For Diane and Ross, the decision to move to Kensington Park in Orewa wasn’t taken lightly—but it was love at first sight. With a long connection to the area and a sharp eye for quality, they knew what they wanted. And when they saw the plans for The Gardens Apartments, everything just clicked.
“The moment Jamiee showed us the plans, we knew it was the right one,” says Diane. “It was new, it met our lifestyle needs, and the apartment’s north-west facing position meant we’d enjoy beautiful afternoon sun.”
Ross, who had worked in construction for many years, was already familiar with the Kensington Park development and had been visiting Orewa for over 30 years. “Orewa has it all,” he says. “There’s a vibrant town centre, but it’s not overcrowded. You’ve got a stunning beach, bush reserves, parks, great cafés and restaurants, shops, and excellent medical centres. And if you need more, Silverdale’s just down the road.”
The couple’s long-standing ties to the area made Orewa an easy choice when they began looking for a home together. “I had owned a holiday property here for 25 years,” Ross explains. “Diane had a connection with the place too, so it felt like the natural starting point.” Their combined knowledge of the location, build quality, and the unique freehold financial model at Kensington Park sealed the deal.
Living at Kensington Park has helped Diane and Ross fully embrace the outdoors. Their days are often spent immersed in nature, starting with a stroll through nearby Eaves Bush Reserve. “That’s my happy place,” says Diane. “The birdsong, the stillness—it’s incredibly peaceful. And our daily walks down to and along the beach are pure magic.”
When they feel like a change of scenery, they hop on their bikes and cycle around the estuary. With access to an on-site gym and pool, as well as their own garden plot, staying active and healthy has never been easier. “I never saw myself as a gardener,” Diane admits, “but it’s been such a joy picking herbs and vegetables for our dinner. It’s so satisfying to eat something you’ve grown yourself.”
They’ve also embraced the social side of Kensington Park. Soon after settling in, Diane launched a monthly social hub in their building to help new residents connect. “Most people moved in without knowing anyone,” she explains. “Now we get together for drinks and nibbles, and it’s led to some really lovely friendships.” A building-wide WhatsApp group keeps everyone in touch and informed, and their social circle has expanded far beyond just their building.
“The community vibe here is strong,” says Ross. “You can be as involved as you like, and it’s easy to make meaningful connections. The on-site café is also a great meeting spot.”
Their apartment reflects their eye for detail. They were able to make custom changes during the design phase, including a sleek handleless kitchen with black cabinetry and upgraded appliances. “When we first walked into the finished apartment, three things stood out,” says Ross. “The kitchen, the smart layout that separates our bedroom and ensuite from the guest rooms, and the extra-large west-facing deck—it’s perfect for entertaining.”
Other design features include thick benchtops with waterfall edges, thoughtfully placed lighting, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Their large podium area offers a sunny spot to relax or host guests, and the surrounding gardens enhance the overall appeal of the development. “The sound of the lake fountain and birdsong is incredibly calming,” says Diane.
Kensington Park’s greatest appeal, however, might be what it isn’t. When asked whether they considered retirement villages, Diane laughs. “I didn’t want to be one of those ‘village people’ from retirement village X,” she says. “
Thankfully, Kensington Park isn’t a retirement village. The freehold title model made sense for us—even if you pay a bit more upfront, you retain your capital gain when you sell.
Security and peace of mind were also key considerations in their decision-making. From the quietness of the neighbourhood to the ease of locking up and leaving for a trip, they feel completely at ease. “It’s quiet, safe, and easy to lock up and leave when we travel,” Ross says “And having the lawns and gardens taken care of is a real benefit at this stage of life.”
When asked what makes Kensington Park special, they pause. “It’s hard to name just one thing,” Ross says. “Everyone’s needs and expectations for later life are different. But we genuinely believe that Kensington Park offers more overall benefits than anywhere else in the area. It definitely deserves serious consideration. The important thing is to find a home that fits your life—and for us, this is it.”
