Domain Prestige - April 26, 2023

Apartments embrace space & style

TAKE ME to the RIVER

Moray House is a limited edition of six one of a kind residences in a quiet enclave on the river’s edge. With very few opportunities remaining, the Moray House Display Experience is now open for viewing. Register your interest to secure a private inspection. Your relaxed luxury awaits.

FOR SALE BY SARAH HACKETT

KIOME RESIDENCES comprises seven exclusive three and four bedroom riverfront residences built on the pillars of biophilic design, sustainability and community. KIOME Residences have been crafted to truly enhance the way residents live resulting in unique, beautiful and functional homes that stand proud as an exemplar of design.

RESIDENCE 4 is an exquisite three-bedroom, two-living riverfront residence. Meticulously designed over 298sqm, the heart of the home is its expansive open living and dining area, which commands phenomenal river views and features a magnificent fireplace, flourishing garden beds, and an enviable wine store. The sleek and modern kitchen showcases a vast 6m sculptural island bench, equipped with premium V-Zug appliances and ample storage, perfect for hosting grand soirees or intimate gatherings.

FOR SALE

PRIVATE VIEWINGS

2pm – 4pm, Saturday

10 James Street, Fortitude Valley

AGENTS

Sarah Hackett 0488 355 553

Charmaine McDonald 0418 795 196

KIOMERESIDENCES.COM.AU

All images are artist’s impressions. artist’s

JOSEPHINE HUYNH

For many of us the Australian dream is a long-held free-standing family home, but I’ve always wished for a glass-wrapped penthouse high above the dazzling city skyline. I hear the bell of the lift ding as I envisage what life would be like, and the doors open up to reveal a moody home full of the latest tech and materials. At dusk, I wander down past the resort-style pool, book in a facial at the in-house wellness hub, and settle into the communal library, near the fireplace with a glass in hand poured from the residents’ cellar. Apartment living is becoming more and more popular across the luxury sector, and Domain data shows unit rents have surged 34 per cent nationwide since the pandemic low. In this Prestige Apartment Special, we ask the experts about the latest features attracting huge buyer interest, discover which capitals have the highest unit yields, and more.

OUR COVER Billyard Ave

residences, 29 Billyard Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, by North East Corp & P3 Living PAGE 20

Editor: Josephine Huynh

Editorial producer: Hailey Coules

Group picture editor:

Kylie Thomson

Senior designer:

Colleen Chin Quan

Graphic designers: Emma Drake, Nicole Gauci

National magazine editor:

Natalie Mortimer

Chief marketing officer: Rebecca Darley

Chief executive officer: Jason Pellegrino

Residential sales: Queensland

Amanda Vaughan 0413 370 004

New South Wales

Joe Pinneri 0408 694 223

Victoria, Western

Australia, South

Australia, Northern Territory & Tasmania

Ray van Veenendaal 0438 279 870

New development sales: Ivan Curic 0413 498 156

Media sales: Sam Hill 0438 348 998

Contact: editorial@domain.com.au

By KATE FARRELLY

Elizabeth Bay

Sydney 3/8-10 Billyard Avenue

$5.8 million

3 2 2

Auction: 4pm, May 11

Agent: BresicWhitney, Romany Brooks 0424 360 827

With waterfront gardens, a jetty and a pool, Billyard Gardens’ residents enjoy harbourside living in an exclusive cul-de-sac set within easy reach of Potts Point eateries and specialty stores. The sparkling views from this bright apartment take in Clark Island and Darling Point, and the neutral interiors offer a blank canvas for the new owners.

Avoca Beach

Central Coast 5/120 Avoca Drive

$6.5 million

Mermaid Beach

Gold Coast 2501/43-49 Peerless Avenue

$4.5 million

Private sale

Agent: Harcourts Coastal, Tolemy Stevens 0422 770 352

The recently completed Bela penthouse claims panoramic views stretching from Coolangatta to the city skyline and is brilliantly located a short stroll from the beach, cafes and The Star casino. The apartment spans 354 square metres and includes two living zones, a kitchen with a butler’s pantry and a rooftop terrace with a pool, spa and outdoor kitchen.

Melbourne

Melbourne 1502/20 Queens Road

$4.8 million-$5.16 million

Private sale

Agent: McGrath Avoca Beach, Steve Nixon 0403 943 341

It’s only a hop, skip and jump to the beach from this penthouse, which claims north-easterly ocean views from the living spaces and all three bedrooms. Set within the prized Quarterdeck complex designed by White + Dickson Architects, the apartment comes with a wraparound courtyard, covered balcony and direct lift access.

