After more than five decades living on the land, Robin and George’s journey to Oak Tree Retirement Village Dubbo was a gradual one.

When the time came to step back from farming life, they made their first move into a cottage in the nearby town of Cobbora, swapping homes with their son and daughter-in-law, who had taken over the property.

For a while, that felt like the perfect compromise. However, even the cottage came with its share of upkeep.

“The lawns and garden were still quite big,” Robin says. “George was getting fed up with all the mowing and watering, and he was the one who first suggested we should look at something easier.”

Robin wasn’t immediately convinced.

“I was a bit dubious at first,” she admits. “I thought it might feel a bit like going off to boarding school or something.”

Still, curiosity led them to take a look at Oak Tree Retirement Village Dubbo – a visit that would soon make the next step feel not only manageable, but right.

The garden sealed the deal

Robin remembers walking through the village for the first time. Just as they were about to leave, they were invited to look at a final villa.

“That’s what sold it to me,” Robin says. “It had a beautiful garden, and I thought, ‘As long as I’ve got a garden, I’ll be happy.’”

For George, the appeal was immediate too. A beautiful garden without the upkeep!

“Oak Tree Dubbo is a very pretty community, and its overall size is just right,” Robin says.

That “not too big” feeling matters to them. Even as the village has grown since they moved in, it has still kept the personal, friendly atmosphere they were looking for.

Close to family – and closer to everything you need

Moving to Dubbo also brought them closer to everyday essentials and to the people who matter most.

“It’s not far for our children to call in,” Robin says. “It’s on the way into Dubbo for our son and his family, and our daughter is at Coolah, so we see quite a bit of her.”

George is equally clear about what has made the biggest difference.

“Wonderful doctors and hospitals,” he says. “We used to have to come to Dubbo anyway from Cobbora, and now it’s close when you need it.”

And when it comes to day-to-day life, Robin likes that Dubbo has what they need within easy reach – shopping, practical services, and all the basics that make life simpler.

Easy living, with plenty going on

One of the nicest surprises for Robin has been the social side of village life, and how relaxed it feels.

“There’s no obligation,” she says. “Some people you don’t see for ages, then suddenly you’ll see them at something.”

The Village Manager is a big part of what makes the village special, Robin says. She’s always coming up with something fun, from casual get-togethers to special themed events.

At the same time, village life hasn’t replaced the friendships they already had.

“We’ve got friends in Mudgee too,” Robin says. “And funnily enough, lots of the Mudgee people come to Dubbo for services, so we still see them anyway. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Downsizing – easier than expected

Like many people, Robin admits she wondered how they’d go letting go of decades of “stuff”.

“We had to get rid of an awful lot of big old furniture,” she says. “I kept thinking I couldn’t do without this or that… but once it was gone, I didn’t miss it for a minute.”

A place that just works

Five years on, Robin says the decision feels straightforward in hindsight.

“It’s the best move we’ve ever made,” she says. “If something goes wrong – a light, the air conditioner – someone comes and fixes it. The place is easy to keep clean. And the camaraderie… people pop in all the time. It’s just a lovely atmosphere.”

For Robin and George, Oak Tree Retirement Village Dubbo has delivered exactly what they were looking for: a comfortable home, less upkeep, good company, and a way of living that feels lighter, without losing the things they’ve always valued.

To find out more about what living looks like at Oak Tree Retirement Village Dubbo click here or call 1300 367 155.