Relaxed lifestyle awaits downsizers in nature-friendly retreat on NSW coast
For downsizers seeking a holiday-style retirement in a scenic setting, this community on the NSW mid-north coast could be the answer.
Set in picture-perfect Port Stephens, Natura by Ingenia Lifestyle is an over 55s community that offers serene coastal living in a bushland setting – making it ideal for both a sea change and tree change.
Natura by Ingenia Lifestyle enjoys a scenic bushland setting on the coast.
“Our vision from the get-go was to build this boutique community immersed in nature,” says Justin Blumfield, the Executive General Manager – Residential Communities at Ingenia Communities.
Natura Port Stephens is now unveiling a brand-new collection of move-in-ready homes, which seamlessly integrate with the vibrant community’s existing residences and established amenities.
Downsizers simply have to move in and start living the easy life.
‘Permanent holiday’ at Port Stephens
Positioned north of Newcastle, the blue-water paradise of Port Stephens is a picturesque destination for holidaymakers and offers a leisurely lifestyle for locals all year round.
Port Stephens is known as a blue-water paradise, popular with holidaymakers and locals alike.
The region is home to gorgeous national parks and thriving animal sanctuaries, with access to beaches, walking tracks and a range of outdoor activities.
A typical day for a Port Stephens resident could include anything from a beachside lunch at glamorous Bannisters and a round of golf, to bike-riding, sailing, wildlife watching or swimming in turquoise waters.
You may even come across one of the 100-plus dolphins that have made Port Stephens their home, or spot some of the migrating whale pods as they pass the coastline from May to November.
Day-to-day amenities are also covered – from shopping, dining and entertainment to medical facilities, community centres and public transport.
Residents at Natura enjoy a holiday lifestyle all year round.
Nelson Bay is a popular foodie precinct with great cafes and restaurants including The Wood Oven and The Little Nel, while fresh-food lovers will be able to source local produce from fruit and macadamia farms to fresh oyster suppliers.
With Natura’s lock-and-leave lifestyle, residents can enjoy hassle-free travel. Port Stephens sits just 45 minutes from Newcastle and 20 minutes from Newcastle Airport, which connects to destinations all over Australia.
Natura is positioned in the tightly held suburb of Bobs Farm in Port Stephens, which experienced annual house price growth of 17.6%, according to PropTrack data for the 12 months to May 2024.
Due to the region’s diverse drawcards, Ingenia Lifestyle has built several other over 55s communities in the area, including award-winning community, Latitude One, and the brand-new Element Fullerton Cove.
“We’ve invested heavily in Port Stephens to deliver over 55s communities that put residents in touch with everything the region has to offer, from nature to amenities,” Blumfield says.
New homes ready to go
Natura’s Birubi release is a new collection of low-maintenance, three-bedroom homes that maximise the lifestyle on offer in this peaceful location.
There is range of display and move-in-ready homes on site for downsizers to view, making it easy to choose the right home to suit their style.
Natura’s homes are cleverly designed to optimise space, offering easy-care living that evolves with residents’ needs.
Modern exteriors complement the natural setting.
The sophisticated floorplans offer seamless indoor-outdoor luxury and an abundance of storage and natural light, finished with contemporary coastal colour palettes inspired by surrounding nature.
Residents can also reap the benefits of Natura’s land-lease model, where you own the home you live in and rent the land from Ingenia Lifestyle.
This saves on costs like stamp duty, strata, body corporate and council fees, while retaining any capital growth from the sale of the property. There are also no exit fees to pay.
Dream destination for downsizers
Natura residents, David and Jeanette Underwood, moved to Port Stephens from the Southern Highlands last June to fulfill their dream of living a holiday lifestyle in retirement.
The Underwoods are long-time fans of Port Stephens having spent their holidays in the area over the past 20 years.
“We just love Port Stephens, and when we discovered Natura, we were so excited that we could move here permanently and call this stunning place our home,” says Jeannette.
“It just has the most beautiful scenery and places to visit.”
Natura is a friendly community where residents can enjoy a range of social activities.
Jeannette says the Natura community is “quite tight” and is great for sharing new experiences.
“We’ve made some amazing friends. It’s quiet but very social,” she adds. “People are just so friendly around this area.”
The Underwoods had never experienced living in an over 55s community before moving to Natura, but found fellow residents helped them settle in quickly and feel right at home.
“It’s been amazing,” Jeannette shares.
“As my husband would always say, it’s a holiday every day up here.”
Activities and amenities abound
Construction of the Clubhouse is underway and will be open to Natura residents by the end of the year.
Features will include an arts and craft room, library, heated pool, bowling green and a state-of-the-art gym including VR treadmills and exercise bikes, plus a yoga and Pilates studio.
Ingenia Lifestyle is curating selection of amenities for Natura that will cater to the social, wellbeing and recreational needs of residents.
There is a planned movie theatre, sports bar, barbecue area with pizza oven, and community garden for residents to socialise and host guests.
Also under construction is a unique ‘sensory garden’ experience for residents and their guests.
A standout feature of the Natura community is a unique sensory garden pathway experience for residents and their guests.
Along the pathway, they will be able to learn about the native trees and plants surrounding them. It’s a fun and educational activity, one that would be great for grandparents and grandkids to experience together.
Residents currently benefit from a community bus, and a communal shed – for woodworking, metalworking and other handy pursuits – is scheduled to open later this year.
Nature-friendly community
True to its name, Natura is a bona-fide paradise surrounded by native vegetation and wildlife.
Natura’s new clubhouse will overlook the tranquil lake at the heart of the community and plans for a private lake boardwalk and walking track have now received DA approval, with construction to commence shortly.
Ingenia Lifestyle prioritised their commitment to nature and the local wildlife by engaging with local environmental groups during the planning phase, to find workable development solutions that would maintain and enhance the koala population in the area.
Natura has been developed and designed to protect local nature and wildlife, including the nearby koala population.
Natura’s masterplan was carefully designed, in consultation with the local council, EcoNetwork Port Stephens and Port Stephens Koala Hospital. To protect native wildlife in the area, Natura is a pet-free, koala-friendly community.
Also in consideration of the local environment – and the environment at large – the homes at Natura have a seven-star NatHERS rating and there’s also an EV-charging station, Blumfield adds.
Other sustainable features include double-glazed windows, extra insulation in the walls and ceilings, 4.1-kilowatt solar roof panels, and 3000-litre water tanks on every house.
Discover more about living at Natura Port Stephens on the Ingenia Lifestyle website or enquire below to book a tour of the beautiful display homes.