Everyone knows where Orchard Boulevard is. But not any Tom, Dick or Harry could live here. Reserved for only the rich and elite, this exclusive stretch of downtown Singapore offers some of the most luxurious homes.
Location is critical, as we at Singapore Prime Districts understand. And Orchard Boulevard fulfills this criterion perfectly. Situated just next to the heart of Orchard Road, it has convenient access to the shopping belt, for starters. The Central Business District is just a 10 minute drive away, so you would never be late for work. You are also well-connected with the rest of the island through the Pan Island Expressway. Despite staying in the midst of downtown, Orchard Boulevard maintains a quaint and serene atmosphere. The only buildings around are sophisticated private residences and 5 star hotels. Filled with lush greenery and the sweet sounds of chirping birds, it’s really a paradise unto itself.
So the area is great, but what about the condominiums? Rest assured, our professional agents have scouted Orchard Boulevard and they are impressed, to say the least. First on our list – the Boulevard Residences. Immensely luxurious and elegant, the high-end condominium is made up of 2 sleek towers linked with a sky bridge. Paneled with full length glass windows, it provides a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city below. The designers were also thoughtful enough to create units that either faces north or south to avoid the glare from our tropical weather. We also adore their sky terraces where you could enjoy a relaxing yoga session while the cooling breeze brushes against your skin. At Orchard Boulevard, exquisite and tasteful design is a given, not a bonus.
Yes, yes, we know you can’t wait to hear about the shopping. Living so near to Orchard Road, shopping is without a doubt, pretty darn good. Just beyond your doorstep, there’re high-end malls like Forum and Palais Renaissance which are stocked to the roof with big, international labels. Go crazy with the this season offerings from Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton and much more. If that’s not enough for you, stroll further down and Takashimaya and Paragon come within sight. Hold your breath for Chanel, Tiffany’s, Armani and Miu Miu! To all you shopaholics out there, Orchard Boulevard is your sweet demise.
Of course, we at Singapore Prime Districts don’t simply recommend Orchard Boulevard for the shopping, good as it may be. This area is worth buying into because of its laid back lifestyle and exclusivity. Imagine coming home from a hard day’s work without having to face rush hour traffic jam. Then going to 5-class Chinese dinner at Jiang Nan Chun, the signatory restaurant of Four Seasons Hotel. After dinner, enjoy a tangy cocktail in Hard Rock Café with good live music. Or take a slow walk in the tranquil neighborhood. This is what Orchard Boulevard is truly about – suburban lifestyle in an urban setting.
And what are you waiting for? Contact Keith at keith@singaporeprimedistricts.com to move into the elegant and luxurious Orchard Boulevard now!
Everyone defines fun differently. If you were to ask us folks at Singapore Prime Districts, we’d say without a doubt that fun is life in the River Valley area of downtown Singapore. With a front porch lined with high-end retail and a backyard full of thumping clubs and bars, this place simply screams fun, fun, fun!
Clubbing animals and pub crawlers love River Valley. Simply for the fact that there is perhaps no other area in Singapore with more night spots. As the sun sets, funky crowds creep into the district hunting for the perfect chill out session. And they usually have their wish granted. River Valley is home to some of the best clubs and bars in Singapore. Zouk, the Godfather of the local clubbing scene pumps away just within the vicinity. Come down for their world class DJ performances, uber chic girls and guess what – genuine Andy Warhol pieces. Fancy a night of drinking? We at Singapore Prime Districts have our very own pub crawling schedule. Start from a Japanese izakaya for yakitori and sake, move on to Highlander for quality whiskey, then perhaps a strong tequila short from Velvet. Every night in River Valley is party night!
Epicureans and shopaholics too, love River Valley. Simply for the fact that this area is armed with unique fashion styles and decadent restaurants. A trip to the new mall Central would help to explain. Instead of the run-of-the-mill stuff in Orchard, you get independent shops bringing in Korean and Japanese fashion ranging from kawaii to stylish to rebellious. As for those hungry souls out there, we at Singapore Prime Districts know just the fix at Sage, famous restaurant in River Valley and Singapore. Serving up succulent beef cheeks and indulgent desserts, this is the answer to your desires. Just to add some character to the package, River Valley is also an arty district with several galleries. Think you’ve got an eye for art? Make a few purchases for the new dining room, all within the neighborhood!
Rednecks and cab drivers too, love River Valley. Simply for the fact that it is so easily accessible. Closely linked with Orchard, Raffles Place and City Hall you are a short drive away to the office and the shops. No more crazy traffic during the rush hours; you can reach work and hit home in a breeze. Whenever you need a beer to rewind from a day with the bitchy boss, Clarke Quay is just within walking distance. Throw in the fresh air by the river, even the reddest of rednecks could find some inner peace. And this is why we at Singapore Prime Districts too, love River Valley. Simply for the fact that apart from the party crowd, we find calm and quiet in a little café or a stroll around the riverside.