Private sale

Agent: Abercrombys, Sam Goddard 0448 870 454 Albert Park Lake, South Melbourne Market and the restaurants of South Yarra and St Kilda are all within walking distance of this expansive apartment with sweeping city and park views.

BENCH SEATING

Sophisticated yet not delicate; sturdy without being bulky. The Palisade Bench is aesthetically pleasing and highly practical, ideal for resting your belongings before taking a dip. It was created by brothers and design duo Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for HAY. hayshop.com.au

Poolside and lovin’ it

Indulge in laid-back luxury with these perfect poolside companions. Compiled by PAULINE MORRISSEY

COCKTAIL HOUR Whether for a refreshing glass of water or a celebratory round of martinis, Maison Balzac’s range of delightful drinkware is handy for any occasion – from its traditional carafe sets to the more playful martini glass designed with a permanent olive at its heart. maisonbalzac.com

SUN SOAKER The new Voom Lounger designed by Adam Goodrum for Tait captures the sweet nostalgia and aesthetic of ’60s and ’70s Australia, featuring a sculptural form with softly curved cushions providing relaxed comfort and a retro touch. madebytait.com.au

OUTDOOR LOUNGING The Basil Bangs Bean Bag is the ideal companion for outdoor relaxation, whether by the pool or in the garden. It comes in various colourways and is made from outdoor acrylic fabric that is designed to withstand wet swimmers and spilled drinks. basilbangs.com

DEREK SWALWELL

Acocktail bar, a business lounge, a spa and a library … you’d expect them in an upmarket resort, but perhaps not so much in an apartment building.

But with so many empty-nesters now moving into apartments, the pressure is on developers to provide the kind of fabulous communal features that would appeal to those used to having all creature comforts at their fingertips.

For instance, in the $350 million 45-level, 191-apartment Trielle tower – the latest addition to the Yarra’s Edge riverside project in Melbourne – there’s set to be a veritable jewellery box of “third spaces” upon completion in 2026.

These include a library and work pods, full-time concierge, business lounge, theatre, piano bar, cocktail bar, wine cellar, chef’s table, teppanyaki barbecue, games room and a golf simulator.

And just to keep everyone in peak condition to cope with all those activities is a wellness centre, set in urban rainforest gardens, with a 25-metre pool, a hot magnesium pool, spa, sauna, treatment rooms and “chill” pods.

“We’re now seeing a big demand for highquality common areas across many of our customer types and demographics,” says Elysa Anderson, general manager residential Victoria of Trielle’s developer, Mirvac.

“There’s a really growing desire to be able to access the kind of luxury you’d experience in a hotel right on the doorstep rather than having to travel elsewhere, and we’re seeing this across Australia from many of our buyers.”

With the typology of apartment buyers now changing from younger people to downsizers, or “rightsizers”, those more mature residents know what they want from their homes, and are much more exacting, says Adam Haddow, director of architects SJB.

“They want to be able to exercise and relax in facilities close at hand. The younger demographic like to go out and meet their friends and do things, but older apartment

Sharing a wealth of high-end amenities

Apartments’ communal facilities are becoming increasingly luxurious as older, well-heeled buyers demand the very best.

By SUE WILLIAMS

residents are happy to enjoy tea around the pool,” says Haddow, the architect of Stargate Property Group’s The Centennial Collection.

Sitting opposite Sydney’s Centennial Park, it has both a rooftop pool and an indoor winter pool, as well as gardens and courtyards.

“COVID was a further game-changer,” he says. “People realised as a result of the pandemic that they wanted amenity at home and didn’t want to go elsewhere for it.”

Over on Sydney’s lower north shore, another new building, The Landmark, with 495 apartments over 46 levels, has set record prices for the area.

Developer New Hope Group took inspiration from apartments in London, the US and South-East Asia for its communal facilities.

Now it has two cinemas, a kids’ playroom, a music room with two Steinway pianos, a golf room, a gym, a sauna, a yoga/Pilates room, a library and a dining room that seats 40 people for a dinner party. The car parking is EV-ready.

“We have a focus internationally on high-end living experiences and great amenity spaces for owner-occupiers,” says development director Peter Pereira.

“I think these spaces are something we’ll start to see happening more and more.

Such luxuries are no longer restricted to the capital cities, either, with the regions catching up fast.

On the Gold Coast, the 37-level, 53-apartment tower Coast GC, to be completed in 2025, will have two pools, a barbecue entertaining area, function rooms, concierge, wellness centre, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

“At the higher end of the market, there’s definitely a demand for these luxury facilities,” says Julian Sammut, the chief operating officer of developers Sammut Group.

