Down to the sea

Choosing to buy an apartment in an areathat is up and coming can be a smart move for investors especially when the site is only moments from the beach.

The coastal location of Melbourne's Chelsea suburb is one of the main reasons for growing interest in the area, says Pace Development Group's sales and marketing manager Daryl Wilkinson.

"People are attracted by the beach lifestyle here," says Wilkinson. "We chose to build apartments on a site that is 25km from the city and just 250m from the beach, right next to a train station."

Pace's brief to the architects was for a complex that would blend into the community, while revitalising the streetscape.

"We wanted a vibrant, active street frontage that would inject life into the street. The complex also needed to be easy to maintain and durable, to attract the investor market," he says.

As the apartments are so close to the ocean, the architects specified robust products that can withstand the salty marine air, including Alucobond and zinc-coated steel that will not rust.

To make the apartments attractive to both investors and tenants, the architects designed an internal courtyard that is accessible from all the apartments but not visible from the road.

"The garden has a Zen feel, with rocks and seats it's a calming outdoor space for residents," says Wilkinson. "The courtyard also brings natural ventilation and daylight into the apartments."

The apartments are oriented to face either the east or west, so that residents can enjoy the morning or evening sun. The interior designers have selected a oceanside theme for the decor, specifying a palette of sandy, natural hues. Materials for the interiors have been selected for their durability as well as contemporary looks, and include hard-wearing CaesarStone benchtops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchens.

European-style laundries in each apartment are either installed in cabinetry in the hallway, where they are out of sight, or positioned to one side of the kitchen.

Services include split system air conditioning and a video intercom security system. Each apartment has its own car parking space in the basement car park, which also has bike storage facilities.

"This is a turnkey project, which means that all the systems are working when the residents move in," says Wilkinson.

For more information, contact Pace Development Group, 300 Como Parade West, Parkdale, Vic 3195, phone (03) 9587 5900, fax (03) 9587 5944. Website: www.pacedg.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas