Dolce Vita Skin’s shining star
05 WIN A LUXURY BREAK FOR EIGHT AT THE PINE HOUSE, KILLCARE
06 MEET RENOWNED PRACTITIONER
Central Coast Life & Style is so much more than just another magazine – we are currently one of the largest social media voices on the Coast, with a following of more than 65,000 users across our digital platforms plus a substantial database. With our editor-in-chief, Cathy Baker, at the helm, you will also have access to Belle Property Escapes’ majority stake in the Central Coast’s holiday and weekend traffic, a significant contributor to our region’s success. Offering a unique, distinguished style like no other, we are the integrated solution to your advertising needs.
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ABOUT OUR COVER:
Vita Catanzariti is an expert dermal therapist and founder of Erina’s acclaimed Dolce Vita Skin clinic, which offers leading skin treatments, state-of-the-art products and aesthetic cosmetic services. Vita – known as the ‘skin whisperer’ – provides clients with tailored treatments for a range of conditions and is passionate about the prevention and treatment of skin cancers. Well-known writer Cleo Glyde finds out why Dolce Vita Skin has such a devoted following. Cover photo: Claire Miles/Oak Street Creative Co.
Welcome to the 10th edition of Central Coast Life & Style.
We are delighted to feature well-known local businesswoman and amazing skincare specialist Vita Catanzariti in this edition of the magazine. Vita and her team of expert practitioners have helped hundreds of clients at Dolce Vita Skin since she opened the Erina clinic in 2021 and, like our previous cover star Deb Hutton, she is passionate about preventing and treating skin cancer. Find out more about Vita’s story and the impressive range of treatments on offer at Dolce Vita Skin on page 6.
On page 10, we meet the Central Coast’s hospitality queen Tara Senam. Tara’s Meraki group includes five popular restaurants and she’s looking forward to opening another venue in the near future. One of Tara’s favourite sayings is, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”; she puts that into practice by providing inspiring career paths and new opportunities in hospitality for young adults.
Meisha Strykowski is another influential businesswoman who is transforming the way we work on the Coast. She not only founded co-working hub The Studio.Co in Kincumber, she designed the entire stylish fitout – read all about it on page 22.
One of the many advantages of living on the Central Coast is having easy access to Sydney, but sometimes we forget that it’s even easier to go to Newcastle. On page 16 we take the Volvo C40 Recharge on a test drive to check out NSW’s second-biggest city and discover a wealth of restaurants, cool cafés and bars, along with art galleries, shops, and an abundance of natural attractions to explore. And on page 21, our resident sommelier Stephane Pommier, who has lived in and around Newcastle for 16 years, gives us a rundown of his favourite places to eat and drink in the area.
Meanwhile, our own foodie scene is thriving. Check out the recently redesigned The Lakes Hotel at The Entrance on page 12, The Cowrie’s new-season menu on page 15, and the beautifully transformed gardens and new distillery door at Distillery Botanica on page 28.
I’m very excited to announce that our new Life & Style store in Hardys Bay is opening soon –it’s a long-time dream come true for me! In collaboration with The Beholder Outpost, the store will stock a fabulous range of covetable homewares, furniture, linens and artworks. It will also be the hub for our concierge and The Beholder’s interior design services. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wishing you all the best for the coming months. Cheers,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CATHY BAKER
EDITOR
SALLY MACMILLAN
CONTENT & EVENTS DIRECTOR
AMANDA HUGHES-NALEVANSKY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
KRISTIE LOWE
PHOTO EDITOR
JOSEF NALEVANSKY
WRITER
CLEO GLYDE
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Central Coast Life & Style magazine has taken all reasonable precautions and effort to ensure the accuracy of material contained in this magazine is correct at the time of publishing. The views expressed in our articles do not necessarily reflect that of the editor and publisher. All adverts and editorial features are published in good faith. Central Coast Life and Style Magazine cannot guarantee and accept no liability for any loss or damage of any kind, errors or inaccuracy of claims made by the advertisers.
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Boasting 180-degree views across the bay, this beautiful property is just a minute’s stroll from Hardys Bay’s cafés and shops and 10 minutes’ walk to Killcare Beach. The Pine House features light-filled living spaces accentuated by high ceilings and gleaming spotted gum floors that flow seamlessly to two large entertaining decks and the barbecue area. Four bedrooms (three with queen-size beds and one with two king singles) and two bathrooms provide ample accommodation for up to eight guests. There’s a spacious open-plan kitchen equipped with everything the keen cook could require plus a state-of-the-art coffee machine, and separate living areas with gas heaters, free WiFi and Foxtel.
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Old-school personalised service meets cuttingedge science at Dolce Vita Skin, the clinic that is helping us put our best face forward.
