One of the many advantages of downsizing is the chance to upsize your lifestyle at the same time. How much better to spend less time maintaining a large home and more time enjoying your favourite hobbies?

Ingenia Lifestyle Nature’s Edge resident John Hawkins is a regular at the community’s purpose-built workshop. He loves nothing more than honing his timberwork skills and having a chin wag with the other woodworkers.

John recently realised his dream of handmaking a silky oak roll-top desk. He’s pretty proud of the achievement and really enjoys the mateship in the group.

“The desk took me 330 hours over three months to build,” says John.

“I put it on display in the Leisure Centre at Ingenia Lifestyle Nature’s Edge to encourage people to come and use the workshop.

“The facilities are excellent and there are plenty of tools and electrical equipment.”

With more than 21 members and growing, the workshop group is available to anyone interested in learning new skills and encourages both men and women to join.

From beautiful timber nesting boxes for the local native birdlife to bespoke occasional tables and furniture restoration, the clever residents are always busy with special projects.

The woodworking enthusiasts are just one of many hobby groups at Ingenia Lifestyle Nature’s Edge. From quilting and art workshops to line dancing and walking groups there is something for everyone.

Located in Buderim’s rainforest foothills and offering relaxed, resort-style living in a secure environment, it’s no surprise Ingenia Lifestyle Nature’s Edge is regarded as one of the Sunshine Coast’s best over 50s communities.