Forett at Bukit Timah Review: A Freehold Condo Ready to Benefit From the Beauty World Transformation?

Situated in the heart of Upper Bukit Timah, Forett at Bukit Timah is an upcoming freehold development located in the Toh Tuck neighbourhood in District 21, close to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Bukit Batok Nature Park.

The massive 33,457 sqm development comprises 633 units spread across four blocks of nine storeys and nine blocks of five storeys, giving the development a good mix of high and low rise units. In addition to the residential units, there will also be two convenience shops.

Developed by Qingjian Realty and Perennial Real Estate, the project sits on the former site of Goodluck Garden, which was sold in a $610 million en bloc sale back 2018. 

What’s notable about this project is that it was the first large-scale project to launch after Phase 2 of the reopening of Singapore’s economy. Needless to say, there was a lot of spotlight on the project. 

However, despite the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, and the Hungry Ghost month effect, the project saw a good take-up rate, selling 30% during its weekend preview (which was conducted in Singapore’s first virtual booking exercise), and one-third (212 units) in a month. 

But why was this project so well-received? Let’s take a look.

Forett at Bukit Timah developer

Multi-award-winning Qingjian Realty, established in 2008, is part of the world-renowned parent company, Qingjian Group Co. Ltd, has developed and designed residential and commercial projects in Singapore. Also known as CNQC (South Pacific) Holding Pte. Ltd, the group is wholly-owned by the Hong Kong-listed CNQC International Holdings Limited, the group has a diverse and dynamic portfolio in the region, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau. 

Among its most notable projects in Singapore are The Visionaire, smart condominium iNz Residence, smart mixed-use development Le Quest, and the multiple award-winning JadeScape, which is Singapore’s first fully-smart private condo development. 

The developer has also bagged a host of awards and accolades, including the Building and Construction Authority Green Mark Gold Plus for Le Quest in 2017, BCA Universal Design Mark Gold/GoldPlus Award for Le Quest and The Visionaire, and Best Smart Building Development Award for JadeScape at the 2018 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore), among others. 

Forett at Bukit Timah design

The unit designs, according to the showroom, is classy and modern with a hint of tradition. The sleek marble and wooden interiors align more with a modern minimalist palette, however elements of Chinoiserie peek through in the decor and communal layout of the apartment which keeps the units grounded in heritage. 

This reflects in the exterior of Forett at Bukit Timah as well, which seeks to bring a sense of new to Upper Bukit Timah whilst preserving elements of history. The new residence runs alongside the well-preserved Heritage Wall, a remaining ode to the previous property. 

Considering Forett at Bukit Timah is a freehold development, an emphasis is placed on the inter-generational aspect of property purchasing, reflected well in the design and exterior of the residence which carefully considers the bright future ahead, whilst acknowledging the precious past. 

Forett at Bukit Timah site plan

Forett at Bukit Timah sits atop a multi-levelled gradient of land. This is in the development’s advantage as it allows for little pockets of privacy that spill into communal and social spaces, interconnected by the condominium’s many top class facilities. 

Thoughtfully planned out, the gradient means that ‘high noise’ facilities such as the tennis court and social spaces are tucked away in sunken or raised spaces to limit overall noise pollution to the surrounding blocks. 

As such, those seeking more peace and quiet might prefer to look at units in blocks 32B, 32A and 34. On the other hand, those with younger kids or who prefer to be closer to the main social areas such as the chill out lounge and the swimming pool might look into blocks 40, 38B, and 38A. Lastly, buyers or investors wanting to face greenery can look no further than blocks 38B, 38, 36A, and 36.

Block 34 faces the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and hosts the sunset lounge, cabana, function room, and water deck on the top floor.

Type BHS1a – 2 Bedroom Suite

This unit was decorated for a creative couple in mind, a fashion designer and photographer, which is evident in the demonstrated use of storage space. Space is of the essence in these smaller units, which are ‘corridor-less’ to maximise every inch of available space.

