Judy and Garth Barfoot, of real estate firm Barfoot & Thomspon, chose a Ryman village to be their home and couldn’t be happier.

Following a successful real estate career spanning 40 years, Garth knows what a sound investment looks like. And he was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of their Ryman apartment. In Garth’s experience, when downsizing from a house to an apartment you would usually spend the same amount you sold your house for. So, he was more than happy when his Ryman apartment only cost half that.

Now, with a fixed base weekly fee* , he and Judy are living the easy life. “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t have to plan anymore. It’s all done for me,” says Garth. “It’s terrific living here. When I open the door it’s like going to a resort. You immediately feel like you’re on holiday.” The pair are often out exercising having both competed in triathlons for years, with Garth currently covering 15km a day training for his next marathon.

These days when they return home from adventures, it’s a joyful experience. Garth jokes that “my wife never hassles me about doing things around the house because you can just ring up reception and they’ll send someone to fix it.” But the feeling of returning home is what Garth enjoys most. “If I was selling this apartment, I’d advertise it as being at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. We can leave our door open and it’s very welcoming for visitors.” With emphasis on the entry to their apartment. “When you enter, it’s all light and designed with white walls which makes the room lighter, and the windows are very generously sized too.” Perfect for putting their feet up and taking in those sixth-storey views.

We’re proud that our villages impress property experts like Garth. And that those experts choose to call a Ryman village home.

*Some conditions apply.

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