Provincial paradise showing strong signs for capital growth Tree Change no longer means becoming an alpaca farmer In recent years the term ‘tree change’ was used to describe people who are fed up with traffic jams in the cities, who want to actually move somewhere more friendly and where it is much easier to live and work, with a genuine sense of community. They can buy a bigger house in a country town and have an easier lifestyle with less stress. There is some new research that might help you make the big decision to move outwards. A survey released recently by Deakin University’s Centre on Quality of Life has found that people living in Provincial Australia score highest on an index of wellbeing; it seems that Australians are looking for a life less complicated. How is it that the silence of a starry night, accompanied by the satisfying sound of a cork coming out of a bottle of local wine will do more for our well being than any clinical remedy? We may be a nation of urban-dwelling souls, but take us out of the cities, let us chat to some genuine country people and watch our countenance change. The charm of a country town and the sounds of the natural forest calms, inspires, enlivens and makes us feel as if we’ve returned to a calmer, gentler, less complicated way of life; the kind of blissfully simple existence many of us experienced before mobiles and the information-age. Forest Resort has had first hand experience in speaking with potential participants in the tree change phenomenon. There is still a real perception that to be a ‘tree changer’ you need to sell your urban property, convert your Toorak Tractor to recycled vegetable oil, disconnect from the world wide web, and work the land to be totally self sufficient. Resort Services manager Justin Walsh commented “It is amazing to see the expression on a guest’s face, when we explain that provincial living at the Forest Resort takes all the elements they love about city life and fuse it with a strong environmental philosophy, in a setting that is very accessible but still has a feeling of seclusion”. The modern Tree Changers are fast emerging; those who yearn for the benefits of a less complicated country lifestyle away from traffic and smog, but are not quite ready to cut their umbilical connection with their laptop or mobile phone. Fibre Optic technology, state of the art water treatment, concierge facilities, and wireless broadband internet, delivers the convenience of Metropolitan areas right to the eucalypt canopies of the forest. The appeal of provincial living is not limited to the Tree Changers in Metropolitan Australia. The appeal for International purchasers’ is also very strong. With locations starting within 60 minutes of Metropolitan centres, the accessibility to commute for a short or longer stay is not only easy, but very rewarding. In February 2007 domain.com.au advised “Property analysts are predicting that ‘spillover’ locations… will experience the most capital growth in the next decade.” Spillover locations are categorised as regions which are in close proximity to major centres. As with most investments, astute individuals who realise future growth before the fact are those who enjoy the best returns. It is difficult to imagine a better investment that not only foresees substantial future growth, but also provides personal wellbeing benefits along the way. Provincial Victoria offers a lifestyle unlike any other available in Australia; it’s where the best of both worlds meet to entertain, relax, and bring balance. Information Supplied by: Forest Resort 1500 Midland Highway Creswick Victoria Phone:+61 3 5345 2526 (outside Australia) 1300 882 892 (within Australia) Website: www.forestresort.com.au