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From Auckland to Amberley. . .

Colleen Hawkes finds out why a cashed-up Auckland couple retired to a small town.

* House and land packages in Amberley typically range between $700,00 and $890,000.

Retirement always raises ‘‘big’’ questions, and the biggest of all is likely to concern where you will live.

Many people are happy to stay put, while others see retirement as a chance to rethink their lifestyle and set out on a new venture – invariably downsizing is part of this.

And that’s what Rob and Mary Phelan are doing. The retired couple, formerly of Whangaparā oa Peninsula, Auckland, are busy unpacking from a move south – they have bought a new house in Amberley, a town 40 minutes north of Christchurch.

‘‘We were originally from the south, but had been in Auckland for 35 years,’’ Rob Phelan says. ‘‘We have family down this way and thought we would like to move back closer to them.’’

The couple also loved the idea of a change of ‘‘pace’’ of life. ‘‘When we first moved to Stanmore Bay [on the peninsula] around 27 years ago, things were different,’’ Mary says.

‘‘Over time, the area changed considerably with a lot of infill housing. We made a decision that when we retired we would do a big overseas trip, do the house up, then head south.’’

Their plans were interrupted when the pandemic hit. They didn’t get to do the trip they had booked last year, although they still intend to get overseas at some time. But there was no stopping their plan to move

south – they left the city just before lockdown.

But why Amberley? There are lots of reasons why the town (population 2000+) appeals, not least because their ‘‘Auckland dollar’’ goes a lot further. ‘‘Cashing up in Auckland and buying for less down here is a real advantage. Both land and building costs are less here,’’ says Rob.

The pair initially looked at towns south of Christchurch, including Lincoln, but couldn’t see what they wanted. They turned their attention north and picked out a couple of properties to look at in Amberley.

‘‘There were some things we

liked about them and some things we didn’t,’’ says Mary. ‘‘And then we drove past Murchison Homes’ open home, and that got us thinking about building.

‘‘We were travelling around in our campervan and stayed in the local campground,’’ says Rob.

‘‘There were people living there while their home was being built, and the more we heard, the more we liked the idea. One of the real estate agents who showed us properties even suggested we talk to Marty [Murchison] about his new builds – and here we are unpacking inside one.’’

The couple were instrumental in planning every detail of their new home – the first build project they have undertaken. ‘‘We’re really, really happy with everything we chose,’’ says Mary.

The Phelans especially like the fact they benefit from current building code specifications – they have a wellinsulated, double-glazed home that won’t need too much attention for a long time.

But the couple also love the small town vibe: ‘‘Unlike some places, I don’t feel like an outsider here,’’ says Mary. ‘‘People are much more open and friendly. I think with a group of people moving into the area from all over the place, people tend to be more sociable.

‘‘We’ve got a young couple in the street, and retired people. It’s a good mix. We’ve enrolled at the doctors and have been told what’s available – what support there is. There is a 24/7 medical centre and an ambulance, with someone even saying a doctor often comes out with the ambulance. This appeals to retirees.’’

Mary says she did wonder whether there would be much bird life, as they are in a new subdivision. ‘‘There may not be many trees, but the birds are out there.’’

The couple no longer have the beautiful sea views they had in their last home, but they have rural views, and are just 5km from the beach. Christchurch Airport is 30 minutes away. And services are on hand.

Amberley is well served with a supermarket, takeaway outlets, cafes and restaurants. The bigger township of Rangiora is also just 15 minutes away.

They still have their campervan, which is parked at one side of the house. They lived in the van in their daughter’s driveway in Christchurch for two months while the house was completed.

And they are loving the change of pace. ‘‘We both worked in pretty full-on roles, and we’re loving the quiet,’’ says Mary. But she does plan to be active in her new community.

‘‘I’m quite sociable; I had quite a big network of friends on the coast. I won’t just sit here and twiddle my thumbs. I’ll be out there.’’

Homed

en-nz

2021-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/283527979099558

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