“Buyers don’t want to sacrifice what they currently have at their large homes, like a backyard, pool and sauna. And they want to feel like they’re on holiday … as if they’re in a hotel.”

Likewise in Geelong, Stella Maris is a 55-apartment, four-building bayside project a 15-minute walk from the CBD that’s been designed with a wellness centre, gym, lap pool, EV charging stations and an edible garden. Interestingly, it also includes a dog-wash bay.

“It’s going to be an amazing building, setting a new standard for luxury lifestyles,” says agent Jim Cross of McGrath Geelong. “The edible garden will have vegetables and herbs and there will be lockers for delivery of online shopping.

One particular feature that’s particularly soaring in popularity post-COVID is green spaces around and in apartment buildings. With many people enjoying flexible working or working from home, being able to sit among greenery is even more important.

A good example is Rozelle Village – a 147-apartment development of three towers and two smaller buildings on the site of the former Balmain Leagues Club – which has a number of major garden spaces, including rooftop gardens, smaller ones dotted all the way up the buildings, and even a butterfly garden.

“People now, especially in apartment buildings, want that connection to nature and wellness and fresh air and biophilic design, especially with its impact on mental health,” says Esther Dickins, director of landscape architecture and urban design at Scott Carver architects. A shortcut to providing hotel-style amenities to apartments is partnering with a hotel group.

At the newly completed 33-level, 131-apartment Castle Residences in the Sydney CBD, for example, apartment residents have full access via an app to all the facilities of The Porter House Hotel (Accor) by MGallery in the same block.

These include a pool, gym, room service, concierge, valet parking and three restaurants and bars.

Clockwise from top left: Trielle; The Centennial Collection; The Landmark; Coast GC; Rozelle Village.

“Buyers don’t want to sacrifice what they currently have at their large homes.”

A PRIZED FIZTROY LOCATION. A TRUE COMMITMENT TO DESIGN A LIMITED COLLECTION OF 2 – 3 BEDROOM RESIDENCES FROM $1.5M – $7M

Brisbane’s $3 million-median inner-city suburb has come a long way from its industrial past. By

At first, it would be easy to underestimate a place like Teneriffe, covering only about 90 hectares on the banks of Brisbane River and previously considered part of larger Newstead.

But since Teneriffe went solo, it has gone from strength to strength, recognised for its riverside charm, easy city access and heritage architecture. Reminiscent of New York’s Meatpacking District, the suburb has leant right into its industrial roots, transforming its old wool warehouses into prized residential and commercial spaces.

Equal grit and glam

In September 2022, Teneriffe’s prestige was cemented when it became the first suburb in Brisbane to crack a median property price of $3 million. Matt Lancashire of Ray White New Farm holds the highest average sale price in the area and speaks to the postcode’s appeal.

“Teneriffe attracts a mix of families, young professionals and retirees, who appreciate its proximity to the city while having more than enough in [their] own backyard to stay put,” Lancashire says.

“Locals here lead active and social lifestyles, granted by its riverfront pathways, parks, and even boutique gyms.”

While the grand residences of Teneriffe are certainly appealing to affluent buyers, so too are

PAULINE MORRISSEY

luxurious apartments, particularly developments in converted wool stores and on the river’s edge.

“Buyers seeking to secure high-end apartments are happy to dig a little deeper into their pockets for contemporary comforts, resort-style amenities and tranquil river views,” he says.

“They value quality over size, much like the small Teneriffe itself.”

Heritage with a twist Luxury apartments have emerged over time, as have trendy cafes, boutique stores and hip bars, including Kin & Co cafe, co-owned and operated by Timothy Jay.

“I have lived and worked in the area for over a decade, with over seven years spent running the cafe,” Jay says. “We consider ourselves lucky to contribute to the fabric of the suburb, which in recent years has become one of Brisbane’s most talked about neighbourhoods.”

The cafe has become a local institution where customers enjoy brunch before strolling next to the river or working on laptops with a coffee.

Jay has enjoyed the sense of camaraderie the cafe brings, adding that even his best man and wedding witnesses were customers at one point.

For such a built-up area with a large population, Jay says, “in my opinion, it’s one of the only places in Brisbane with any heritage left, yet ironically, it’s also one of the most modern”.

Teneriffe has a mix of grand homes and apartments in converted wool stores.

