THE WEEKLY SOURCE | APRIL 16TH 2026

By Ian Horswill

READ ORIGINAL

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Despite the cost of living and two successive interest rate rises, not to mention the Iran War, demand for good product never dies.

Dozens of local downsizers planning their next move have lined up for a sneak peek at the final homes under construction at Principle Living's Blueheath at the Bower retirement village in Port Stephens.

The Open Day last Saturday (11 April) provided valuable insights into downsizing and the retirement transition while introducing potential buyers to ‘The Blueys’ – Blueheath’s existing cohort of happy residents.

Only a handful of new homes remain at Blueheath, which is set within the Bower Estate masterplanned community at Medowie, a suburb of Port Stephens, and is now fast approaching completion.

Principle Living's Operations and Sales Manager David Kelly said the strong turnout reflects growing interest from downsizers looking to make the move to an established retirement community.

“We had a great response on the day, with a steady flow of people coming through to see the village and all the great amenities we have available for residents,” David said.

“For many visitors, it was about getting a feel for what day-to-day life looks like here – walking around the community and enjoying genuine conversations with residents.

“With the final stage of homes, which start at $740,000, now well advanced, buyers can see exactly what they’re getting and have a clear understanding of timing for their move.

“That certainty is really important, particularly for those who are planning the sale of an existing home or starting the downsizing process.”

Once complete, Blueheath will comprise 112 homes. It is Principle Living's first retirement village.

There are a number of other seniors communities in the area, including the 160-home Darcy retirement village, within Heritage Parc residential estate in Rutherford, 3km west of Maitland, the $200 million 300-home The Hermitage Over 55s land lease community at the former Stonebridge Golf Course in Cessnock, and the 172-home The Apperly, co-located with the Newcastle Golf Club at Fern Bay.

Blueheath residents enjoy access to a range of shared facilities, including a clubhouse with dining and lounge areas, indoor heated pool, gym, two-lane bowling green, library, games room, workshop and community gardens.

David said interest in Blueheath has remained strong as the project nears completion.

“There is definitely a sense of urgency now, with only a limited number of homes remaining,” he said. “We’re seeing a lot of enquiry from people who want to be part of an established, well-connected community rather than waiting for a future development.”

Principle Living is a partnership between the Stevens Group, a privately owned NSW property development company which has delivered residential and commercial projects across the state, and the Mann family, founders of myHomecare.

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