Gary and Teresa created the perfect home and garden
When it came to the right home for Teresa and Gary, it was important that they got everything right.
Their new abode simply had to tick all the boxes; it needed to be easy to manage as they entered retirement, provide space for the kids to visit, be built with quality materials that helped with resale long in the future, complement the lifestyle the pair love and support their passion of living outdoors amongst the greenery of nature.
After living in Sydney for 30 years in homes that they renovated to suit their style and with the kids having left to create their own families, Teresa and Gary chose to pursue Gary’s dream of living beside the coast.
Unable to find a prebuilt home that met their expectations, the couple used a private builder to create a three level home with lake views in Lake Macquarie.
Although they loved the place, as the years snuck quietly by they knew they would not be able to maintain their massive home.
“We’d chosen quality items throughout our home because we both knew we would sell it one day to find something easier to maintain. The home was covered in glass, so there was so much cleaning to be done,” Teresa shared.
“As age crept in, I planted the seed with Gary to find a new home that would be more manageable. This was the second home we have built, so we both knew what we wanted. Gary always wanted a steel frame built home, so off we went to McDonald Jones display homes in Thornton.”
While the quality of our Australian-made, Supaloc steel frames inspired the pair to visit our displays, the Garden Retreat Two in Waterford County swept them off their feet.
It was exactly what they were looking for.
“We both love the garden, and the Garden Retreat Two perfectly complements this passion as well as the lifestyle we enjoy. One of my favourite features of our new home is the way the kitchen looks out onto the pool and BBQ area outside, so I can really appreciate the roses and natives we’ve planted and the birds that visit,” Teresa said.
“In the summer we live in the outer area of our home, that’s the best thing about having a design that really welcomes the outdoors in. We have also placed a heated pool out the back because Gary loves the water. Gary cooks out in the pool and BBQ area most weekends.”
When it came to the actual building experience, Teresa and Gary have only glowing reviews.
“I am a customer service person, it’s what I do, and I want the same quality service in return. From the time of deciding what home we wanted to the process of picking out the items required, all the staff were great,” Teresa said.
“We knew what we wanted when we started looking for our new home and that’s exactly what we received. Gary and I will now live in our home until we are not able to maintain it anymore.”
To see the floor plan to Gary and Teresa’s home, click here.