WORDS CLEO GLYDE PHOTOGRAPHY CLAIRE MILES/OAK STREET CREATIVE
In today’s retail climate, wellness and vitality is not only aligned with vanity and looking good, but considered the key to unlocking a full, authentic life. Goodbye baking in the sun and hangovers, hello Instagram era #lifegoals. Daily skinreplenishing practices and the latest scientific breakthroughs in skincare technology – time-tested ways to a healthy glow – come together in thriving Erina medispa Dolce Vita Skin, whose clientele has grown year on year for the past five years, largely through word of mouth. The community response seems to be, “Can I have what she’s having?”
“We take care of people one at a time,” says founder and expert dermal therapist Vita Catanzariti, explaining why her venture has been a hit with locals. “It all starts in our consulting room when we talk and get to know you. That’s why we don’t do packages: I prefer a tailored, holistic approach that is exactly right for that person.”
The clinic’s soothing neutral aesthetic of organic design elements (think sisal floors and woven wall hangings) and a warm welcome from fresh-faced staff is deliberately homey and non-clinical. It’s not surprising that clients often open up about their lives and forge a strong ongoing bond when coming in to discuss their wishes and concerns. “We like to delve deep and discover the internal issues that are affecting skin inflammation,” Vita explains. “We have different analytical systems and take three kinds of technical photos of the skin. Then we talk through what we can do and develop a treatment plan.”
The fact that people now consider rituals and tweaking as mainstream health and beauty maintenance rather than luxury pampering echoes the wider changes that Vita has observed over time in the region. “I have seen massive growth on the Central Coast since I moved here from the city. It has so much to offer: we’re so close to nature and life is far less stressful, but all the new openings and services that are coming to the community give us the best of both worlds.”
Like all small business owners, Vita rolled the dice when she went out on her own five years ago, leaving her role at one of the Central Coast’s most successful plastic surgery practices. She saw the technical brilliance of high-level surgeons in a medical practice and intuited the gap in the market. “I felt I had gone as far as I could with that business model, which is about efficiency and patients coming in and out quickly. I realised how amazing it could be to nurture the client over time, building a relationship with follow-up treatments, maintenance, and extra care rather than just post-surgery. Imagine what we could do with their skin!”
Vita opened Dolce Vita Skin in a tucked-away space in Erina, centrally located within easy reach of most of the coastal and peninsula suburbs, using Italian words for ‘the good life’ as a talismanic force for good. “I thought, ‘You never know if you never go’. I never doubted that I would do well; I had no time to worry."
Over the past five years a steady, increasingly diverse clientele has walked through the door. “We’ve had clients all the way up to 80-year-olds come in, which is lovely. The youngest ones, in their teens, tend to have specific skin issues like acne, which becomes the start of their journey,” says Vita. The team, comprising herself and two other practitioners, provides medi-facials and treatments that target SOS concerns like rosacea. “Once we clear up the problem, it's an opportunity to then set them up with a great long-term routine.”
Dolce Vita Skin also offers everyday rejuvenation treatments that help the wider populace achieve radiant skin over time, or instantly brighten their appearance for a special event. Vita identifies the increasing influence of social media culture as an industry influence. “It is shifting how we think: now people from all walks of life care about their appearance. We even see a lot more men in the clinic now compared to five years ago.”
New techniques far surpass our old wash-moisturise-go bathroom routines: lasers, devices and medical-grade products can remove layers of dead skin cells, increase fresh cell renewal, and kickstart collagen production – the structural protein that gives young skin its plump, dewy appearance.
For those clients of a certain age who want to slow down the effects of ageing with more interventionist treatments, Dolce Vita Skin's exclusive in-house doctor Dr Nik Davies works as a cosmetic injector and aesthetic practitioner. He uses injectables that can restore the facial volume that diminishes with age, freeze the muscles that cause wrinkling, even alter the silhouette of the face to look more pleasing or youthful. “We have come a long way from ‘Oh my god she’s having Botox’ to ‘Oh my god she isn’t having Botox’!”, laughs Vita, who asserts that the clinic's mantra will always be ‘look your best for your age – but still look natural’. “Dr Nik is a practitioner who does beautiful work that is not fake-looking or obvious. You will never walk into our clinic and see the female staff or clients looking overdone.”
While the quest for flawless skin, once the province of high-society divas, is the new normal, the clinic sees its role reaching beyond aesthetics and anti-ageing –Vita and her team are, above all, champions of skin health. “Living so close to the ocean under a harsh sun, we see a lot of pigmentation and sun damage on skin,” states a concerned Vita, who is passionate about educating the community on the dangers of
skin cancer. “Alas, the average person still doesn’t use sunscreen every day. Someone may come to us to deal with a tiny dot on their nose, yet I’ll see from their heavy pigmentation that they are a candidate.”
