Liveability explained by Adam Terrill of Tract Consultants, who authored Domain Liveable Sydney 2016 with Daniel Terrill of Deloitte Access Economics.
The vendors of 2/1A Lavender Crescent have called it home for more than 30 years and it’s easy to see why they’ve chosen not to budge.
It’s in a boutique block of four units that sits at the cul-de-sac end of Lavender Crescent, a magical spot surrounded by parkland and lush gullies, protected at the rear, with postcard views of Sydney Harbour, the Bridge, Luna Park and the CBD at its front.
If you were to time it right with Sydney Ferries, you could step off a boat at Circular Quay about 17 minutes after closing the front door. What’s more, the whole glorious, convenient package is in Lavender Bay which, in a bitter blow for those of us who live elsewhere, was last year declared Sydney’s most liveable suburb.
A great spot for those evening gin and tonics overlooking the harbour. Photo: Mind The Gap
Tract Consultants and Deloitte Access Economics, which undertook the liveability study on behalf of Domain, put the lower north shore suburb in the number one spot for its leafy streets and varied topography, proximity to cultural activities, quietude, excellent public transport, schools, shops, parkland and low crime rates.
The suburb’s exclusive Lavender Crescent zone seems particularly appealing, thanks in no small part to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. It also feels deliciously secluded, as if hectic North Sydney, which is directly behind it, didn’t even exist.
Nothing beats sitting on the verandah on a summer evening, gin and tonic in hand, gazing out across the harbour.Owner
The vendors of Apartment 2 have made a range of improvements to the property over the years, including opening up the living area to maximise the views, installing a handsome timber staircase, renovating the kitchen and building a study onto the eastern end of the living room.
The upper level of the unit has a full-length balcony and a small, gated-off zone on its eastern side, currently home to some well-established potted limes.
They have also nurtured a gorgeous, hedged garden and pond on the harbour-front terrace and a cooling, fern-friendly courtyard at the rear.
The upper level of the unit has a full-length balcony and a small, gated-off zone on its eastern side, currently home to some well-established potted limes. Presumably they’re for those evening gin and tonics overlooking the harbour.
The layout of the rooms on both levels is straightforward and practical. The harbour vista is visible pretty much throughout and the place feels very solid and private, more like a house than a unit. The blackbutt floors on the entry floor are stunning and new, wool carpet has been installed on the upper level.
The living area has been opened up to maximise the views.
Lavender Bay was deemed the most liveable of 555 suburbs in Sydney in a study commissioned by Domain last year.
The suburb’s premiere rating was based on assets including its views, leafiness, lack of congestion, wealth of public transport, proximity to cultural sites, walkability and generous supply of cafes.
Serviced by trains, ferries and buses, Lavender Bay is close to Watt and Clark parks, Wendy’s Secret Garden and North Sydney Olympic Pool. It is also near Milson’s Point Wharf, which is en-route to Circular Quay. Darling Harbour is about 11 minutes away on foot and North Sydney Station is about 12 minutes away.
2/1A Lavender Crescent will go to auction on February 25 with Belle Property Neutral Bay.
Lavender Bay was deemed the most liveable of 555 suburbs in Sydney.