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Loved by Families, Trusted by Residents

Moving to a Real Living village offers the ideal balance of independence and support, with private homes, 24-hour on-call assistance, and a secure, worry-free environment. Residents enjoy access to modern recreational facilities, maintenance-free living, and a vibrant community with regular activities that foster social connections.

While we can highlight the outstanding quality of life at Real Living villages, nothing compares to the heartfelt reviews from families who have witnessed the positive impact firsthand.

We’ve compiled some of the best reviews from Real Living family members, so you don’t just have to take our word for it—you can read them yourself.

We’re starting with Annie at Pakuranga Park. Her daughter, Darnelle, is thrilled with her mum’s move to the village and shared this review with us:

“Mum moved into an apartment six months ago and is loving it! Everyone has been so friendly and inviting, encouraging her to be involved in monthly get-togethers, weekly happy hours, op shop outings, winery visits, and more. She's so busy that we need to book an appointment to see her!”

Pakuranga Park Village offers an exceptional retirement lifestyle, blending modern amenities with a vibrant community atmosphere. Residents can choose from spacious villas and luxury apartments, each thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience. The village boasts a variety of facilities, including a restaurant, bowling green, and a well-equipped community center, fostering social connections and an active lifestyle.

Like many residents at Pakuranga Park, Annie thoroughly enjoys the cultural outings organised by the village. One memorable event was a visit to a Pop-Up exhibition at Mairangi Arts Centre, where residents admired remarkable local artwork and savored a delightful morning tea.

Annie is pictured here enjoying a cultural outing to the Mairangi Arts Centre to celebrate Mother's Day 2024.

Transitioning a loved one into a retirement community is a significant decision, often accompanied by concerns about their happiness and adjustment. At Real Living, we strive to make this transition as smooth and fulfilling as possible. A heartfelt letter from Heidi, whose mother, Dianne, moved into one of our ground-floor garden apartments at Epsom Village in 2018, beautifully illustrates this journey.

“When my mother moved to Epsom Village, I was worried she might not like it. I knew her apartment was lovely, with a beautiful garden courtyard, but would she adapt to this new way of living? Once the process of condensing her worldly belongings into a small two-bedroom apartment was complete, life at Epsom Village opened up. With a calendar full of regular events, groups, outings, a gym, and a heated swimming pool, countless opportunities filled her schedule. New friendships blossomed as she opted in and out of activities, providing both company and privacy. The vibrant atmosphere of Epsom Village even led our family to affectionately rename it the Resort! Afternoon teas, evening gatherings, themed events, and special visits provided so much vitality and interest that we felt as though we were living in a resort.”

Dianne has a great sense of humour and participates in the Take the Plunge challenge every year, complete with dressing up.

Epsom Village, located in Auckland's charming Epsom suburb, offers a vibrant retirement lifestyle for retirees. Residents enjoy beautifully designed one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with a range of facilities such as a gym, heated swimming pool, and community center, fostering an active and social atmosphere. Heidi, reflecting on her mother’s experience, shares: “I visit her often and love chatting with her neighbors—such lovely friendships are formed, and so many new memories are made in a place and time I never imagined. Thank you, Epsom Village—your staff's tireless efforts in supporting our cherished family members to embrace independent retirement living are truly commendable.”

One of Remuera Gardens' newest and most enthusiastic residents is Craig. For him, it was truly love at first sight. In August 2022, at the age of 60, Craig visited the village and instantly felt at home. Remuera Gardens offered the perfect blend of community and companionship, prompting him to secure an apartment that very same day.

His daughter, Alanna, shared this touching review about her father’s experience:
“My dad has been living at Remuera Gardens for two years now, following the death of my mother. He has been very happy in his lovely new apartment. He enjoys the social community and events that village living offers and has become very involved in the Remuera Gardens community. His living there has given us all peace of mind, knowing he is safe and checked in on when unwell.”

Craig's bright, airy apartment provides the perfect setting for cosy reading afternoons, including the Queen's Remembrance Book compiled by Real Living, filled with cherished memories of Her Majesty.

Nestled at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac in one of Auckland’s finest suburbs, Remuera Gardens offers residents a serene retirement lifestyle amidst lush, well-maintained gardens. The village provides a wide range of living options, including modern three-bedroom townhouses, two- and one-bedroom apartments, serviced studios, and the newly opened Care Suites. These Care Suites are warm, secure, and beautifully furnished spaces designed for comfort and peace of mind, with only 16 suites available, each ranging from 30-40sqm and providing 24/7 medical and nursing care.

Craig is a sociable person with an active life outside the village, but he’s also deeply involved in the social events around the community. His family visits often, including his grandchildren, who have a favorite spot in the village where they love to spend time together.

A perfect blend of the old and the new, Warkworth Oaks’ contemporary apartments are situated right in the heart of beautiful Warkworth village. Nestled near the Mahurangi River, alongside the historic Warkworth Hotel and surrounded by mature oak trees, the village offers a peaceful yet vibrant retirement lifestyle.

Deborah, whose mother Bev resides at Warkworth Oaks, shares her family’s experience:
“Our mum is truly happy and safe, which means our whole family is happy. Mum enjoys the central location, the comfortable surroundings, friendly ambience, and the social occasions offered. She appreciates the professional responsibility and kindness of the staff. Her apartment at Warkworth Oaks isn’t just a place to live—it’s her home.”

Bev appreciates the central location of Warkworth Oaks, which allows her to easily walk to shops, restaurants, and medical services, enhancing her independence and convenience

Warkworth Oaks offers a range of contemporary, architecturally designed apartments to suit diverse needs, including spacious three-bedroom options with open-plan living, private balconies, and modern kitchens; versatile two-bedroom apartments with flexible spaces; and cosy one-bedroom apartments, all thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience.

Residents like Bev love the convenience of living at Warkworth Oaks, where a variety of shops, cafés, and essential services are just a short stroll away, making daily errands and leisure activities effortlessly accessible. The lock-and-leave lifestyle ensures peace of mind for residents, whether they’re traveling or simply spending time away, knowing their home is secure and maintenance-free.

Knowing that our residents and their families find such joy and peace of mind in our communities is the greatest reward, reinforcing our commitment to their safety, comfort and happiness. If you’d like to learn more about our villages and the exceptional lifestyle they offer, please visit www.realliving.co.nz for additional information and to explore all the options available.

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