Riverside tranquillity

Recognising key opportunities that can offer a dramatic lifestyle change is the first step towards securing your family's future. And for most people, a combination of position, prestige and picturesque surroundings holds the key.

These factors come together in the prestigious new Norman Reach development, which sets a benchmark for luxurious riverfront living.

Contemporary, north-facing RiverHomes with 100m of absolute water frontage, and private, elevated villas and apartments feature extensive views of New Farm Park and Brisbane city. A range of lifestyle facilities and a private riverside marina further reinforce the development's exclusivity.

Located on prime riverfront land in the established Brisbane suburb of Norman Park, Norman Reach combines seamless, sophisticated living with contemporary architecture.

Mark Dickinson, general manager-Stockland Apartments, says Norman Reach's team combined the skills of award-winning architects Cox Rayner, the expertise of internationally recognised interior design firm RLD, and the environmentally friendly, far-sighted approach of landscape designers Gamble McKinnon Green.

"Together the team has embraced the sense of luxury and attention to detail that defines this development," says Dickinson.

Norman Reach is a private, gated community, comprising 36 residences, including nine RiverHomes, four Villa Apartments, 20 apartments and three penthouses. The development, which is surrounded by lush subtropical landscaping, includes a riverside marina and a 25m deck pool. Each building is designed to maximise the picturesque setting, the views and the natural topography.

"Few developments enjoy such extensive and exclusive river frontage, with no public walkway along the front of the properties," says Dickinson.

The designers have ensured the buildings and landscaped spaces respond to the northern orientation. Outdoor spaces are designed to be extensions of the living areas, creating a cohesive environment that is also ecologically sustainable.

"Although the city is less than 5km away, this is a tranquil and secluded position," Dickinson says.

With the river at the front door, residents are just minutes by private boat or ferry from the CBD, New Farm Park, the Brisbane Powerhouse art precinct and Bulimba Village, which is renowned for its speciality stores and cosmopolitan dining.

The nine pavilion-style RiverHomes on the waterfront feature natural stone, rich timbers and light, spacious interiors. Although contemporary in design, each property has a warm, neutral colour palette that is both sophisticated and functional.

Architecturally, each home has been designed and detailed to sit in harmony with its setting, says John Taylor, national design manager for Stockland Apartments. The topography also determined the number of floors either two or three.

With functionality to the fore, each RiverHome maximises winter sun and cross-ventilation. Sumptuous interiors blend seamlessly with outdoor terraces, which are enhanced by private pools and viewing decks. The decks provide both intimate retreats where residents can unwind, and generous spaces for entertaining. The light-filled living areas also flow to internal courtyards.

Sleek contemporary kitchens with functional workspaces complement the open-plan family living areas. Taylor says every item is of the highest specification, from the stone benchtops and Miele appliances to the ergonomic Blum components.

Set away from the living and entertaining areas, the master bedroom retreats enhance a sense of escape. The master suite has a walk-in wardrobe and high-end bathroom fittings and finishes.

RiverHome owners have a priority option to acquire a berth in Norman Reach's private 10-berth riverside marina, which can accommodate boats from 10m to 20m.

"The marina is one of just a few on the river," says Taylor. "It offers an attractive lifestyle, and is also a worthy investment opportunity."

Part of the charm of Norman Reach is the mix of residences. The two-level Villa Apartments have extra-large floor plans, similar to a house. The Cox Rayner design provides flexible open-plan living zones. Balconies are expansive, yet discreet, and offer a degree of separation for the master suite.

Garden Villa Apartments embrace privacy and feature individual landscaped gardens and an internal courtyard that would make an ideal artist's studio. The boutique nature of the Villa Apartments building is reflected in the dedicated wine cellar, exclusive to villa residents.

The suburb of Norman Park is dominated by Queenslander character housing, and enclaves of apartment-style developments. Access to the CBD is by bus, rail or ferry.

For more details on Norman Reach residences, contact Stockland, phone (07) 3305 8730. Or visit the website: www.normanreach.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas