This pocket of Hobart has long been popular with discerning buyers, but now there are even more reasons to make Sandy Bay home.
Located just 10 minutes from the CBD, Sandy Bay is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and prestigious suburbs in the Tasmanian capital.
“You have the beaches and the cafes and the University of Tasmania all in the area,” says Claire Earl, developer and director, Earl Projects.
Earl says Sandy Bay has an even more exciting future as new residential offerings appear on the scene.
One such development currently in the works is Grace Sandy Bay, a collection of 10 architecturally designed apartments now available for purchase off-the-plan, offering buyers the unique opportunity to secure a residence prior to construction, at today's prices.
Delivered by Earl Projects in conjunction with Carta Group, residences at Grace will be surrounded by natural beauty including a rivulet, sculpted native gardens and mature trees.
“You can hear the birds singing and watch the leaves. The site has a small natural rivulet running through the middle – and it really makes you stop and take a moment to notice the beauty and feel the restorative power of nature. I find it such a special place,” Earl says.
While the site will undergo a full transformation – including the regeneration of the rivulet and significant civil works to improve access from the road – the design centres on preserving the sanctuary-like atmosphere created by its natural features.
Grace Sandy Bay is a boutique residential offering in one of Tasmania's most prestigious suburbs.
A vision of Grace
Grace Sandy Bay will offer a calming, secure, and uplifting sanctuary, where wellness and sustainability are prioritised.
“The size of the site permits 14 dwellings, but we decided to go with 10 and just build on one side of the rivulet so that we could keep the other side as private parkland,” says Earl.
Award-winning Tasmanian architects Cumulus Studio thoughtfully embedded the buildings into the hillside, choosing curved exteriors and a material palette including natural stone, timber and steel.
“We want the buildings to sit quietly and elegantly within the landscape,” says Earl.
“To feel as though they belong here. Building with integrity is also crucial to that – using raw, honest materials that will develop character over time.”
Sustainability was integral to the design – from the thermally broken windows to Australian-sourced marble and the avoidance of powder coatings.
“We were thrilled to find a marble we love that’s quarried in Australia, rather than being shipped in from overseas,” she adds.
With curved exteriors and natural materials, Grace is designed to be a calming, sustainable sanctuary.
Landscape as centrepiece
If the architecture is understated, the landscape is the true protagonist.
Local firm Inspiring Place has crafted a garden experience that feels both wild and refined – a considered mix of native species, flowering herbs, climbing vines and sculptural boulders that frame the pathways and communal spaces.
“They’ve worked with this really beautiful native palette but brought in some formality in the design of the spaces and the planting layout,” says Earl.
A footbridge arches over the rivulet, connecting residences to a pedestrian path from Maning Avenue.
Elsewhere, spaces for quiet reflection and communal gathering are gently woven through the site.
Grace directly adjoins McAulay Reserve, enhancing the sense of immersion in nature and creating a seamless extension of the surrounding treescape.
Nature is at the core of Grace's design, inviting residents to relax and recharge in the landscape.
Generous, flexible living
Grace’s interiors echo the exterior philosophy – generous, honest and serene.
All 10 apartments will be north-oriented, with high ceilings (2.8m), expansive glazing, and a focus on flexibility and flow.
There are two penthouses, each with three bedrooms and two additional multipurpose rooms (ideal as a study, retreat or library).
Expansive private terraces run the length of each penthouse, creating a sequence of outdoor spaces that connect seamlessly with the interiors—from bedrooms to living areas—all immersed in tranquil treetop outlooks.
The remaining eight apartments are also three-bedroom configurations, each with its own additional flexible-use room, private terrace(s), and outlooks to the landscaped gardens below.
Finishes throughout are quietly luxurious: Tasmanian oak joinery, curved internal walls, engineered oak floors and LED lighting.
Natural light is maximised, and convenience and sustainability are built in – from energy-efficient appliances to smart home integration.
“We were intentional about creating outlooks to nature wherever possible,” says Earl.
“That connection – to trees, to light, to the landscape - it’s grounding, calming, and timeless."
Grace's interiors are designed to be light-filled and take full advantage of the surrounding views.
Sandy Bay: timeless appeal, contemporary living
According to realestate.com.au data, Sandy Bay's median house price was $1.26 million over the past year.
The suburb continues to be one of Hobart’s most tightly held areas, offering beach access, a local shopping precinct with a vibrant café scene, proximity to the University of Tasmania, and a village-like community.
From Sandy Bay, residents can also access a remarkable network of bush and mountain trails, including walks to Mount Nelson, the Signal Station, and even further afield to the slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
With the cultural energy of Hobart just minutes away - including its world-famous dining scene, MONA and festivals like Dark Mofo – buyers are increasingly seeking a lifestyle that blends nature and city convenience.
“Hobart has been really put on the map by the likes of MONA and the Dark Mofo winter festival,” Earl says.
“It has been through a big revival and is so dynamic now.”
Sandy Bay is a tightly held enclave just ten minutes from the Hobart CBD.
Unique opportunity
With its boutique scale, highly considered design and tranquil, tree-filled setting, Grace Sandy Bay represents a rare opportunity in this coveted and tightly held suburb.
While several residences have already sold, there are still opportunities to make this boutique development home.
“The residences at Grace offer a rare combination of natural tranquillity as well as the security and ease of a low maintenance, lock-up-and-leave lifestyle,” says Earl.
Starting price for the three-bedroom apartments is $2.25 million.
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