Community & Business
15 April, 2026
Big milestone for the Grange
On Easter Saturday, 2006, the very first resident moved into the newly constructed Grange Country Villas. Twenty years on, Pittsworth's first and only retirement village continues to offer the senior members of our society a home that values connection and community.
Where did those 20 years go? The say "time flies when you're having fun" and it doesn't matter if you're 16 or 65, clearly there's no exception to the rule.
Whether it’s an organised bus trip, piano recitals or spending time in the “stress free” vegetable garden, there’s always something to do at the Grange.
While the units are spacious and the gardens are beautiful, the real appeal is the strong sense of community that the residents have found since moving to the Grange.
Neighbours look out for one another, checking in if someone hasn’t opened up their blinds by 11am, which is quite a contrast to anonymous inner-city living.
The residents know not only each other’s names, but the names of their children who come to visit, and even some of their grandchildren.
Groceries are delivered each week, and if the residents are not home, the friendly and obliging staff at IGA go the extra mile to unpack the supplies into their fridges and pantries.
The longest resident to call the Grange home is 89-years-old Gwen Kleidon.
Gwen and her late husband Max attended an open day at the Grange 19 years ago, insisting it was “just to have a look”.
While Gwen thought it was well designed, and liked the idea of not having to maintain the garden, she was surprised when Max turned to her and said, “Well, I’m ready when you are!”.
Despite the initial shock of her husband’s statement, Gwen said she’s never regretted the move.
The idea for the Grange was born when the late Mervyn Kahler (then Deputy Mayor of Pittsworth) and Roslyn Scotney (then Mayor), approached earthmoving specialists, Doug and Diane Cattell, about establishing a retirement village on their block in Short Street.
The idea was that it would give older residents the chance to retire within the community, rather than relocating to Toowoomba or beyond.
Initially, the Cattells were adamant they were not interested in this venture but once word spread throughout town that a retirement village could be on the cards, there was really no going back.
“We’ve had such lovely people through here, and it doesn’t matter how good a place you’ve got, it’s the people that make it,” Mrs Cattell said.
There’s nothing the couple value more than the relationships they’ve built with the residents, who aren’t just their neighbours but their friends.
Across the 20 years, 92 residents have lived at the Grange Country Villas and Mrs Cattell said she feels honoured that they’ve been able to support all of those people to stay in Pittsworth.
The Cattells have been fortunate enough to have the help and involvement of their children within the family business over the years, and even their grandchildren have formed connections with the residents.
The Grange Country Villas span nearly three acres in the heart of town.
All of the units have two bedrooms and offer independent living for people aged 65 years and older.
While the listing price in 2006 was $145,000 the units are now available for $240,000, but there is a waiting list.
Before every resident moves into their new home, the Cattells refurbish the units with new paint and floor coverings.
Construction of the Grange took place in two stages, with the first sod being turned in April 2005.
During stage one, five terrace units and ten duplex units were built to three different floor plans.
On April 22nd in 2006, the first resident, Arnold Salomon, moved in.
He was closely followed by Doug and Joyce Bailey, Merv and Doris Stallman, and Coral Langton.
Stage two was completed two years later, with another eight units added to the original 15, and a community centre built the following year.
The original site of the retirement village, named the “Grange”, was the residence of Dick and Lorna Hunter.
The house was relocated to Mount Tyson, and the Cattells kept the name of the former residence.
At the entrance to the community centre is a concrete slab which pays homage to the Hunters.
It was laid by the former owners at the back gate to their house which was inscribed with "Dick", the initials “L.H. and V.S.” and the year 1968.
Twenty years on, the Grange Country Villas continues to thrive as a place where country hearts find a home.
