Life balance

Finding the right mix between time spent at work and at home is a juggling act for many of us. Spending too much time at work can lead to a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, both of which having a negative influence on our health and wellbeing. But at the same time, the drive for advancing our careers remains important. One solution people are adopting is to live closer to the city. This allows them to free up valuable time so they can concentrate on developing ahealthier lifestyle.

Living in or near the inner city offers the benefits of being close to restaurants, parks and theatres, as well as places of work. At the top end of this growingtrend towards inner-city, apartment-style living is the Royal Domain Tower in Melbourne. The 42-storey apartment complex is the latest construction project by developer Far East Consortium. Situated on St Kilda Road, the tower accommodates 130 apartments, ranging from 150m² to 800m². The majority are three-bedroom apartments measuring an average of 250m².

Several beautiful parks, including the Domain parkland and Botanic Gardens are in the area, and most apartments have views of Government House, Shrine of Remembrance, or Albert Park Lake.

Executive director Craig Williams says it's not just people looking to move closer to work who are choosing inner-city living, but also empty-nesters who no longer need or wish to live in suburban areas.

"There is a desire for easier living after years of having to maintain a family house.

"People who are looking to enjoy themselves and concentrate on more important things in their lives are choosing low-maintenance, high-end apartments like these," he says.

Landscape design in and around the complex reflects this emphasis on remaining low-maintenance living. The Royal Domain Tower'slandscape designer was Paul Bangay, who is known for creating formal and elegant gardens that are well proportioned and easy to maintain. Water features in front of the lobby and to the side add a relaxing atmosphere to these outdoor spaces.

Entry to most apartments are through double doors. They are used to help create a grand entrance and a sense of arrival. Windows are large almost full-height and are double-glazed and treated to reduce glare. The balconies are generous in size and there is power, gas and water to at least one balcony or terrace.

Apartments in the complex have 2.9m-high ceilings, and corner views with large, open-plan living areas orientated to maximise these. Williams says the building could have had an additional two floors, but high ceilings, which are coffered in the living, dining and master bedrooms, were seen as a necessary luxury.

The open-plan kitchens feature stone benchtops and splashbacks, as well as parquet wood flooring. The work surfaces are large and seamless. Appliances from Gaggenau are standard, and an integrated coffee machine from Miele in every apartment adds a touch of indulgence.

The master bedrooms have large ensuites with a separate bath and large shower, double hand basins and walk-in wardrobes. Bathrooms and ensuites feature marble tiles, colour-backed glass, ceramic tiles or stone.

Residents also have the benefits of numerous facilities including a 25m lap pool, spa, sauna, steam room, a fully-equipped gymnasium, and even a private library. Changing rooms and shower amenities are also available, and there is also space for specialised training such as yoga or Pilates. These are all located on the ground and lower floors of the apartment building.

The apartment complex has a 24-hourconcierge service. Access to parking and internal entry are by proximity card, and all apartments have colour video intercom systems to identify visitors. Security is paramount with some owners away for long periods.

"Apartment owners like having the ability to be able to leave their apartments for months at a time and feel safe in the knowledge that it is secure," Williams says.

For information, contact Far East Consortium, phone (03) 9681 6988, mobile (0438) 686 688, or visit the website: www.royaldomaintowers.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas