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Living the Ascot lifestyle

Lifestyle Article #76
Landscaping at Charlton House continues the Ascot “look”

Artist’s impression was produced prior to planning approval, statutory approval and commencement of construction and is subject to change. The information, image and artist’s impression depicting exteriors and landscaping are intended only as a guide and are not to be relied on as a representative of the final product

Landscaping at Charlton House continues the Ascot “look”

More than just a desirable suburb, Ascot is a byword for prestige, with an elegance and charm that have stood the test of time.

A morning stroll along Ascot’s Racecourse Road is a feast for the senses. The bright red burst of Poincianas against crisp white storefronts, the waft of coffee brewing, the sound of friendly chatter and the feeling of kinship in a close-knit community.

The landmark street, which connects the Brisbane River to Eagle Farm Racecourse, is the thread that binds the social fabric of one of Brisbane’s most sought after and tightly held suburbs.

Synonymous with luxury and understated elegance, Ascot is well known throughout South-East Queensland not only for its multimillion dollar real estate but also its heritage and character.

Ascot’s prestige status was established more than a century ago when pastoralist James Sutherland bought a large tract of land by the river in 1855 and built Windermere. This spectacular heritage-listed Queenslander inspired the ‘Ascot look’ known and loved today – the leafy streets, landscaped gardens and homes wrapped with large balconies and terraces.

The Eagle Farm Racecourse followed in 1863, setting the scene for society gatherings and a lifestyle destination complemented by the village atmosphere of Racecourse Road and its many cafes, restaurants and boutique stores.

“I love seeing familiar faces walking along Racecourse Road, as people tend to move here and never want to leave.”

JAN GOAKES

Ascot Green resident and Racecourse Road retailer

Resident and retailer Jan Goakes

Resident and retailer Jan Goakes

Charming shopfronts add to the Ascot vibe

Charming shopfronts add to the Ascot vibe

Despite all the seasons of growth and change that Ascot has experienced, local store owners and residents will tell you there are many things that have remained the same.

Jan Goakes, who owns Savida Shoes on Racecourse Road and is a resident of Mirvac’s neighbouring Ascot Green, says the community spirit in Ascot is different to other places.

“I love seeing familiar faces walking along Racecourse Road, as people tend to move here and never want to leave,” says Ms Goakes. “I know a lot of people who live in the area and just love being part of the community.

“It’s a fabulous place to work and to live. You have a real sense of pride and companionship.”

Owning real estate in Ascot does not come cheaply and the latest data shows the median price for a four bedroom home is $2.4 million, a 21.5 per cent increase on 2022.

 

Alongside the sprawling Queenslanders, contemporary terrace homes and apartment buildings are now beginning to appear, as long-term residents look to downsize without leaving their beloved neighbourhood.

Among these is Mirvac’s Ascot Green, which boasts a front row seat to Eagle Farm Racecourse and Racecourse Road.

“Many purchasers in Ascot Green are people who have lived in Ascot for many years, who know and love the area and want to downsize without having to move away,” says Warwick Bible, Mirvac General Manager, Residential Development QLD.

“Until recently there has been limited opportunity to downsize from a large family home to an apartment comparable in space and comfort.”

Capturing the ‘Ascot look’ was an important consideration in the design of Ascot Green, where Ascot House and Tulloch House are built and occupied and the latest release, Charlton House, is under construction.

 

“We have taken design cues from the classic Queenslander and Eagle Farm itself but more importantly, we have embraced the ‘feel’ of Ascot; those intangible but special qualities that make Ascot a desirable place to live and a hard place to leave,” says Mr Bible.

“The real success story of Ascot is its people, and the way they have continued to shape the suburb’s character and champion its lifestyle.”

Ailbhe and Frank Cunningham, who have lived in the Ascot area for more than 40 years, love the suburb for its urban convenience and village style atmosphere.

“We love Ascot because it is an established suburb with beautiful well-maintained parks,” says Ms Cunningham. “Everything we need is easily accessible – we are close to public transport which connects us to local shops, medical and allied services, the library, churches and of course the racecourse.

“We have lived in a Queenslander built in 1901, designed by the renowned architect Robin Dods, who was also the architect for the historic St Leger Stand at Eagle Farm Racecourse.

Heritage and horticulture intersect on Racecourse Road

Heritage and horticulture intersect on Racecourse Road

“Over time we have faithfully restored the home to its original condition and, although it holds many wonderful memories, it is now too large for our needs. We were thrilled when the opportunity arose to purchase in the new Charlton House building in Ascot Green.

