Perhaps the most enviable location and architectural statement in South Yarra, Yarra House, a boutique apartment residence at 18 Yarra Street, is now available to purchase off the plan. To overlook Melbourne High with panoramic views of the bay, Royal Botanic Gardens and the city skyline, Yarra House is impeccably designed by Bird de la Coeur Architects. The interiors will be stylishly appointed by renowned firm Hassell, ranked as the No 1 architectural practice in Australasia*. Taking architectural cues from Robin Boyd’s iconic Domain Park Flats (1959), the proposed development will generously embrace its exclusive location by presenting an elegant horizontal façade. To comprise only six exclusive apartments per level, with 114 apartments in total, Yarra House apartments will enjoy an abundance of natural light which, when coupled with the spacious ‘entertaining’ balconies, will enable an enviable indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Fashionable and functional, European designer, MADE kitchens will be another standout design feature within each Yarra House apartment. MADE kitchens are designed to maximise space and utility, with clever storage, the latest in European appliances and kitchen hardware. To stand at 25 levels, with a rooftop lap pool and gym, Yarra House will offer a combination of one and two bedroom apartments at 47sqm and 91sqm apiece, priced from $495,000. A limited number of three bedroom apartments of 142sqm and 148sqm (starting at $1.595m) will be available in the prized corner aspects of the boutique building. During the design process, the team at Bird de la Coeur worked towards a primary goal of maximising the natural light and stunning park and river views. The elevator shaft will be tucked into the south of the building, enabling all residents to enjoy spectacular northern aspects. Director of Bird de la Coeur, Neil de la Coeur, said: “Yarra House’s inspiration is the river – its deep water and its reflective surface. The river’s dark cool depths and its light reflective glittering surface were contemplated. This is expressed by two contrasting external finishing materials on the building: Obsidian (the deep water) and Mother of Pearl (reflection)”. According to Neil, “the gently curved northern façade and overall form of the building will reflect the movement of the Yarra River”. “In the larger urban context, Yarra House will create a ‘bookend’ to Yarra Street, and introduce the river precinct, giving it unparalleled views to the city”, Neil de la Coeur said. Other Yarra House features will include a rooftop lap pool, and use of unique materials such as Riverboat timber to be complemented by a rooftop landscape garden, lending a chic je ne sais quoi of a members-only club. Yarra House is the latest addition to the ‘Yates Collection’. Property developer Michael Yates says contributing to the landscape and culture of South Yarra, in particular the Forrest Hill precinct, is more than a commercial interest – it is a personal passion. “We have been working within the Forrest Hill precinct for eight years and are delighted with Yarra House, which is a true boutique development. After visiting New York and London for inspiration, where we saw the very latest in apartment building design, we worked closely with Bird de la Coeur to create a unique product for purchasers aspiring to join the exclusive Forrest Hill community,” Yates said. Yarra House presents an unparalleled opportunity to buy into an exclusive boutique residence, with profound design integrity at an enviable location. Surrounded by amenity aplenty – such as sports stadiums, happening restaurants, bistros and cafes, galleries and shops – it truly epitomises the best of south-of-the-river living. Indeed, Yarra House represents one of the best addresses in Melbourne.