Vita learned first-hand the dangers of full Aussie sun exposure when tragedy touched her own family. “Skin cancer happened very quickly to my brother: he got fourth-stage melanoma in his sternum and lungs, then it spread quickly to his brain. He was robbed of life and his kids lost precious years with their dad. I still can’t believe it, even though it has been 11 years since he passed. I want to use that lesson to help others.” She advises all her clients to add sunscreen to their routine, no ifs, ands or buts. “We get up and brush our teeth every day; in Australia sunscreen is just as essential every morning, before we get in the car, pop out to the post office, or hang washing on the line. It all adds up.” She explains to clients that if they invest in SPF50+ prevention now, they’ll be spending far less money on reversing signs of ageing and sun damage in five years’ time – and dodging the sun’s harmful UVB rays. Whatever your stage of life or skin condition, Vita believes Dolce Vita Skin has the right program to help raise the bar on skin appearance and wellbeing. “It’s never too late. Micro-needling is great for wrinkles. We can help scars heal twice as quickly with miraculous white LED light. Sometimes someone just needs to start with a really good clean and a Hydrafacial.” The procedure – one of her most widely recommended –removes debris from pores by suction while bathing skin in hydrating antioxidants, a constant spiralling of clean and hydrate. “We get everything out of the follicles – dead skin, blackheads… It’s all about preserving that epidermis as much as possible. Once you have a nice, functioning barrier to work with, you can do anything.”
Clients are encouraged to support their treatments by best practices at home. In-house nutritionist Chiza Westcarr works with gut health and hormones to treat inflammatory skin conditions that come from within. Vita sources next-generation ‘cosmeceuticals’, products that contain active ingredients that correct skin problems, not just cover them, and names French brand Biologique Recherche and local brand Rationale Skincare as two of the world’s most effective. “I’m passionate about anything that goes on my clients’ skin.” Whether she is tucking you under a blanket and massaging your face with hands as fast as hummingbirds, or stocking your goodie bag for home, Vita likes to think she’s got your back as well as your face. “I just want everyone here to feel that they have come to a safe place.”
Find out more at dolcevitaskin.com.au
"It is shifting how we think: now people from all walks of life care about their appearance."
What’s next for Tara Senam, the dynamic founder of the Meraki Group and much-loved local restaurants including Motel Mezza, Pinocchio’s Wine & Pizza and The Pantry?
At the age of 12, Tara Senam finished her first shift at a local café and went home to tell her parents that she was going to buy her own café or restaurant as soon as she was old enough. Their response? “Well, we think you could aim higher than that.”
Fast-forward to 2023 and Tara is the co-owner of five restaurants on the Coast and looking to expand. “I have never understood why working in the hospitality industry isn’t generally respected as a career option and it’s an attitude I’m striving to change,” she says.
“Everyone loves going out for lunch or dinner or coffee and if we don’t create opportunities for young people to get into hospitality and find a pathway that works for them, we won’t have any wonderful places to eat and drink.”
As a teenager growing up in Norah Head, Tara worked in numerous cafés and restaurants. “Hospitality was definitely my thing,” she says.
“Between the ages of 17 and 19 I tried various other jobs – childcare, motorbike mechanics, receptionist – but I kept returning to hospitality.
When I was 19 and managing a café in the Jimmy G’s group, I met owner James Nouri and then knew that I was seriously committed to the industry.”
Tara and James shared similar visions to change the dining scene on the Central Coast and quickly became business partners. Together, they opened Tommy’s on the Gosford waterfront in 2014, followed by the Italian-flavoured Pinocchio’s Wine & Pizza in 2016 and then Motel Mezza in Wyong, featuring Middle-Eastern cuisine, in 2018.
As we all know, the unwelcome arrival of covid in 2020 wrought havoc on the hospitality industry. By then, James and Tara had sold Tommy’s and when James decided to change direction, Tara took the opportunity to buy him out of Pinocchio’s and Motel Mezza.
“It was a huge change for me, too,” Tara says. “I was a bit nervous but knew I could do it. However, we were hearing all the stories about covid spreading in Italy and I realised my whole livelihood could crash. I just had to pull on my big-girl pants and get on with it.”
Takeaway became the most viable option. After intense discussions, staff hours were reduced, the front of house team (including Tara) turned into delivery drivers but amazingly, almost all the 26 staff members stayed on. “It was fight or flight but we got through it,” says Tara. “Believe it or not, we actually had fun with it – it made us stronger.”
In 2021, just before covid restrictions were imposed once again, Tara “crazily” took on another venture – The Pantry at The Quarters in Forresters Beach. “I never say no to any opportunity,” Tara says. “I look at everything, meet the people and with The Pantry, once I’d seen the space it was ‘Oh damn, I’m opening a café.’
“My co-owner at The Pantry, Nick Waldon-Howe, is my best friend. We’d worked together at Jimmy G’s and I knew that to grow the Meraki Group I needed like-minded people to grow it with, even though he was unsure about his future career at the time. We looked at a couple of options and now we have a fantastic business partnership. One of my favourite mantras is, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’.”
