Saving the best home until last

Posted on 16 October, 2025

Jean and John Lombard have lived around the world while John enjoyed a long and successful career as a political correspondent and Jean worked in the not-for-profit sector.

They have moved home 17 times, from Moscow to Singapore, as well as around Canberra, while they have raised their two daughters, Jane and Brigid.

Jean, Jane and John, enjoying their new home.

But now the couple are well and truly settled in a beautiful two-bedroom self-contained villa on the very edge of the Arboretum in Weston. And they intend never to move again.

They love everything about their home – from the raked 2.7 metre ceilings to the heated oak floorboards, wide corridors, terrazzo-tiled bathrooms and the sunny internal courtyard where Jean is growing a peach tree.

They delight in pottering around their back terrace, where they tend to roses, a fig tree and herbs, with views directly onto the rolling hills of the Arboretum and spectacular sunsets. But their new home has some very special added extras which add to the couple’s happiness and sense of wellbeing.

It is located within Amberfield Retirement Village, run by LDK.

Stage 2 of Amberfield is now open.

The couple, now in their eighties, are among the first stage of residents who are enjoying the pleasure of independent living in luxe self-contained villas with all of the support they might need into their old age – and beyond – on hand the second they need it.

Having enjoyed international travel, culture, cuisine, and all of life’s finer things, Jean and John wanted to ensure their retirement years would hold the same value. And they wanted to continue soaking up the things that give them pleasure – a beautiful home filled with art and antiques, the ability to cook for themselves in a brand new kitchen with Miele appliances, or the option to head off to a restaurant (in this case walking up to the Amberfield Club House where they can order any meal to enjoy with friends, or take something pre-prepared back home, should they want a break from cooking).

Hatted chefs man the kitchen at Amberfield.

Given the chefs are recruited from Canberra culinary institutions such as Raku, Courgette and Otis, choosing to dine at the Club House is no hardship at all.

“The food is wonderful, truly wonderful, and all the family loves to come and enjoy a meal here together,” says Jean, in reference to their daughters and four beloved grandchildren.

Describing themselves as “planners”, the family began to consider many years ago what life might look like for Jean and John beyond their large four-bedroom family home with the upkeep of a yard.

“We are the sort of family which talks about the future and plans ahead, and Brigid and I had discussed the fact that we did not want to leave moving into a retirement village too late,” says Jean.

Views of the Aboretum and beyond.

When they attended an information night about LDK, they knew the development’s quality and lifestyle was exactly what they wanted. And while it was a big step financially, they sold their family home to purchase a property and move in this time last year.

Jean and John have not looked back.

“They absolutely love it, and we often joke we want to move in too,” says Jane.

She notes her parents, who have always been active and social, have thrived in their new neighbourhood and take their pick of daily activities such as Pilates, chair yoga, art and craft, book club, bridge, scrabble, or Thai Chi – just to name a few. Thursday evenings are reserved for sunset drinks and canapés at the restaurant.

Jean enjoying Pilates classes.

They are a short walk from a gate that leads them to the nature trail beside the Arboretum, and continue to drive themselves around Canberra for various outings (although a bus takes residents shopping each week if driving is not an option). Otherwise, a gentle stroll through the landscaped gardens on wide, smooth and well-lit pathways is just as delightful.

“We often wake up and pinch ourselves,” says Jean of their sunny spot within the village designed by Sydney architecture firm Rothelowman.

“We have no end of activities to take part in, have made new friends and cannot fault the staff who go above and beyond for all of us. We honestly feel so lucky to be here.”

Cafe life. Photo by Pew Pew Studio.

While still fiercely independent, John’s lanky legs were causing him some issues, and he had suffered a few falls. This started to worry Jean, as well as Brigid and Jane. The peace of mind of moving to Amberfield has been a gift to all.

Built to cater to all levels of care – from low to high needs with a secure dementia wing – Amberfield units are fitted with technology to keep all residents safe, from discreetly-located emergency buttons, to fall sensors and automatic lighting. There are personal care staff, allied health professionals, and registered nurses on site day and night. Residents can age in place, accessing as little or as much assistance as they need in their final years – including hospice services in their own home.

Pets are welcome at Amberfield.

According to Jane, the knowledge that her parents are happy and safe has lifted a huge weight off her shoulders.

“I am at that stage of being part of the ‘sandwich generation’, and I understand the stress, so this outcome has been fantastic for all of us. It is a big decision for any family to have to make, and for us it has turned out brilliantly.”

She said she particularly appreciated the village’s embrace of family (and pets!), and last Christmas, the entire extended family congregated at Amberfield for a private Christmas dinner cooked by the chefs.

Stage 1 Villas at Amberfield were opened last October with 57 two- and three-bedroom villas, which are now fully sold. Stage 2 is now open with a mix of 107 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and 20 secure dementia studios. Stage 3 will be completed in mid-2027 with a mix of 194 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Balcony living at its finest. Construction due for completion in 2027.

The final development will provide residents with an indoor pool, wellness centre, movie theatre, greengrocer, restaurant, cafés and landscaped communal green spaces.

If you would like to learn more about Amberfield you can register your interest here or you can attend their Open Day on Saturday 25 October between 10 am – 3 pm