Somerset Indooroopilly: A lifestyle above par

Friday, 8 April 2022

Aura Holdings’ fifth retirement community, Somerset Indooroopilly, is officially open! Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner carried out the official duty on April 8 on site at the village within the Indooroopilly Golf Club.

Cr Schrinner toured the village’s display apartments and the communal facilities before the opening ceremony held in the function room. The Lord Mayor was impressed by what he had seen on his tour, telling the 120 guests “if this is what retirement living looks like, then bring it on. Where do I sign up for the wait list?’’

He said Brisbane City Council supported the development of quality retirement living communities inside spaces such as golf courses, in areas where retirees wanted to downsize while staying close to their network of family and friends.

Stage one has been named the Bowers Building in honour of the late Michael Bowers. Aura Holdings’ director Tim Russell paid tribute to Mr Bowers, a leading Brisbane sports administrator and Indooroopilly Golf Club board member, who had been a keen supporter of the Somerset project.

Residents are settling into stage one’s 80 spacious apartments and penthouses overlooking the golf course and lake. They share state-of-the-art community facilities including an indoor pool and spa, gymnasium, yoga studio, wine room, library, craft room, private dining room, café, outdoor barbecue areas, with consultation suites for allied health professionals.

Retirees Elsie and Harold Neal (pictured below) were amongst the first residents to move into Somerset.

“Despite never having lived in an apartment before, it was amazing how quickly we settled into our new lifestyle,’’ the Neals said. “We have always lived in the area and didn’t want to move away from everything familiar, so this was the perfect fit for us.

“In just the few months we have been here, a real community atmosphere has developed adding to the enjoyment of living here. We just love living here. We have definitely made the right choice.’’

Aura Holdings’ director Mark Taylor said Somerset provided something very special for retirees.  “Somerset has been one of the western suburbs’ most anticipated developments.  Many of our residents are downsizing from their family homes in the area and they don’t want to move away but wish to live in a safe and supportive community without any home maintenance,’’ he said.

“The pet-friendly community is set in the 130ha tranquil space of one of Brisbane’s most prestigious golf courses so close to the city for retirees who wish to live independently with support on hand if needed.’’

Construction on Somerset’s final stage is due to begin mid-2022, providing another 88 apartments and penthouses in low-rise buildings with uninterrupted views across the parkland course.

Somerset has been built by Woollam Constructions and designed by Cox Architecture.

Richard Coulson (above, far right), director of Cox Architecture, said Somerset had been constructed within one of the city’s most important green spaces. “The Indooroopilly Golf Club and the adjacent Sir John Chandler Park are a major asset for Brisbane that dwarfs the City Botanic Gardens, the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and Victoria Park.’’

He said the design made best use of all the green open space. “Our design focuses on preserving substantial vegetation on the site and careful consideration has been made to the placement of the clusters of buildings. This was a unique opportunity for a high-end lifestyle residential project immersed in the beautiful landscape of the golf course.’’

Fully-furnished display apartments are available for inspection by appointment by calling 3720 9729 or emailing live@somersetindooroopilly.com.au.

There are limited apartments available in stage one while stage two apartments are selling off-the-plan.

Aura’s next golfside retirement community will be The Ninth Middle Ridge, currently under construction beside the Toowoomba Golf Club. First residents are due to move in before the end of 2022.