Creating opportunities for growth is key to the success of the Meraki Group. There are now more than 55 members in the group and one of the co-owners alongside Tara and Nick of the newest restaurant, Little Miss Mezza in West Gosford, is executive chef Joshua Grant. It’s another shining example of how Tara is mentoring young adults, encouraging them to explore their potential and future-proofing the local hospitality industry.
As for Tara’s next venture, you can be sure it will be everything that Meraki means in Greek: ‘doing something with soul, creativity or love … putting a piece of yourself into your work’.
Tara is working with chefs, bartenders, waitstaff, restaurant managers, investors and anyone interested in hospitality –particularly young adults – to explore career paths within the industry. “If you’re looking to start a career in hospitality or need some guidance taking your career to the next level, I would love to hear from you,” Tara says. “I am excited to assist with ventures in any industry, not just hospitality. From conception through to launch, the lessons that I can offer in business are transferable across industries.” To find out more, see tarasenam.com.au
Following the success of Hotel Gosford’s relaunch in 2021, its sister pub The Lakes Hotel at The Entrance reopened recently, sporting a fresh new Coastie look and a flavour-packed menu.
There’s nothing like a proper local pub, especially when it’s owned and run by locals who have lived and worked in the area for decades. Look no further than Hotel Gosford and The Lakes Hotel – both are co-owned by the longestablished Harris and Narvo families and run by group manager Jordan Harris. Both hold a special place in their local communities – Hotel Gosford first opened in 1926 and The Lakes Hotel in 1941 – and both have recently reopened after undergoing spectacular facelifts.
Earlier this year, Hotel Gosford won ‘Best Regional Redevelopment’ at the prestigious AHA (Australian Hotels Association) NSW Awards of Excellence – testament to the Harris family's vision and the sterling work of Bergstrom Architects and Evolve Constructions. Together, they built on the hotel’s Art Deco heritage to create a contemporary venue that appeals to a wide range of regular customers and visitors – a stunning reimagination of the original Roaring Twenties establishment.
The Harris and Narvo team got together with Bergstrom Architects again to redesign The Lakes Hotel, drawing inspiration from the region’s much-loved beach culture and the venue’s original 1940s architecture. Today, the hotel’s fresh, contemporary décor, spectacular new bar and laid-back beachy vibe make it the Coastie place to go to catch up with friends and family for a casual drink, live music and all the sporting action you could desire on the mega-screen in the Sports Bar.
And just as Hotel Gosford’s fabulous food from the team at Earl’s Kitchen is winning accolades, newly appointed executive chef Paul Thornton is working his magic at The Lakes. Named Regional Chef of the Year for his role as head chef at Newcastle’s Hotel Jesmond (another member of the Harris and Narvo group), Paul’s flavour-packed menu offers a variety of authentic pub-style meals served with a twist. Think Aussie classics, juicy burgers and fresh, cold seafood, along with plenty of tasty bar snacks and share plates. The two sister hotels also offer accommodation – perfect for a top-value weekend stay by the beach or in the city. Check out what’s happening at Hotel Gosford at hotelgosford.com.au and The Lakes Hotel at thelakeshotel.com.au.
Jordan was literally born in a pub (his parents are Peter and Jane Harris, who bought their first hotel in 1978) and he is the driving force behind the redevelopment of Hotel Gosford and The Lakes Hotel. Although he didn’t originally intend to get involved in hospitality, after going to uni, travelling, and working with the Merivale group for a few years, he couldn’t resist the draw of the Coast and joined the family business some 20 years ago.
“I have found my niche in restoring our historic pubs,” Jordan says. “Hotel Gosford and The Lakes Hotel are both beautiful old buildings and rather than making sterile, cookie-cutter new venues, I wanted to restore their wonderful heritage values while at the same time creating new and interesting spaces.”
Jordan, his wife and three young children live in North Avoca. “It’s been amazing to see the changes over the past few years,” he says. “We love the beach lifestyle, the kids are totally involved in soccer, basketball and Nippers, but we did miss Sydney for a while. However, the hospitality scene has changed enormously and it’s fantastic to see more sophisticated venues and great operators in the area.”
There is lots to love about fresh produce in autumn, the season of “mellow fruitfulness”, and Dimitris and his talented team at The Cowrie are making the most of locally sourced ingredients.
“This is the first time we have structured a menu that relies so heavily on locally sourced produce,” says Dimitris. “We decided to design around the produce at hand rather than design a dish and then source our ingredients. It’s very exciting but also much more challenging.
“Thankfully, a lot of local growers have been in touch with us which has been extremely encouraging and welcomed. For example, we have a local honey producer who has some of the best raw Australian honey I’ve ever tried so we created a whole dessert with it simply called Australian Honey.”
The Cowrie’s new-season menu features produce from growers in nearby Mangrove Mountain, Cooranbong, Mardi, Ourimbah Creek and Jilliby.
“We have been really supported by great feedback from our guests and this has encouraged us to keep pushing with menus and produce that is ultimately fresh and a little outside the square,” Dimitris adds.
