Higgins retirement village offers sophisticated, state-of-the-art living

One of the many privileges of getting older is the wisdom you gain around what you truly do – and don’t – like. It often means you’re less likely to compromise, particularly when it comes to your home.

Nestled in Higgins, The Henry is a boutique retirement village offering sophisticated, state-of-the-art living. Stage 1 and 2 of the development comprised 46 townhouses, which sold quickly.

Stage 3 is now under construction, with 54 apartments across two low-rise buildings. Floor plans offer a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, each featuring two bathrooms.

The local, family-owned developers have channelled decades of their own wisdom into the design.

“Everything that we’ve learned over the last 20 years of operating retirement villages, we put into these apartments. So, they not only look really good, they’re also super functional,” says Richard Howarth, managing director of The Henry.

The light-filled apartments all feature luxury inclusions, such as heated bathroom floors, 100 per cent New Zealand wool carpets, high ceilings and fully ducted air conditioning. The designer kitchens boast Miele appliances, induction cooktops, Italian tile splashbacks, and stone benches with waterfall edges.

And comfort is ensured thanks to double glazing on all windows, which helps to ensure a minimum eight-star energy rating.

There are also discreet, accessible features incorporated, allowing residents to age in place gracefully.

“It’s all those things that you don’t know you need until you need them, like wider doorways and having the oven at the right height,” says Howarth.

“The Henry offers people a new, sophisticated, modern, light-filled space in which they can live and properly age in place.”

Residents get to enjoy leafy views over the upgraded Higgins Oval, while the Higgins Shops are next door, and Westfield Belconnen is a six-minute drive.

But the real drawcard is the multi-million dollar on-site amenities, offering a resort-esque lifestyle. The large clubhouse features a concierge, pool table, library, fireplace and barbecue area.

Downstairs is a gym with instructor-led classes, plus a cinema and media room. There are also treatment rooms with visiting allied health professionals offering treatment on-site, and The Henry also has an on-site homecare provider for those who require it.

While residents must be over 55 to move in, sleepovers from the grandchildren are welcome, pets are allowed, and apartments come with a maintenance-free lifestyle.

“If anything goes wrong, say you need a light bulb changed, the air-conditioning doesn’t work, or the dishwasher breaks, you just give us a call, and we repair it at our expense,” says Howarth.

Completion of stage three is expected by mid-2024.