Welcome to Neutral Bay, the alluring Sydney suburb that ticks all the boxes

A lively neighbourhood on Sydney’s lower north shore, Neutral Bay is a well-connected suburb with an impressive selection of much-loved cafes and global eats. For many, it is the epitome of inner-city ease, delivering a lifestyle that ticks all the right boxes.

Here you will find it all: parklands that look out across Sydney Harbour and the city skyline; ferry services to Circular Quay; easy access to golfing facilities at Cammeray Golf Course; and a shopping and dining precinct that simply keeps on outdoing itself. 

Yet, for many, it’s Neutral Bay’s winning location that makes it a standout. Sydney’s CBD is a short 10-minute drive in one direction, and harbour beaches and coastal walks are 15 minutes in the other. Then there’s the M2 that connects to major hubs. This ever-popular suburb has the convenience factor down pat. 

Local Neutral Bay resident Andrew Holland says the convenience of Neutral Bay was one of its biggest drawcards. 

“We had been living in Lane Cove for 20 years, but we wanted to be in an area that had a bit more life and was close to the city,” Dr Holland says. “It’s very quick to get into the city for leisure activities and, working out of Westmead and North Shore hospitals, it’s very quick for me to get to work via the M2.”  

Although locals never have to wander too far from home. Neutral Bay’s buzzy village has three supermarkets and several providores, plus a selection of foodie destinations, including Bourke Street Bakery, 5 Loaves 2 Fish, The Oaks, K-Town Korean BBQ House, SoCal and Italian Street Kitchen.

“Neutral Bay has everything you could possibly want in terms of everyday things within a short walk,” Dr Holland says. “You can walk to restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. And if you wanted to use public transport, you can quickly get a bus into the city or other local suburbs.”

It’s a sought-after neighbourhood that sits high on buyers’ radar, especially with its boutique developments that offer apartments with house-like proportions. 

One of Neutral Bay’s newest developments, ENSO, is a collection of nine residences designed by Sydney-based Japanese architect Koichi Takada.

“ENSO is envisioned as an oasis that perfectly balances the vibrancy of village life with the comforts of home,” says Justin Brown, managing director of Abadeen Group, the developers of ENSO.

“With a location just moments from exceptional restaurants and bars, residents will quickly fall into the easy rhythm of the ENSO lifestyle. Whether it’s a walk through the laneways to grab a morning coffee, a short stroll around the corner for a quiet meal with friends, or a weekend run to take in Sydney’s famous harbour, ENSO makes the most of its setting at every turn.”

ENSO’s three-bedroom apartments have been designed as urban retreats. They feature nature-inspired palettes, oversized floor plans and double lock-up garages with additional secure storage.

They have luxurious high-end inclusions such as marble kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, and timber floors and joinery. The main bedroom suites have plush wool carpet, private en suites and his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes. Plus, selected apartments feature a fireplace and a dedicated study space. 

“ENSO is a one-of-a-kind architectural form that sits in perfect harmony with its surroundings,” Brown says. “Whether you’re inside or out, ENSO celebrates its exceptional location at every opportunity, offering a life that is continually inspired by its environment.”