Buyers cruising into $500m Serenity Cove

DIMINISHING supply of new waterfront land at Hope Island has propelled a fleet of buyers to drop anchor the $500 million Serenity Cove masterplanned development.The emerging luxury lakefront community has recorded more than $15 million in first-release sales since launching to the market earlier this year, with Gold Coasters seeking a local sea change figuring as the dominant buyer group.Buyers Susanne and Ray Harrison are a prime example.Currently living on acreage at nearby River Downs, the couple views Serenity Cove as the perfect opportunity to downsize while gaining the coveted waterfront lifestyle on the community’s centrepiece Lake Serenity.“We used to be full-on with our small business but more recently we have been focusing on lifestyle and taking things a little easier,” Mrs Harrison said.“We do like the area very much and we always wanted to be on the water. The tranquillity and the wildlife on the lake is amazing.”The Harrisons have bought a 905 sqm lakefront lot where they plan to start building a single-level home in October.“We love going out on the water but we haven’t had much opportunity since selling the boat a couple of years ago,” Mrs Harrison said.“We will be getting a new one when we install the pontoon.”Thanks to Serenity Cove’s now complete $5 million navigation lock the Harrisons will have quick and easy access to Saltwater Creek and the Coomera River, Gold Coast Broadwater and the ocean beyond.They are also looking forward to seeing Serenity Cove’s masterplan unfold, with plans for a marine village with cafes, restaurants and shops.“One of the big drawcards for us is the village atmosphere of Serenity Cove, and it’s all going to be just a short walk away,” Mrs Harrison said.“And for us the area has always been central to everything we need. Paradise Point is just 10 minutes away and it’s only a short drive to the freeway if we want to head down the Coast or north to Brisbane.”The Harrisons have already met with some of their new neighbours at the recent launch of the new onsite sales office at Serenity Cove.“There’s a bit of excitement about Serenity Cove among the other buyers as well,” Mrs Harrison said.“It’s a very social place and a community that we’re looking forward to getting to know once we move in.”Colliers International national director of residential project marketing Tony Hymus said while Gold Coast buyers remained the strongest demographic at Serenity Cove, purchasers from farther afield were jumping aboard.“Serenity Cove is definitely on the radar of southern buyers,” Mr Hymus said.“Gold Coasters were swift to act as they quickly identified that Serenity Cove was a rare opportunity for prestige waterfront living at Hope Island.“Buyers from Sydney and Melbourne are increasingly in the mix and we expect more interstate sales as Serenity Cove continues to unfold.”Serenity Cove will ultimately comprise a mix of 143 vacant land lots, townhomes, freestanding homes and apartments when completed.Central to the project will be the mini-marina with a stunning 3800sqm retail and dining precinct fronting Lake Serenity.The first stage boutique land release comprises 48 generous sized lots priced from $475,000.Bordering Oyster Cove and Hope Island Resort, Serenity Cove is considered the final piece of the Hope Island masterplan and will bring to life a new marine hub featuring luxury homes and designer apartments with water views.More than a third of the Serenity Cove site, or about 27ha, is dedicated as a nature reserve while a further 10ha will become parkland. Just 19ha of Serenity Cove will be developed.Serenity Cove is being undertaken by SDSC, a joint-venture partnership between Malaysian developers Sime Darby and Brunsfield International Group. The partners have spent about $25 million in civil works, including the lock.