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3 2 3

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Revel in the elegance of this magnificent groundlevel apartment at One Macquarie, embracing an expansive 301-square-metre floor plan with lavish interiors that flow to a riverfront terrace.

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Teneriffe

JAMILA TODERAS

The rapid rise of apartment returns

By SUE WILLIAMS

With apartment rents at a record high across the combined capitals, rising by 10 per cent over the past three months to an astonishing 22.2 per cent over the year, more investors than ever are now looking to sink their money into units rather than houses.

The Domain Rent Report for the March quarter confirms that the returns can be better than ever, with Sydney unit rents skyrocketing 24 per cent in the last 12 months, those in Melbourne by 23.1 per cent, in Brisbane by 16.3 per cent, in Adelaide by 13.5 per cent, in Perth by 12.5 per cent, in Hobart by 6.7 per cent and Darwin by 6.1 per cent.

Only in Canberra have rent rises been unremarkable at 1.9 per cent, the ACT being the only jurisdiction in the country with a cap on rent increases.

“Nationally, unit rents have surged by 34.1 per cent, or $140, since the pandemic low,” says Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell. “Units are experiencing a solid acceleration in rental growth, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.”

Along with the softening in prices, unit gross yields are currently high, too.

In Sydney, they’ve shot up 28.5 per cent over the last year to 4.43 per cent and in Melbourne, they’re up 23.6 per cent to 4.96 per cent. Perth, Brisbane, Darwin and Hobart are also rising.

“Apartments are also easier and cheaper to maintain than houses, and they often rent out very well. With the increasing migration numbers, they’ll be in high demand.

“And the apartment market has changed significantly now. We sold a one-bed the other day at Sydney Wharf for $2.65 million!”

Of course, not all apartments are equal. In Melbourne, investors have to be careful to choose the right location and building, says Tony Street, the owner and director of Buy Melbourne Apartments.

“Buildings with good amenities have become very popular over the last three to four years,” he says. “There’s been a lean towards a betterquality lifestyle for tenants, which gives owners better returns.”

Investors should also do plenty of research into the developer of buildings and whether or not they are having any problems with items like defects or flammable cladding, warns Matthew Halse, director at valuer Herron Todd White.

“Capital values are down from 12, 18, 24 months ago, and rents are up, so there’s a better return on your money – although the rising cost of money has to be factored in, too,” he says.

“I think that apartments didn’t really get the benefit of the COVID upswing as much as houses, for various reasons,” says Adrian Wilson, principal of Ayre Real Estate.

“But when the next upswing cycle starts, prices will move strongly, and with such fast increasing rents, they’ll be a very good buy.

“It’s a pretty fundamental equation that costs are down and rents are up.

“But you have to check the location to make sure there aren’t a large number of new units coming online – which would affect demand and supply – and make all relevant inquiries into any problems.”

While apartments missed out on the COVID sale price surge, the growth in rents and yields is catching the attention of investors.

“It’s a … fundamental equation that costs are down and rents are up.”

The return of international students and migrants is adding to the surge in demand for apartment rentals.

STORY

By KATE FARRELLY

29 Billyard Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, NSW

Architect: SJB

Developer: North East

Corp & P3 Living

Prices: $15.995 million

to $32.5 million

Completion: Mid 2024

Rightsizing on a grand scale

When it comes to moving from a palatial home into an apartment, well-heeled and discerning buyers are looking for designers and developers they know and trust. They’ve also decided size really does matter.

Now, a new development is underway in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay that looks set to impress with an experienced team, elegant design and oversized floor plans.

Jason Boon of Richardson & Wrench Elizabeth Bay, who is marketing the project alongside

1st City Group and Ray White Projects, says the grand scale of the Billyard Ave residences is almost unheard of in this ever-popular suburb.

“Located opposite one of Australia’s most iconic trophy homes, Boomerang House, Billyard Ave nods to the glamour of the rich and famous, from the location and views, to the architecture and finishes,” Boon says.

“But it’s the size of each apartment that truly sets it apart in the current market.”

Internal floor spaces in the nine residences range from 360 to 400 square metres, excluding

outdoor areas, parking and storage. For those buyers seeking generous gardens to complement their house-sized apartment, Billyard Ave will include two garden “manors” with an impressive 220 square metres of outdoor living and entertaining space on title.

“To put the scale of these apartments in some perspective, market data shows that over the past five years the largest ground floor apartment in Potts Point/Elizabeth Bay was over 100 square metres smaller than Billyard Ave, with gardens around 80 square metres smaller,” Boon says. “Traditionally, buyers have had to amalgamate smaller apartments to create a home of this size.”

