Inside The Eastbourne: Canberra’s luxury address by the lake

For generations of Canberrans, Parkes has been somewhere to work, visit or wander through on a weekend, but rarely somewhere to call home.

The Eastbourne is a development that has introduced a new residential address to this traditionally civic part of the capital, with five apartment buildings now sitting among the parklands between Constitution Avenue and Lake Burley Griffin.

“The Eastbourne is a genuinely rare address,” says LJ Hooker Project Marketing’s Keenan Veraar.

Apartments here range from one-bedroom to two and three-bedroom configurations and penthouses, with a variety of layouts still available.

The apartments have been designed for people who want the ease of apartment living without giving up space, privacy or a connection to the outdoors.

“The idea was to create apartments people could comfortably live in for many years, particularly owner-occupiers moving from larger homes who don’t want apartment living to feel like a compromise,” Veraar says.

“The floor plans prioritise generous living areas, storage and flexibility, with no awkward or wasted space.”

That approach continues through the interiors, where engineered timber flooring and granite benchtops are complemented by Miele kitchen appliances, double glazing, and ducted heating and cooling.

Generous storage is integrated throughout, with the quality of the finishes remaining consistent across the development.

“The interiors were designed to feel premium but also easy to live with over time,” Veraar says.

Depending on the residence, the outlooks take in some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks, including Lake Burley Griffin, the National Carillon, Parliament House and Mount Ainslie.

The development’s facilities introduce another layer to the lifestyle. Residents arrive through a grand lobby with a concierge service, storage for grocery deliveries and a secure parcel room.

Then there’s the 25-metre indoor pool, spa and sauna, two gymnasiums, landscaped gardens and a business lounge.

And then there is what lies beyond the development itself, with Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin effectively on the doorstep.

“The shared spaces, private lobbies and pedestrian links into Commonwealth Park help it feel connected to its surroundings.

The location means it’s so convenient to enjoy the outdoors with the lake and parklands right there, as well as Canberra’s best events such as Floriade and Sky Fire,” Veraar says. “There’s a real sense that the parkland and broader precinct are part of the residential experience.”

Residents also get to call East Traders Hall their local. The vibrant hospitality precinct brings together venues including Lava Coffee, Sliceria, World by Chairman Group and Lager House by Capital Brewing Co., putting coffee, dining and places to meet right downstairs.

For recent retirees Clare and Stephen, living at The Eastbourne has changed the way they experience this part
of Canberra.

“At a local level, we find we need to use the car less,” Clare says. “Civic is a 15 to 20-minute walk away, and there’s a nearby bus stop. We find we are more likely to walk to the shops or to one of the many local cafes for a coffee with friends than when we were living in South Canberra. There are more cafe and dining options within a very short distance.”

The couple also value having Canberra’s national cultural institutions within walking distance, while the security and low-maintenance nature of the apartment gives them greater freedom to travel regularly without worrying about their home.

“We have a smaller footprint without compromising style and space,” Stephen says. “And we have access to a more attractive environment within easy walking distance.”

While it’s one of Canberra’s newest neighbourhoods, Veraar says The Eastbourne feels surprisingly settled.

“Because it incorporates new pedestrian pathways to connect directly to the lake and with the added vibrancy of East Traders Hall, it really feels like an established residential neighbourhood here.” he says.

At a glance

The Eastbourne

62 Constitution Avenue, Parkes

Developer: Amalgamated Property Group

Architect: DBI Design

Number of dwellings: one, two and three-bed apartments and penthouses.

Prices: $635,000-$2.75 million

Expected completion: Complete and move-in ready

Sales: LJ Hooker Project Marketing, Keenan Veraar 0402 914 037

Open homes: 62 Constitution Avenue, Parkes. Open seven days.

This feature is part of an Allhomes Deluxe Package.