Construction starts on new 300-home land lease community
Principle Living’s The Hermitage is a $200 million investment to transform the former Stonebridge Golf Course in Cessnock in the NSW Hunter Valley.
The Hermitage will also be the first land lease community for Principle Living, expanding the company’s presence in the region following the success of its Blueheath at the Bower retirement village in Port Stephens.
The former Stonebridge Golf Course, which has been closed since 2019, will be brought back to life as part of the project. Further details, including the number of holes, par and public access times, will be released later in 2026. The existing clubhouse will be retained and refurbished.
The Hermitage will span 37 hectares and feature a host of resort-style facilities. Alongside the golf offering, residents will enjoy exclusive use of a private clubhouse, indoor pool, wellness gym, lawn bowls, pickleball courts and pocket parks. There will also be a dedicated parking area for caravans.
Buyers will be able to choose from a range of two- and three-bedroom homes set across three landscaped precincts with some homes offering golf course views.
Principle Living Director John Stevens said The Hermitage would breathe new life into a well-known local site while creating much-needed housing choice for downsizers and retirees.
“Our vision is to create a place that respects the character of the area while delivering high-quality homes, green open spaces and shared facilities that foster connection, wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging,” John said.
Cessnock has become increasingly popular with downsizers seeking a lifestyle upgrade without the congestion and price pressures of coastal centres, Principle Living said in a release.
Principle Living is a partnership between the Stevens Group, a privately owned NSW property development company, and the Mann family – founders of Sue Mann Nursing and Community Care.
The Mann family joined with Quadrant Private Equity and the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC WA) in 2017 to form myHomecare, which was then acquired by Australian Unity in 2024.
Principle Living’s inaugural retirement village Bluehealth at the Bower, Medowie, Port Stephens, is due for completion in June this year.
The group has also announced two further retirement villages: The Darcy at Rutherford, and The Apperly, located at the Newcastle Golf Club.