Sustainably farmed Aquna Murray cod also continues to feature on the menu. “Supporting Aquna is important to us as the quality and availability of most seafood is constantly in question.”
Towards the end of the year, The Cowrie Cellar dining experience will be launched, while the front of the restaurant is being redesigned and will feature a small and intimate bar menu. It will be the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail, some international cheeses or small tapas-style dishes with friends.
Join locals in the know at The Cowrie in Terrigal to sample executive chef Dimitris Aronis’s superb new-season menu.
The wine list includes wines from some of the best regions in Australia, along with a fabulous selection of French, Italian, American and South African wines. “There are many small producers mastering some great wines and we want to be able to draw on them, too,” Dimitris says. Watch this space!
The Cowrie is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Saturday and for lunch on Sunday, at 109 Scenic Highway, Terrigal. To book, call 02 4384 3016 or see thecowrie.com.au
Next time you’re planning a weekend getaway, why not head north to Newcastle?
You’ll find a thriving foodie scene, lots of cool cafes, bars, art galleries and shops, and an abundance of natural attractions to explore. We take the new Volvo C40 Recharge on a test drive to check out NSW’s second-biggest city.
Newcastle Harbour is at the heart of the city’s indigenous, maritime and industrial history and although the steelworks that gave Newcastle the nickname Steel City have long gone, it is still one of Australia’s most economically significant and liveliest ports. Every day you’ll see cargo and cruise ships making their way along the waterways, along with kayaks, yachts, tugs and tour boats – it’s a constant hive of activity.
The Newcastle Museum (newcastlemuseum.com.au) is a great place to learn more about the city’s past; it’s located in the former Honeysuckle Railway workshop buildings on the waterfront. Nova Cruises operates excellent
narrated lunch and dinner cruises on the harbour and along the Hunter River (novacruises.com.au), and if walking tours are more your thing, check out newcastleafoot.com.au.
Fort Scratchley Historic Site is a must-visit for history buffs and kids love it, too. Sign up for a tour with expert volunteers to explore the 19th-century tunnels and museum rooms (newcastle.nsw.gov.au/fort-scratchley), or just head to the top for amazing views.
The Lock-Up, a police station dating back to 1861, is one of Newcastle’s most significant heritage buildings and today it is an award-winning contemporary arts space, located in Hunter Street (thelockup.org.au).
Take in breathtaking coastal views and local history on the Newcastle Memorial Walk, which connects with the Bathers Way, a scenic sixkilometre walk from Nobbys Lighthouse to Merewether Ocean Baths. Newcastle Ocean Baths are currently undergoing a major renovation, but you can still take a dip in the famous Bogey Hole, a picturesque ocean pool carved into the sandstone cliff. Surfers flock to Merewether and Newcastle beaches, while Nobby’s Beach is better suited to novice board-riders and families.
Blackbutt Reserve is a lovely place to take children. Boardwalks and walking trails wind through rainforest and bushland, home to a diverse number of wild birds, reptiles and wallabies, and you can see the resident koalas and wombats up-close at feeding times.
Thrill-seekers of all ages can choose from more than 90 aerial challenges and 20 different ziplines at TreeTop Adventure Park in the Blue Gum Regional Park. Bookings are essential (treetopsadventure.com.au), while Glenrock State Conservation Area is a mountain biking mecca only a short drive from the city.
Local company CoastXP (coastxp.com) specialises in guided naturebased boating and bushwalking tours in and around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie – whale-watching between May and November is always popular. Or why not take the combined boating adventure tour and scenic helicopter flight?
There are dozens of great bars in Newcastle. We love Coal and Cedar (coalandcedar.com) and Bar Petite (barpetite.com.au), but there are many more to explore. Craft beer fans favour Grain Store Newcastle (grainstore.beer), Modus Merewether (mobrewing.com.au) and Foghorn Brewery (foghornbrewery.com.au) Earp Distilling Co in Carrington is renowned for using native Australian ingredients in its range of spirits and offers a terrific menu, too (earpdistillingco.com).