In Knight Frank’s 2022 Rightsizing report, more outdoor space was high on the wish list for 65 per cent of respondents, especially in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

For buyers aspiring to move out of large family homes with significant grounds, Billyard Ave’s garden manors will offer a house-like feeling.

Philippe Remond, an established eastern suburbs developer and founder of P-3 LIVING, who is leading the development for Billyard Ave,

This Elizabeth Bay development shows that compromises don’t have to be made when moving from the family house.

says he has seen first-hand the joy that a generous garden or courtyard can deliver for downsizers, with his mother spending time in her garden each day, pottering, relaxing or entertaining.

“I think downsizers coming from a big house would definitely miss having a garden, especially if they have a pet or love to entertain family and friends,” Remond says.

“So, I think the Billyard Ave garden manors would give them a feeling of living in their own space.

“They can go out freely and feel like they haven’t moved onto something smaller.”

Having seen the work of landscapers Dangar Barin Smith, Remond engaged them to “take Billyard Ave to another level”.

“They have beautiful ideas, they understand layering, and they make the spaces functional so you won’t have to maintain the space every day,” Remond says.

Positioned three metres above street level and offering privacy and views of the harbour, the gardens will include water features and an outdoor dining space with a built-in Wolf

barbecue, he adds. Beautiful big pots will help to break up the space and create distinct thoroughfares, while substantial street trees and high walls provide additional solitude. In each of the garden apartments, every room opens out to garden, courtyard or balcony space, creating a wonderful connection to the outdoors.

Inside, interior designer Victoria Judge, senior associate at SJB, has created exceptionally well-appointed dwellings.

Features include oak parquetry and custom marble mosaic floors, fluted glass and marble finishes and timber veneer joinery.

There are both formal and informal living rooms plus a separate, multipurpose living space that can be used as a rumpus room, media room or home gym.

The key living spaces of every Billyard Ave apartment face north, and most enjoy boatstudded harbour views.

“There have been no compromises in the design,” Judge says.

“Each of the apartments has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, three car parking spaces … it’s classic, it’s grand and there’s an extreme sense of luxury.”

Remond says buyers who want to move from a large house to an apartment should consider Billyard Ave.

“These homes offer,” he says, “all the size of a house, the fabulous function of a new building created by renowned designers, plenty of garden space, parking, et cetera, but with the huge benefit of single-level living and lock-up-andleave convenience.”

The dwellings feature oak parquetry and marble mosaic floors, fluted glass and marble finishes and timber veneer joinery.

Now selling a collection of riverfront penthouses & river homes

THE WAIT IS OVER

Penthouse Collection

The grandeur of a luxury home with the ease of inner-city living. World-class architecture, perfectly positioned between two reaches of the Brisbane River.

LIFE

By KATE FARRELLY

600 Coronation Drive, Toowong, Queensland

Developer: Consolidated Properties Group

Architect: Wardle Architects & Cottee Parker

Prices: Penthouse Collection starting from $4.145 million

Completion: End of 2025

Penthouses with right royal views

The cream of Toowong’s Monarch Residences development all look out across the Brisbane River.

Hot on the heels of opening a $3 million sales display suite showcasing the luxury riverfront project Monarch Residences, developer Consolidated Properties Group (CPG) has launched its highlyanticipated penthouse collection to the Brisbane property market.

Comprising eight penthouses and three river homes, the collection is brilliantly placed to lap up the superb views from its Toowong site. With the Brisbane River forming the eastern boundary, the city skyline to the north and the beautiful green backdrop of Mount Coot-tha to

the west, there’s no such thing as an ordinary outlook at Monarch.

Every penthouse has a river view, with the largest positioned in the nose of the building, where it commands north-easterly views towards the city.

“That apartment is over 400 square metres and gets 270 degree views of the river,” says James MacGinley, the head of residential at Consolidated Properties Group.

“It’s an absolutely unbelievable piece of real estate, which I’m sure someone will get very excited about.”

That someone is likely to live nearby, with MacGinley reporting that most purchasers to date have been “very local” residents.

“Over three-quarters of our current buyers are actually coming from within five kilometres of the site,” he says.

“It’s what we expected, to be perfectly honest, but it is just really amazing to see it play out that way.”

MacGinley says Monarch buyers are recognising that moving to a really well-located apartment can actually improve their lifestyle, not just as a downsizer or retiree but at other stages of family life.

“For example, there are people buying who have still got kids in high school, you’ve got people with the kids still in uni, but they can see a pathway to them leaving the family home.

