What our Lifestylers Say: John & Vivien Greenwood

“In a way, I wish we’d moved in here five years ago at least,” reveals John Greenwood. “We’re thrilled we’re here now,” adds John’s wife, Vivien.

The couple set up home in Helena Valley Lifestyle Village in May this year, leaving their suburban house of more than 20 years behind. Their only regret is that they didn’t sell up and move in earlier.

“We knew about this community and looked at it nine or ten years ago but didn’t do anything about it,” explains John. “We were in Ellenbrook and when we first downsized there it was a quiet little place and then, as it grew, it became obvious that it was more for the young. “We had neighbours, but they kept to themselves – maybe just a wave as they went past.” “Twenty years ago, people would stop and have a chat; it just wasn’t suiting us anymore.”

Vivien and John revisited the Village earlier this year, falling in love with the three-bedroom Pepper Tree home design.

Not long after, a house in the community became available for resale. Fortuitously, it was a Pepper Tree in a prime position, and the duo immediately snapped it up.

“Living near the Clubhouse, there’s activity all day and there’s always someone ready to say, ‘Hello, how’re you going?’ and it gives that real sense of belonging and security,” shares John.

Vivien’s kept herself connected so far using the Village gym, attending on-site arts and crafts sessions and joining in with water aerobics in the heated indoor pool.

“They are very friendly, the ladies I’ve come across; they’ve all been very welcoming,” says Vivien. “There’s a dinner once a month and a breakfast on the last Sunday in each month and we recently had a Christmas in July event, and the food was beautiful.”

The couple loves not having to jump into a car to stay active and social. “Where we are, we just walk to the Clubhouse, and it’s a huge advantage that you don’t have to drive to go out and find a carpark and pay for parking,” states Vivien.

On top of the social upsides, the financial advantages played a part in drawing them to the Village.

“We saved a huge amount of money as there was no stamp duty to pay,” says John. “The sale of our other home and the price of our new home gave us savings and more money to enjoy in retirement.

“We only pay a small fee every month and that gives us all the wonderful amenities and the Clubhouse, which is beautiful. “We also received fantastic support from the Village staff along the way.”

Vivien and John say their children, three daughters and a son, are tickled pink for them. “They’re happy we’re less burdened,” agrees John. “The other thing is convenience – we’re close to hospitals, the shops in Midland are 10 minutes away, and we’re only five or ten minutes from High Wycombe and the medical facilities we use quite a bit.”

“For anyone considering coming here, please don’t procrastinate, don’t put it off, it’s terrific.”

So, what’s next for this long-married couple once the last packing box is emptied? Says John: “We both hope to start dancing here we used to dance when we were younger, and we hope to rekindle that.”

Information in this article is true and correct as of 9 September 2025.