Sekisui House Launches New Planned Community in Sydney

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(Gledswood Hills, AUSTRALIA) -- Sydney's newest suburb now has its first master-planned community called The Hermitage. Situated on a 260-hectare site that once featured El Caballo Blanco, a well known theme park, the Hermitage is the creation of one of Japan's most celebrated developers, Sekisui House.

The Hermitage also marks a milestone for the company, becoming its first master-planned community in Australia.

The new community was officially launched March 3 with the grand opening of HomeWorld, the largest display village in South West Sydney with 59 homes from 21 of Sydney's leading builders. The Village also includes two Sekisui House Exhibition Homes, showcasing the latest in Japanese home-building technology.

The area is also home to The Gledswood Homestead and Winery, a 200-year-old colonial convict-built mansion and local treasure that inspired the suburb's name, Gledswood Hills.

The Sekisui House's portfolio of residential projects in Sydney includes The Waterfront at Wentworth Point and Central Park, in partnership with Frasers Property Group in Chippendale, as well as a number of major projects and joint ventures in Victoria and Queensland.

Set among 120 acres of golf course, The Hermitage will feature more than 10 kilometers of bicycle and pedestrian walkways. There is also a proposed 27-hole golf course with practice facilities and a planned hilltop village precinct complete with boutique retailers such as grocers and cafes.

According to Craig D'Costa, Sekisui House Senior Development Manager, the Hermitage is a "landmark development for the Japanese company," which began work in Australia in 2009.

"Gledswood Hills has been a welcomed addition to the South West corridor, an area that is set to boom in the coming years," D'Costa added. "The Hermitage will be the focal point of this blossoming new suburb. The development marks a milestone for our company. It signifies our commitment to creating well-designed living spaces for all Australians. This community that has been meticulously planned to ensure future residents benefit from well thought out design principles."

This includes the use of 'Satoyama', a Japanese term that signifies the preservation of the environment while encouraging human interaction to create a mutual benefit.

"The Hermitage features a central three kilometer green corridor that aims to attract an array of recreation activities, such as dog walking, cycling and weekend family barbecues," D'Costa said.

The first release of homes called Hardy's Rise, named after architect, artist, author and Campbelltown local, Hardy Wilson, is already experiencing strong inquiries.

The release has a mix of lots ranging in size from 400 to 700 square meters with prices starting at $215,000. Various house and land packages are also available, starting at $450,000.

Established in 1960, Sekisui House is one of Japan's most respected home builders and new community developers. With over two million homes to their credit, and a multitude of awards for innovation, quality and sustainability, Sekisui House is now a major player in the Australian market.