“And then you do have the more traditional downsizers whose kids have been long gone, and they’re tired of looking after the pool and mowing the lawn.”

The project includes the restoration of the heritage-listed, 150-year-old Middenbury House, which will likely host a cafe or

restaurant once complete, and will be set on 1.2 hectares of landscaped gardens near the proposed landing area for the green pedestrian bridge connecting Toowong to West End.

To make the most of the magical location, CPG has included three house-like dwellings close to the riverfront in their penthouse collection.

“We knew we had an exclusive opportunity to create something pretty magical on the river edge,” MacGinley says. “When you stand on the bank and the water is just so close it made sense to create some really large terraces that flow out. We wanted to create something that’s really calming and peaceful.”

The river homes have been designed to feel very much like free-standing dwellings, with direct access from the basement mezzanine. These three homes will look out to the river through a stand of eucalypts that will be retained on the river bank, adding to the private-home ambience.

CPG’s aim was to capture a sense of understated elegance across the development using a very natural palette that ultimately feels quite homely and comfortable.

The key fixtures and fittings in the penthouse collection include European oak and herringbone engineered-timber floors, natural stone benchtops, a suite of premium V-ZUG appliances, including a combi-steam oven and wine fridges, and Astra-Walker tapware. Residents will be within strolling distance of the shops, restaurants and cafes of Toowong Village, while the proposed pedestrian bridge would provide them with easy access to the weekend markets, buzzing bars and popular eateries of the trendy West End neighbourhood. Brisbane Airport is also a convenient 20-minute drive away.

“I think Toowong has that really nice mix of vibrant urban amenity and [is] a reasonably relaxed suburb; very leafy and green,” says MacGinley.

“We have the extensive bushland of Mount Coot-tha and all the surrounding parks literally less than two kilometres from your doorstep. It’s not unusual for people in this area to go for a hike up the mountain in the morning before work, which is quite unique when you live only three kilometres from the CBD.”

MacGinley says there’s no better connected site in Brisbane when considering the rail, bus, ferry, pedestrian and cycleway linkages, as well as the future green pedestrian bridge.

“The landscaped gardens, including 1.2 hectares of public parkland, will make people forget they are right on the doorstep of one of Brisbane’s major centres.”

The luxurious kitchens, below, feature premium V-ZUG appliances.

The collection comprises eight penthouses and three river homes designed to feel like free-standing dwellings.

LIFE

By MARGARET QUILTER

Destined to present an aura of sophistication

Some of life’s greatest pleasures shine bright in North Sydney’s newest development: art, fine dining, five-star amenities and stunning views.

Redefining casual luxury, AURA by Aqualand is a mixed-use building with oversized homes perched above a retail and commercial precinct. Located in an established residential area of North Sydney, AURA’s striking sculptural form reflects the incredibly rich and organic beauty of Sydney’s shoreline.

A Woods Bagot masterpiece, the architectural form of AURA has been thoughtfully designed

to sit gracefully within the tree-lined streets of the North Sydney landscape.

“Our vision was to create a landmark luxury destination on the doorstep of the newly revitalised North Sydney while leveraging the talents of a world-class project team to deliver a truly unique building,” explains Alex Adams, head of sales and marketing for Aqualand, the developer and builder behind AURA. Residents will never be left wanting, with access to a dedicated concierge service by Etymon Projects that is designed to rival that of a five-star hotel.

AURA’s luxurious pool facilities, fully equipped gym, sky deck with breathtaking views of Sydney, exclusive use of Tesla cars, private function rooms and ground-floor retail deliver a lifestyle befitting the homes.

“We have curated a multilevel hospitality precinct – a shopping and dining destination for the residents and wider community, which includes a providore, bakery, cafe and wine bar, an all-day diner and a contemporary Japanese restaurant,” Adams says.

North Sydney’s winning location also means AURA has unparalleled access to Sydney’s CBD and lower North Shore.

The burgeoning local cafe, bar and dining scene is impressive, and top-tier schools are moments away. Down the road, the sprawling St Leonards Park and North Sydney Oval are bordered by heritage homes and architecture.

“AURA is also moments from the new Victoria Cross Metro Station, which is scheduled to open in 2024, and is steps away from the thriving North Sydney CBD, which is set to be reinvigorated with the North Sydney strategy,” Adams says.

Capitalising on all this are the one to fourbedroom residences that have been beautifully designed and crafted by award-winning interior design powerhouse Richards Stanisich.