Newcastle’s first five-star hotel, Crystalbrook Kingsley, is located in the heart of the CBD, within walking distance of all the main attractions. The rooftop bar, Romberg’s, is a top spot for a social drink, or linger longer over dinner at the adjoining Roundhouse fine-dining restaurant. A more casual option is the buzzy Ms Mary café-bar on the ground floor. crystalbrookcollection.com/kingsley
Playing a starring role in Newcastle’s revitalised East End, QT Newcastle is housed within the historic David Jones building on Hunter Mall. Designed by long-time QT-collaborator Nic Graham, the hotel features 104 individually decorated guest rooms and suites as well as signature restaurant Jana and the city’s highest rooftop bar, Rooftop at QT. qthotels.com/newcastle
NOAH’S on the Beach offers 91 rooms, an award-winning restaurant and eight refurbished function rooms. It is less than a five-minute walk from the CBD and the accommodation overlooks Newcastle Beach, the bustling harbour or the townhouses of Newcastle East. NOAH'S restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. noahsonthebeach.com.au
NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is a popular spot for a budget- and family-friendly getaway. About 30 minutes’ drive from the city, accommodation ranges from villas to caravan sites and powered and unpowered tent sites. Hop on the Stockton Ferry for a daytrip to Newcastle or explore Stockton Beach’s famous sand dunes. nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/stockton-beach
Foodies are spoilt for choice in Newcastle. Let’s start by wandering along the Honeysuckle precinct, where you’ll find a fabulous collection of waterside bars, cafés and restaurants housed in atmospheric, revitalised warehouses and industrial buildings. Some of our favourites are The Kingfish (thekingfish.com.au), Scratchleys on the Wharf (scratchleys.com.au) – both serve outstanding seafood – Honeysuckle Hotel (honeysucklehotel.com.au) for an impressive pub menu, and The Landing Bar & Kitchen (thelanding.com.au), for margaritas, tapas, tacos and more.
In other parts of the city, check out Merewether Surfhouse (surfhouse.com.au) – the beach, bar, restaurant and café offer something for everyone; The Basement on Market Street (basementonmarketst.com.au) for delicious Italian cuisine; Signal Box in the Market Street Lawn precinct (signalbox.com.au); Mediterranean-style Rustica Newcastle Beach (rustica.com.au); and see opposite for sommelier Stephane Pommier’s top spots.
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Having lived in and around Newcastle for 16 years, I have seen it change from something of a backwater to a really buzzy, stylish city. And thousands like me have discovered that being so close to the Hunter Valley, beautiful beaches and waterways – and just two hours from Sydney by road or rail – makes it a winner in the lifestyle stakes. Here are five of my favourite local watering holes in the neighbourhood – enjoy!
The Grand Hotel
This traditional Aussie pub in the heart of Newcastle is a great base for visitors, offering easy access to attractions such as Newcastle Beach, Nobbys Lighthouse, Fort Scratchley and King Edward Park. As well as providing top-value accommodation, The Grand is home to an unpretentious restaurant that serves up classic pub fare and gastropubstyle dishes. The jewel in the crown? A New York-style speakeasy offering scrummy cocktails, an extensive wine list, late-night closing on the weekend and live jazz twice a week.
32 Church Street, Newcastle, NSW 2300; 02 4049 3686 thegrandnewcastle.com.au
Urban Deli and Bar
Tim Atkinson and Kasia Idczak had originally planned to open a small wine bar, but inspired by their extensive travels around Europe, they came up with a combined wine bar, deli and restaurant. The vibe at Urban is fun and casual – you can experience a taste of Europe mixed with the best Hunter region produce, drop in for glass of wine and some nibbles from the deli, or go for the full dining experience from the sharing-plates menu. Or you can ‘build your own board’, selecting cheeses and charcuterie from the deli.
143 Darby Street, Cooks Hill, NSW 2300; 02 4072 1353 urbandeliandbar.com
Tinta Belmont
Tinta is a stylish but casual venue set smack bang on the Belmont foreshore of Lake Macquarie, about 30 minutes’ drive south of Newcastle. With a menu focusing on local produce (think Port Stephens seafood and Hunter Valley beef) and an extensive cocktail and wine list (yep, you guessed it, plenty of Hunter Valley wines), it’s fast become
Tortellini with wild mushroom, creamy eschalot and garlic emulsion, finished with freshly shaved Parmesan, served with 2022 Lake’s Folly Chardonnay from the Hunter Valley, NSW
a favourite of the Lake Mac community. Its large, open floorplan and uninterrupted views of the lake makes Tinta the perfect spot for a long lunch with friends, a romantic dinner, or weddings and events – they’ve really nailed the ‘something for everyone’ message.
690 Pacific Highway, Belmont, NSW 2280; 02 4947 7223 tintabelmont.com.au
The latest venture from Nagisa and Susuru operators Taiyo and Yohei Namba, Âpé Yakitori Bar offers a more relaxed setting in which to try some incredible Japanese cuisine. The dynamic, seasonal menu is based on the very best Hunter produce and with everything cooked over charcoal, Âpé lives up to its name, which means ‘fire’ in the Ainu language. In addition to a superb cocktail list, Âpé and Nagisa combined boast one of the largest collections of Japanese sakes in NSW.
2/1 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle, NSW 2300; 02 4929 4122 apeyakitoribar.com.au
Flotilla
Located in the back streets of up-and-coming Wickham, Flotilla serves creative, seasonal cuisine accompanied by a comprehensive wine list and seasonally changing cocktail menu. Vegetarians will find plenty of imaginative dishes and the team can accommodate all sorts of dietary restrictions if enough notice is provided. The dining experience is described on the Flotilla website as ‘refined yet casual’ and that pretty much sums it up. A wonderful choice for a long weekend lunch.
