Published by Ingenia Lifestyle, 28th May 2025.

From the start, Bayside living felt like home for Drew and Sandy at Ingenia Lifestyle

Brisbane Bayside devotees Drew and Sandy opted to downsize their two-storey townhouse and join the laidback Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary community in the heart of Victoria Point.

A visit to Drew’s mum at her over 50’s community sparked the couple’s interest in experiencing this offering for themselves. They were instantly attracted to living in a neighbourhood with like-minded retirees who prioritise their active and social lives. The couple decided to embark on a new chapter of lifestyle living.

“After visiting Drew’s Mum’s place, we both said to ourselves, you know what, we could do this!”

Originally the couple visited a community on the Gold Coast, however a friend recommended they check out Ingenia Lifestyle Sanctuary. They were instantly charmed by the scenic, relaxing Bayside community and wanted to stay close to their neighbourhood of 30 years.

Retirement hasn’t slowed Drew and Sandy down and the couple now regularly attend happy hour drinks and monthly get togethers within their new community.

“Every Friday night we go to the Clubhouse for happy hour and we’ve really gotten to know other residents. Some of the guys come along with their guitars and play a few songs. On Saturday’s, I go and play pool with some of the guys and we even have a men’s morning tea and BBQ once a month.”

“That’s the beauty of this community – you can be as busy as you want or as quiet as you want. I would say we’re much more social now compared to us living in our old townhouse and it’s been such a joy.”

As avid e-scooter riders the couple are a true testament to what retirement living can look like for the average retiree couple.

“We’re living a really active lifestyle here within the community, we even ride our own electric scooters around the village. We use them to get around here, which is funny because at first most of the residents were shocked beyond belief! Now they just laugh and wave hello as we ride past them.”

Sandy said she loves the safe community feel and friendships they’ve formed along the way.

“Living here we’re protected and secure. It’s nice to have a bit of security because if you want to go on holidays or anything you know your house is safe amongst your neighbours.

“Our neighbours here are always on the lookout and always happy to come over and water the garden and do whatever needs to be doing.”

“The sense of community is wonderful; we’re always going for a walk and there’s a saying around here – there’s no such thing as a five-minute walk around because there’s always somebody out the front of their place that you’ll stop and have a chat to.”

“There is so much to get involved with from bingo to happy hour at the clubhouse, craft activities or ladies’ morning teas plus themed events for days like St Patrick’s, Easter, Anzac Day and Christmas, you’ll never be bored!