Monika and Tony Jarret retired seven years ago after more than 40 years in public service. They built a beautiful two storey home in Karrinyup with a huge array of comforts including a lift, sparkling lap pool, automated gates, solid Karri flooring and Californian shutters throughout.
“We built the house with every intention of seeing out our retirement there but it just got far too large for us as our children are all settled down with their own families,” explained Monika. “We found our wonderful house needed constant and expensive maintenance and upkeep, plus cleaning all that glass and huge floor space was a mammoth task!”
The couple had always loved living in Karrinyup and decided they wanted a lifestyle that would allow them to lock up and leave so they could travel, and not be a slave to the house. They also wanted more peace and quiet in their lives.
“We had been thinking for quite some time about downsizing and looked at options such as apartment living, or perhaps a villa in a small development. Yet they didn’t offer us most of the comforts we had come to appreciate in our big home. Then, the idea of an over 55’s village began to appeal.”
Monika and Tony looked at retirement villages in Carine, Gwelup, Menora and Trigg but they especially liked the Karrinyup location of Moline Village.
“Karrinyup is a desirable location so we had to wait quite a while for a villa at Moline Village to come up, but it was worth it. This was a secluded three-bedroom, two-bathroom villa with a private courtyard for us and our dog to enjoy. There were plenty of parks and safe streets to walk around, and Trigg Beach was less than a kilometre away. We knew it was the one for us,” said Monika.
The Jarret’s offer was accepted and Amana Living completed the villa’s refurbishment alongside several additional features requested by the couple. Their house sold in just three weeks and they moved into Moline Village on Christmas Eve.
“From day one, all the staff, our neighbours and the residents we have met at Moline Village have been amazing. We have been genuinely welcomed and made to feel very much part of the community. Moline Village provides safety and security, and the residents are all like-minded people who care for each other and welcome you to join in with all the activities on offer.”
Since moving to Moline Village, Monika and Tony have enjoyed the strong sense of community and have quickly made a circle of friends they enjoy spending time with.
“The best thing we have noticed so far since moving to Moline is that everyone seems very positive and encouraging. People genuinely care for each other. Living here, we have found that you can be as social or as private as you feel, and there is always an opportunity to catch up if you want. We have a small social group that meet up for a drink and a chat from time to time that is just so wonderful. We get excited to join them,” Monika said.
“In the past we have always got along with our neighbours and helped them with things along the way but the community spirit at Moline is so much more. You are never pressured to be involved, but you are always welcome.”
The Jarrets have been nominated to join the Residents’ Committee and look forward to being able to offer their experience and contribute to the Moline community.
“We are keen to lend a hand where we can as the other residents are so lovely. It really is a fantastic place to live. From the morning teas on Tuesday, the Friday night dinners and other social activities – not to mention the in-house hairdresser, podiatrist, beautician and remedial therapist and the chaplain on hand.”
Monika and Tony have been appreciative of the staff and their accommodating approach, giving thanks to the village management team who have always been available to discuss matters and work through any issues.
“Thank you for letting us join this beautiful extended family. We are just so glad we didn’t leave it too long to make the decision,” concluded Monika.
