Three years ago, after an acrimonious separation from my marriage of forty years (forty years? Why? I hear you ask-) But that’s another story.

Suffice to say that we sold the house and its contents within a week of it going on the market. Still working at this point in time I looked around for rented accommodation, fully furnished, at a price that was within my budget.

I soon found out that fully furnished was an oxymoron. Shabby bits and pieces of furniture showing wear and tear over the years through past tenants just filled me with disgust. So did the thought of taking on another mortgage to buy yet another house.

What to do? I was living at a friend’s luxury holiday flat and time was running out as the holiday season was fast approaching, and the flat was booked out.

I began by looking through caravan parks, holiday flats, and apartments on the beach. What was I thinking? I adore the beach, but it was way too expensive to rent even a holiday shack! – Even a one-bedroom place cost an arm and a leg.

Whilst trawling through the classifieds I spotted an avert. for a relocatable home in what I saw as a retirement village. “A new way of life “ read the slogan.

Well, sounded promising – I was looking for a new way of life. I called them and they said they had 2 homes available. Did I want to come over and have a look that very weekend?  Yes, I did.

As I approached the Village I was struck by the beautiful gardens surrounding it. I also took note of the swimming pool, the tennis courts, and the Bowling Green. Shades of Merrie Olde England in Australia?

The owners took me on the grand tour, which included the community hall, the ‘hub’ of the community – All sorts of exciting events took place there- something happening every day – Cards, Bingo, Raffles. And it even had a juke – box! 

(I was more than convinced I was in a retirement home). But it was not the case.

“We are not a retirement home, “ they said. “Everyone here is quite self sufficient, and mainly their reason for buying a home here is downsizing, (kids gone from the nest- no expensive mortgage repayments – just very reasonable site fees no more than $85 per week”)

The costs of relocatable homes vary from location to location. It is true that I own the house, but not the land it sits on. It is also true that I can relocate to another area. But when I saw my new home I knew I would never want to relocate anywhere else.

Firstly because I felt safe there. The office is manned almost 24/7.A special pass is issued to allow you to drive through the gates to your home. If friends want to visit you they simply call into the office, state their business and they are then allowed through the gates.

Now for the grand tour of my wee house. I love every room in my place. It has two bedrooms. A lounge come dining area. Open plan kitchen – very compact and Bijou! Although the rooms are small – I have everything I need. (Except a bath!) Beautiful shower – but no bath – Heh can’t have everything!

Since the walls were all cream paintwork, I chose to decorate in my favourite colours of red, and black. My lounge is black and cream with lots of cushions. Very comfy. My rugs are red and black and cream. My art on the walls is eclectic. Red canvases with silver wire – and a Japanese poster hang with pride.

Black coffee table with red Japanese bowls sitting atop it. Cream carpet throughout – a bit of a nightmare for someone like me who tends to be a part of the advert. “Not the beetroot!”

My master (mistress) bedroom is in pink. Very girlie, anyhow pink is another of my favourite colours. The second bedroom contains two single beds. Pretty plain, but with the bedspreads being cream, gives an illusion of space!

The Dining area holds a glass topped table and four black and cream chairs.

However, small as it is, I entertained my family over Christmas here. I bought a futon for the outdoor sunroom, and I managed to sleep six people. (My family love my new home).

Best of all it has a sunroom at the back. (My most favourite place) This where I have lots of indoor plants, a black and glass table top, white wicker outdoor setting, and the colours here are red and orange for the carpet and throwovers.

Lots of candles in all sorts of sizes are just waiting to be lit.

From my sunroom I look out to my garden which is on a slope that leads to the reserve at the top, where kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots, koalas, and the most beautiful birds ranging from little Jenny Wrens to Kookaburras, Parrots, and more.
My most favourite time is first thing in the morning when I sit outside in my sunroom with my first cup of coffee, followed by my ubiquitous cigarette, look out at my garden, and feel at peace with myself and my world.

In the village, although surrounded by 200 other homes, one can be as private or as public as one likes. I have a bit of a mix. My nearest (next door) neighbours are wonderful. You need a helping hand? – There is always someone around to lend that hand.

Everyone here takes great pride in his or her garden. They will give cuttings from their favourite plants at the drop of a gardening hat!

As far as I’m concerned at this point in my life – a village life is as good as it gets.

By Jess Walker