Ten months ago when Kirstin Wong and her fiancé Simon Arnold were planning a move to Macau, top of their home search wish-list was that it be a new build with plenty of natural light and open views, two bedrooms, and unfurnished as they were bringing their own.
After exploring various options in Macau and Coloane, they decided that Central Taipa appealed to them because of the easy access to shops, restaurants, banks and post office.
An added bonus to the area is that it’s within five minutes walking distance of Zung Fu’s office and Mercedes-Benz show room, where Simon is General Manager.
They soon settled on Nova Park and have been delighted with the decision. “It’s a marvelously convenient location for us,” explains Kirstin. “We love the Central Park that we look out on from our balcony. And walking around it we feel it’s really family orientated, we see lots of kids, and it seems a very dog friendly place.”
Nova Park was opened in late 2014. It consists of three towers with 41 to 42 storeys. There are 620 units; a mix of studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, and several exclusive penthouse duplex units, which range from between 556 sq.ft -4,028 sq.ft.
Nova Park’s neighbours on the park are its older siblings Nova Taipa Gardens and Nova City. Billed as ‘Urban Parkside Living’ by the developers, both the external and internal finishes are good quality. The clubhouse, Park24, boasts being the first 24-hour residential clubhouse in Macau. Residents are provided with a custom-designed Smartphone app enabling them to make advance bookings for use of the facilities any time of the day or night. “All weather, all hour and always on standby,” explains Warren Leung, Director of Property Sales for developer Shun Tak Holdings.
Park24 is divided into three themed zones: ‘Aqua’, ‘Terra’ and ‘Aero’. On the Podium, ‘Aqua’, there is an indoor and outdoor pool, sundeck, jet spa, gym, garden and children’s play area. ‘Terra’ is the game zone, containing the fitness station, party facilities and an organic farm. Finally ‘Aero’ is a triplex entertainment area spread over 40-42/F connected by a spiral staircase. Located here is the Parkview lounge, some pool tables, and banquet and conference facilities.
The living-dining area in Kirstin and Simon’s apartment is open plan, and this, together with the pale wood flooring, large windows and glass-fronted balcony, give a sense of lightness to the space. When it comes to furnishing, “Well I hope it doesn’t look too much like an IKEA catalogue!” laughs Kirstin, “but we really like their furniture’s clean lines, modern style, and it’s especially wonderful that they deliver and assemble in Macau.”
The dining chairs are old family favourites. Kirstin’s father is part of the second generation of the Kee Wah Bakery family. At one stage he was a graphic designer and he has a passion for designer chairs – “our flat in Hong Kong, is full of them – no more room for any more, so we bought these with us!”
There’s plenty about the apartment that gives away Simon’s previous workplace, Burma, where he ran the Jardine Matheson franchise for Pizza Hut: an oil painting of a lady with a yellow hat that was a farewell gift from his business partner and friend for example; a beautiful intricately designed lacquer chess board for example -“layers and layers of paint,” Kirstin says admiringly – and a large blue, papier-mache giraffe they’ve named Geoff.
“He comes from an association for underprivileged women in Burma who are supported to become self sufficient through their handicraft work.”
And the stunning red robe hanging in the master bedroom?
“Ah, that’s a vintage Japanese wedding dress that Simon’s parents bought when they were in Japan in the 70’s. They hung it in their home so Simon grew up with it. His father gave it to us recently as we’ll be getting married soon”.
There are good sized bedrooms, both of which have deep window seats and views of the park. The couple use one as their home office.
So what is it that Kirstin is enjoying most about Macau?
“I love Macau because the pace is slower. It’s not so intense, it’s more laid back. I find the people are nicer than in Hong Kong – they actually stop at pedestrian crossings here!”