LOVE LOCAL - Meet Shushila, proud resident of the Donnybrae community!

A new home amid the best of town and country living

Think a new housing estate doesn’t offer all of the amenities you need? Donnybrae might just change your mind. In fact, it was one of the key factors that led two of our newest residents, Shushila and Subash, to escape from the country and call Donnybrae home.  

We caught up with Shushila to find out more about her family’s experiences…  

There are so many factors to consider when purchasing land and building your own home. What made you choose Donnybrae as your new community?

We had heard about Donnybrae from some of our friends who are living here. We really liked the fact that it was a new development but offered so many established amenities nearby. Having the train station so close was a big attraction. We are a young family so one of the most important considerations was having local schools in the neighbourhood.

Did your work have any impact on where you chose to buy property?

One of the reasons we decided to move from Shepparton to Melbourne was for better career opportunities, however our current jobs didn’t really have any impact on our decision to buy in Donnybrae.

I am a registered nurse and I am currently still working in Shepparton. The commute isn’t too bad – it only takes an hour and a half – and I am able to group my shifts together so that I can make the most of my days off.

Subash works as an engineer for a local council and also needs to commute for work. That said, we do love being able to catch the train when we travel to the city instead of taking the car.

But the main reason we decided to move to Melbourne from Shepparton was to be closer to family and friends. And while we were seeking greater career opportunities, we didn’t want to be living in inner Melbourne. We still wanted a quiet community so our children could enjoy a bit of country and a bit of city.

Is this property your first home, second home or an investment?

This is our second home but first home to live in. We were looking for an area where we could move in with young children, have access to schools and opportunity to get involved in other activities like sports. We thought Donnybrook would be the best area for us to live.

Who is living with you in your new home?

We have two children – Siara and Shreyan – and both of them are looking forward to going to Hume Grammar in Donnybrook. It’s great to have a good school nearby.

We are also fortunate to have my mother-in-law staying with us for at least the next year or longer. She is from Nepal and is a big help to us.

The sales process can sometimes be pretty overwhelming. What were your biggest challenges? And how did the Donnybrae Sales Team help you and support you along the way?

We didn’t really have any problems throughout the whole process. The sales team, first Liliana and then Vesna, were so helpful. They have always been so approachable. During the build, if there were any issues they were very responsive, helping us to escalate the issue to the right people to get things happening.

How did you decide what type of home you wanted to build? And which builder did you choose?

We have a corner block with special criteria for the Design Guidelines and wanted a double storey home. Carlisle Homes had a design and façade that we liked.

What I love about the house more than anything now we are living here is the balcony at the front overlooking the park. We can open our window and see all the children and the families talking and laughing. There is always something going on!

What are you enjoying most about being a resident in Donnybrae?  

The neighbourhood. We moved in less than a month ago and enjoy going to the local park every day. I have already made friends and last weekend my children were so excited to attend a birthday party for one of their new friends. They have already made lots of friends in Donnybrae and they will all go to the same school.

I was also very pleased to discover that residents have established an online social group so that we can share information and help support each other if needed.

My mother-in-law is enjoying the local community as well – she takes the children to the park when I am working and is also getting to know the community.

Would you recommend Donnybrae to your friends and family? And if yes, what would you tell them?

Yes! I have already recommended Donnybrae to so many people and one of my friends has now purchased land nearby. I keep telling them we have everything we need here or in developing areas nearby.

Donnybrae is the best of the city and the country!

Images: Shushila’s daughter Siara was thrilled to receive a Donnybrae teddy for herself and another one for her brother from the friendly sales team!