“We liked Summerset from the start”

Accompanied by two black Labradors, Michael and Lynne Barradell moved into Summerset Mount Denby in Whangārei, happily knowing their furry family members were welcome in the village.

“We had a beautiful property and four-bedroom home in Tutukaka with magnificent views, but it became really hard work to do ourselves and very expensive to get people in to do everything.” said Michael.

Lynne suggested retirement village living two-years before the couple moved into the Whangārei village. Initially unsure of the idea, it was another year before Michael felt ready and they began the search for their future home.

“I didn't feel as enthusiastic as Lynne at first, but we let that idea mature a little bit and both concluded this was the time to do it.” recalled Michael “We liked Summerset from the start. We looked around other villages, but it was Summerset’s sympathetic and pleasing attitude about our dogs that made the difference.

The Barradell’s chose a home next to the golf course, for easy access to walk the dogs but it’s the village’s location that has enhanced their lives, with everyday conveniences just a ten-minute drive away.

“It was an hour return trip from Tutukaka if we wanted to go to the supermarket. Here everything is so close. There’s a supermarket, hairdressers, nail salon, doctor and pharmacist.” said Lynne.

Downsizing from a large property filled with antique furniture, art and treasures took some effort, with many items being gifted to family or donated. The Barradell’s brought the best of their collection to the new three-bedroom home they modified to suit their lifestyle.

“We've made one of the bedrooms into a study for Michael, said Lynne, we’ve taken out the wardrobe shelving and turned it into a very attractive bookcase.”

“That was a really pleasing aspect,” added Michael. “We had idiosyncratic preferences for some things. We preferred louvre shutters to net curtains and drapes, and we really like a wooden floor with rugs because we have nice rugs, and they were quite happy for us to make the changes, as long as we bring it back to what it was and meet any costs. It was so nice to be able to tailor the house somewhat to our own taste.”

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