For over three years now, Jackie and Jim Searle have been the management rights owners of Lumiere Residences, the exclusive Gold Coast residential building that overlooks Broadwater beachfront. They spoke to Resort News this month about how fortunate they feel to live and work here.

Why do they feel so auspicious? Because when they embraced this opportunity, they didn’t fully appreciate what an amazing future they had in store. A timely change in their career path led to a decision that has provided them with a reasonable financial return; the ability to be their own boss and contemporary living in a surprisingly tranquil, yet active and fun environment.

Jackie and Jim are ‘Poms’, having moved to Australia when Jim was offered an opportunity to move to the Aussie branch of the hydraulic industrial sales company he worked for in the UK. They settled well in country Victoria and, for five years, felt very at home despite leaving the beautiful (but very wet) English countryside that they were used to.

How did they settle on the Gold Coast? “A change to my role in senior sales management triggered an appraisal of our lifestyle and we realised that after 25 years of commercial travel and a stressful corporate career, we wanted a complete change,” said Jim.

“Having always lived in the countryside, city life appealed to us and with friends living on the Gold Coast, we were naturally drawn to this location. When we visited those friends, we discussed management rights and they introduced us to the managers of Lumiere Residences; immediately, we envisioned ourselves living in the apartment and operating the business. In hindsight, even at this early stage, we had already made our minds up!”

Lumiere Residences is an elegant property that was creatively and innovatively built 13 years ago by Sunland Group who also created the iconic Gold Coast resort, Palazzo Versace. Jim says: “Both the location and timeless design of this residential complex attracted us.”

The generous and private residences offer both comfortable, modern living spaces, breathtaking wide ocean, city lights and hinterland views. Jackie says: “The apartments are very special; they have been cleverly designed to sustain the multi-dimensional manner of modern-day living and the whole property is vibrant, fluid and spacious.

“The form and flow perfectly reflects the beauty of its location with colours and texture, evoking sand, sea and sky. We are surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and overlook a golden, park-fringed beach (both secluded and truly beachfront).”

Although the location is very peaceful, it is also very accessible to the gregarious city. Positioned just a short drive from the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland, horse-loving Jackie can ride/keep horses nearby. Jim and Jackie can rise early every morning, choose from a variety of activities; whether a paddle, a swim or a bike ride and still be ready for a full business day.

With his real estate licence, Jim successfully sells the apartments and manages rentals in this popular complex. With the new Gold Coast Hospital close, the property is an ideal choice for buyers and renters from the medical profession and being pet friendly it also attracts many families and couples. With full resort facilities (a private residence lounge, 25m heated pool, spa, sauna, steam, gym and barbeque area) this complex is unique for the lifestyle, location, and activities it offers.

Happily, this career change has been a complete success for Jim and Jackie. “When we took over the business we were given thorough handover by the previous owners Terry and Wendy Major but it was still a huge challenge. No matter how busy MRs can be, we always stop and remember how stressful our previous work life was, and we have never regretted our decision, not even in our most hectic moments.

“We based our decision to buy Lumiere Residences on both of us liking the building and its owners, and as incredible as it sounds, this heart led decision has reaped rewards. It really suits us,” Jackie confirms.

Despite being over 13 years old, the high-quality construction and design of Lumiere Residences means that the building is in great shape. According to Jim, prior to purchase the externals had been painted and more recently the intercom system replaced.

“We work well together to manage the complex, with only the assistance of a group of tradies that we inherited from the previous managers. However, we both play to our strengths: Jackie is very practical and I do more paperwork,” he concedes.

What is a typical day like? “There is no typical,” Jokes Jim. “Every day we get surprised! I might start my day in smart attire to meet a potential apartment renter or buyer but a sudden delivery, or garden maintenance task will occur and I make a quick change into my tradie shorts. Like ‘Murphy’s law’ this is usually the time that a committee member will suddenly pop in to discuss an urgent matter.”

Any tips for potential managers? “Only take advice from experienced and good people, try to negotiate a long hand over period, keep smiling, work hard, and work closely with your committee,” said Jim.

What does your future hold? “We are currently waiting to be granted full Australian citizenship and then we are excited to relish many more years of our wonderful Aussie lifestyle.”

Mandy Clarke - Resort Publishing