It's the ongoing lawn mowing and maintenance chores which drives most downsizers to trade in their large garden and house for a new apartment.
Now a new apartment project in Melbourne’s east means downsizers can have the best of both worlds - the ability to have a maintenance-free lifestyle but also still access a beautiful garden space.
That’s the scenario awaiting potential downsizers at Sky Garden, a new apartment project built above The Glen shopping centre in Glen Waverley.
Sky Garden caters for downsizers
Constructed by award-winning developer Golden Age, Sky Garden has been specifically designed with the needs of downsizers in mind.
In fact, it’s arguably the first new downsizer-friendly apartment building in the Monash council area.
One way Sky Garden does this is by providing a wide choice of over-sized and stylish apartments, with parking and ample storage space.
It’s well known that downsizers prefer two or three bedroom apartments. In response, around 85 per cent of Sky Garden’s apartments fit into this category.
Two bedroom apartments are up to 126 square metres in size and have one parking space, and three bedroom apartments are up to 149 square metres and have two parking spaces.
As an added bonus, the apartments command exceptional views from the majestic Dandenong Ranges all the way to the Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline.
Space for “furniture, art and musical instruments”
According to Michael Drescher, director of Sky Garden’s internal architecture firm DKO, the apartments have been designed to deliver peaceful and comfortable living.
“In my experience one of the most important things downsizers will be looking for is adequate storage, and these residences have unprecedented amounts of practical built in joinery,” Mr Drescher said.
The residences are generously proportioned, with large open plan spaces that allow for downsizers to bring their existing furniture, artworks or musical instruments.
“The apartment finishes have a range of curated palettes that are calm and neutral allowing residents to customise the interiors in line with their own taste and style.”
Among the internal finishes include oak, natural limestone and brushed brass, across three design scheme options.
Importantly, the apartments also provide a range of features to support security and safety.
Security features include the presence of an on-site concierge, apartment intercoms and swipe-only access to the building and floors.
Separately, the apartments themselves have a safety-conscious internal design to prevent falls and make it easier for people with mobility restrictions to move between rooms. These aspects will help downsizers to age-in-place.
Unique rooftop garden
Sky Garden also includes a 4,000 sq/m rooftop garden space which is unlike anything else found in Australia.
The garden’s northern section has a focus on socialising, from a play space designed for grand-children to sun lounges where adults can relax into the evening surrounded by feature lighting.
An outdoor dining and BBQ space allows for easy entertaining, while a vegetable garden allows residents to enjoy getting back to nature.
The southern section features a range of outdoor spaces, from large lawn areas to private dining spaces, with outdoor BBQ facilities and fitness areas.
The garden allows residents to enjoy fresh air, sunshine and serenity, without needing to lift a finger when it comes to pruning, mowing or digging.
Project popular among downsizers
Dandan Zhao, the sales and marketing director at the Golden Age group, said around 45 per cent of the project’s apartments had to date been purchased by downsizers.
This included people who’d purchased the apartments to occupy, and others who intended to move in when they retired.
"People often associate 'downsizing' with retirees but when it comes to Sky Garden this isn't really the case at all,” Ms Zhou said.
“In fact, many of our purchasers are in their late 40s to 50s who appreciate the project’s location and convenience and are planning to lease the property for a few years before moving in when they retire.
“A number of purchasers have bought apartments for their parents to downsize in or when visiting Melbourne from overseas, also because of the project’s offering and location.”
Close to transport and shops
Sky Garden is located just 350m from Glen Waverley railway station, and formed part of the $460 million redevelopment of the The Glen shopping centre.
Ms Zhao said many of Sky Garden’s buyers have been attracted to the fact they can easily access more than 240 speciality retail shops, along with a David Jones, fresh food hall and dining precinct, in the redeveloped centre.
“Sky Garden’s buyers have also been attracted to the project’s resort-like amenities, including a swimming pool, double-storey gym, library, private movie theatre and dining room and resident’s lounge to name a few,” she said.
“And, when the world opens back up, Sky Garden offers the perfect lock up and leave lifestyle as it is both secure and private.”
About Golden Age
Golden Age is a specialist in providing downsizing-friendly apartments.
Some 50 per cent of the apartments at its Sky One project at Box Hill were purchased by downsizers. This project, completed in 2019, was named as Australia’s best mixed use development at the 2019-20 Asia Pacific Property Awards.
The Sky Garden project was completed in late 2020 and apartments are selling fast, with buyers able to inspect 15 display apartments furnished in different styles.
Two-bedroom apartments start from $668,000, and three-bedroom apartments from $1.118m. All apartments are accompanied by car parking.
Great incentives directly from the developer are also now on offer, including up to $178,000 instant savings, plus referral rewards valued up to $8,000. Terms and conditions apply.
A furniture package tailored for the apartment sizes is also available.
Private inspection of Sky Garden now available by appointment, please contact Silvia Pan on 0456 250 228, Harry Schier on 0423 426 018 or Ivan U on 0499 388 988.
* This content has been prepared by Downsizing.com.au on behalf of Golden Age
