Best of both worlds

As cities expand and populations grow, green parklands and coastal areas become increasingly sought after. Looking out from the windows of an architecturally designed home at landscaped gardens, or even the sea, can seem a distant dream.

The Sunland Group is involved in creating developments in New South Wales that meet these desires, for a wide range of home buyers. Each home is architecturally designed, and the developments as a whole form safe communities, set in pleasant surroundings.

Situated in an elevated position overlooking The Coast Golf Course and Little Bay beach, The Collection is one of these developments. Comprising eight, two-level, four-bedroom residences set within Prince Henry, this is Sydney's sole master-planned coastal community, and Sunland Group's first coastal development. Managing director Sabha Abedian says each of these high-end residences is recognisably different from the next, yet visually linked to the community as a whole.

"These homes were designed by Leisuk Architects and Sunland Design. The designs take into account the varied landscape surrounding the site, with headlands meeting beaches, and wide, expansive golf greens. To heighten the available natural light and take advantage of the outlook, extensive glazing is used."

Each home is fitted with modern amenities for security, comfort and communication. A Clipsal C-Bus Home Automation system and an alarmed security system protect each home, while a network system links phone, data and television connections.

Generous recreational spaces, with eating areas and barbecues, allow for outdoor living and alfresco dining. Pools and shallow, decorative ponds are designed in reference to the area's natural rock pools.

"Sites are gently sloping, creating an open, theatre-style view from inside the home, and from the many outdoor areas," says Abedian.

A harbourside development exists at 95 Cammeray Rd, located on the Sydney Harbour. These apartments were the 2006 winner of the New South Wales HIA Awards for Apartments Under 10 Storeys, and 2006 Apartment Project of the Year. This development is targeted at a high-end market.

The two, three-bedroom, two-storey apartments are finished in rich materials, such as hand-cut lava stone and white onyx, with high-end appliances throughout. Architecturally designed in association with award-winning architects SJB and Sunland Design, the residences sit close within the landscape, and make the most of their harbour outlook.

Another, more urban, development created by Sunland is Emery, located in Narwee. Emery Residences consists of 79 contemporary homes with a variety of floor plans. Two-bedroom loft houses and modern duplexes cater for couples and small families. Three- or four-bedroom townhouses and freestanding double-storey homes cater for larger families. Almost one quarter of the Emery development is given over to parkland, equipped with playground areas, picnic shelters, cricket nets and barbecue facilities.

"Emery is a complete turn-key development, with front and rear gardens, and open-plan kitchens and living areas. The residences are just a short stroll from local shops, public transport systems, childcare facilities and schools. All homes are also fitted with rainwater tanks," says Abedian.

Elysia Residences is a brand new development situated in the hub of Glenmore Park, in Sydney's west. With the Blue Mountains as the town's backdrop, Glenmore Park is located 60 minutes from the Sydney CBD in the City of Penrith.

Elysia comprises 58 contemporary townhouses targeted at first- or second-home buyers, offering three-bedroom and three-bedroom-plus-study designs, each with several floor plans. A four-bedroom adaptable plan is also available. At the heart of Elysia is a barbecue area set in green, open spaces, where families and neighbours can get together.

Elysia is also targeted at first-home buyers, with fully landscaped front and rear gardens, concrete driveways, light fittings, and quality floor coverings. The design incorporates large windows and open spaces to maximise the outlook and natural light.

The ground floor comprises an open-plan kitchen, with stainless steel appliances and stone benchtops, opening onto the living and dining rooms. The master bedroom is complete with a large ensuite.

Situated at Castle Hill, in Sydney's northwest, Castel Residences is targeted at second- and third-home buyers. Homes are available in many sizes, from three bedroom, or three bedroom-plus-study, to four-bedroom, or four-bedrooms-plus-study configurations. The interiors are open plan with high studs, which allows light into the rooms.

Kitchens are equipped with premium stainless steel Smeg appliances. Other amenities include reverse-cycle air conditioning and heating, and secure double garages.

Like all of Sunland's residential developments, the surroundings are paramount to the design.

"These homes are set within landscaped grounds, which serve as a community area for barbecues and picnics, and gatherings with family and friends. A private Residents' Lounge is reserved exclusively for those who live at Castel. This overlooks the grounds of Gilroy College," says Abedian.

For information, contact The Sunland Group, Level 12, Fairfax House, 19-31 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, phone (02) 9251 5477, fax (02) 9251 3577. Email: sydney@sunlandgroup.com.au, or visit the website: www.sunlandgroup.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas