Sep-Oct 2016 Issue | Business View Oceania

169 community close to both Christchurch and Timaru. The independently-owned resort was established in 2012 by Les Briggs who wished to provide a sense of securi- ty to the aging community of Ashbur- ton and the surrounding areas. Tony Sands, the Resort Manager, has been deeply involved in the process since its inception. In fact, he was the real estate agent who first sold the lot to the current owner. After he listened to the founder’s vision and accepted his offer to be the manager, Tony has worked hard to ensure that the resort would be a place where life is celebrat- ed and where residents would feel se- cure in their own homes with access to as many amenities as possible. A strong focus on independent living Getting people used to the idea of a retirement resort was certainly a chal- lenge, according to Tony, but that nev- er stopped them. Nowadays, more and more people are inquiring about Loch- lea while the residents couldn’t be hap- pier with their lifestyle. Right now, the resort hosts 62 residents in 52 villas with additional agreements on villas currently under construction. Further- AT A GLANCE WHO: Lochela Lifestyle Resort WHAT: A unique retirement village with various housing options and numerous activities WHERE: Lochlea Estate, 25A/25 Charlesworth Drive, Ashburton 7700 WEBSITE: lochlearesort.co.nz Resort g better