Although life has returned to a sense of normal, pandemic restrictions are still fresh in the memory. For a while there, the bulk of our communications took place using online video technology.

But imagine if every time you hopped on Zoom you received a gift basket? This was the innovative approach Hyecorp took when launching its latest development last year.

With over 200 guests registered, they held several ‘‘virtual high teas’’ for potential purchasers to learn more about its new Hyegrove Willoughby retirement community. Each time, it surprised them an hour before with a themed delivery.

“We hand-delivered these spectacular high-tea packages to their homes,” says Hyecorp managing director Stephen Abolakian. French champagne, scones, jamand cream,T2 tea bags, chocolate cake, biscuits and vegan leather notebooks arrived alongside brochures – “little goodies they could
enjoy while watching the presentation’’.

The gesture worked, as once restrictions lifted and buyers could visit the actual display suite, “within a week stage one apartments had sold out” he says, adding that construction is starting within weeks and stage two is now selling.

Hyegrove Willoughby is part of the upcoming state-of-the-art Heart of Willoughby entertainment precinct, which will become the new social heart for the Willoughby community,
with 2000 square metres of landscaped memorial gardens and a new Club Willoughby next door.

“Willoughby is one of themost desirable suburbs in Northern Sydney,” Abolakian says. As an Australian family-owned and operated property group, Hyecorp walks its talk, having two generations of the Abolakian family working in the business and living in the region.

This means that, for more than 30 years, Hyecorp has been delivering premium apartments across Sydney, and Hyegrove Willoughby, the first project of their new retirement division, will be no different.

“We have spent almost a decade planning these to create luxurious homes that bring you the ultimate retirement lifestyle – one that celebrates joyful living, wellness and a sense of family,”Abolakian says of the 126 apartments that will be spread across four buildings, with oversized one, two or threebedroom floor plans to choose from.

Every apartment will have integrated, brand-name appliances and high-end finishes including oak timber floors, bespoke joinery in the kitchen and living rooms, and other daily luxuries, like heated bathroom floors and towel rails.

“Our LiveYourWay service allows you to spend up to five hours with our Interior Designer so you can customise your apartment and include features such as motorised blinds and smart home technology,” Abolakian says of this complimentary service. Hyegrove Willoughby is designed to resemble a bucket-list-style five-star resort
destination.

The development’s resident swill enjoy an amenity-rich environment, with the facilities including: a private cinema, dining room and wine cellar; a heated indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, yoga and pilates studio; a workshop, arts and craft studio and a library; plus a cafe, bar and rooftop entertaining area with views to the skyline of the Sydney CBD.

Aconcierge, nurses and qualified professionals will
also be able to provide flexible care, if required, in individual apartments or at the on-site 47-room facility for higher level care.

“Hyegrove Willoughby is a new style of forever home, so residents can age well in place and, even if they need more care in their later years, can continue to live among friends,” Abolakian says.

“This is a placewhere people can move in and where everything is taken care of for the rest of their lives.”