“We were drawn to the architecture of Charlton House and the attention to detail throughout the building and our apartment.

“With the racecourse at its doorstep, Ascot Green feels like a rural retreat in an urban area, and we are pleased we were able to find a place close to our current home so we can remain near our friends and family, which is very important to us.”

Charlton House is the third stage of Mirvac’s Ascot Green, comprising 112 one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, along with four premium integrated terraces.

The building, due for completion mid-2024, gives a subtle nod to the architecture of the grandstands at the racecourse by incorporating curved brickwork into a modern façade designed to bring the outside in. 

“We have embraced the ‘feel’ of Ascot; those intangible but special qualities that make Ascot a desirable place to live and a hard place to leave.”

WARWICK BIBLE

Mirvac General Manager, Residential Development QLD

Ascot is loved for its lush gardens and classic Queenslanders

Ascot is loved for its lush gardens and classic Queenslanders

A green rooftop adds a backyard in the sky

Artist’s impression was produced prior to planning approval, statutory approval and commencement of construction and is subject to change. Views depicted are indicative only. The information, image and artist’s impression depicting interiors, exteriors and landscaping are intended only as a guide and are not to be relied on as a representative of the final product. Furnishings and window treatments are not included in the apartments shown.

A green rooftop adds a backyard in the sky

Large windows, screening and doors which allow residents to open and close their apartments to capture sunlight and cool breezes, all help the building to breathe, while lush landscaping of common areas extends the green of the racecourse.

Mirvac Design Director Nicolas Thioulouse says both the design and amenity of the building match its location.

“Charlton House is essentially a Queenslander home reimagined as an apartment building which has been crafted to give residents the full experience of living in Ascot,” says Mr Thioulouse.

“This extends beyond the design of the individual apartments, to the amenity within the building, all thoughtfully included to enhance residents’ lifestyle.”

There’s a pool at podium level which integrates seamlessly with landscaping and open green space to the racecourse and beyond, which gives the feeling of an expansive backyard that residents don’t need to maintain.

The gymnasium on level two provides an indoor alternative to a walk or jog in nearby Ascot Park.

The rooftop is an expansive space that invites residents to socialise, with barbecue and dining spaces positioned between trees and shrubs, providing privacy and a visual link to the racecourse.

On race days, the rooftops of Ascot Green come alive as residents, friends and family gather to enjoy their front row seat to a unique part of the Ascot lifestyle – a day at the races from the comfort of home. The entertainment often extends to dining at one of the many restaurants and cafes on Racecourse Road, just a short walk away

"Charlton House is essentially a Queenslander home reimagined as an apartment building which has been crafted to give residents the full experience of living in Ascot."

NICOLAS THIOULOUSE

Mirvac Design Director

The residents’ pool looks out over the racecourse

Artist’s impression was produced prior to planning approval, statutory approval and commencement of construction and is subject to change. The information, image and artist’s impression depicting exteriors are intended only as a guide and are not to be relied on as a representative of the final product. Design of the pool is an indicative design and its materials, colours, shape, size and design are not finalised and subject to change.

The residents' pool looks out over the racecourse

Adding to the lifestyle attractions is the nearby Racecourse Village, a retail hub within the Eagle Farm precinct, including Queensland’s first ‘third generation’ Woolworths supermarket and 17 specialty stores.

Racecourse Village and Ascot Green are key elements of Brisbane Racing Club’s $1.2 billion redevelopment of Eagle Farm, which includes luxury apartments, commercial offices, dining, services and a range of entertainment.

“Being part of a bigger picture, and helping to shape the future of Ascot, makes the work we are doing at Charlton House and Ascot Green even more rewarding,” says Mr Bible.

“In partnership with Brisbane Racing Club, we are creating history as the first racecourse fronting community of its kind in Australia and our residents are the lucky few who get to help steer the evolution of one of the city’s most beloved precincts.”

Discover more about Ascot Green here

 
Generous living space with wide open views

Artist’s impression. Architecture, services and finishes are indicative only and subject to change. Image shows upgraded finishes and fitting options. Furnishings and window treatments are not included in this apartment.

Generous living space with wide open views

Tree-lined Ascot streets

Tree-lined Ascot streets

Welcoming spaces for residents to gather

Artist’s impression was produced prior to planning approval, statutory approval and commencement of construction and is subject to change. The information, image and artist’s impression depicting interiors and exteriors are intended only as a guide and are not to be relied on as a representative of the final product. Design of the rooftop amenity is an indicative design and its materials, colours, shape, size and design are not finalised and subject to change.

Welcoming spaces for residents to gather

 

Living the Ascot lifestyle