AURA by Aqualand offers exciting new phase for downsizers
Compromise isn’t a word used to describe the apartments in AURA by Aqualand, the new $1 billion tower in North Sydney.
The lack of need to compromise is what’s driven a large number of local downsizers to the luxury development, given the combination of both size and design offered in the larger apartments towards the top of the 28-level building.
Roseville residents Henry and Sandra Rolley are downsizing from their family home for the last two decades to take up residency in a sub-penthouse on level 24 of the Walker Street tower.
While technological advancements and the internet have changed the way we market real estate, it was the trusted letterbox drop which alerted the couple to the project.
"We visited the display showroom and spoke to Domenic (AURA by Aqualand's Sales Consultant), and everything fell into place from there," Henry says.
Continuing their due diligence so they could get a true feel for what it would be like to live at AURA by Aqualand, Henry and Sandra visited the hotel behind the project and took in the views from the 11th level.
One of Sandra's highest priorities on her wish list was to overlook water.
"The extensive terracing in the sub penthouse, paired with 180 degree views from inside which take in the water, will create a very calming environment for us," Sandra says.
It was important for the couple to stay within the local area, and AURA by Aqualand offered the best apartment for quality finishes, size, and location. The couple recently bought a share in a boat which is being moored in Bayview, across from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in Kirribilli.
The location was a big tick for the couple, who wanted to remain north of the bridge so they could still keep in touch with their friends who live on the North Shore. They're planning to use the new metro, to be accessed by the future Victoria Cross Station next door, to get around the majority of the time, while the penthouse also offers two parking spaces.
"It's easy to get everywhere from the location," Henry says, adding that he's excited to see the extensive redevelopment of North Sydney when the government infrastructure projects kick off.
"The alfresco dining strips and the regenerated areas of North Sydney on our doorstep have a massive appeal for us.
"We get the best of both worlds with the exciting lifestyle precinct planned for the base of the building, but a calming oasis to come home to above it all."
Henry has been able to watch the project come out of the ground from the greens at Northbridge Golf Course.
"I've seen the cranes come and I can see the movement on site, which is great," Henry says.
"Soon enough we'll be able to see the level our apartment will sit on which will be an exciting milestone for us."
Coincidentally, a friend who knows one of Aqualand's internal construction team members, is part of Henry and Sandra's Saturday morning riding group, and he can't speak more highly of Aqualand and their efficiency, which Henry says gives him confidence that the delivery timeframe will be achieved.
Construction of the $1 billion project commenced early last year and is over half way through, with completion slated for mid-2024.
The Rolley's weren't the only local downsizers buying a premium apartment in the project.
A couple of empty nesters departing their Northern Beaches home of 45 years recently secured one of the four-bedroom apartments in AURA by Aqualand. They intend to turn one of the bedrooms into a home office.
It will be a big change for the retiring couple, who bought the house when they were 20. Out with the old and in with the new, as they intend to leave the house and sell their furniture and antiques. They'll be buying all new furniture to better match the space, as well as new art.
The couple will be splitting their time between the apartment, which will be their city base, and their two holiday houses.
They said the whole process of buying off the plan with Aqualand has been a great experience.
Read more: How AURA by Aqualand adds a new jewel in North Sydney’s crown
“It was our first time buying off the plan, and Aqualand’s professionalism and high degree of organization and knowledge helped us through the buying journey,” they said.
“We constantly get updates on the project and where it’s up to with construction which is important in this sector of the property market. Everything has been smooth sailing in our first off the plan purchase.”
The extensive community-building curated amenity which Aqualand are developing (a providore, bakery, café and wine bar, an all-day diner and a contemporary Japanese restaurant), were a big drawcard for the retiring couple, who are looking forward to being part of a community and meeting new people.
They're excited to explore the city and immerse themselves in the culture, having lived in the Northern Beaches all their lives.
They'll be constantly entertaining, with kids and grandkids, as well as overseas visitors, all expected to come and stay at the apartment, which effectively has two kitchens with the butler's pantry.
Aqualand Head of Sales and Marketing Alex Adams calls AURA by Aqualand “an heirloom of a building, providing truly rare and unique homes.”
“What was once a beautiful concept is forming into a truly remarkable destination set to be a new masterpiece in North Sydney,” Adams says.
“The elegant forms and curves of the building are taking shape and the installation of the glass frame facade is making its way up level by level.
“A new release of residences, including a selection from our breathtaking penthouse collection is available and now selling, providing a once in a generation opportunity.”
With construction well underway, the main tower will start climbing to its peak at level 28, with the residential levels forming individual apartments with services, internal walls, and bathroom and kitchen fitouts to commence.
