Luxury New York touch new homebuyers are demanding

Aussie homebuyers are increasingly demanding a back to-the-future lifestyle experience made famous in New York City during the 1970s.

A new over 55 development has luxury hotel-like amenities including having hired Evan Cannan, a veteran concierge with 25 years worth of stories and experience. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

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In his 25 years in the hotel industry, Evan Cannan has met all sorts of interesting characters, but he never expected to be accused of a cunning scheme involving tampering with white goods.

“Everybody in hotels has got stories about weird requests and celebrity guests, but probably one of the worst experiences I had was with the lead singer of a grunge band that was visiting Sydney,” Mr Cannan said.

“We had some tumble dryers that guests could use in the building and she accused me of sabotaging the clothes dryer so that her clothes wouldn’t dry.

“From then on she would take great delight in abusing me at the top of her lungs every time she walked through the foyer … I’m sure she was on some kind of substances but, what they were, I don’t know.”

Evan Cannan, concierge at the new Akoya development in Greenwich, pictured with residents Michael and Sue Ryan in the bar area. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Cannan does not anticipate any similar experiences in the next phase of his career, as concierge at new apartment development Akoya, in Greenwich.

“For want of a better phrase, this should be a walk in the park.”

The Akoya project is a luxury over 55s complex, with an impressive range of features and amenities to entice downsizers to sell up their houses in the suburbs and embrace apartment living.

A rooftop pool, cinema, bar, private dining, wellness centre and even a golf simulator are on site for residents.

Rooftop pool at the Akoya Greenwich.

Cinema room …

“I’ll be helping residents on a daily basis with booking and accessing these services and showing them how everything works,” Mr Cannan said. “If they are getting parcels delivered, or groceries, we will facilitate getting those up into the apartments.

“We’re also able to help them with theatre and restaurant reservations and even booking holidays if they need us to.

“The concierge service is there to help enhance the experience and make life easier for residents.”

THE EVOLUTION OF DOWNSIZING

Akoya development manager Todd Campling said downsizing had evolved in recent times.

“In the past, apartment buildings were seen as a downgrade, but people have a series of boxes that need to be ticked to compel them to move out of their houses,” Mr Campling said. “In this case, they’re not sacrificing much, but are gaining access to more creature comforts.”

Mr Campling said Australians are staying younger for longer and like the fact they can lock up and leave to go travelling, while a concierge can keep an eye on things, receive their deliveries and even organise cleaners to go through their residence and freshen it up for their return.

Michael and Sue Ryan bought an apartment in Akoya to downsize from a five-bedroom house in Greenwich.

Residents Michael and Sue Ryan liked the appeal of the ‘up-market’ hotel like amenities. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

A golf simulator in the Akoya residences.

Rooftopwith barbecue facilities and stunning city views.

“We wanted to stay local, close to family and friends,” Mr Ryan said. “The maintenance and upkeep that comes with a big house with pool and large gardens was physically more and more demanding.”

“We’re not ready for a retirement village, this is more like an up-market hotel, and being designed for over 55 downsizers – plus the quality facilities- it really resonated with us.”

Originally published as Luxury New York touch new homebuyers are demanding