Northbourne bound residents inspection

• Karl and Nola Beattie take in the view from their soon-to-be lounge room window at Northbourne Park.

By Tony Scott,
September 29, 2021

The first residents of Scottsdale’s Northbourne Park retirement village expansion have taken a look at their new digs, albeit still a little ahead of time.

After 60 years of married and farm life at Springfield Karl and Nola Beattie are not without some apprehension about making the move.

“We’ve always been on the farm without any real close neighbours, so it’ll be a big change,” Mrs Beattie said.

But a change they’re both looking forward to.

They decided about three years ago that their house and home block was becoming too much to handle, but decided they would wait for release of the home packages in the new expansion of the village.

Some delays have meant the wait has been a bit longer than expected, but they agree it’s worked out well.

“We know it’s time to make the move now,” Mr Beattie said.

They are hoping to move in early next year after a final family Christmas on the farm.

The advantage of being first into the expanded development is that they get a say in some material and design features.

The Beatties agree their two-bedroom villa looks big in its present state.

Village Administrator Donna Roach said disability-compliant corridors and doorways meant the buildings do look generously sized.

Northbourne Park operates as a not-for-profit organisation for residents over 55.

The expansion will double the size of the village with 68 new stand-alone villas.

New residents buy a 49-year lease and are responsible for a weekly maintenance fee along with electricity and telephone.

All other expenses like rates and water charges are paid by Northbourne. 

When a resident vacates a villa the lease is on-sold to a new resident and a formula is used to calculate a payout figure to the out-going resident or their estate.