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Publication: Sunday Times HOME Magazine
Writer: Paula Aubin
Section: Small Lots
Date: 19th April, 2009
The contemporary inner-city style of Subiaco and East Perth is being re-created in Perth's newer suburbs. Streets of smart, ready to-move-into homes, such as those in APG Homes Centro Selection development in Atwell, are meeting the challenge for townhouse living without the inner-city price tag.
The Centro Selection properties make the most of a small site.
Ready to move into, they are modern, low-maintenance and close to transport links.
They have stylish interiors and landscaped, hassle-free courtyards and there is a choice of two-storey or single-storey designs.
Four of the properties were contenders for the Innovative Construction for Small Lots Award this year from Master Builders WA and one was a finalist in the Best Contract Home $230,000 to $280,000 category.
Leo Callisto, sales and marketing manager at APG Homes, says the 30 houses that make up Stage 1 and Stage 2 of Centro Selection are perfect for empty-nesters, small families or young professional couples.
"The homes are manageable and well finished, with plenty of accommodation and plenty of storage," Leo says.
Buyers whose children have flown the coop will particularly appreciate the thoughtful specification that includes stone bench tops and stainless-steel kitchen appliances.
"The empty-nester market still requires all the quality fixtures and fittings," Leo says.
"They're downsizing, not downgrading, and they still like to have all the nice things they had in their larger homes."
Built on lots ranging in width from 7m to 10m, the homes have been designed to offer townhouse-style living on the edge of a landscaped park in the Innovative Harvest Lakes subdivision in Atwell.
Each home comes with carpets, window treatments, light fittings, a neutral colour scheme, air conditioning and landscaping.
Leo says this takes much off the guesswork out of budgeting for a brand-new home.
Two-bedroom, single storey properties start at $445,000, while the double-storey homes range from $499,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom design to $628,000 for a four-bedroom home with loft area.
A number of the homes directly overlook the large landscaped park with its green lawns and barbecue facilities and the designers have made sure the living areas and master bedrooms capitalise on this outlook.
Front verandahs encourage interaction with passers-by and promote a sense of community.
Study nooks and open-plan living help make the most of the compact blocks and each has been designed to capitalise on passive-solar design principles.
Outside, landscaped garden beds and paved courtyards create private outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed without the pressure of too much maintenance.
Each home is freestanding and on its own green titles block, but APG has given the streetscape a strong sense of cohesion.
"The homes complement each other without being identical," Leo says.