If just like us, this is how you would define fun then contact Keith at keith@singaporeprimedistricts.com for our pub crawling schedule and other exciting lifestyles in River Valley! Don’t drink and drive!
You may not have heard of Mount Sophia. And who can blame you? With so much attention paid to Cairnhill, Orchard and Somerset, it’s easy to forget about this quaint area behind the Dhoby Ghaut. In this issue, we at Singapore Prime Districts will show you why you must take note of Mount Sophia, the urban sanctuary in downtown Singapore!
Convenient location, peaceful environment
We don’t call Mount Sophia an urban sanctuary for nuts. The location speaks for itself. This tiny stretch is tugged nicely at the back of Orchard Road, the pumping heart of the city centre. Close to the Pan-Island Expressway and the Fort Canning Tunnel, the rest of Singapore lies at your doorstep. Furthermore, this ideal spot faces Somerset and City Hall so going to work will be a breeze. That only explains the urban part. Here’s the sanctuary. Although Mount Sophia is next door to the busiest street in Singapore, it maintains a serene and relaxing environment. Hidden from the noise along the shopping belt, this area is peaceful and elegant. All around you are sophisticated condominiums and private residences lined with lush greenery. You actually look forward to going home for that calming atmosphere. Mount Sophia is home sweet home indeed.
There’s something for everyone
Apart from a peaceful home, everyone needs some spice in life. Mount Sophia has plenty of that, too. How can life ever be boring when you live nearby so many malls and restaurants? Ladies, grab your purse, this is a haven for you and your girlfriends. You could shop till you drop for luxurious goods in Plaza Singapura, the Cathay and Park Mall. For those with a naughty streak, get a Brazilian wax at Strip, well-known for their kinky designs. Gentlemen, don’t feel left out. Enjoy a powerful workout session with the boys at Fitness First, the mega gym. Or catch the latest action flick at the Cathay cinemas. If just like us, you love food, then Mount Sophia has various restaurants to offer. Try our favorite American restaurant Billy Bombers for piping hot ribs, crispy thick cut fries and creamy milk shakes. Then have the Rochor Original Beancurd for dessert. Life at Mount Sophia can be so sinful.
Great colleges of Singapore
If your child aspires to be the next Picasso or Warren Buffett, then Mount Sophia might be the right place to live. This area is home to many great colleges of Singapore. For the arty child, there is the prestigious college of the arts, LaSalle. Providing students with the best experience in learning the arts, they are linked to over 40 cities globally. Having produced undergraduates who win awards local and abroad, LaSalle is not your run-of-the-mill arts school. For the business-minded child, there is Singapore Management University, the only business school in Singapore that was featured in TIME magazine. Applying the American pedagogy that promotes self-learning and innovative thinking, the ambitious albeit young college boasts graduates who move onto Goldman and Merrill Lynch. Your talented teenagers would find going to school so much more convenient. Why? They could just walk across the street.
We love Mount Sophia because it’s well-connected to the city centre yet spared from the noise and crowds. While you enjoy life in the fast lane downtown, you could return home to a peaceful sanctuary. It’s like having your cake and eating it, too.
To get your hands on that slice of cake, please contact Keith at keith@singaporeprimedistricts.com!
Ever since Singapore gained her independence in the late sixties, westernization has crept into this city state’s architecture. Eastern influences in private residences were for a long time deemed out of touch with the changing times. Developers forsake the local flavors for modern designs imported from Europe. However, lately property buyers are gaining a new interest in the unique local cultural roots, especially Peranakan and Chinese buildings from our parents’ era. As such, Emerald Hill Conservation Area is once again in the spotlight of downtown property market.
Peranakan Heritage
Nestled between Orchard and Somerset, Emerald Hill was originally the high-end residential area for wealthy Peranakan families in the early 19th Century. Today, the Singapore government, in a bid to preserve the terrace houses and shops rich in local tradition has listed Emerald Hill as a conservation area.
These buildings feature the special Chinese baroque architectural styles only available in very few places of the world, such as Malacca and here in Singapore. They usually spot white-washed walls with wooden windows and a black slanted roof. The design is reminiscent of the colonial era.
Buzzing Night Life
The beauty of Emerald Hill does not stop at mere tradition. Life in the area is a fascinating mix of both Peranakan culture and modern night entertainment. Well known for its exotic bars and eclectic late night establishments, Emerald Hill is a glazing spot for drinks and music.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, Que Pasa an exquisite wine bar offers one of the best wine-and-dine experiences in this part of town. After a hard day’s work, unwind and rejoice at the Acid Bar with a good drink and some live band performances.
All the exciting night life happens in renovated Peranakan shop houses with wooden furniture and dim yellow lights. Such contrasts between the new and the traditional make Emerald Hill as attractive as an oriental jewel.
