VIDA stamps its boutique mark

A DEBUT move by Australia’s biggest apartment developer, Meriton, into boutique projects at the luxury end of the Sydney market is proving the truth of the old adage ‘good things come in small parcels.

VIDA, in Mascot, is the first Platinum Collection venture by Meriton and is a runaway success with both offshore and Australian buyers.

The classy project, synonymous with design elegance, is already 70 per cent sold eight months ahead of completion.

Meriton is offering a 4 per cent stamp-duty refund on sales for a limited time – to all buyers, not just those from offshore.

VIDA, at 577 Gardeners Road, consists of 46 apartments + 1 retail spread across two buildings and has been master-minded by Daniel Hendler, grandson of Meriton founder Harry Triguboff, AO.

It will showcase Meriton’s new Platinum Collection, offering striking architectural designs and providing spacious and airy apartments embellished with luxury fixtures and finishes.

The apartments, with views to the Sydney CBD skyline, will feature large format limestone-look tiling, Italian brushed-nickel tapware, shadowline skirting and integrated reverse-cycle air-conditioning.

Most ensuites will have a striking freestanding bathtub and kitchens will feature designer pendant lighting, Caesarstone benchtops, backlit Carrara marble splashbacks and a full range of Miele appliances.

“You could say we were testing the water with VIDA,” says Mr Hendler.

“With something new there’s always some trepidation but in the case of VIDA it has proven hugely unwarranted.

“Many buyers, be they first-home buyers, baby-boomer downsizers, or investors, feel boutique is beautiful and they’re showing that by buying at VIDA.

“This pacesetting project promises to be the first of many niche Platinum Collection offerings.”

Mr Hendler, who has sourced fittings from Europe, says VIDA is not laced with resident facilities such as pools and gymnasiums and strata fees therefore will be ‘conservative’.

“There will, however, be a tranquil rooftop garden and barbecue area where our residents can relax with family and friends.”

VIDA will have a maximum of four apartments per floor in one, two and three-bedroom formats – some will have studies — and they will range from 71 to 136sqm and many will have individual lock-up garages, storage areas and access to bicycle racks.

The ground-floor apartments will have private courtyards up to 50sqm and the other apartments will have entertainment balconies.

Vida will be five minutes to the CBD from Mascot station and close to Sydney Park, Gunyama Park and Aquatic Centre, Moore Park Golf Club, the Sydney Cricket Ground and Eastern Suburbs beaches.

Restaurants, cafes and artisan bakeries will be on the doorstep and Meriton’s new Mascot Central retail hub will be just 850 metres away.

The remaining VIDA apartments are priced from $669,000 to $1.308 million.