The interiors of the residences flow effortlessly from the open-plan living to winter gardens or balconies. Oak floors, marble, mosaic tiles and fluted glass sit harmoniously within the three elegant colour schemes – light, mid and dark.

“We drew inspiration from the architectural form of the building with moments of organically shaped detailing contrasted against clean-cut detailing to bring a bespoke quality to the spaces,” says Richards Stanisich director Kirsten Stanisich.

Apartments on levels 9, 23, 25 and 26 feature balconies, while the others integrate winter gardens with awning windows. These spaces are separated from the main living areas by bifold doors that can be left open to provide a balcony feel or closed to create a fully inclosed space.

AURA’s sub-penthouse and penthouse collection introduces a new level of sophistication and refined luxury, with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, warm

timbers and elegant marble. All sub-penthouses and penthouses also have a designer fireplace.

“The planning of the interiors is generous and thoughtfully zoned to create both a sense of sanctuary and an incredible unconfined outlook,” Stanisich says.

“Our concept for the penthouse interiors is to express a sense of texture, shimmer and gloss through the selection of natural marbles, timber veneers and sparkling metallics.”

Completing the beauty of the project is landscape architecture firm Turf Design, which created a green thread that runs through the AURA development.

It stems from the lush foliage found in local Sydney gardens, and introduces warmth and life to the building.

“AURA’s understated design, premium fittings and fixtures and five-star amenities reflect the casual luxury synonymous with the high-networth demographic of the area,” Adams says.

“It has been extremely well received by a range of demographics, but particularly with localarea downsizers who wish to elevate their lifestyles close to their existing friends, commitments and networks.”

With construction more than half completed, AURA is setting a new standard for luxury living in Sydney’s north.

“Our ambition is always to create something that balances form and function,” Adams says. “We wanted something immensely beautiful, with interior design that could live up to the stunning views from each residence.”

The sub-penthouse and penthouse collection at AURA introduces a new level of sophistication, with sweeping views of the harbour.

THE NEWLANDS

21 Canberra Avenue, St Leonards, NSW

Developer: Top Spring Australia

Architect: Bates Smart

Prices: One-bed from $870,000; two-bed from $1.38m; three-bed from $1.975m; three-bed terraces from $2. 58m

Completion: Stage one late 2025

By KATE JONES

City-fringe oasis of style and calm

Just five kilometres from the CBD, The Newlands is a master-planned low-rise community in a sea of green.

Today’s high-end apartments may come with many bells and whistles, but the time-tested real estate mantra of “location, location, location” still trumps all.

At The Newlands, the parklands of St Leonards make for an urban address in a green setting.

The 1.26-hectare master-planned community by Top Spring Australia will take shape across five buildings containing 323 apartments. Work started on the $500 million development on Sydney’s lower north shore in March this year.

Situated on the fringe of Greenwich and Wollstonecraft, The Newlands is just five

kilometres from the Sydney CBD. Three train stations – St Leonards, Wollstonecraft and the new Crows Nest – are within walking distance. Getting about on foot will also be made easy by a landscaped pedestrian pathway through The Newlands connecting Newlands Park to Holdsworth Avenue, and by a wide range of new public amenities and spaces proposed by Lane Cove Council.

“Sites of this size, so close to the Sydney CBD and bordered by absolute parkfront on three sides, are incredibly rare,” says Sydney Ma, managing director at Top Spring Australia.

“The Newlands has afforded us the opportunity to master-plan a fully integrated community that respects and connects with its natural environment and imbues luxury at every turn.

“In an area where glass towers dominate, The Newlands is a breath of fresh air,” he says.

“The architectural, low-rise buildings integrate with their parkfront setting, and buyers are responding to this. It’s a space where they can feel at home and connect with nature.

“The result is an inner-city bushland environment with all the benefits and amenities that come with it.”

Stage one of the development will see the construction of the first three towers –Verdant, Viridis and Glade – containing 99, 62 and 46 residences respectively.

Each building has a premium offering; three-bedroom residences at Glade range between 102 and 135 square metres, while three-bedroom plus terrace residences at Viridis measure between 161 and 171 square metres and at Verdant, 141 and 181 square metres.

Viridis is the latest building to hit the market and will offer 450 square metres of rooftop space, a bookable private dining facility, two lift cores and wraparound tiered garden planters on balconies and terraces. The larger residences at The Newlands, priced from $1.975 million to $3.3 million, come with parkfront views and have proven popular with buyers, Ma says.

“The sub-penthouses, three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom plus multipurpose-room terrace homes have been particularly popular.

