Interest peaking in boutique development
A new boutique retirement community is generating significant buzz among residents in the Northern Beaches.
The Falls Estate, located in the Oxford Falls Valley, will feature just 41 premium retirement residences surrounded by 3.4 hectares of natural bushland.
David Leiton, marketing director at seniors’ living specialists One Fell Swoop, says “the sheer amount of interest” is a testament to the need for quality retirement options in the area.
“It’s a beautiful site right in the middle of the trees and nature, so when people are sitting out on their balconies, they’re going to feel like they’re in the bush. But because it’s close to the Northern Beaches and the city, it’s close to every convenience.
“I don’t think there’s another retirement village like it, in terms of its location. We know from doing a bit of research that the area is really under-served.”
Construction is expected to commence later this year and is due for completion in early / mid 2023. Peter Sinn from Marchese Partners, the architecture firm behind The Falls Estate, says those looking to enter into retirement living are looking for a high level of fixtures and finishes, apartments with ample space and beautiful outlooks.
“Our designs focus on establishing new communities and neighbourhoods, where residents make new friends and explore new hobbies. The communal facilities at The Falls Estate are perfect for enhancing the modern apartment lifestyle, giving residents a sense of ownership over the community kitchen, resident lounge and bar, gymnasium and a swimming pool set into the natural sandstone abundant on-site.”
There are two and three-bedroom spacious residences available off the plan. The community centre sits atop the hill, and will also house the billiard room, a lounge with large fireplace and an outdoor firepit for residents to gather around in winter. Nearby a gazebo overlooks a spectacular onsite waterfall.
“They’ve used the natural sandstone, so it blends into the landscape that it’s built on,” Leiton says of The Falls Estate’s overall design. “I think that was the main inspiration that they wanted to pay homage to – the environment, space and leafy surrounds.
Dan Maurici, senior development manager of The Falls Estate, emphasises three aspects to building a great retirement village.
“The first is to give residents a choice to either interact with the community or have privacy, but to do both in amazing, adaptable spaces.
“Secondly, forming a real and deep integration of the building with nature and the outdoors by providing things like walking tracks, private gardens, extensive outdoor areas, a waterfall, a dam and duck ponds,” he continues.
“Lastly, providing activities that you didn’t have time to do or access when younger. Things like orchard fruit-picking and making subsequent preserves or jams, kitchen gardens to grow and then eat your crop, or art projects that can be enjoyed on a landscaped terrace or gazebo.”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 15 per cent of all Australians are aged 65 and over. Leiton says it’s vital for society that quality retirement village options become available, where residents are provided with lifestyle options.
“Living well is living on your own terms. Doing what you want to do and living with like-minded people in a purpose-built community.”
“The sector is changing, and we are thankful for that,” Sinn says. “Residents need to feel safe and comfortable to make these life-changing decisions, and we understand the impact of such a big move.
“Creating new neighbourhoods and friendships. That’s really what it’s about.”
The Sun Herald – 1 August 2021