5 reasons Brighton is Melbourne’s premier lifestyle destination

Sparkling Brighton Beach with its colourful bathing boxes are among Melbourne’s most iconic images. But with easy access to the Melbourne CBD, designer shopping, buzzing cafes and plenty of outdoor activities, there are plenty of reasons why Brighton is the city’s premium beachside lifestyle.

For buyers on the hunt for the best of bayside living, it’s hard to go past Brighton, explains Cameron Kusher, economist, REA Group.

“Brighton is a really popular lifestyle suburb, right on Port Phillip Bay,” he says.

“It attracts premium property developments, high property prices and rental prices – but there are lots of very good reasons for that.”

We’ve picked out five of the top reasons for buyers to swoon over Brighton’s bayside lifestyle.

1. Beautiful beaches

The first of those reasons is quite simply the beautiful Brighton Beach. Rare for a city beach, it has glistening golden sand, plenty of space to kick back and relax and is home to an iconic row of colourful bathing boxes.

Rob Moolman, managing director at Kervale, says living in such close proximity to the water is the ideal antidote to modern-day stresses. He adds that it’s particularly perfect if you’re at the stage of life that you’re winding down from work.

“If you’re after a relaxed lifestyle, Brighton is one of the best places to be,” he says. “It has a good train line to the city, but you can have swimming and scenic walks on your doorstep.”

Plus, just a little further around the bay, there’s Elwood Beach in one direction, and the pristine swimming spots of Sandringham Beach and Half Moon Bay with their cavernous red cliffs. Of course, being on the bayside end of town, it is also easy to drive to the stunning beaches and wineries of the Mornington Peninsula.

2. Great outdoor activities

Part and parcel of a bayside lifestyle are all the amazing outdoor activities at your doorstep.

“Brighton really does have a great local community aspect to it — it is all about getting out and enjoying the local environment,” Rob says.

The ‘Bay walk’ is a great way to catch up with friends while getting fit. Likewise, you’ll find countless Lycra-clad cyclists along The Esplanade and more causal peddlers on the bay walk every day of the week..

The shoreline is always full of people swimming, fishing, paddling, sailing and kitesurfing.

“Plus, there are also lots of great golf courses just a short drive away,” Rob adds.

3. Designer shopping and exclusive dining

Church Street is the local hub for premium fashion brands, children’s clothing boutiques, shoe shops, homewares stores and florists. It’s also home to Palace Cinemas Dendy Brighton and quality restaurants and cafes such as the always-buzzing Pantry. Local pubs, such as the long-standing Half Moon, are perfect for a glass of wine as the sun goes down.

Nearby in Bay Street, you’ll find every daily amenity you could need, from supermarkets to bakeries, pharmacies to newsagents, greengrocers and more.

“The shopping in Brighton is great,” Rob says. “Plus, there are also great schools, medical facilities and more right at your doorstep.”

4. Premium apartment living

With so much on offer in Brighton, it’s no surprise that there are luxury housing options to match the exclusive lifestyle.

ESSENCE Brighton by Kervale, located moments from Church Street, is a brand-new premium residential development designed with luxury and convenience front of mind.

“The idea of ESSENCE is that it’s perfect for the downsizer who wants luxury, on-site amenities and a low-maintenance, lock-up-and-leave lifestyle,” Rob says.

Designed by Bruce Henderson Architects, the street frontage of ESSENCE features two wings – East and West – with nine apartments and two penthouses in each wing.

“Having the two wings rather than one big block ensures that it is a beautifully designed building that is in keeping with the aesthetic of that particular part of Brighton,” Rob says.

The interiors by Bruce Henderson Interiors feature light, neutral tones to make it easy for residents to put their stamp of style on. The apartments also offer a sense of flow from one room to the next and out to the oversized balcony spaces.

“There is a beautiful consistency of design; it is considered and stretches throughout the entire property,” he says.

5. Exclusive amenities

While Brighton has so much to offer, ESSENCE residents will also have plenty of exclusive amenities to enjoy without leaving their property. Wine cellars, pet grooming facilities, entertaining spaces and of course fitness facilities are all part of the experience.

“We’ve bought wellness into ESSENCE with a beautiful gym, yoga and Pilates studio,” Rob says.

On-site parking with electric charging points, as well as storage for bikes and golf clubs make things as convenient as possible.

“Penthouse residents have exclusive access to a six-by-three-metre swimming pool with a barbecue and entertaining area from their internal spiral staircase,” Rob says. “From the rooftop, you’ll be able to see the city and the surroundings of Brighton.”

Indicative prices are $1,495,000 for two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car spaces; $2,100,000 for three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car spaces; and $5,600,000 for a penthouse with three bedrooms and three bathrooms.