The exceptionally high ceilings are most noticeable here, the living/dining room stretches up to 4m tall, which can accommodate a loft (every unit is allowed to build one loft) if desired. The loft in this unit sits in the 1st bedroom which has been utilised as the fashion designer’s atelier, with a daybed or reading nook in the loft.

The shared / guest bathroom arrives as shown, with built-in storage and LED lighting, alongside a spacious and luxurious shower.

Here, the built-in apartment shelter has been utilised as a decorative storage space for photography equipment, however it can also be utilised as an additional storage space or converted into a walk-in closet.

The kitchen is functional and compact, with plenty of built-in storage space to ensure clean surfaces and plenty of counter space. These units have two gas stovetops, a built-in washer-dryer, an oven, and plenty of pantry drawers and a revolving storage rack for pots and pans.

Type C1B – 3 Bedroom Deluxe (91 sqm / 980 sq ft)

These units are a comfortable size, designed with a close knit or younger family in mind, especially for those who enjoy a fine life of socialising and entertaining. The living and dining area is open and interconnected, with a unique part-sofa part-chair seating arrangement at the table which can fit additional guests comfortably without any hassle. 

Behind the dining table is the entrance to the kitchen, partially concealed by the glass panel which keeps both spaces feeling connected and open. The sleek kitchen is compact yet fully functional with three gas stove countertops and plenty of storage space to keep the surfaces de-cluttered. Its proximity to the kitchen makes it an ideal set-up for those who enjoy dining at home with the family. 

The two bedrooms run along the main corridor, which can accommodate a queen-sized bed comfortably with plenty of extra space to install additional shelving and decor. Their shared bathroom is a luxe and spacious one, with a grand glass standing shower.

Lastly, the master bedroom has been done up to include a dresser/desk and features plenty of cosy lighting. It boasts a large bathroom with plenty of shared counter space and storage space, but the star attraction here is the overhead rain shower with the handheld option.

Type D3 – 4 Bedroom (134sqm / 1442 sq ft)

The 4 bedroom unit has a far more communal layout, clearly designed with a close-knit family or a multi-generational household in mind. With plenty of lounging and entertaining space, the living-dining area boats a comfortable sofa and chair seating arrangement.

Behind, you can see the built-in coffee machine, tea corner, fridge and oven, before turning into the unit’s kitchen where the shelter has been converted into an additional decorative storage space.

The unit’s first bedroom has been converted into a semi-private calligraphy studio, with the wall between the room and the living room turned into shelving. However, this is optional, and the room can be left as a bedroom, home office, or nursery if needed.

The next two bedrooms are large enough to fit a queen-sized bed and share a spacious bathroom with a bathtub and shower. 

Lastly, the glorious master bedroom which sits at the end of the unit in its own private corner maximises this location with plenty of windows which will ensure plenty of natural light during the day.

Forett at Bukit Timah facilities

Basement

• Lifestyle Pavilion
• Tea Pavilion
• Social Lounge
• Chill Out Lounge
• BBQ Pavilion
• Dining Pavilion
• Water Wall Court
• Reading Nook
• Summer Lawn
• Sunshine Lawn
• Yoga Lawn
• Reading Lawn
• Picnic Lawn
• 30m Lap Pool
• Infinity Pool
• Aqua Chill

Upper Basement

• Karaoke room
• Forett Deck
• Forett Club 1 & 2
• Theatrette
• The Hideaway
• Heritage Walk
• Meditation Lawn
• Blossom Garden
• The Botanic
• Gym
• Sun Deck
• 50m Lap Pool
• Ladies’ Room with Steam Room
• Gentlemens’ Room with Steam Room
• Tennis Court
• Fitness Corner
• Kid’s Pool
• Playground

Sky Terrace

• Floating Deck
• Teppanyaki Sky Lounge
• Sky Pavilion
• Sky Pod
• Water Court

Looking to buy one of the hottest property in 2020? Find all units of Forett at Bukit Timah for sale on PropertyGuru now.