Nava Grove
Perched on a hill, with lanky beams on the ground elevating the units further skywards, new kid on the block Nava Grove offers panoramic unblocked views of Clementi Forest and the urban scape. It is a lush development of just 3 blocks of 552 residential units, which take up only a 20% footprint of the actual site area of 270,000 sqft in the esteemed Pine Grove area, nestled in between the Bukit Timah and Holland Village estates. Impressively, four-fifths of the development's plot is wholly dedicated to green landscaped spaces, trails and meandering pools, to maximise the residents' enjoyment of facilities.
The architect, P&T Consultants, has thoughtfully designed amenities such as the function room, the gymnasium, a children's playroom and the residents' lounge area to be neatly tucked underneath the residential towers, so that the sprawling grounds can have more greenery, including the careful conservation of 6 large mature Rain trees and Angsana trees within the development. One of these large trees takes centrestage near the grand lobby when visitors arrive, along with cascading water-features that give a touch of elegance and class. There is also a stunning Floating Clubhouse built to take advantage of the surrounding views, including that of the almost untouched, rustic charm of Clementi Forest. The sunken tennis court would also be appreciated as an added facility that is not always provided for in many condominium projects nowadays.
Located within 1km of the popular Henry Park Primary School, Nava Grove, jointly developed by MCL and Sinarmas Land, would also be priced attractively for those looking to enter the private residential market in District 21. Various units, with sizes ranging from a compact 624 sqft for 2-bedrooms, to a spacious 1,722 sqft for 5-bedrooms, cater well to the needs of both small and large families. There are even 4-bedroom dual-key units to provide flexibility, proximity yet privacy for multi-generational families. Although the project is not within walking distance to an MRT, there is a shuttle bus service provided for the first 18 months upon TOP, to ferry residents conveniently to Holland Village and Buona Vista MRT stations. Thereafter, residents can vote as to whether the shuttle service should stay or go.
As a GFA-harmonised development, where air con ledges and curtain walls are not within the countable space paid for by unit owners, the 624 sqft 2-bedder with an efficient dumbbell layout definitely feels roomy and very liveable indeed. Analysing the floor plans of the 990 sqft 3-bedder, for which there is no showflat, the master bedroom, at 16 sqm, and the common bedrooms, at 10 sqm each, do seem quite spacious as the latter can fit a queen-sized bed and 2 side tables together with a built-in wardrobe. However, I thought the interior design of the 5-bedder unit, at 1722 sqft, should not have left out a built-in wardrobe for its fifth bedroom, given its premium status amongst all the bedroom types. Nonetheless, it has been observed that Chuan Park, which is soon to be launched, also has designed 2 common bedrooms in its 5-bedder units without wardrobes too, which is unfortunate, I feel, as people do expect wardrobes as a standard provision. Perhaps the quality finishings, such as stylish sintered stone kitchen tops from Spain, Italian Smeg appliances, Duravit sanitary ware, the Steigen electric laundry system and Hansgrohe faucets and showers more than make up for that lack of a wardrobe in the fifth bedroom.
Although there are freehold developments such as Pandan Valley and Clementi Park in the vicinity, some of these projects are more than 40 years old, so it may deter buyers who prefer brand-new units with a modern aesthetic at 99-years leasehold Pinetree Hill and Nava Grove, with entry prices that are deemed relatively affordable for upgraders. KI Residences at 999-years leasehold, is almost freehold, but it is tucked deep inside Sunset Way, and does not seem as convenient to get to compared to Nava Grove, with two bus stops just outside the condos. Besides, Pinetree Hill, the development sited adjacent to Nava Grove, and similar in many design elements to Nava, has already sold more than 70% of units, including smaller units and those with vantage views. Hence, Nava Grove offers very good choice units all available for grabs on launch day.
Moreover, Norwood Grand, at Champions Way in Woodlands, at the OCR (Outside Central Region), is already priced around $2000psf and upwards, so a development that is about $2500psf, in an RCR (Rest of Central Region) location, about a 5-minute drive to Holland Village and 10-12 minutes away from downtown Orchard, is reasonably priced in comparison. More importantly, buyers who want a convenient location nearer to universities, and good schools in the Bukit Timah belt for their children, as well as a pleasant living environment, may really appreciate staying at Nava Grove. All things considered, this new development is a vision of loveliness on many counts.