“In the first two weeks of April, we secured $60 million in sales, bringing the total number of project sales to over $120 million since the launch late last year,” he says Tranquil views are enjoyed from the upper levels due to the clever design work of architect Matthew Allen, a director at Bates Smart.

“What we were trying to create with the architecture was really a sense of living in the treetops,” Allen explains. “One of the early concept images we were looking at was how tree houses are built up into the tree canopy and engage with the landscape around them.

“Most of the apartments benefit from a corner aspect out into the tree canopy. It’s quite different from what you normally see in apartment buildings, where everything’s about being as compact as possible.”

The interiors of every residence feature natural stone benchtops, timber floors and generous balconies.

The layout of each home blends indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as providing pockets of privacy and spaces made for entertaining. The exclusive facilities include plenty of room to exercise or just relax in the 5700 square metres of green space as well as the indoor and outdoor gyms, two saunas, resort-style pool and rooftop amenities, including private dining and entertaining areas.

Convenient refrigerated parcel lockers allow residents to store grocery deliveries. Top Spring Australia has also partnered with sustainable private car company Outbound to supply communal Teslas and e-bikes for the exclusive use of residents.

Stage one of The Newlands is expected to be completed by late 2025.

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Surrounded by parkland, The Newlands is a breath of fresh air in an area that’s dominated by glass towers.

Offering peace and beauty in the heart of Brighton, FiftyTwo Black is a collaboration of worldrenowned designers including Nicholas Day and Jack Merlo, with New York’s Gregory Tuck and Meg Sharpe. With graciously house-like proportions, this unique collaboration has been designed with a private and elevated lifestyle in mind. RH branded furnished residences, the first in Australia. Only one available, enquire now to move in within 4 weeks.

CONTACT

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11 LITTLE COVE ROAD, NOOSA HEADS

Picture this spectacular address a mere one minute to toes-in-the-white sand of irresistible Little Cove Beach, sequestered within the forever verdant Noosa National Park with its world-class surf breaks, while moments away along the boardwalk sophisticated Hastings Street meets laidback Noosa Main Beach with its beachside restaurants, on Laguna Bay.

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Easy to imagine the reinvention of the ultimate beach house, indulging every possible personal extravagance, need, whim and necessity, with aesthetic excellence throughout on the elevated corner site, one of only four vacant sites left in Little Cove. It is much coveted, and finally now available after 65 years in the one family.

Auction Saturday 13 May 10am

Agent Luke Chen 0417 600 840 luke@offermann.com.au

Agent Lauren Chen 0412 672 375 lauren@offermann.com.au

91 COMMODORE DRIVE, PARADISE WATERS

5715

1570m²* 1924m²* * Disclaimer: *= approx.

An unparalleled quality, style and sophistication, with an extraordinary lifestyle. Welcome to North Point. Facing true north, this King of the river reigns over arguably the best waterfront block on the Gold Coast. Presiding over a 1570m2* point position allotment overlooking the gateway to the Broadwater, this 36m* of absolute waterfrontage will leave you spellbound.

Victoria Fleri 0498 989 980 alexvictoria@amirprestige.com.au

'WHARF TERRACES' 9,10 Lincoln Crescent, Woolloomooloo

Waterfront Turnkey Residence of World-Class Luxury. 276 sqm Total Lot Size

In the exclusive ´Wharf Terraces´ this meticulously newly refurbished turnkey home provides the opportunity to experience life on Sydney´s world class harbour in an unrivalled level of no-expense- spared opulence and prestige. 276 sqm approximate total size. Level entry from double parking. Just 34 excl usive residences with a premium concierge service and amenities on the doorstep of the CBD, new Sydney Modern, Royal Botanic Gardens and restaurants.

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Auction Contact agent View Thursday 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm Saturday 11:00 am to 11:45 am Jaime Upton 0414 312 131

All information contained herein is gathered from sources we deem to be reliable. However we cannot guarantee its accuracy and interested parties should rely on their own enquiries.

A rare opportunity to build your dream home in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast.

Now selling off-the-plan ‘Mill Rd’ presents an exciting and rare opportunity to build your dream home in a sophisticated urban lifestyle estate in sought-after Buderim. Centrally located, ‘Mill Rd’ delivers an exclusive Sunshine Coast address and a spectacular position of convenience, while close to the the town centre.

Offering only 8 lots with an average size of 760m2 , this magnificent investment opportunity is expected to attract a high level of owner occupiers seeking low maintenance living with easy access to beautiful beaches, close proximity to schools, transport, shopping and employment opportunities.

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