Finding the Right Home When It Mattered Most

When Carol was hospitalised, everything changed for us.

We were living in a split-level home at the time, and we knew that once she came home, she would be confined to a wheelchair. Suddenly, the house we loved simply wouldn’t work anymore. We needed a single-level home — one that could truly accommodate our new reality.

I began what felt like an endless search. I looked at homes — not just new builds — throughout the southern suburbs, including West Dapto, Albion Park Rail, Calderwood, Albion Park, Warilla and, of course, Tullimbar. We inspected hundreds of houses. Some were close. Most weren’t right.

Just down the road from where we were living was the Ravenswood estate by Allam Property Group. We had considered downsizing if we could find something suitable, so I contacted Ray, the Allam salesman, and explained our situation.

From the beginning, Ray listened.

He showed me a number of designs, but what really stood out was the internal space — especially the wide entry door and the flow of the layout. I even watched a three-bedroom home being built from the slab upwards, thinking this could possibly be our future home. There were many conversations with Carol, our two daughters and close friends as we tried to make the right decision.

When Ray walked me through the completed three-bedroom home, I was impressed. It was far better than anything else we had seen. But I told him honestly — it was close, just not quite there.

Then he showed me a four-bedroom design.

The moment I walked through the front door, I knew.

We arranged for Carol to come home from the hospital to see it. That was an emotional day. But as soon as she saw the space, the layout, and how easily it would accommodate her needs, we both agreed — this was our home. Nothing needed to be changed. The landscaping and gardens were complete. There was even a park directly across the road, which felt like an added blessing.

There are two people from the Allam team who truly made a difference for us — Ray in sales and Murray in construction coordination. Both went above and beyond, offering help and reassurance whenever we needed it.

Building More Than a Home — Building Community

Over the past few years, we’ve also had the privilege of running a Santa’s Runway and lolly drop for the Ravenswood community — generously sponsored by Allam.

The idea actually came from our eldest daughter during COVID. When community gatherings were no longer possible, including the usual Christmas party held in the Ravenswood park, she wanted to find a way to keep people connected. The runway was born from that desire to bring joy during a difficult time.

Tragically, we lost our beautiful daughter last September.

This year’s Santa’s Runway was incredibly hard for us. But with the continued support of Allam and our community, we carried on the tradition in her honour. Seeing families come together, children smiling and neighbours connecting reminded us why she started it in the first place.

Grateful for the Right Choice

Choosing the right home during one of the most challenging times of our lives was not easy. But finding a house that met our practical needs — and a community that embraced us — has made all the difference.

Sometimes you’re not just looking for a house.

You’re looking for a place that helps you move forward.

And for us, we found it.

— Tony & Carol McMahon