Retirement living has entered a bold new chapter, with an ultra-luxurious penthouse in Aveo’s Bella Vista Haven Retirement Living community redefining expectations of how retirees should be living out their golden years.
More akin to a five-star hotel suite than a traditional downsizer apartment, this extraordinary residence located about 35km north-west of Sydney’s CBD proves that luxury and longevity can seamlessly co-exist.
“This is definitely the most high-end project I’ve ever worked on in retirement living,” said Gosia Piotrowski of nettletontribe, a national architectural and interior design practice, who led the project’s interior design team.
“The benchmark just keeps rising and this age group is very design savvy, so we really had to cater to those high expectations.”
The $2.05 million penthouse features three expansive bedrooms, generous open-plan living and statement interiors that rival Australia’s finest private residences with European Oak herringbone floors, artisan handmade tiles, high ceilings, layered lighting, Miele appliances and an oversized natural stone benchtop anchored by a chef-grade kitchen designed for multi-generational entertaining.
Yet beneath the elevated aesthetic lies intelligent design with subtle, future-focused inclusions that nettletontribe ensured from the outset.
"We went above and beyond the standards to incorporate elements specifically for modernday retirees,” Piotrowski said.
“Features such as step-free transitions, wider hallways, reinforced walls for optional modifications and discreetly integrated lighting and technology allowing homeowners to age in place without compromising on style.
“Even the smaller features were considered, for example the easier finger pull detail in the joinery design, the larger sized power points and natural stone benchtops with a factory applied stain protection to withstand spills and mitigate future maintenance costs.
“We took every opportunity to maximise functionality while maintaining spatial flexibility, like the entry joinery that can be fully removed to accommodate a resident’s changing needs if they require wheelchair access, and the oversized laundry allows for ample space and storage.”
Piotrowski said the needs and wants of older Australians are changing and luxurious modernday elements like the butler’s pantry, integrated Miele coffee machine and curved benchtop design would not have been considered in retirement living design in the past.
Recent upgrades also included a deluxe-style cinema, library, gymnasium, a large pool house with infrared saunas and flexible communal and dining spaces to encourage children, grandchildren and extended family to feel equally welcome.
Bev and Les Moth recently moved from their seven-bedroom home in Epping to one of Bella Vista Haven’s penthouses. For the couple and their family, it was a big decision, but they haven’t looked back.
“We have five children and each of them had differing opinions, but now that we have moved in, they couldn’t be happier for us. They regularly visit with their families and love to use the facilities too,” Bev said.
"When my 16-year-old granddaughter first walked through, she was confused as she thought we were downsizing because our apartment doesn’t feel small in the slightest.
“We are just so happy here. The high ceilings make a huge difference and I’m in love with the kitchen… everything works so well. I’ve never enjoyed cooking and entertaining more.”
To learn more about Bella Vista Haven Retirement Living, click the link below.