The Weekly Review
RYLANDS OF BRIGHTON IS NOW THE CRESCENT BRIGHTON
For Brighton locals, Rylands of Brighton quickly became the gold standard in luxury independent living after it was founded in 2002 by the Buxton family.
Set in courtyard gardens with 71 elegantly appointed freehold one- and two-bedroom apartments over three levels, the community has its own bistro and dining room, secure basement parking, well-equipped gymnasium, art studio, library, business centre, private dining room, wellness centre and several lounges with a bar and billiards.
From April it will be known as The Crescent Brighton, taking the new name from its dress-circle location in Outer Crescent, opposite Brighton Grammar.
Residents of the high-end retirement community selected the name as part of a comprehensive program of refurbishment by the Buxton Group, which continues to manage the property.
Buxton Group managing director Richard Buxton says while the name is changing, his family’s vision and commitment remain.
“We originally designed and built the Crescent to spoil my parents with a wonderful place to live. But our dedication to developing and supporting a warm and welcoming community here is even stronger than when we welcomed our first residents.
“We maintain the Crescent to a very high standard so that we can keep providing Brighton with beautiful retirement accommodation that has gracious and entertaining shared spaces and exemplary services and support,” Richard says.
The Buxton Group has been redeveloping and refurbishing the Crescent Brighton since it reacquired the management rights in 2012. That includes the courtyard gardens, which were redesigned and replanted last year.
“We built it 16 years ago and we know people these days are looking for more contemporary than classical design and they want top-quality finishes and fittings. We’re updating the building to make it even more aspirational for modern retirees. People want a great lifestyle in retirement and we are keeping it at the forefront for luxury, space and independence.
“We have revamped our communal areas and at our residents’ request we have expanded and upgraded the gymnasium and added an art studio, business centre and guest suite for visiting friends and family.”
The Crescent Brighton is also staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with in-room emergency call buttons for peace of mind.
The selling point
Luxury independent retirement living set in courtyard gardens with high-end communal facilities 300 metres from Church Street Village.
Pricing guide: One-bedroom from $650,000; Two-bedroom – prices depend on size and position of apartments
Location
Walk to Church Street shops, cafes, cinemas and services. The local neighbourhood includes major supermarkets, Brighton Library, Brighton Recreation Centre and St Andrews Church.
Apartments
Some apartments receive a complete, contemporary makeover when they become available. A recent renovation included a new kitchen, bathroom with Euro laundry, carpet, tiling and paint.
Its U-shaped kitchen features 2-pac cabinetry and Harn soft-close drawers, a peninsula bench, Caesarstone benchtops and splashbacks, Miele cooktop and oven, Fisher & Paykel dish drawer, Hafele pantry and corner unit and Franke waste sorter.
The bathroom has a semi-frameless glass screen and vanity storage. Each of the 71 apartments has a private terrace and one or two bedrooms.
Facilities
The Crescent Brighton residents enjoy a wide range of in-house amenities, all recently refurbished or established.
Aside from the property’s revamped courtyard gardens and 80-seat dining room, there’s a 10-seat private dining room where residents can host meals for family and friends.
Residents can work out in the gym, learn new skills or continue interests in the arts studio, and consult a doctor and other health professionals at the wellness centre.
For relaxation there are lounges, a bar and billiards and, when family and friends want to stay, there’s a guest suite.
Dining
One of the biggest advantages of living at the Crescent Brighton is its seven-day bistro and evening dining room with full-time chef.
Richard Buxton says residents are using in-house dining more and more.
The menu features a selection of casual lunch-time dining and three courses for dinner with a choice of entree and main sizes for some dishes.
The weekly menu includes salads, seafood, roasts and desserts with matched house wines. Residents are also able to enjoy their own wines with their meals.
More information: thecrescentbrighton.com.au