Published by Ingenia Lifestyle, 28th May 2025.

Santo and Virginia start their best chapter yet – where every day feels like a holiday

Just a year ago, Virginia and Santo downsized to Bargara to the beautiful Ingenia Lifestyle Drift community and have loved every day since.

Virginia says the couple enjoy living their serene coastal lifestyle.

“We were originally living in the Redland Bay area in Brisbane; we’re people that need to be near the water! We truly have that here in our Ingenia community, from our alfresco area in the back of the house we can see the water. It’s such a beautiful view to have every single day.”

“Before we settled on this community, we did look at some other over 50’s lifestyle locations throughout Queensland but this offering just appealed to us the most because it was newer and more modern. The design of the community is really attractive, the streets and gardens have a beautiful aesthetic.”

“I would say another attraction was also the price, we found it very affordable to move here. It was a benefit to us that there was no stamp duty to be paid and if you were to sell you one day you wouldn’t pay any exit fees and could keep any capital gains.”

Santo says he and Virginia love to live an active lifestyle in the community and take their dog for daily beachside strolls.

“We’ve got a little dog and enjoy doing a lot of walking. Some of the walkways and the bikeways along the front, near the water, they’re great. It’s a beautiful place to either walk or ride your bike. We usually do an early morning walk together with our dog and an afternoon walk! When the weather is good I take my bike out for a ride along the boardwalk too.

“We’re quite fortunate here. The pathway is about 20 metres above the water, so you get a really good view as you’re walking or riding. There’s a lovely swimming beach, it feels like you’re on a holiday every single day.

“We wake up in the morning and can hear the waves from our bedroom, it’s just a surreal feeling that this is our life now.”

The couple say there are many benefits to ocean front living for those who are considering a similar move.

“From fishing to swimming or going for a seaside stroll at one of the different beaches around, there is just so much to do. No day has to be the same! And a coastal location is great for the family members who come to visit, our grandkids adore coming here to see us!

“They love visiting the beach and there’s a little ice cream shop that’s at a nearby strawberry farm. There are so many nice restaurants along the waterfront and when it’s turtle season you can catch a glimpse of the hatchlings and turtles in the water.”

Virginia says living in an Ingenia Lifestyle address also made it easy for the couple to make friends in a town where they knew no one.

“The community is just so friendly and many of us were in the same boat when we first moved in, not knowing anybody in the area. Now we have a great group of friends, there is always someone to talk to or grab a coffee with.”

“We have a monthly morning tea for new residents and birthdays, there’s also a bowling green get together once a month with a sausage sizzle and many different activities to get involved in if you wanted to. There is something for everyone here!”