When it comes to coastal living in Sydney, few places capture the essence of the laid-back beach lifestyle as perfectly as Cronulla. Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s south, this vibrant suburb boasts stunning beaches, a thriving café culture, and a close-knit community. With its pristine coastline, welcoming atmosphere, and an abundance of recreational activities, Cronulla offers a slice of paradise for those seeking an idyllic coastal lifestyle. Join us as we delve into the allure of living in Cronulla and discover why it’s considered one of Sydney’s most desirable suburbs. Cronulla is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, which are the crown jewels of the suburb. The famous Cronulla Beach stretches for kilometers, providing a picturesque backdrop for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The pristine waters and golden sand make it an irresistible haven for beach lovers of all ages. Whether you’re looking to catch a wave, enjoy a leisurely swim, or simply relax on the shore, Cronulla’s beaches offer something for everyone. Cronulla’s vibrant café culture is a testament to the suburb’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The streets are lined with an array of trendy coffee shops, brunch spots, and gourmet restaurants, where locals and visitors alike can indulge in delicious meals and enjoy artisanal coffee. From beachside cafes with stunning ocean views to hidden laneways hosting boutique eateries, Cronulla’s culinary scene is a delight for food enthusiasts.

Sydney has had a long history with apartments, dating right back to The Albany, completed in Macquarie Street in 1905. But which developments were ground-breaking? We asked Dr Charles Pickett, architectural historian and co-author of Homes in the Sky, to help us come up with the top five. Some were controversial, others inspired us to abandon the quarter-acre block. All of them changed the way we lived.Nowadays, almost one in three Sydneysiders call high-density living home. Here are five of the reasons why Sydney’s grand old dame, was squarely aimed at people who would once have lived in mansions with servants. The Astor was a landmark building in so many ways. It was the tallest residential building in Sydney, and first to be based on a concrete slab construction. The Astor was way ahead of its time. It had an internal telephone system, two elevators and a restaurant/kitchen in the basement from which apartment owners would order their meals.Sydney’s grand old dame, was squarely aimed at people who would once have lived in mansions with servants. The Astor was a landmark building in so many ways. It was the tallest residential building in Sydney, and first to be based on a concrete slab construction.There were 52 apartments in The Astor in 1923. That number is less today, as people have bought up adjoining apartments and aggregated them.It has since been joined with apartment 802 to create a massive 440 square metre, five-bedroom mansion flat, owned by Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton.

A downsizer's dream: The elegant Neutral Bay apartments with house-like proportions. For buyers downsizing from a large family home into an apartment, a new project in Neutral Bay is offering a smooth transition with grand proportions and handsome finishes. Bay House by developers Rebel Property Group and Morehuman takes its design cues from the scale and rhythm of the heritage-conservation streetscape five blocks north of Neutral Bay ferry wharf.Architect Paul Buljevic, director at PBD Architects, says the facade of the five-storey building references the pattern of the structures that previously stood on the site.“Curved edges to pronounced projecting bays help soften the built form and lead people through the light-filled lobby, which frames the communal landscape beyond,” Buljevic says.“A brickwork podium provides strength, which is balanced against an elegant pattern of metal facade screening, sandstone cladding and timber highlight hues.”North shore downsizers are tipped to snap up many of the residences. The architecture and interior design have been crafted to create a sense of space and comfort befitting a family home.