Unique, trend-setting townhouses

In a market traditionally dominated by detached homes or high-rise apartments, the emergence of luxury townhouse developments has been nothing short of a game-changer.

Three of the most captivating and trend-setting townhouse projects across the country, now selling and under construction, each weaves its own style and characteristic – be it through a boutique and exclusive collection, a waterfront address, or a masterplanned community design.

Unique in their own ways, we explore the trends that set these developments apart from others in the market and the exceptional experiences they offer the discerning homeowner – you. 

Hampton Ltd: Hampton, Melbourne

On a leafy urban street in beachside Hampton, Hampton Ltd comprises both apartments and townhouses. Its overall offering is boutique, with just 23 residences across its three buildings. Yet, its townhouse offering is truly exclusive, presenting just three townhomes.

Hampton Ltd is developed by award-winning Brisbane-based developer Spyre Group and beautifully designed by internationally renowned Studio Brent Lee. We spoke to Kent Pinel, Spyre Group’s Design Director, to delve into these homes that celebrate the idea of a ‘personal sanctuary.’

“These homes offer a rare level of exclusivity, reserved for only a discerning few seeking an aspirational lifestyle,” Kent said to AD.

“At Hampton Ltd, each four-storey townhome offers individual access through a private street entrance, as well as a private and secure basement garage.

“Spaciously designed and sophisticated, they feature three oversized bedrooms, with the master suite commanding an entire level, creating a secluded retreat and boasting an oversized walk-in-robe and luxurious ensuite with a free-standing solid surface bath.

“The expansive living and dining areas are afforded an abundance of natural light.

“Perfect for entertaining, separate living zones offer family members different breakout zones and flexibility.

“All living areas orientate towards terraces and natural light, creating an effortless flow between indoor and outdoor moments.

“Floor-to-ceiling glazing offers immediate connection to landscaped greenery.

“Every detail is inviting — a design statement of comfort and style.”

Expansive in size, these townhomes evoke space as luxury. Intuitively designed by the experts at Studio Brent Lee, each residence comes with luxurious fixtures and fittings that set this collection apart.

“Undoubtedly a show-stopper, the wine cellar boasts a full wall of built-in wine racking ready to store even the most generous collection of wine,” said Kent.

“Even in this private space, every care has been taken to ensure it is not only functional but also aesthetically alluring using beautiful, robust materials, soft lighting, and timeless finishes which complement the rest of the townhome.”

Hampton Ltd’s townhouses boast private lifts, oversized ceiling heights, a sculptural kitchen island bench crafted from Vanilish Pearl marble, floor-to-ceiling glazing, oversized walk-in robes in the master suite, a study nook at the top level, and more.

Hampton Ltd’s highly curated design comes from Spyre Group’s observation of townhouse trends and demands across Melbourne.

“Particularly for Melbourne townhomes, we are noticing an increased importance on luxury offerings, such as appliances, finishes, private lifts, etc.,” said Kent.

“These residences are about generosity and grandeur, a very rare scale of luxurious lifestyle and appointments.

“They are no longer a downsize compromise for those priced out of buying a house; rather, Hampton Ltd is a boutique, low maintenance lifestyle upgrade to a house that provides curated spaces and elevated design inclusions.”

He continued, “Celebrating the idea of ‘personal sanctuary’, the three townhomes are genuinely rare — particularly for the highly desirable Hampton and greater Bayside area.

“This is where people can reward themselves, within an idyllic setting and a masterfully crafted residence.

“The architecture, inspired by its surrounds, blends mid-century modernism with minimalist design.

“Subtle sophistication — a canvas for which only a lucky few can curate as their ultimate abode.”

Demolition has commenced on site of Hampton Ltd, with the exclusive townhomes still available.

UNIQ: Bundall, Gold Coast

Neighbouring Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Bundall is set to become the new entertainment and lifestyle hub for the Gold Coast. In the heart of it all sits UNIQ, a secluded riverside development of 22 luxury villas.

“With UNIQ’s enviable waterfront location at its heart, the promise of Bundall’s serene yet connected lifestyle becomes yours,” said James Ball, General Manager at Devlink Group – the developer behind this stunning project.

“UNIQ’s address in Bundall is more than just a postcode; it’s an invitation to a life where the charm of a tight-knit community blends seamlessly with the vibrant pulse of the Gold Coast.”