Convenient Location
Emerald Hill does not stand alone. Due to its proximate location to Orchard Road and Somerset, you can easily access the shopping belt of Singapore. Retail moguls such as Heeren and Centrepoint are within walking distance. The nearby Cuppage Centre, house to at least 30 different dining establishments would also please every difficult taste bud.
Education for your little ones can be taken care of at the prestigious Chatsworth International School at Emerald Hill Link. This renowned international school is a very popular choice among the expatriate community in Singapore. Save your children the hassle of bus and car rides by staying at the Emerald Hill area as they can stroll to school every morning.
Affordable Prices
Don’t let exorbitant property prices in Orchard scare you off. The apartments and condominiums in Emerald Hill are still relatively affordable because most people are not familiar with the area as a residential site yet. Currently, the average floor rate ranges from S$1000 to S$2000 which is very rare in downtown Singapore.
With property prices rising madly in Orchard, buyers are likely to shift their attention beyond Orchard Road itself and notice areas on its peripheral such as Emerald Hill. As such, our guess is property at this area would increase in value in the foreseeable future. It is perhaps better to buy now than later.
Not many people know much about Draycott. Some may have never heard of this place. Even when the downtown property market is in full bloom, most investors are too focused on the heart of Orchard Road to notice this petite stretch right next to the buzz. However, there are very good reasons to start looking in this direction.
Convenience of Orchard
Draycott is located on the outskirts of town. Tugged away at Tanglin and Scotts Road, you could enjoy the convenience of living less than 5 minute drive away from Orchard Road. Yet, still remain spared from the hustle and bustle.
Shopping
If you fancy retail therapy, trendy malls such as Palais Renaissance and Forum shopping centres are just a throw away. When these places fail to deliver, you could always drop by Orchard Road.
Education
In a competitive island state that worships premium education, sending your children to branded schools is often of top priority. Draycott Drive provides an extra edge in that respect because some of the best schools, such as Raffles Girls’ Secondary School, are located within the vicinity.
Lifestyle
For those who indulge in the finer things in life – a scrumptious dinner with friends or a game of golf to rewind from the week; the American Club is the place to be. The neighborhood is also surrounded in luscious greenery. In fact, families are often spotted taking a long weekend stroll in the relaxing environment.
Prices
All these come at an affordable price. With property prices in the downtown region shooting through the roof, most areas in Orchard Road or those close enough to be in District 10 are expensive. That makes Draycott exceptional. No other neighborhood in town can offer a floor rate as low as $1000.
Orchard: The epitome of luxury and sophistication
Tell somebody that you live in Orchard area and you will instantly sign yourself off as a member of Singapore’s elite. Orchard has prided itself to be the haven on Earth with an entire stretch of shopping malls and private residences. Recent developments of retail space and condominiums in Orchard seek to bring it closer to metropolitan stars like New York and Hong Kong.
Not just the average shopping mall
Orchard is upgrading itself from just rows of malls to a truly luxurious and exclusive shopping paradise. A very good example would be Ion Orchard, a joint venture between Singapore’s CapitaLand and Hong Kong’s Sun Hung Kai Properties. Scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter this year, it is a world class retail center that houses haute couture outlets. This dazzling line-up pushes Orchard shopping a few notches up the ladder of sophistication and exclusivity. Shopping in Orchard in the near future would resemble that of New York’s Fifth Avenue and Hong Kong’s Nathan Road as more and more duplex flagship stores grow in downtown Singapore.
Although Orchard has what downtown in New York and Hong Kong can offer, our statistics in Singapore Prime Districts tells us that the price of its property is still relatively much lower compared to these two cities.
Luxurious and exclusive condominiums
Strong growth spurts in the economy and good prospects in the near future have given developers the boost to conceptualize luxurious living space never thought possible before this. What we see in the market right now is a series of uber exclusive and luxurious private residences indulging in its dimensions and facilities. Furthermore, the developers are inching closer and closer to Orchard Road itself, rather than building their projects at the outskirts of this street because it was once considered too precious and too expensive for private residential projects.
Rising demand and record prices
The demand in the market is overwhelming. Over the past year, new developments in Orchard have been sold fast and at record prices in auctions open to only those with special invitations. This fight for a space in Orchard has led to a huge surge in prices. The price though steep should not scare off potential investors. Not every development in Orchard is going to cost a bomb. Projects lying slightly further away from Orchard Road but still close enough to be convenient are a good option. We at Singapore Prime Districts help clients negotiate for units in 8 @ Mount Sophia, a tranquil sanctuary hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city yet are 20 minutes walking from Orchard Road.
Orchard Road is indeed the cherry on the cake of Singapore’s prime property market. The undergoing projects only serve to reiterate its position as tops in luxurious living in a sophisticated environment. If you are looking for the best in Singapore, Orchard Road is probably the answer.
