Raising the bar on over-50s living

For Peter and Christine Briggs, most mornings begin with a 3.5km walk or a refreshing dip in the pool. Later in the day, the active couple might enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling, or head to the gym for a workout.

All the amenities they need to stay fit and well are at their doorstep - literally - courtesy of the luxury lakeside country club at the heart of GemLife Woodend, an over-50s resort located in Victoria's Macedon Ranges region.

Country club sets new standards

GemLife Director of Sales and Marketing Andrew Coulter said the $11 million country club was akin to what could be found at a five-star hotel.

"Older Australians are fitter and more active than ever before, so we've developed a resort for buyers who enjoy a high-quality lifestyle. We're confident there's no other country club in Victoria quite like it," he said.

Ideal for couples like the Briggs who like to stay active, healthy, and connected, the club opened its doors in December. Beautifully designed with luxurious interior design, the country club has an outdoor deck area that overlooks the resort's lake.

The Briggs first explored the GemLife lifestyle when visiting the company's Queensland resorts. They were overwhelmed by the quality of the homes and the amenities and have no regrets about selling their family home to move to Woodend.

"I love the country club - especially the golf simulator room," says Christine.

"I can bring up any golf course in the world on the screen and play. I was a golfer many years ago - until Peter and I bought a newsagents' and became too busy! I'm enjoying practising again and will definitely be going back to golf."

Fun and friendships

The couple didn't know any other residents when they moved to Woodend but the Country Club has provided plenty of opportunities to meet, mingle and make new friends. Sausage sizzles, a Christmas party and a group trip to Kilmore races has helped build friendships.

"The country club is definitely an important place to meet and socialise - and the beauty of it is that we're only about five houses away. We can enjoy all the facilities like the pool, gym and bar and we don't have to drive anywhere. It's all so convenient," says Peter.

"Friends and family from Melbourne have met us at the country club and can't believe what we have here. We couldn't be happier."

Facilities offer something for everyone

The GemLife Woodend Country Club is designed for over-50s wanting a vibrant lifestyle and includes everything from a luxury cinema, wine room, library and bar to a ten-pin bowling alley, magnesium-infused indoor pool, and fully equipped gym.

See for yourself

GemLife Woodend will host a country club grand opening event on Saturday, 1 May. The event provides visitors with an opportunity to tour the new country club, see the extensive range of premium facilities on offer, view the resort's new display homes and take a stroll through the grounds.

WHEN Saturday, 1 May from 10am to 1pm

WHERE GemLife Woodend, 1849 Mount Macedon Road, Woodend

Tel: 1800 393 188

Web: Gemlife.com.au