Special Feature

Orchard Sophia delivers understated value and quality

October 26, 2023 6:00 AM SGT

Orchard Sophia is a clear choice for buyers looking to move into a prime, centrally-located neighbourhood. (Picture: Albert Chua/The Edge Singapore)

In this year’s wave of new projects, do not underestimate Orchard Sophia, a standout boutique freehold property on Sophia Road. Positioned as the most value-for-money new launch in the Core Central Region this year, Orchard Sophia fits the bill for most homeowners and investors, delivering premium homes in a prime central neighbourhood.

A 78-unit apartment by local developer DB2, Orchard Sophia is the newest private residential project along Sophia Road in prime District 9. Perched on Mount Sophia — a private residential hilltop enclave near Dhoby Ghaut — Orchard Sophia is a clear choice for buyers looking to move into a prime, centrally located neighbourhood.

The design inspiration behind Orchard Sophia was to evoke a sense of exclusive living in a boutique luxury hotel, from when residents drive into its drop-off point, basement car park, and even walk along the walkways. This was cleverly done by integrating the colour palette and material selection to harmonise with the architecture.

Mount Sophia and Sophia Road area uniquely combine proximity to bustling Orchard Road and Dhoby Ghaut with a serene residential setting. Situated on an elevated site on Sophia Road, the development offers one of the tallest buildings in the area, providing residents with bird’s-eye views of Orchard Road and Istana Park.

Most apartments at Orchard Sophia offer unblocked cityscape views, while others overlook the inner courtyard with a 20m lap pool. The rooftop features a 6,000 sq ft deck with a spa, outdoor gym, lounge, and bar for entertaining friends and family without leaving home.

Perched on Mount Sophia, most of the apartments will enjoy unblocked views of the surrounding cityscape. (Picture: DB2)

The development is a five-storey apartment on a regularly shaped, freehold plot. The unit mix has been carefully selected to suit the lifestyle needs of residents. There are 55 two-bedroom units of 581 sq ft to 710 sq ft and 15 one-bedroom units of 441 sq ft to 484 sq ft. There are 3 three-bedroom units of 764 sq ft and 5 three-bedroom dual key units of 829 sq ft to 840 sq ft.

Since its launch on Aug 12 and 13 this year, approximately 40% of the units have been sold at an average price of $2,800 psf. The relative affordability of Orchard Sophia is evident when compared to new RCR projects, which have a median price of $2,700 psf based on caveat data.

Buyers were also bought in by the quality fittings and appliances provided by the developer. For example, large format porcelain tiles with a matte finish cover the living rooms, while each kitchen features a built-in rack for spices and condiments. A polished backsplash and a sintered stone countertop offer the duality of functional kitchen space and a sophisticated contemporary appearance.

The developer offers quality appliances and fittings that range from Smeg kitchen appliances, a Bosch washer and dryer, and Franke kitchen faucets. Each bathroom will have Gessi shower sets, Hansgrohe accessories, Duravit water closets and Geberit flush plates.

The interior design draws inspiration from welcoming boutique hotels with a contemporary colour palette and materials. The facade has a brass-coloured mesh that reduces sun glare and adds visual appeal.

The show flat features a two-bedroom unit, which constitutes 71% of the units and ranges from 560 sq ft to 764 sq ft. (Picture: Albert Chua/The Edge Singapore)

With units still available, it is only a matter of time before buyers recognise the underappreciated value that Orchard Sophia offers. The area holds a large catchment of students, working professionals, and families who are keen to own or live in a home in this area.

Families with school-going children should consider this project surrounded by several schools and educational institutions. For example, Orchard Sophia will be next to St Margaret’s Primary School, welcoming students back when construction is complete in December 2024.

Other nearby schools include Stamford Primary School at Victoria Lane, LaSalle College of the Arts (McNally Campus) at McNally Street, School of the Arts at Zubir Said Drive, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) at Winstedt Road and Singapore Management University at Victoria Street and Chatsworth International School (Orchard Campus) on Emerald Hill Road.

A highlight for residents of Orchard Sophia will be the proximity to the array of shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment options along Orchard Road. A five-minute walk takes residents to Plaza Singapura, which is connected to Dhoby Ghaut Interchange on the North-East, North-South, and Circle MRT Lines, making it easy to commute by train.

Other prime commercial developments in the area include Cuppage Plaza on Koek Road, The Centrepoint, Orchard Central, 313@ Somerset, and shopping malls like Ion Orchard, Paragon and Ngee Ann City.

The Orchard district’s complete revitalisation, outlined in a government master plan, involves enhancing various precincts and side streets to create a contemporary lifestyle destination. For instance, the Dhoby Ghaut precinct near Orchard Sophia will utilise green spaces like Istana Park and Fort Canning Park to transform the area into a lush and family-friendly zone. Meanwhile, Tanglin will transform into a mixed-use district, and the Somerset precinct will feature event spaces and projects catering to youth entertainment.