Setting the Standard
The gated Latitude25 village features homes that have quality fixtures and fittings as standard. Among them are fully zoned and ducted air conditioning systems, stone benchtops, European appliances, and alfresco dining areas with ceiling fans.
The ‘hero’ feature in every home is a 16m x 6m RV garage capable of conveniently accommodating large RVs, plus two cars. Unlike other RV villages, the Latitude25 developers have sensibly provided 5.5m-long driveways to allow swing room to manoeuvre RVs.
Sustainability is King
Sustainability has also been considered, both in terms of the environment and residents’ capacity to age in place.
Solar panels feed to an embedded network and the community shares the benefits of surplus energy. Rainwater is captured and filtered through bio basins then released into two scenic lakes that in turn provide irrigation to common areas and front gardens. And building materials have been chosen for their enduring ability to distribute embodied energy.
The homes average a 7.5-star energy rating which jumps to 8-stars when solar is added. While these initiatives—along with the absence of body corporate or strata fees—help efficiency, much thought has also been given to practical in-home features that will contribute to residents’ ongoing independence. Among them are single-level floorplans, zero-threshold wheelchair-width doorways, and integrated communication systems.
A Cut Above – Innovation and unique features
Latitude25 is an RV lifestyle community like no other. They have taken the RV lifestyle model and updated it to meet the needs and desires of more discerning customers. For example, unlike competitors, all Latitude25 homes have highly contemporary designs and numerous quality fixtures and fittings as standard. Among them are fully ducted and zoned air conditioning systems, minimum 2.7m ceilings, stone benchtops, Bosch appliances, plumbed refrigerator outlets, floor-to-ceiling tiles in bathrooms, accessible doorways and zero entry thresholds, and multiple pre-wired data and Pay-TV connection points. In addition, the RV offering has been updated to include a driveway that is 5.5m long to allow swing room to manoeuvre an RV and allow for visitor parking – a point of difference from other villages.
Plus, every home has an RV garage ranging from 11m long and 6m wide up to 16m long and 6m wide with a 3.8m-high door – the highest doors warrantied for the wind load in the region. In another RV village first, the garages (and homes) are set on slabs formed with Australian-made recycled Cupolex domes. The domes make the slabs stronger by putting the concrete under compression rather than tension, thereby distributing live loads across a greater area and reducing slab curling and cracks. Cupolex also prevents water leaching and because of the structure’s air spaces, the system also provides exceptional insulating, contributing to our homes’ 7.5-star average energy rating.
Style and Substance
The layout and design of Latitude25 is complementary to the Fraser Coast’s lifestyle, aesthetic, and climate.
Latitude25 has taken a holistic approach, designing the entire development as a high-end resort with streetscapes, energy efficiency, and neighbourhood convenience front of mind.
On arrival, the welcome signage and tree-lined boulevard beyond demands attention for its line-of-sight approach to the development’s heart —the $5m clubhouse. Serving as the development’s architectural focal point on approach, the 1600m2 structure with soaring 7m-glass walls and striking cantilevered outdoor terrace acts aa a hub and gathering point. An adjacent $3.5m state-of-the art health hub provides recreation facilities that range from magnesium swimming pool and bowls and golf chipping green, to a gymnasium and infrared sauna.
Strength in Community and knowing your Neighbour
The development will eventually feature 284 homes but already lakeside trails, the Clubhouse, cinema, sauna, golf simulator, swimming pool and outdoor sport facilities are proving popular with more than 300 residents who have formed a close-knit, active community.
The phrase ‘like-minded people’ consistently recurs when residents list the benefits of living at Latitude25.
Whether strolling trails, working out in the gym or swimming pool, or meeting up for tennis, pickleball, billiards, or golf practice, there are ample opportunities for people to build social networks. This extends to the broader community, with many Latitude25 residents having joined offsite bowls and golf clubs and art groups.
Residents have formed groups that regularly take part in onsite Tai Chi, Mah Jong, aqua aerobics, art, photography, singing and dancing sessions, pottery and they often engage local experts or talented homeowners to run specialist lessons here.
The communal Blubhouse’s kitchen and bar facilities continue to be popular venues for morning coffee, monthly pot-luck cook-ups, and the “Sunday Sippers” afternoon drinks.
When asked what he most loved about the Latitude25 community, one resident said:
“When you live on a street in suburbia, you know one or two neighbours if you’re lucky. What we found here is that within a month or two we had 25 additional friends. Because we’re in that same mindset, people bond together very quickly. As an age group we’re growing old disgracefully and having fun doing it.”
Want to learn more about this amazing lifestyle community option? Explore our website on www.visitlatitude25.com.au or call us on 1800 0250 025 for more information and/or to schedule your visit.
If you’re planning to be in the area, consider taking advantage of Latitude25’s complimentary two-night stay at one of Hervey Bay’s Beachfront Caravan Parks followed by a tour and talk about Latitude25 – the newest fully planned over 50s lifestyle and secure gated community in sunny Hervey Bay that is fully RV-catered.
The Barrett’s were able to use this ample space to house Geoff’s unique collection including a 1960 XK150S Jaguar 2-door (model before E type) in Old English White and a 1971 Morris Cooper S in British Racing Green with white roof.
Practicing Sustainability – before it was a Buzz Word