Lakeside Lara | News

Downsize in style with resort-style amenities in greater Geelong

Set in Victoria’s scenic greater Geelong region, Ingenia Lifestyle Lakeside Lara is a community designed for downsizers who want to retire in style.

The luxurious development offers brand-new homes and a raft of resort-style facilities, including a resident Clubhouse and new state-of-the-art Community Hub.

Low-maintenance luxury living awaits at Lakeside Lara.


Jeet Parmar, Senior Development Manager at Ingenia Communities Group, says Lakeside Lara appeals to downsizers who want to live in a sociable community while enjoying a leisurely, low-maintenance lifestyle.

Living the good life

Resident Kathleen Barton says she and her husband moved into Lakeside Lara five years ago because they wanted to be in a safe, supportive environment as they get older.

The pet-friendly policy means the Bartons’ Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives there, too.

A game of croquet.


“Being a gated community was a selling point for us, as well as all the amenities,” Kathleen says.

“It has everything we need.”

Kathleen says she and her husband appreciate the social aspects of living at Lakeside Lara, particularly that the level of involvement is up to each resident – there’s no pressure to join in unless you choose.

“I use the gym, I do chair yoga, my husband swims in the pool. We go to some of the social events, and some of the morning teas or afternoon teas. Things we have an interest in,” she says.

Here is a sample itinerary of what a resident could do on a typical day in the community.

24 hours at Lakeside Lara

7.30am Take a morning stroll around the walkable community and enjoy the fresh air and green spaces. Pop by the Community Clubhouse for a reviving swim, relax in the spa and sauna, or meet friends for a yoga class.

10am Visit one of the local cafes or shops, just a few minutes from home, or stay on-site for a morning coffee in the Community Hub.

Pop down to the Geelong foreshore for brunch or take a walk or dip at the beach.

Those keen to get handy can stop by the workshop and pick up the tools.

Do some laps at the beautiful pool inside Lakeside Lara’s impressive Clubhouse.

2pm Enjoy an afternoon of fun and games at one of the on-site facilities.

Play a round of virtual golf on the golf simulator, start a game of pool, or perhaps join a social game of bowls on the green. There’s also tennis and croquet near the Clubhouse.

For something more creative, you can visit the art studio or explore the Community Garden.

7pm Prepare to socialise and unwind among your neighbours. Head to the cinema to watch a movie or sports game. Join one of the scheduled events, like bingo or trivia.

Join friends at the community outdoor terrace for sundowner drinks or a barbecue. Relax after dinner with a game of table tennis, darts or cards – before calling it a night and doing it all again the next day.

Play a game of tennis with your new neighbours.


Homes now available

A selection of modern, architecturally designed homes are now selling, for downsizers who would like to live the Lakeside Lara lifestyle.

Justin Blumfield, Ingenia’s Executive General Manager – Residential Communities, says the “light and airy” homes offer secure lock-and-leave living for residents, where they can go on holiday with the security of knowing their homes are safe.

There are nine floorplans to choose from – ranging from two-bedroom with a single garage to three-bedroom plus study with a double garage.

Lakeside Lara operates as a land-lease model, meaning residents buy the house and rent the land.

The homes at Lakeside Lara are finished to a high standard.


Blumfield says downsizing at an Ingenia community such as Lakeside Lara often frees up money from a previous home sale, which helps to facilitate lifestyle and travel goals.

There are no rates or strata fees and, if owners choose to sell, they keep their capital gains. Residents only have to pay land lease fees and they also don’t pay exit fees or deferred management fees (DMF).

Kathleen says the homes have very little upkeep, which is perfect for when they go caravanning and know their home is safe.

“I just let the nice office staff know we’re gone in case something comes up and they have to contact us. Apart from that, you’re your own agent.”

Sustainability features include solar panels as standard, as well as double-glazed exterior windows and glass doors.

Reverse-cycle heating and cooling, and covered alfresco areas make comfort a priority through all seasons.

There are nine floorplans to choose from, with luxurious outdoor areas for easy entertaining.


Destination of choice

Popular for its prime regional location among nature, Lakeside Lara is close to the coast and easily connected to the freeway and city centres.

Parmar says a lot of residents want to live near their families, whether in Melbourne or Geelong, and often previously owned a home in surrounding areas.

Kathleen says she and her husband are very close to their grandchildren, who love coming to visit because there’s so much to enjoy.

“With the new hub they’ve built, there’s even more for them to do,” she says.

The scenic setting of Ingenia Lifestyle Lakeside Lara.


Lakeside Lara is conveniently located, with everyday needs like supermarkets and pharmacy close by. Hospital and medical services are 20 minutes away.

Nearby spots offer cafes, restaurants, wineries and golf clubs, and the Geelong foreshore within 20 minutes. Travel is easy with Avalon airport close by, too.

Kathleen says she and her husband are just returning from a Canberra trip with more travel plans, to take advantage of reduced rates at Ingenia Holiday Parks, also available in Queensland and Victoria.

She says she’s made close friends at Lakeside Lara and it’s a community where people look out for each other.

To learn more about Lakeside Lara by Ingenia Lifestyle, visit the dedicated page or contact us.