An opulent retirement village has set the benchmark for luxury as the new face of ageing, taking out a national award for excellence, and it’s all been done not-for-profit.
Every morning, a group of residents from the seniors’ village in Cottesloe take a short stroll down to the beach for a swim.
Afterwards, some head off to work, while others linger over coffee in the resident lounge, chatting with neighbours they’ve known for decades.
This is the new face of ageing, according to Curtin Heritage Living, whose visionary Cottesloe redevelopment has just been recognised nationally for setting a new high-water mark in seniors’ living.
The nonprofit’s coastal project took out the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s National Award for Excellence in the Seniors’ Living category in March, building on its earlier wins at the 2024 UDIAWA state awards including the Russel Perry Award for best overall development.
The Cottesloe project was brought to life in collaboration with Grounds Kent Architects as the concept and design architect, and Hames Sharley as the design development, construction and delivery architect.
Located on heritage-listed land in one of Perth’s most affluent suburbs, it blends old-world charm with modern design.
The project is built around a striking set of restored heritage buildings, originally developed in the late 1800s by a group of influential West Australians who petitioned for land to create a facility for people recovering from illness.
Now, the site features 76 contemporary independent living apartments, a 128-suite residential aged care home, three commercial tenancies, and generous communal spaces designed to foster both independence and community.
“The combination of and relationships between residential aged care, independent living, along with our community arts and culture program, are fundamental for us to meet our mission,” said Curtin Heritage Livings managing director David Cox.
Many aged care suites and apartments offer sweeping views of the Indian Ocean from an elevated position overlooking beautiful heritage gardens.
Apartments are sold under a lease-for-life model that guarantees long-term tenure and allows residents, or their families, to retain capital gains.
Sherryn Rietdyk, General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Curtin Heritage Living, said the redevelopment was driven by a desire to reframe how Australians think about ageing.
“There’s a real vibrancy to the community here,” Rietdyk said.
“We’ve got retired professionals, teachers, business owners, even people still working or running their own companies. It doesn’t feel institutional; it feels like home.”
A recent study by Catalyst Research Report has found retirement living residents have a better quality of life than any other older Australians.
Those in a Retirement Community score significantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Index (77.5) compared with the average for all older Australians (71.3).
“Retirement villages empower older Australians to live confidently, pursue their passions and embrace new opportunities. They create a sense of belonging and purpose, offering not just a home but a vibrant environment where people can truly flourish,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
The waitlist has already grown to over 100 people and locals are eager to secure a place.
“Most residents are from the surrounding area and reluctant to leave their long-time communities,” said Rietdyk.
“Their kids are around the corner. Their dog walks are familiar. This is their place,” she said.
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