Artist's Impression
In Brisbane’s ultra-luxury property market, a river view is a prerequisite – and the closer the better. Rivara West End, situated on one of the last true riverfronts in a suburb fast becoming Brisbane’s premium property hot spot, is testament to the magnetic pull of the river.
The 164 luxury dwellings, under construction and due for completion in late 2028, have not only been selling in record time but upended the idea that it’s only the penthouse level where the highest price premium presides.
At Rivara, luxurious River Homes that touch the earth and afford magnificent views of this long stretch of the river, carry the top price tag. And there’s been no shortage of takers for homes that boast 454sqm of living space and three-metre high ceilings. Six of the 12 three-level dwellings have sold at a starting price over $6 million, all to local buyers from Brisbane and the Gold Coast who plan to make Rivara their primary home while enjoying the lock up and leave lifestyle.
As urban renewal along the river gathers pace, it’s rare to encounter a house amidst the wave of multi-residential dwellings. But the developer, Traders In Purple, was intent upon leaning in to the cottage character of West End, while meeting the high demand for contemporary apartment living.
Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson explains that the River Homes have been well-received not only for their views and proximity to the river but the thoughtful approach to the interiors.
“Our 20 years of designing and developing on the waterfront on the Moreton Bay Peninsula has given us valuable insight into the expectations of luxury property buyers,” says Mr Robinson, reiterating Traders’ 100 per cent completion record.
“The River Homes reflect this in the way that we’ve focused upon designing from the inside out; the generosity and flow of the interior living space, the indoor and outdoor experience, control of shading and light and attention to small details executed extremely well.
“These homes have the dual luxury of long river views and a landscaped frontage to the River Walk with the bonus of a large entertaining terrace and plunge pool that make the most of Brisbane’s subtropical climate.”
Jeff Brown, Director of multi-award winning architectural firm, Rothelowman, with whom Traders has collaborated on numerous luxury waterfront projects, has fashioned the River Homes into havens where the living flows as easily as the river.
“We see the buyers having reached a point in their life where they have a quiet confidence,” says Mr Brown. “They are also entertainers and we’ve included wine storage, a dry bar, multiple Gaggenau ovens and an expansive scullery to keep the large stone kitchen island clear for socialising.
“Rather than define spaces into formal and informal, we’ve thought of them as morning and evening spaces which is a more meaningful way to consider the way people live.”
A built-in banquette lends itself to casual dining with an outlook to the river-facing terrace with its plunge pool and al fresco dining and lounge space.
Each of the four bedrooms, one on the first floor and three on the second, has its own ensuite. The vast master suite includes a relaxation space, walk-in wardrobe, dressing room with island dresser and make-up station, blissfully large bathroom and a balcony overlooking the river.
For all its lavish appointments, Brown has sought simplicity and clarity in the design of the River Homes. “These are super luxury, high quality dwellings that are all about engaging with the river,” says Mr Brown. “We’ve taken a very elegant approach, with simplicity in the detailing, introducing warm timbers and veneers and a gentle palette.
The River Homes are accessed from a landscaped rear laneway or via the lift or stairs from your own private basement garage where there is space for four cars. That alone is a luxury which speaks to Traders’ understanding of the needs of luxury buyers who are neither downsizers nor empty nesters.
And while a less is more philosophy has its place, the generosity of the private space and access to resident amenity including a Wellness Grove, gardens and pool with extraordinary views up and down the river and across to Mount Coot-tha, Rivara’s River Homes go with the flow of a more is more take on luxury living.
