The luxury downsize market has emerged strongly at the newly-completed boutique apartment building, The Wellington in East Brisbane, with many residents giving up their sprawling homes for an apartment that offers unique features without the maintenance.
The Wellington comprises of 127 spacious one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments as well as expansive recreational facilities including a roof-top pool area, level 2 barbeque garden and dining area, and ground floor retail precinct.
EPV Developments Director Karl Jameson said the demand from local owner-occupiers, including downsizers and young professionals, was a driving force behind the design and architectural decisions across its developments.
“The Wellington has been specifically designed to suit owner-occupiers, by accommodating key features and qualities that we know owner-occupiers want and expect when they are looking for the right place to buy and live in,” he said.
“We also focused on creating space for large useable outdoor areas, paying particular attention to generous outdoor balconies to give residences the indoor outdoor design concept.”
Demand for open-plan living spaces, spacious kitchens and extra storage all within easy access of the city, is driving a surge in owner-occupiers and downsizers shifting to apartment living.
Former Noosa couple, Andy and Rhonda Bourne, were drawn to The Wellington because it ticked so many boxes for them.
Andy and Rhonda Bourne
They traded their four-bedroom-plus-study family home for a two bedroom apartment at The Wellington and have enjoyed getting to know their new surrounds.
The pair said the decision to buy an apartment in the nine-level boutique building was made based on location, size and quality.
“We had a beautiful and sizeable home in Noosa with a well maintained garden and a spotless household, but this came with considerable effort plus maintenance costs,” Mr Bourne said.
“I am not as fit and healthy as I once was and Rhonda has had a couple of back operations and two knee replacements, so it was time to bite the bullet and face reality – time to acknowledge we deserve a better lifestyle.
“We all know people who have struggled to stay in a home bigger than their needs. The longer they leave it the harder it becomes.
“We made the decision to move to Brisbane for the lifestyle and after researching the inner city areas we struck gold with The Wellington, which is now our ‘forever-home’ for good reason.”
“The Wellington gives us access to all our needs and wants. The benefits are endless for us and we feel safe in this boutique complex and surrounding area.”
Downsizing from a 1000 square metre house block to a 96 square metre apartment proved to be a lot easier than the Bournes expected, with additional storage
options in the basement at The Wellington.
The couple is also thrilled with the boutique retail and dining precinct on the ground floor, and are regulars at the new Min & Co café.
TOTAL Property Group Managing Director and Marketing Manager for The Wellington, Adrian Parsons, said many home buyers were attracted to inner city apartments for the advantage of having retail, dining and entertainment precincts on their doorsteps.
“The Wellington has become an ideal choice for downsizers and retirees who desire a more simplified lifestyle without sacrificing the luxury and comfort to which they have become accustomed,” he said.
“The downsizer market is looking to move to areas that will enhance their lifestyle, with amenities, security and central locations a high priority.
“We have taken this concept to the next level at The Wellington by working with the developers in the initial design phase to create floor plans that work for the owner-occupier, plus the bonus of having a boutique retail and dining precinct on the ground floor.
“Another attraction is that residents don’t have to rely on a car as there is good access to public transport.”
Potential residents still have the opportunity to become part of The Wellington community, with a limited number of stylish luxury one and two-bedroom apartments available.
Designed to offer contemporary living, with prices starting at $339,000, The Wellington boasts a rooftop pool and entertainment area, a podium-level garden and recreation area, and boutique retail precinct on the ground floor.
Originally published by My Town Magazine, Pages 58-59 here.
See full article here