023.
“My mother and father bought one of the first houses in the Village, so we’d been looking at it with them,” explains Kerry.
“Sadly, Dad died of cancer and mum went into care before they could move in but, we knew Dad had done his homework, so we decided to buy a place.”
The retirees downsized from a family home in Helena Valley, attracted by the same leafy lifestyle they’d become accustomed to – but without the work.
“We knew we’d need to be somewhere smaller as we got older and wanted to do it while we were young enough to make changes easily,” Kerry says.
Originally opting for a two-bedroom home, the duo then upsized to a three-bedroom Pepper Tree design.
“This house is perfect for us, and we’ve met some lovely people,” states 73-year-old Derek.
“I use the gym and have a game of pool and snooker with the boys on a Monday.”
Kerry’s got involved with the Village community garden and swims in the pool – and they both embrace the Clubhouse library.
Then, late last year Derek volunteered to be President of the Village Social Club.
“I’ve always loved organising things and I’m glad I’ve taken on the role; it’s given me plenty of things to do,” he says.
“The Club put on an Australia Day event and paid for it with funds we’ve raised, and there are monthly dinners and breakfasts and the like.”
While there are myriad opportunities to mingle, Derek and Kerry are also thrilled that solitude isn’t hard to come by.
“I was a bit worried about people dropping in unexpectedly, but it doesn’t happen,” states Derek.
“When you want to get involved – like going out to the Sunday evening street gatherings –everyone talks to you, but if you stay home, you can enjoy your privacy.
“We’re very happy here.”
Information in this article is true and correct as of 7 April 2025.
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