Kervale’s ESSENCE Brighton Project Smashes Price Record at $10.2 million

It is also the highest price ever achieved for an apartment, smashing the $8.2 million record achieved in 2019 for a three-bedroom apartment. 
Kervale’s ESSENCE Brighton Project Smashes Price Record at $10.2 million
Render of the 70 Black St project, ESSENCE.
Alison Warters September 19, 2022

Boutique property developer Kervale has smashed the Brighton price record for an apartment, selling a four-bedroom penthouse off-the-plan within its ESSENCE project for $10.2 million, equating to a whopping $22,000 sqm rate. 

The sale breaks the current sqm rate for the suburb, which was achieved in August last year for a five-bedroom house at $19,000 sqm. 

It is also the highest price ever achieved for an apartment, smashing the $8.2 million record achieved in 2019 for a three-bedroom apartment. 

The sale is made even more impressive with ESSENCE having only launched to market in April. 

ESSENCE comprises two buildings with 11 residences in each, with the state-of-the-art residences designed with discerning owners inmind. 

Kervale Sales Director Michael Ryan said the record-breaking sale is evidence that the luxury apartment market is still thriving. 

“The four-bedroom penthouse is the jewel in the crown, it has all the elements often reserved for an expansive house and truly is the epitome of luxury living in Brighton,” he said. 

The local buyer comes from Hawthorn and while not downsizing, was attracted to the luxurious design of ESSENCE, which includes a private rooftop and swimming pool, complete with city and bay views. 

Designed by the renowned Bruce Henderson Architecture and Interiors, ESSENCE offers design and amenities that would be difficult to rival in Brighton, says Ryan.

Located beneath the ground floor of the complex are a secluded and sophisticated set of amenities to replenish and recharge the senses and to bring something extra to apartment living, including a wine cellar, residents lounge area, private dining room, kitchenette, billiards table, and private gym and yoga studio. 

“The local buyer had been searching for a long time to find an expansive home with city views that was really special and the ESSENCE penthouse offered just that - four bedrooms, two studies, an eight-car garage, a spiral staircase to a private rooftop complete with a pool and all the amenities reserved exclusively for residents, all while providing a lock up and leave lifestyle,” he added. 

ESSENCE homes are spread across two distinct wings of the building, offering the ultimate quiet, intimate refuge. 

The central courtyard creates a street presence that aligns with the natural rhythm of Black Street via purposeful architecture. 

18 of the homes are composed of two or three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and two car parks, while the remaining two penthouses boast three-bedrooms, three-bathrooms and three car parks. 

Managing Director and Corporate Director of Bruce Henderson Architects, Graham Morrison, said the amenities on offer are reminiscent of a 6-star hotel. 

“The idea behind the design was to be able to provide people with large homes to be able to downsize but still have the facilities they’re used to. In some cases they haven’t experienced this level of comfort before,” said Morrison. 

In the parking area, amenities such as the electric vehicle charging points, pet grooming facilities, bicycle storage, golf club lockers, and a car washing station make ESSENCE living unparalleled in terms of convenience. 

“Lifestyles need to incorporate more than just a living space; they need areas, landscapes and buildings which are interesting and liveable. Large open living spaces provide exclusive, thoughtful design outcomes with lots of important detailing,” he said. 

Internally, the interiors are inspired by the external facade, designed to embrace open space. 

Each room encapsulates sophistication via a clean, neutral palette within, while adding modern, exciting touches with natural stone, quality joinery, tapware, lighting and appliances such as VZUG and Liebeherr. 

It is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in early 2023. Remaining apartments are priced from $1.495 million and $3.5 million for penthouses.

Alison Warters

Alison Warters is a property journalist for Urban, based in Sydney. Alison is especially interested in the evolution of the New Build/Development space, when it comes to design innovation and sustainability.

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