Lock up, leave, and live life

“We had thought about [moving to a retirement village] for a couple of years. Our criteria was a small village, with a care home in case needed in the future, and we also needed parking for our motorhome within the village," says John (79).

The couple were keen to stay local but visited villages across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty including Matamata, Morrinsville and Rotorua. “After visiting another village, we always came back to Foxbridge – it just felt right for us,” says Marion (76). With motorhome parking, a care home on site, and small village size, Foxbridge ticked all the boxes.

John and Marion moved to Foxbridge in 2025, with family helping them settle into their new villa. Storing all their possessions in the garage of their new home, Marion says they spent a few days doing a little unpacking each day. “We were able to get the car in the garage by the Thursday!” she laughs.

“Everyone was so friendly and made us very welcome”, says Marion. “The village team are so helpful and make living here very easy.”

“We love our villa, it is a warm, comfortable home and it also has a bowranda, which is like an extra room. And our neighbours are great!”

“[Living at] Foxbridge is a totally different way of life for us, and we’re embracing it,” says Marion. “It’s lovely to have friendly residents to chat to, we can join activities as we wish, plus enjoy time with family and friends outside the village.”

The couple regularly travel in their motorhome to visit family. “We love the fact we can lock up and leave and head off for a week or so to visit family or just have a few days away. We don't have to worry about our home as it is secure, and the lawns are taken care of,” says Marion.

The decision to purchase a motorhome came about after they sold their farm. “We decided to hire a motorhome for a two-week holiday travelling around the north island,” says Marion. “John was hooked, so we started looking to purchase our own”

A trip to the to the South Island in their motorhome is also planned for the near future. “We really enjoy camping in new spots and also enjoy getting away with friends who enjoy camping too.”

According to the couple, there’s no such thing as a regular day at Foxbridge. “It’s like living in our former home, but [now] there’s always someone to chat to,” says Marion. “We go to the resident meetings and morning teas, as well as happy hour and monthly cafe outings.”

“We both enjoy reading, and there is a great library here, which also has jigsaws to keep the brain working.” Marion also heads along to craft afternoons, and exercise classes when time allows. “Outside of the village we enjoy watching our grandchildren's sports games and tournaments.”