9 Albert Street, Wickham, NSW 2293; 02 4965 3885, theflotilla.com.au
For information about Stephane’s masterclasses, plus wine-training for hospitality and retail staff, see somaustralia.com.au
Casserole of chicken marylands in white wine with oregano, cherry tomatoes and rosemary, served with 2021 Byrne Farm Pinot Noir from Orange, NSW
Veal shank Osso Bucco with a potato purée and chargrilled cauliflower, served with 2022 De luliis Sangiovese, from Hill Top, NSW
WORKING REMOTELY FROM THE COAST HAS BECOME EVEN MORE APPEALING SINCE MEISHA STRYKOWSKI OPENED THE STUDIO.CO, A SUPER-STYLISH CO-WORKING HUB IN KINCUMBER.
THE STUDIO.CO | CO-WORKING, MEETING & PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
The first thing you notice when you enter the light and airy Studio.Co building is a very subtle, fresh smell – perhaps not surprising considering that founder Meisha Strykowski is the businesswoman behind fragrance company Cocolux Australia. Meisha is also a talented graphic designer who taught herself CAD programming to design the fitout of The Studio.Co, a former warehouse that’s been renovated from the ground up.
It’s a remarkable space that features 40 custom-made desks in separate areas, adjustable curved privacy screens, a Zoom room, private meeting rooms, a large breakout lounge area that can be used for everything from product launches to private events, and a huge photographic studio. There is a fully equipped kitchen – tea, coffee and biscuits are complimentary – and the beautifully designed bathroom facilities include a shower room that would be quite at home in the finest contemporary boutique hotel.
“An enormous level of effort went into the redesign of the warehouse,” says Meisha. “The Studio.Co is probably the only co-working hub in the country that’s furnished with travertine desks and tables! The effect is to produce that Wow feeling when you walk in; people feel pumped to come and work here, and when you feel good about where you work your productivity and creativity increase.”
The curved furnishings, natural finishes, neutral colours and indoor plants are part of the overall biophilic design, which is a philosophy of connecting people with nature inside that’s been found to improve physical and psychological wellbeing.
“Co-working hubs aren’t new – there are plenty in all major cities around the world – but remote and hybrid working arrangements have boomed since covid,” Meisha explains. “The demographics on the Coast have also changed enormously over the past few years and The Studio.Co is the first city-style collaborative working hub on the Coast that caters to professionals from a variety of industries who need flexible work conditions.
“We offer a range of flexible packages, from casual one-day visits to dedicated desks that you can set up how you like and that you don’t share. There are no long-term contracts, which means you can quickly upsize or downsize your arrangements as your working life changes.
“Commercial office leases are usually three years and then you have the fitout costs; here, everything is set up so you can get down to business straight away. We provide internet, printers, large computer monitors, cleaning services and a lovely environment! The huge outdoor courtyard is another major drawcard,” Meisha says, “and there’s plenty of on and off-site parking.”
STUDIO DAY PASS Casual day visit - $45+GST
STUDIO 10 PASS PACK 10 x day passes - $400+GST
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO - $80+GST per hour
EVENT & MEETING STUDIO - $110+GST per hour
MEETING ROOM (6 Person) - $30+GST per hour
MEETING POD (4 Person) - $20+GST per hour
8 Days Per Month Plan - $240+GST per month. Pick and choose, use up in a block or spread your eight days over the month. As a Studio Nomad member, you’ll have the flexibility to access The Studio.Co’s facilities on weekdays that suit you.
Unlimited Weekday Hot Desk Plan - $350+GST per month. While you might not have a fixed desk, as a Studio All Access member you’ll have hot desk access anytime Monday to Friday to the co-working studios and facilities.
Solo or Team* Dedicated Desk Plan - $500+GST per month Your own dedicated partitioned desk to set up how you like. Keep it for yourself or share and take turns on days with members of your team*. Benefits include 24-hour access, seven days a week and lockable storage.
specialist lawyer Jenna Lewandoski, Coast Family Lawyers is a boutique firm
Headed
focuses on complex property and parenting matters for clients on the Central Coast. Services cover all aspects of family law, from financial and pre-nuptial agreements to parenting arrangements, mediation, divorce, domestic violence and child support. Jenna is keenly aware of the need to seek advice as soon as possible and first-time clients are offered free initial consultations. “We are experienced, approachable and affordable,” she says. coastfamilylawyers.com.au
“The worst part of separation is the uncertainty of it all –we are here to help you move forward with your life.”
JENNA LEWANDOSKIup by that
“We make property decisions easier by managing the entire buying process, from sourcing, researching and analysing potential opportunities based on our clients’ key considerations, right through to collecting the keys.”
LINDA JOHNSON & MICHELLE TUCKERLinda Johnson and Michelle Tucker met in 2008 when they worked together as selling agents in Terrigal and they always knew they were destined to join forces in business one day. Today, Linda and Michelle bring some 45 years’ experience across all aspects of the property industry to their very successful companies, Spring Buyers Agency and Spring Property Management.
