Why buyers are choosing the $550m Docklands apartment development, Seafarers

The exclusive hotel-branded residences, Seafarers, has experienced strong buyer demand since its inception. 

Developed by Riverlee, the $550 million Flinders Street development is nearing a sell-out, with only a handful of residences remaining in the Fender Katsalidis, Oculus, Carr and ODO-designed 19-storey tower.

The landmark development heralds a new era of luxury riverfront living, with the five-star amenity and services of the world’s leading sustainable luxury hotel, 1 Hotels, at its centre. The precinct will feature a luxurious lobby lounge bar, world-class event venue and meeting spaces, a state-of-the-art health centre, food and beverage offerings, and a 3,500 sqm landscaped haven, known as Seafarers Rest.

Centred on an inspired reimagining of the heritage-protected Goods Shed No.5, Seafarers has brought in its fair share of downsizers, looking to capitalise on not only the project's Docklands location, but also its array of amenities, including Australia’s first 1 Hotels property.   

That's exactly what captured the attention of frequent global traveller Martin Storm. As someone who has become well acquainted with many of the best hotel brands in the world, its the sustainable luxury offerings at 1 Hotels that keep him coming back.

“Not only is 1 Hotels a fabulous product in the market, but combining it with spacious custom apartments is the best of both worlds,” Storm said.

Storm loves the offering so much he has purchased multiple properties at Seafarers, and has even encouraged his family and friends to take up the unique residential opportunity.

"We have enjoyed the earthy stylings of 1 Hotels overseas and love the idea of constantly experiencing this lifestyle of convenience while living in a luxurious private apartment with custom facilities," he said.

"We wanted all of our family to enjoy this extraordinary property experience with us, so we have bought extra properties for them. Friends have subsequently done the same. I can see us all being together in this lovely environment, enjoying all its services and assets, as well as the city’s offerings."

Storm and his wife live in a home further along the Yarra River, so the environment was nothing new to them, and its something they really appreciated. 

"Not only does Seafarers offer us even better proximity to the city, but having unhampered access to the facilities of a world-class hotel means it will really embody the very best of high-end apartment living. The brilliant architecture of Nonda Katsalidis and the Fender Katsalidis team also makes it very special."

"The fact that Melbourne is the first choice for the 1 Hotels and Riverlee partnership is wonderful for our home city. Not only is 1 Hotels a fabulous product in the market, but combining it with spacious custom apartments means it transforms into the best of both worlds."

It's not the first time Storm has experienced something like this before, with him noting the Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons brands, but he says it's 1 Hotels eco-friendly design that sets them apart. 

"I know that 1 Hotels operates in the same orbit. Its advantage, however, and what personally resonates with me, is its organic, eco-friendly, and design-sensitive environment. Sometimes I feel like I am entering an enchanted forest when I enter a 1 Hotels property," he said. 

Having purchased multiple properties at Seafarers, Storm also encouraged his friends and family to do the same.