New Homes: Style and substance at retirement village the Central in Crace

You can navigate the whole of the Central without encountering a single step, but the practicalities of accessibility have not discouraged the owners, Goodwin, from building stylish homes.

“We were building something contemporary,” says Goodwin’s executive manager of retirement living, Jim Purcell. “Something chic, something where they would feel as though they were buying a really smart apartment,” is what the company wanted, says Purcell.

Designed by AMC Architecture, the homes at the Central have been created to complement Crace’s existing streetscapes. The one, two and three-bedroom apartments and townhouses at the Central have been designed with northerly aspect to maximise light and energy efficiency. Inside, the neutral colour scheme accentuates the spaciousness of the interiors.

Designed to promote liveability and interaction, Crace may be the happiest suburb in Canberra. It’s also just a little bit unique.

“The suburb, over the last few years, has developed remarkably well,” says Purcell. “The homes and the architecture and the general streetscapes are quite different to what you normally find in Gungahlin.”

Bordered by parkland on three sides, staying active is easy in Crace. The local shops, with several cafes, are an easy stroll away from the Central, while good public transport links offer easy access to Canberra’s hubs. It’s a single bus ride to either Belconnen or Gungahlin.

Like Crace, the Central has been designed to foster community, with communal areas on site.

Goodwin’s charter as a not-for-profit is to provide care and accommodation for elderly people.

“The real opportunity [at Crace]” says Purcell, “is to make new friends, get that socialisation going, to really benefit from having access to those sort of services.”

Homes feature secure underground parking, secure lift access, Bosch appliances and reverse-cycle airconditioning. Approximately one third of the 135 homes at the Central are still available for sale.

Inspection time: Contact agent, Liz Ley, Goodwin, 6175 5057.

Feature we love: These homes mix style and substance, with chic interiors suited to all ages and abilities.

Who lives here: Retirement homes are firmly for the 65+ market, providing access to services and assistance that become essential with age.