While it’s been a challenging year for most, Angela and Lionel Mansfield are thanking their lucky stars that 2020 has been a little kinder to them.

Fortunate to sell their home in their native South Africa and secure one of the coveted seats on an expatriate flight to Australia in April, the Mansfields are now enjoying a safe and happy retirement in their beautiful new home at Ingenia Lifestyle Nature’s Edge.

“South Africa has become a very difficult country to live in. Corruption is rife and it’s just not safe,” says Lionel. “We are fortunate that I have two daughters that are both Australian citizens so that allowed us to apply for a parental visa.”

Lionel and Angela were immediately drawn to the beauty of the Sunshine Coast when they first visited the region back in 2009, returning every couple of years to soak up the relaxed, laidback lifestyle.

“We first came to visit friends of ours from South Africa who live in Buderim,” says Angela. “We were staying in Noosa and before we left, they said you must visit Mooloolaba, so we did and we have been holidaying there ever since.”

The couple returned to South Africa after their last visit and decided to put their home on the market and finally call Australia home. Despite a few hiccups along the way due to COVID-19, they were fortunate to arrive in Melbourne in April this year, where they quarantined for 14 days before flying to the Sunshine Coast and settling into their new life at Ingenia Lifestyle Nature’s Edge.

“Despite 2020 being such a bad year, for us we actually can’t complain,” says Angela.

“We were very lucky our house sold the week before we left South Africa and we were also one of the lucky few to get a seat on a repatriation flight the Australian High Commission had arranged with Qantas. There were more than 600 names on the list and they only took the first 186 passengers, so it was first come first served.”

Having not previously considered moving into an over 50s community, the Mansfields were initially drawn to the lifestyle, lush rainforest backdrop and clever layout and design of the modern homes at Ingenia Lifestyle Nature’s Edge.

“We had circled Nature’s Edge on previous travels and so we came and had a look and instantly fell in love with it,” says Lionel. “I think the location is key, it’s close to shops, beaches, everything really.

“What I also like is the fact it’s so established. It’s very quiet and the people are very nice and so helpful.”

“Nature’s Edge has that sense of security which is also very appealing,” adds Angela.

Already joining in the fun of the many activities on offer as part of the buzzing social calendar at the over 50’s lifestyle resort, Angela and Lionel are keen to become even more involved in their new community.

“We are so grateful to be here. Things are starting up again after COVID so we will be doing lots more, but we have walked around a lot and met a lot of nice people,” says Lionel.

“Lionel goes to table tennis and I have been invited to line dancing and water aerobics. We also went to a Trivia and Soup night recently, which was great fun,” adds Angela.

Leaving behind a large, high maintenance family home in South Africa, the Mansfields are thoroughly enjoying their newfound freedom, with more time to enjoy doing the things they love. “It feels just wonderful … so liberating,” says Angela.

“Lionel has enjoyed working in the garden and we are looking forward to being able to lock up and leave to see more of Australia.”

Happy and safe in their new home and surrounded by a friendly welcoming community, the Mansfields are looking forward to making lots of new memories at Ingenia Lifestyle Nature’s Edge.