The couple had transformed their six‑acre lifestyle block into a garden destination, planting 9,500 trees and developing three acres of landscaped gardens that regularly attracted garden clubs and visitors from across the region.
Gardening has always been central to their lives. Before retiring to Pukekohe, Mark spent decades as a commercial tomato grower, operating 30 glasshouses in Māngere. Together, the couple built a busy life around horticulture, community involvement and family. But eventually, maintaining the property became more work than pleasure.
“We were getting old and it was becoming too much to keep it in shape,” Margaret says. “We just found it very tiring and we were losing the enjoyment of gardening.”
Despite that, a retirement village was never on their radar. Then, about two years ago, they popped in to The Hill – mostly out of curiosity. “We told Elisha we were being nosy and had no intention of buying,” laughs Margaret. Forty‑eight hours later, they had signed up.
“We were so impressed,” says Mark. “We visited Tamahere Country Club three different times and spoke to the residents there. They said, ‘you'll love it’. They were so happy, and that is what we’re already finding here. We can’t fault it.”
The couple’s corner site gives them privacy and space, and they’ve brought some of their old garden with them. They arrived with a trailer‑load of plants: hydrangeas, roses, hibiscus, feijoas, a lemon, an orange, a mandarin, and one very special apple tree that Mark, as a registered grower, is legally required to take with him wherever he moves. By special arrangement, staff at The Hill planted everything exactly where they wanted it, and even built two generous vegetable beds so they could continue growing their own produce.
Another treasured item has made the move too. A beautiful brass plaque bearing the name Penzance – reflecting Mark’s Cornish heritage and handcrafted by his father in the 1930s. It now sits proudly at the entrance to their new home. “It’s what you put in a place that makes it home, not the building,” Margaret says. “So once we got here and go tour tapestries and embroideries and paintings up on the wall, it felt like home again.”
Inside, the couple have settled into the spacious 242m² Rangitoto floor plan and enjoyed the freedom to customise it. They chose their interior and exterior colour schemes, cabinetry, curtains and carpet. The Sanderson Group even custom‑built a wine bar – complete with wine cabinets – to replace the large wine cellar they left behind at their last property. “We loved every minute of the process,” Margaret says.
There’s warmth here too – literally. “We have a nice big patio facing due north which is lovely and sunny,” says Mark. “We have double glazing and it’s well-insulated. We’ve had the front door wide open because it’s been so hot inside. It’s gorgeous.”
When they travel to visit family in North Carolina, England and the South Island, the village gives them freedom to just lockup and leave. “It’s great to have the ability to go away for a period of time and not have to worry about what’s happening with the lawns or gardens,” says Margaret.
Life already feels lighter. “We’re probably more relaxed,” Margaret says. “And I’ve got more time to spend reading books,” adds Mark.
What has struck them most is the people.“The staff are so thoughtful and accommodating,” Margaret says. “And Sanderson Group is a family company, not a big corporate, so that really appeals.”
Their friends are already eyeing up The Hill for themselves. “People come to visit us and are so impressed,” Mark says.“Some are now seriously thinking of moving here too.”
