The vibrant inner north neighbourhoods of Fitzroy and Collingwood have been my home for over 20 years. After finding 223 Napier Street online I made an appointment to meet Charlotte from Milieu the very next day and speaking with her I was immediately sold and put down a deposit that day. I am a silver and goldsmith jewellery designer with a strong design background so the thoughtful and detailed design of 223 Napier Street strongly innately to me.

Buying off the plan was not something I initially considered. In my early search for a new home I visited a newly built development in Malvern but felt it lacked a sense of life and community.

When I saw the design concept for 223 Napier Street, being a smaller development with open air walkways and circulation bridges plus dual aspects to the apartments it won me over and allayed my concerns from a community perspective. I could visualise chance interactions and the apartment entry design allows for outdoor communal spaces to meet your neighbours.

My interactions with the Milieu team were excellent! It was an easy, informative, and reassuring process from start to finish.

My main concerns were the amount of light, efficient use of space and a timeless design. Coming from a house to an apartment the layout and flow of spaces were important. My dual-level townhouse separates the sleeping zones from the living zones and the east and west aspects allow me to enjoy the morning sun in the communal areas and the sunset from my balcony.

The interior design considers the use of natural materials, which appealed to my inner design sensibilities and being inspired by the area there is an overall feeling of a sense of place to the development.

Security and safety were a consideration of mine when looking at new developments. 223 Napier Street allows for passive surveillance within the inner open-air walkways and also to the streets below on both facades.

Natural light and ventilation were high on my priority list and the design of 223 Napier Street delivers on both. The detail of the front door gives a sensory connection to the inner communal areas and allows light and air in whilst also being secure.

The internal space feels highly considered from a liveability perspective and the exposed concrete ceilings, brass accents and large windows are my favourite features together with the curated landscaping and greenery and the street views from my balcony.

The location and proximity to cafes, shops and parks with everything a 5 minutes walk from my doorstep was very appealing. This has had a positive impact on my lifestyle and encouraged me to be more active—I now rarely need to use my car on the weekends.

Being a smaller development the sense of community and neighbourly companionship has naturally developed. From this I now have a newfound sense of security, knowing safety extends beyond my doorstep. This is a reassuring and surprising outcome that provides me with an increased sense of calm in my home.