When John Stevens founded the Stevens Group in 1982, he wasn’t simply setting out to build homes. He was laying the foundations for a business built on creating places where people would want to live, work and build their lives.

As Founder and Chairman of Stevens Group and Director of Principle Living, Mr Stevens has overseen the delivery of more than 300 residential, commercial, hospitality and retirement developments across New South Wales. Under his leadership, Stevens Group has delivered a number of nationally recognised projects, earning prestigious State and National industry awards across property, construction, hospitality and tourism.

Highlights include the 2021 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Award for Excellence in Regional Development for Foreshore Lake Macquarie, the National Lifestyle Housing Award for Seniors for Glengara Retirement Village, and Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice Award for Best Golf Resort Australia for The Vintage Golf Course. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to the region, Mr Stevens was also honoured with the 2023 Hunter Valley Wine Industry Living Legend Award.

While the industry has evolved significantly over the last four decades, his approach has remained remarkably consistent. Mr Stevens believes the true measure of a development is not when construction finishes, but what happens long after residents move in.

“The real success is seeing people build new friendships, create memories and feel proud of their homes, because people aren’t just looking for a place to live anymore,” he said.

That award-winning approach is reflected throughout Principle Living’s growing portfolio of retirement communities, where thoughtful design is combined with opportunities for connection, wellbeing and long-term liveability. Blueheath at The Bower demonstrates that vision in action.

Nestled in the heart of Medowie, residents have embraced an active community lifestyle through purpose-built facilities including the clubhouse, bowling green, heated indoor pool, community gardens and workshop, alongside a growing calendar of resident-led activities.

With only a small number of homes remaining, the community reflects Principle Living’s commitment to creating places where people can remain independent while feeling connected to those around them.

“We spend a lot of time thinking about how people will actually live,” Mr Stevens said.

“It’s the shared spaces, the gardens and the opportunities for neighbours to connect that ultimately make a community successful, because people are looking for a lifestyle. These expectations have raised the bar for everyone in the industry, and that’s a good thing.”

As Principle Living continues to grow, with communities including The Hermitage,The Darcy and The Apperly progressing through various stages of development, Mr Stevens remains focused on ensuring every project reflects the same commitment to quality, connection and enduring community.

For Mr Stevens, success has never been measured by the number of homes delivered, but by the lasting impact those communities have on the people who call them home. That philosophy has guided more than four decades of development and continues to shape Principle Living’s vision for the future.

By creating communities where people feel connected, supported and proud to call home, Principle Living is helping redefine what later life can look like for older Australians.

You can read more about our communities here.

‍