From city sounds to serene living in Queenstown

She’s loving the peace, quiet, and happiness found in a brand-new apartment at Arvida Queenstown Country Club retirement community.

Moving to the South Island to be closer to her children meant a downsizing in the most positive of ways.

“I don’t need the extra bedrooms anymore because they’re now close enough to drop by and visit” Carol says.

While she had been talking about moving down for a few years, it was only when Carol set foot inside the village that she’d made her decision. “Once I came here and had a look at the village, I just fell in love with it.”

While Carol does confess it was a big move to relocate down south, she’s living life her way by getting involved in all sorts of activities like becoming a member of two singing groups - regularly performing in concerts across the wider Queenstown community.

As she had a large garden, Carol gave all of her garden supplies to the gardening group and has now become an official member.

“I’m looking after the carrots this season and I’ve already planted two beds of them.”

After years of keeping schools and hospitals running smoothly as an administrator, Carol now enjoys the freedom of not having to keep anyone in line - except maybe herself if she’s tempted to sleep in on Queenstown mornings.

As for her old life, Carol waves it off with a smile. “Look I hardly think about my old house. I’m very happy here.”