Photo: Christopher Chitty / The Quinn
While Singapore is synonymous with densely-packed high rise living, it need not always be the case. Homes outside of the island’s main centres have been denigrated for a lack of amenities and transport links for years. But that is changing at a remarkable pace as the whole surface of the island is developed.
Hills TwoOne is a case in point. It is the definition of a compact, smart, modern Singapore condo development, yet it sits in some of the most beautiful countryside on the island, has excellent transport links, and a growing number of offsite facilities that complement those found inside.
Hills TwoOne
Because it is just 71 units small, Hills TwoOne offers the quiet intimacy that can be lost in larger developments. But its main draw has to be its surroundings. Bukit Batok Nature Park and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve make a stunningly beautiful backdrop, while Little Guilin in the Bukit Batok Town Park is a hidden gem, and the perfect place to relax.
Hills TwoOne sits handsomely with the PIE, KJE and the BKE triangle, and though it might be a kilometer away from Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak stations on the North South Line, and Hillview on the Downtown Line, the surrounding area is littered with easily accessible bus stops in all directions. And then there is the forthcoming Thomson-East Coast Line to consider.
Bukit Gombak
Its nearest competitor is Laurel Tree, on the other side of the road, which has an overall median price of $1,298 psf. This compares to $1,360 for Hills TwoOne. But when one factors in two bedrooms as the benchmark, Laurel Tree stands at $1,303 psf, and Hills TwoOne at $1,371 psf. Given its excellent amenities, this makes Hills TwoOne a very reasonable option. And with a three bedroom, dual key setting you back just above the one million mark, there are plenty of good options available.
In a Colonial Style
The Quinn is another example of unusual luxury with spectacular views, extremely easy access, and plenty to do in the area.
The Quinn top floor pantry
While it looks out of the way sitting on Bartley Road, The Quinn is in fact very well served by public transport. There are buses to three MRT stations, with at least two within leisure walking distance, and all the amenities of NEX mega mall at Serangoon are just 15-minutes away by foot.
The Quinn
The development itself is in the French Indochine colonial style, fitting snugly into the surrounding old houses, but it is the Bidadari Memorial Garden on the other side of the road that gives The Quinn its most magical touch.
Bidadari from balcony
With a large number of units overlooking the gardens, views can be majestic. Direct access is across a bridge over the Bartley Road Underpass, giving you a chance to enjoy a lovely public green space – very useful if you like to ride a bike or own a pet.
Compared to Hills TwoOne, a standard two bedroom averages at $1,530. Expensive you might think. But there is one last thing that is particularly eye-catching about The Quinn. It is freehold.
Town Houses, Only Not
Hilbre 28 is yet another example of a charming place to live without the hassle of the centre.
Hilbre 28 sits in an affluent landed enclave besides rows of private houses and condominiums. Owning a car is clearly a necessity, but there are bus stops nearby that go to and from Serangoon MRT station, not that far from The Quinn and mega shopping mall NEX.
Hilbre 28
The larger townhouse-like units are the ones to watch. Sitting above the condominiums, these are two-storeys high, with direct access to the communal pool beneath them. These offer you the chance to live in a home that looks like landed property – without incurring landed property prices.
Hilbre 28 dining
A standard two bedroom is closer to The Quinn at $1,557 psf. But again, you are paying for the serious architecture and facilities you’d expect from something much closer to town.
Last but not least, we suggest you take a peek at NorthWave EC. Developed at Woodland View in Admiralty, this is an amazing opportunity that, while slightly off the beaten track, has the potential to be an excellent retreat.
Making Waves
From an access perspective, NorthWave EC is expected to have a free shuttle bus to Woodlands MRT station, and will be close to the future Thomson MRT Line to the city centre, as well as the North-South Expressway.
NorthWave 3D model
Near Mandai Park, Sembawang Park, Woodlands Waterfront, Ulu Sembawang Park and Yishun Park, it has plenty of greenery to entice the most nature-loving among us. And because it is near to Causeway Point, Sun Plaza and Sembawang Shopping Center, it has plenty of amenities close by.
4BR living room and verandah
The renders look pretty amazing, and the facilities should match. NorthWave promises a scented garden, a waterfall, a 50m swimming pool and Jacuzzi, as well as sun decks, barbecue pavilion basketball court, skate area and Badminton court, and a host of other urban delights normally found in one of the massive upmarket complexes in town.
Christopher Chitty, Senior Content Specialist, edited this story
