Why this is the must-know address for discerning downsizers

What does extraordinary living look like in retirement?

On Sydney’s lower north shore, The Baytree is among the city’s most exclusive independent living resorts, where sophistication and luxury meet hotel-quality amenities.

In addition to five-star amenities that include an indoor pool, gym and spa, there is also an in-house dedicated wellness co-ordinator to facilitate classes and activities.

A workshop space beckons the creatives, and a library is available for literary types and those who are still working in some capacity. It hosts book launches and other special events, such as opera or piano performances, followed by champagne and canapes.

There is also a hair and beauty salon, a cinema, a restaurant, outdoor dining areas and 24-hour concierge services to assist residents.

The Baytree is one of four premium retirement villages developed by Keyton’s luxury brand, Ardency. Aroona is in Yowie Bay and Trebatha is a collection of residences in Elizabeth Bay.

Ardency’s latest portfolio addition, the recently award-winning Kennedy Place, opened in Melbourne’s Richmond in 2023. Set on 1.5 hectares in the leafy harbourside suburb of Greenwich, The Baytree is aimed at discerning Sydneysiders ready to downsize.

“They’re looking for a location not far from where they live,” says Keyton chief executive Nathan Cockerill. “They might have lived in their family home for 20 to 25 years, and they have their local doctor, chemist, theatre, et cetera. A lot of our residents want to stay in the same neighbourhood but are looking for a more stress-free lifestyle.”

The complex is just five kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, and only moments from the shops of Chatswood, Crows Nest and Lane Cove.

With a variety of properties to choose from, Ardency sets out to make downsizing an appealing and seamless process. The Baytree’s 82 apartments are a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments that start from $1.6 million.

Clean lines and neutral colour palettes enhance natural timber and stone features throughout the buildings, while each apartment includes premium fixtures and fittings. “The new Sirius building was officially unveiled last year, and all four three-bedroom, two-bathroom sub-penthouse apartments were quickly snapped up for $4 million-plus.”

What sets The Baytree apart, Cockerill says, is its focus on a social connection, adding that many older Australians living in large family homes can feel socially disconnected.

“The most important thing for people in retirement villages is companionship,” Cockerills says. “They have everything at their fingertips,” he adds of the amenities and social calendar.

The Baytree is open to anyone aged over 55, but Cockerill says most new residents are in their late 60s to early 70s.

”It’s a good balance between singles and couples, [and] the majority of singles are females,” Cockerill says.

The most common concern among prospective downsizers is how to move all their furniture and belongings into a new space. But there’s help on hand, with Ardency offering services to assist with packing and unpacking.

The Baytree by Ardency

6 Ulonga Avenue, Greenwich, NSW 2065

View property