While the age-old adage of ‘Location, Location, Location’ remains a cornerstone of real estate value, UNIQ transcends this principle by integrating unparalleled features and amenities. Each three-bedroom townhouse boasts oversized floorplans that cater to the modern desire for space, complemented by private lifts that ensure accessibility and privacy.

The homes’ architectural finesse is further elevated with stunning 2.7-meter high ceilings and double-glazed windows, ensuring a serene, energy-efficient living environment. Moreover, the rooftop terraces present breathtaking views, making this the perfect space to entertain loved ones.

Devlink Group has also catered UNIQ to fit townhouse trends and buyer demand, leaving no stone unturned in its conception.

“Townhouses have undergone a remarkable evolution in recent years, shifting from being a high-density compromise to becoming a sought-after choice for discerning buyers,” James said to AD.

“In designing UNIQ, we have embraced the trends that cater to the dynamic lifestyles of young professionals, growing families, discerning downsizers, and savvy investors.

“As we move towards a future where land is at a premium, and the allure of sprawling gardens (and all that weekend-sapping maintenance) gives way to the practicality of public amenities and well-maintained public parklands, UNIQ has been meticulously crafted to harmonise the best of both worlds.

“Recognising the shift towards high-quality, lower-maintenance living spaces, we have tailored UNIQ to meet the demands of this modern lifestyle.”

Devlink Group has seen demand for quality townhomes grow as the Gold Coast population approaches a significant 750,000 milestone.

“From professionals seeking a sophisticated lock-up-and-leave property to downsizers looking for luxury without the maintenance, the demand is expanding,” James said.

“UNIQ’s townhouses strike the ideal balance for a variety of financial plans, offering the expansiveness of a traditional home, the practicality of an apartment, and the potential for a sound investment — all wrapped up in the stunning environs of the Gold Coast.”

Apexon Pty Ltd, Devlink Group’s construction partner, has been making excellent progress with the site for a Q4 2024 completion. Three-bedroom townhouses are still available at UNIQ.

LUMA: Sunshine North, Melbourne

Located 16 kilometres west of the Melbourne CBD, Development Victoria’s Sunshine North masterplanned community comprises townhomes with floorplans to suit a range of lifestyles and budgets. Named LUMA, this development fosters and elevates a true sense of community, where a spacious local park presents a welcoming green spine that links the whole neighbourhood together.

Covering 3,600 square metres, LUMA’s park is designed around clusters of retained established trees. It features a fully equipped children’s playground, a sheltered BBQ facility, picnic area, and kick-about spaces. This will all be located close to LUMA’s urban plaza, an open community space with play areas and the perfect spot for markets, meet-ups, and many other social activities.

What’s more, LUMA’s location on underutilised land enables it to make the best use of all the existing amenities Sunshine North has to offer, including major shopping and health centres and an abundance of public transport options. This supports modern-day living by enabling easy access to transport, local job opportunities, and lifestyle amenities, all within walking distance of LUMA.

Development Victoria recognises that whilst townhouse projects can offer a more affordable entry price into the property market, they should not compromise on quality. At LUMA, townhouses have been designed with high-quality, local, and natural materials that have been celebrated for their timeless simplicity, durability, and quality. This includes elements such as honed brickwork and timber cladding.

“We’ve embraced the principles of the classic terrace house at LUMA, and that’s about doing simplicity well,” said Dan Brady, Design Director at Development Victoria.

“Because then, a timeless design serves as the backdrop to your life.

“So, it was all about trying to provide choice and flexibility.”

Dan affirms that LUMA was designed to be a community-minded development, saying, “One thing that we wanted to bring to LUMA was that opportunity for people to meet, people to get outside, have some easy access to the park, and the terrace form does this extremely well.”

Setting a benchmark in sustainable living, all homes at LUMA also boast a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating as well as a number of sustainable inclusions such as Solar PV and battery storage systems as standard.

LUMA has attracted a range of buyers, from first-home buyers seeking an affordable, quality option to enter the property market in a suburb that offers strong growth opportunities, to growing families and downsizers looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle.

“Existing purchasers have also been referring friends and family to live at LUMA,” said Awot Abbay, Sales Consultant to AD.

SAW Constructions has been appointed at LUMA to build 171 homes across Stages 1 and 2. Construction of Stage 1 homes is now well underway, with the sale of Stage 2 townhomes off to a strong start.

To make homeownership possible for more Victorians, the developer’s 2.5% upfront deposit offer makes buying a home at LUMA even easier. Available for a limited time, purchasers simply pay a 2.5% deposit upfront, and a further 2.5% up to 6 months after contract signing.

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