How it all started
Posted on 27 October 2020
Have you ever stopped to think about what makes Ocean Club Resort stand out from most other Land Lease communities? Why it is one of the most awarded and sought after over 50’s luxury resorts in Australia?
Well, it didn’t just all happen by accident. From the overall resort concept through to each and every home design, care and attention to detail has been first and foremost.
Here is the story of how it all began…
Sean Tieck from Gwynvill Group and John Gilmour from Huntingdale Properties spent a number of years searching up and down the coast to find the best seaside location to turn their dream of building their first resort community for younger active retirees, into reality.
The partners agreed that the mid-north coast (and the Lake Cathie site in particular) was the premier location. Aside from Australia’s best climate, Port Macquarie boasts an enviable array of medical support services and an easy three-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney. In 2007, the vast 25 hectare property was secured and planning commenced.
Within the concept of creating an upmarket resort, the next challenge was to find a way within the planning regulations to enable upmarket homes to be built on slabs rather than the traditional method of placing assembled homes on piers. After many years of negotiations, the creative vision was achieved.
The next stage involved the application and approval on the overall planning and design from Port Macquarie Hastings Council. Behind the scenes, excavating took many months to ensure the wide roads had only gentle slopes, making it easy to get around. Creature comforts were also a top priority as seen in the immaculate clubhouse designed by leading international interior designer, Blainey North, (see our new website for photos).
What’s really interesting and underscores the commitment and progressive thinking, is that the facilities and amenities were built prior to the stage 1 homes, meaning that even our very first homeowners enjoyed full use of the world-class resort facilities when we opened in January 2013.
Since then response from the local cohort of active retirees has been phenomenal. In a short space of time, the resort has grown to over 200 homes and nearly 400 homeowners. Ocean Club Resort certainly pleases the eye yet it’s the spirit of companionship, shared moments and friendships that is really our defining hallmark.
Both Sean and John spend time at the OCR and enjoy spending time with their family to enjoy the resort facilities and in Sean’s case having some of the best fishing spots around!
Ocean Club Resort is a long-term investment project for the partners who are thrilled that the concept of luxury resort style living at an affordable price, has been so widely embraced. Emotionally, financially and socially it just makes sense.
Planning is underway for more five-star over 50’s communities to operate under the Ocean Club brand. Currently c750 approved dwellings of 1,500 dwellings will be located in high demand locations - adjacent to the current Ocean Club site then at Wauchope and Port Stephens.