Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s coveted Parnell neighbourhood, The Foundation stands as a beacon of refined living for those seeking the epitome of later-life luxury.
While the words luxury aren’t usually synonymous with a retirement village, The Foundation is an exception. Situated on the historic grounds of Blind Low Vision NZ in Parnell, the multi-stage development is more akin to an upmarket hotel.
Designed to offer seniors a world-class haven, The Foundation is not merely about bricks and mortar, it’s about providing a lifestyle where tranquillity and vibrancy coexist seamlessly. Promising a prime location, meticulous attention to detail, and service that exceeds expectations, The Foundation’s mantra is ‘retirement without compromise’.
The Foundation came about as a result of a partnership between Generus Living Group, a pioneer in New Zealand’s premium retirement village market, and Foundation Properties, the property subsidiary of Blind Low Vision NZ. “We refer to The Foundation as ‘the best retirement address in New Zealand’ for good reason,” states Graham Wilkinson, director of Generus Living Group. “The Parnell precinct’s rich historical tapestry and its prime location make it exceptionally unique.”
In crafting the development, a key priority was to pay homage to the area’s storied past and its landmark, heritage-listed buildings, Jubilee Building and Pearson House. Inspired by the opulent residences of Chelsea Barracks in London’s Belgravia, The Foundation’s architecture weaves in design elements from the Victorian redevelopment, including the use of European Jura limestone and the integration of deep facade relief. Designed by renowned architects, Peddlethorp, The Foundation’s design is a seamless blend of modernity and tradition, in harmony with the classical stonemasonry of the surrounding heritage buildings.
The Nathan Residences, the inaugural stage of the village that welcomed its first residents last year, features 46 luxury retirement apartments across four levels with commercial space at the ground level.
Prices for the apartments range from $1.5 million up to $4 million. The adjacent Abbott Residences, currently under construction and expected to be completed mid-2026, will be a five-level building comprising 60 apartments, including a rooftop terrace with a covered sky pavilion and courtyard garden, providing breathtaking views of the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the harbour. More than 250 residents will reside at The Foundation on completion of the entire development in 2028.
The one-, two-, and three-bedroom living spaces at The Foundation boast classic design with contemporary finishes, offering a canvas for personal expression. With large, full-height windows, double glazing, high ceilings, integrated air-conditioning, and generously proportioned private balconies, residents can revel in a bright and airy environment, while chef’s kitchens, sculleries, full laundry rooms, and storage areas showcase the commitment to ensuring a clutter-free, comfortable lifestyle. State-of-the-art security has also been a priority in the design with secure underground parking and keyless entry.
Following on from the theme of blending history and modernity, the interiors of The Foundation – designed by Stewart Harris of Macintosh Harris – can be described as ‘timeless elegance’. The application of De Gournay wallpaper panels in lift lobbies and corridors tells stories of the Pacific, Americas, Asia, and Africa, creating a stunning visual journey throughout the levels.
Ensuing luxury is at the forefront of the residents’ daily life, every facet of comfort is accounted for with around-the-clock resident assistance, a concierge service, in-apartment room service, a private chef for catering, and a choice of a self-drive EV or chauffeured vehicle service.
An integral part of the development is the restoration and refurbishment of the Category 1 Heritage neo-Georgian Pearson House, on Titoki Street facing the Auckland Domain. Upon completion later this year, Pearson House will offer a plethora of facilities, including a stylish eatery, billiard lounge, boutique cinema, reading room and art studio. For now, the dedicated Club Lounge at the Nathan Residences provides an elegant setting for socialising, entertaining, and enjoying complimentary beverages. Whether residents seek the solace of a good book in a sunlit corner or the joy of shared laughter at one of the many organised social occasions, The Foundation recognises that later years are a balance between moments of quiet reflection and vibrant social engagement.
The Foundation’s third and final apartment building is Pearson Residences, adjacent to Pearson House. This future stage will also include additional village amenities, including a wellness centre with hydrotherapy pool and hair salon, formal restaurant, and bar, as well as two levels of aged care incorporating hospital and memory support.
Understanding that care needs evolve, The Foundation seamlessly integrates boutique dedicated care services as well as a range of health services and wellbeing programmes.
The Foundation’s Wellness Clinic, facilitated by a registered nurse, offers wellbeing support including general checkups such as blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate and pulse rate monitoring as well as post-surgery rehabilitation support.
More than just a residence, The Foundation is a lifestyle, a celebration of history and modernity, and a commitment to providing seniors with the finest in later-life luxury.
