For Steve and Wendy, retirement was always going to mean more freedom, more adventures and a little less time looking after the house. As the first homeowners to move into Living Gems Rockhampton, they’re already making the most of their new lifestyle. 

After retiring in early 2026, the couple were ready for a change. 

They’d enjoyed living in Yeppoon, but with plans to get back into caravanning, they began looking at ways to simplify their lives. 

Their previous home still had a small mortgage, and they were keen to find something with less yard to maintain, without giving up the space and comfort they were used to. 

That’s when Living Gems Rockhampton caught their attention. 

“We only went into the sales office once before buying,” Steve recalls. 

With the help of Sales Manager Victoria Dent, the couple found the process surprisingly straightforward. 

They shortlisted a few villas, then discovered one already under construction that ticked all the boxes. 

“We liked the location, the floorplan and the colour scheme,” Steve says. 

And just like that, their next chapter was underway.

Steve, Wendy and Kathy Mclaren, Living Gems Client Relations Specialist

A new home without compromise

For Steve and Wendy, rightsizing was never about settling for something smaller or less comfortable. 

They wanted a beautiful home that suited the way they planned to live. 

And they’ve found it. 

With high ceilings, spacious living areas, a generous kitchen, pantry and beautifully finished bathrooms, their new villa has everything they were looking for. 

“It suits us down to the ground,” Wendy says. 

Steve particularly appreciated that the layout felt familiar. 

“The villa we liked was similar to our home, so we knew we could move our furniture straight in,” he says. 

They were also impressed by the value. At a comparable price outside the resort, they felt they’d be looking at a home around 10 to 15 years old rather than something brand new. 

Better still, the move has allowed them to leave their mortgage behind.

More time for the open road

For a couple who love getting away, the convenience of life at Living Gems is already making a difference. 

Their hybrid caravan is safely parked at the resort, ready for the next adventure. 

And they haven’t wasted any time. 

Since purchasing, Steve and Wendy have already headed off on two trips, including a getaway to Seaforth Camping Reserve, north of Mackay, where they enjoyed spending time by the water.

Next on the itinerary? Tasmania. 

Having friendly neighbours nearby adds another welcome benefit. 

When they’re away, there’s someone happy to keep an eye on their plants. 

It’s these little things that make a community feel like home. 

Watching something special take shape

As the first residents at Living Gems Rockhampton, Steve and Wendy have had a front-row seat as their new community grows. 

They’ve watched the resort entrances and landscaping take shape, met new neighbours and welcomed future homeowners into the fold. 

Recently, residents and soon-to-be homeowners came together for a street party and Melbourne Cup celebrations at the display home. 

“We had a champagne lunch and it was a really lovely day,” Wendy says. 

And the couple aren’t the only ones enjoying the social side of things. 

Their 15-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell, Lucy, has been part of the experience too, even coming along to the resort’s recent Open Day. 

She’s quite the social character, according to her proud owners.

Plenty to look forward to

There’s even more excitement ahead as Living Gems Rockhampton’s outstanding recreational facilities take shape. 

Steve and Wendy’s villa is just a 50-metre walk from the Summer House, and they’re looking forward to having the pool and outdoor entertaining spaces so close to home. 

They’re also conveniently located near the planned Country Club. 

Wendy is particularly keen to rekindle her love of ten-pin bowling, while Steve has his eye on lawn bowls. 

Both are looking forward to exploring everything the resort lifestyle has to offer. 

For now, they’re enjoying their beautiful new home, the friendships already forming and the freedom to pack up the caravan whenever adventure calls. 

And as the very first homeowners at Living Gems Rockhampton, they’re delighted to be watching their community grow around them. 

Discover the lifestyle taking shape at Living Gems Rockhampton. Explore our beautiful villas and see what your next chapter could look like. 

Discover the lifestyle taking shape at Living Gems Rockhampton. Explore our beautiful villas, see what your next chapter could look like and, if you’d like Sales Manager Victoria Dent to show you around, give her a call on 1800 954 214. She’d love to give you a personal tour.