Brighton’s pristine beaches, bay breezes and luxe homes have long attracted Melbourne’s high-flying sports people, celebrities, power brokers and professionals.
Often dubbed Toorak-by-the-sea, contemporary palaces rub shoulders with historic mansions along Brighton’s gracious, leafy streets. With its privileged seaside lifestyle, leading schools and chic Bay and Church Street village centres, Brighton is often considered Melbourne’s most aspirational Bayside suburb.
Over the last 25 years, the exclusive International, ideally situated between the beach and Bay Street village, became Brighton’s greatest entertainer, hosting thousands of Brighton’s well-heeled weddings, school formals and celebrations.
Now, the iconic location is entering its next chapter with a boutique apartment building, fittingly dubbed The International. The development will offer house-sized designer residences with luxe considered shared amenities designed to enrich a privileged new community.
Wide city and water views and a bay-inspired design by Carr, architects of Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula, have attracted prominent locals to the $110 million, five-level development by Landream and V-Leader.
The first visitors to The International’s $1.5 million display suite in early November snapped up the building’s largest and most expensive residence, a $4.7 million penthouse. The four-bedroom penthouse includes panoramic city and bay views, a 115 square metre terrace and 70 square metres of natural marble finishes.
CBRE residential projects director Henry Burbury says the buyers are Brighton locals who have a close affinity with the water and bay activities.
“Having a water view and proximity to the bay was critical for them; the striking city views are a bonus,” he says.
The International sits on the site of the well known reception centre of the same name.
Burbury says word got out quickly with residences worth approximately $20 million, including a second penthouse having sold within the first four days.
The refined, house-like apartments are up to 445 square metres in size and focus on expansive living spaces and impressive main suites with large walk-through wardrobes and meticulously appointed en suites. All residences have a substantial marble island bench and powder room; layout features can also include a scullery, fireplace, laundry, dressing table and bath.
Standard finishes include natural marble, chevron timber flooring and bespoke timber veneer joinery with Gaggenau cooking appliances and wine fridges, and integrated Liebherr refrigerators.
The homes have been designed to cater for sophisticated, mature buyers.
Luxe shared spaces and amenities will extend living, work and leisure beyond residents’ front doors and help form a vibrant community. The landscaped rooftop with bay and city views is designed for entertaining and relaxing, a private dining room will seat up to 20 and has an adjoining catering kitchen. There is also a wine room which includes temperature controlled storage for all residences, two business suites equipped for meetings and videoconferencing and an on-site cafe.
The concierge will manage a wide range of optional services including restaurant reservations, dog walking, cleaning, nannies and babysitting, private chef reservations, grocery and meal deliveries and car washing and detailing.
The design team’s selection and development of materials has been inspired by the tones and colours of Brighton Beach, elevating contemporary apartment living to bayside retreats.
CBRE managing director for residential projects Andrew Leoncelli says Carr understands exactly what people are looking for when downsizing in Brighton.
“These homes are designed for an exclusive market of sophisticated mature buyers. They want large kitchens and living areas, they like to have a scullery, entertaining is very important and accommodation must be tailored for the occupiers.
“Everything is designed to suit the most fastidious buyers,” he says.
Project completion is forecast for early 2021.
To find out more about The International and book an exclusive display suite viewing, click here.
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