For Geoff and Nancy Piercy, the move to a townhouse at Peacehaven Village was a big shift, both emotionally and physically, but two and a half years on they are happy to call it home and are overwhelmingly positive about it.

Geoff and Nancy Piercy have plenty of good things to say about their home at Peacehaven Village.

When they decided to move from their large Otatara property they considered a number of options, and when they found their spacious, well-designed townhouse at Peacehaven, they knew it was the right place for them.

“I wasn’t really impressed with the size of the other (retirement village) properties we looked at, and when we looked at the townhouse here it was much larger than anything we’d seen and beautifully designed,” Geoff said.

“I knew a couple of people who lived in the village, so spoke to them and they were very positive about it, and seemed very happy.”

Two and a half years on and the couple have made a home at Peacehaven Village, enjoying all of the benefits that come with retirement village living.

While Nancy, in particular, still misses their Otatara home, the move was made easier by all of the positive things about village life.

They are able to take care of their own garden, there are numerous activities they can get involved with if they choose – Geoff regularly takes part in bowls – while retaining many outside interests, and, adding a sense of security for themselves and their daughters, they can retain an independent lifestyle while knowing that if anything did happen and they required help, it would be readily available.

Geoff, a former Invercargill City Councillor, and Nancy, both in their late 80s, had lived in their Otatara property for more than 60 years; building the home and raising their family there.

The decision to move was a big one to make; almost an acknowledgement that they couldn’t do as much as they used to, including tending to the large garden and maintaining the section.

Then there was the shift itself.

“It really was a large property; there was four car garaging and all of the stuff that went with it, so it was a mammoth task to downsize so significantly,” Geoff said.

“It was the kids’ home too, and the grandkids, so that was hard for us, but we’ve really found that a home to them is where their family is and they often come around here to visit.”

Village life, says Geoff, is pretty good.

“It has been a change in lifestyle, but it’s good, we’re very positive about it all.”