Imagine waking up to the sound of waves, surrounded by nature’s beauty, in a community that’s all about sustainability and high-quality living. That’s exactly what drew Laurie and Tom’s family to The Cape. Initially, they thought it would be their perfect holiday escape; but the pandemic lockdowns accelerated their plans and turned this dream into a full-time reality.

With Laurie shifting to a full-time work-from-home arrangement and Tom seeking a relaxed lifestyle where his children could play freely, both families found their ideal permanent residence at The Cape. Now, they enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic, all while being part of a vibrant, sustainable community.

Laurie’s 150-square-metre house includes three bedrooms and a study, offering everything they need without excess. “We use every bit of it,” says Laurie. “Raelene works out of one of the bedrooms, and I work out of the study.” Their home has an 8.4-star energy rating, helping maintain a constant temperature. “Even on the hottest days, the temperature inside rarely exceeds 26 degrees with the doors open.”

Tom appreciates the thoughtful design of his home. “We have a dedicated study set up with sit-to-stand desks and all the required equipment. It’s a very comfortable experience,” he says. His home, like all the homes at The Cape, is fitted with fibre optic connections, providing the fast internet needed for his job.

Balancing Work and Social Life

Moving to The Cape has significantly improved the work-life balance for both Laurie and Tom. Laurie recalls, “It has given me at least four hours a day back. I used to commute two to two and a half hours each way from Clyde North into the city. Now, I can pop down to the beach before work for a swim in summer or enjoy the surroundings without the stress of traffic.”

Tom also values the proximity to nature. “I start my day with a walk, often to the beach, which is just 800 meters away. Living here feels like being on a continual holiday because the ocean is right there, and the natural surroundings (and kangaroos!) are stunning.” He adds, “Starting off the day with a walk in such a special place really powers me for the day ahead.”

Both Laurie and Tom enjoy the flexibility of taking breaks to get fresh air. Laurie walks his dogs at lunchtime, something he couldn’t do if he were in the office every day, while Tom often takes a midday workout on the deck or a walk around the area. “Working from home allows me to enjoy these small but significant moments,” Tom says.

Staying Connected

The shift to working from home has been seamless for both Laurie and Tom, thanks to upgraded technology and reliable NBN. “Meetings on Teams make it easy to stay in contact with people,” says Laurie. Tom echoes this sentiment, noting the importance of a fast internet connection for video conferences and calls.

Laurie enjoys staying connected with his colleagues in person and goes into the office once a week. He drives part way to either Cranbourne or Pakenham and then catches the train to Melbourne. “I’m happy to just sit, relax, and read a book during my commute,” Laurie says. Meanwhile, Tom takes advantage of the comfortable V/Line buses from Cape Paterson to Southern Cross Station, which allows him to work while traveling. “For $10 one way, I have the luxury of no stress and being able to enjoy the trip without feeling tired,” he says. “We also have a residents’ carpool group, where we share rides to and from Melbourne, which is great when public transport doesn’t work and a nice way to catch up with our neighbours.”

Sustainable Living at The Cape

Thanks to their clever house designs and sustainable features, both Laurie and Tom have minimal energy bills. Their north-facing homes allow the sun to warm up the house and the concrete floors, making it comfortable all year round. “Having a battery also provides a backup during outages, ensuring our work-from-home setup remains uninterrupted,” says Laurie.

Tom appreciates the mindfulness that living at The Cape has brought to his family’s daily routines. With the new norm of working from home, Tom adds that “if you are going to work from home, you may as well spend your time in an environment that you really enjoy and that makes you feel comfortable and connected with your family. 

Community and Social Connections

Since working from home, Tom notes that he has been able to be involved a lot more with his kids. When he used to go into the office, he would only see the kids in the morning for a quick hello and good morning, and by the time he got home, it was bedtime, missing out on all the fun and interactions with them.

Living at The Cape has also fostered a strong sense of community. Both Tom and Laurie enjoy participating in the monthly men’s breakfasts. “It’s easy to make connections with people who share a similar view and a love for living on the coast,” says Tom.

Advice for Prospective Residents

Laurie advises others considering a move to The Cape to be open-minded. “There are so many activities and opportunities to get involved in. The community here is supportive and friendly. If you’re thinking about working remotely, it’s a fantastic place to live.”

Both Laurie and Raelene, and Tom and his family, have no regrets about their move to The Cape. “It’s a beautiful part of the world, and we couldn’t think of anywhere else we’d rather be,” says Laurie. Tom agrees, adding, “The natural environment, the sense of community, and the sustainable lifestyle make it a wonderful place to call home. It’s like being on holiday all the time.”