Casa Lakeville

Compound
Built by the same team that was responsible for developing Xintiandi itself, the Casa Lakeville condominium prides itself on providing residents with a lavish and pampered living experience. Every aspect of the housing compound – its high rate of greenery, ritzy clubhouse, extensive list of ‘VIP Services’, etc. – is designed to create the ultimate living experience in one of the world’s biggest cities.

Completed in 2009, Casa Lakeville has 11 high-rises and a total of 452 housing units spanning from a modest 89sqm to an expanse of 452sqm. Apartments are individually owned, so the specific design aesthetic may differ from unit to unit. However, each home comes with a range of standard features, including: central air-conditioning, double-pane glass windows, quality appliances, a built-in water purification system, and more.

The onsite clubhouse, which is a huge draw for many potential tenants, has 3,000sqm of dedicated, premium-quality facilities spanning from a heated 25-metre swimming pool to a yoga room and onsite café. Casa Lakeville’s Tenant Services team has gone one step further and opened the center up to pre-screened, third-party fitness teachers.

But it’s ‘VIP Services’ where their team truly shines. True, a number of exclusive compounds offer housekeeping and security services, but Casa Lakeville’s expansive offerings are handled by experienced team members and tailored to the needs of each resident. Their round-the-clock services include everything from transportation and concierge services to a professional security team that screens each and every visitor.

Neighborhood
Residents who live in Casa Lakeville have the double pleasure of both living inside one of Shanghai’s most exclusive housing compounds, as well as in one of its swankiest neighborhoods. The area’s alfresco dining options, international supermarkets, and central location make it a favorite with many expat residents. Many of Casa Lakeville’s residents are charmed by the experience of living on the doorstep of Xintiandi’s famous pedestrian walkways, classic Shikumen (or, ‘lane homes’) buildings, and Taipingqiao park.

As the result of a development project in the late 1990s, Xintiandi feels relatively “new” – ironic considering the theme of Shikumen buildings – and well-maintained. Though critics have derided the project for presenting a glossy and inauthentic vision of the past, it can’t be denied that it has been highly successful. Xintiandi itself has become a verb – as in, let’s ‘xintiandi’ this project – and foreigners and locals alike continue to flock to the area.

As in most of inner Shanghai, the surrounding area is easily navigable by foot, bike, or public transport. Shared bikes are widely available and two different metro stations (Xintiandi & Laoximen) are within a short 5 to 10 minute walk, connecting residents with lines 8, 10, and 13. For drivers, the nearby North-South Elevated Road provides easy access to other parts of the city. Both Hongqiao and Pudong airport are about 1 hour away by car. Jing’an, People’s Square, Lujiazui, Shanghai Railway Station, and other key sites can be reached in 25 minutes or less.