Having witnessed first-hand the challenges and frustrations buyers face – “there was a lack of unbiased, transparent and dedicated professional assistance available to them” – Linda, Michelle and their team now work exclusively for residential property buyers, sharing their knowledge and experience to ensure their clients make educated and confident property decisions.
Spring Buyers Agency provides clients with proven expertise, a diverse perspective and strategic advantage as well as access to an extensive professional network. “We offer a range of property services to clients who include owner-occupiers, investors, upsizers, downsizers, holiday-home buyers, first-home buyers, expats, over- 55s, retirees and those utilising self-managed superannuation funds.
“Our track record demonstrates that we help our clients buy the best property, in the best location for their budget, saving them time, money and stress, while ensuring they purchase a strong investment that will stand the test of time.” springbuyersagency.com.au
Interior designer Camilla Ingall had a decade of experience in the interior design and property styling industries before she established the Unfolded studio. She and her talented team work on residential, hospitality and commercial projects across Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast. Creating a personalised experience for clients is second nature for Camilla. “They feel heard and are confident that their project will be executed efficiently and produce a timeless space that’s uniquely their own.” unfolded.com.au
“We don’t tend to follow trends – rather, we ensure our client’s tastes and requirements are met with practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions.”
Whyse Financial offers financial planning services with a strong focus on long-lasting personal relationships with clients. “We believe in supporting you through both the highs and the lows of your journey,” says director Crystal Broadfoot. “In this way, we’re more like family. Our planners understand that wealth creation requires discipline, and educate you on how today’s sacrifices translate into tomorrow’s rewards. We get your financial life in orderand keep it that way.”
whyse.com.au
CAMILLA INGALL
“WHYSE is unlike any other financial planning firm in that we want you to die poor and not rich!” CRYSTAL BROADFOOT
The team at Lux As Weddings and Events are in the business of making your dreams come true. Lauren Fenning and her highly experienced stylists, designers and planners take all the stress out of organising weddings and special events and go “above and beyond” to make it an experience you’ll remember forever. They offer multiple bespoke planning and styling packages, source high-quality products from around the world, and operate in Sydney, Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Central Coast. luxasevents.com.au
Content Copywriting is a content marketing agency that helps brands with big ideas confidently connect with their ideal audience. “We do this by providing our clients with deep value through exceptional relationships, content strategies and content production across various content channels,” explains founder and CEO, Sarah Spence. High-profile clients include Koala, Afterpay, Modibodi, healthylife and Westpac; the 20-strong team comprises content strategists, copywriters, journalists, copy editors and SEO and channel specialists. contentcopywriting.com.au
“We care about our clients with a rebellious curiosity – actively working to understand what they and their audience need, and then delivering in a way that exceeds expectations.”
“Our positivity, keen eye, attention to detail and knack for perfection is what our clients love about us.”
LAUREN FENNING
“We offer personal branding design and photography for women and men in business who are ready to shine online but just need that extra confidence to make it happen, and if you hate having your photo taken... I’ve got your back!”
With a remarkable portfolio of more than two decades in the photography and graphic design industries, Claire Miles, the ingenious founder of Oak Street Creative Co., has mastered the art of crafting stunning visual brands. However, for Claire, it’s not solely about creating eye-catching visuals, she believes in building personal connections with her clients, to uncover their unique talents and personalities, which she then weaves into their images and branding. She has an exceptional talent for making even the most camera-shy individuals feel at ease: every photograph featured in this collection was taken by Claire herself, at The Studio.Co.
Oak Street Creative Co. is a leading provider of graphic design and personal branding photography services for enterprising men and women. With an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results, their team of experts is dedicated to creating custom- designed logos, social media templates, photography, videos, and websites, enabling you to transform your brand completely. Be sure to explore Oak Street Creative Co.’s new self-paced online course, Get Set to Shoot – it will transform the way that you approach having a photo session and empower you to build a business based on your face and your personality.
Visit the website today at oakstreetcreativeco.com and experience the magic of breathtaking visual branding.
The fun and fizz of gin-based cocktails meets an uplifting outdoor experience at Distillery Botanica’s scenic new grounds. Blooming lovely!
Gin may be the ultimate urban sophisticate’s cocktail ingredient, conjuring inky after-dark bars and jazz-baby decadence, but Distillery Botanica, owned by award-winning master distiller Philip Moore, is the artisanal producer intent on bringing gin back to nature. A newly reimagined distillery door and transformed gardens celebrate the native ingredients that have put the Erina-based distiller’s gin and liqueurs on the global map. The air is fragrant with the zing of citrus, herbs, and florals – the very ingredients that add ambrosial sparkle to the brand’s spirits, crafted to re-create an Australian summer garden after rainfall. Philip taps into his original expertise as a herbalist of 20 years to blend exquisite bases for craft cocktails. Moore’s Dry Gin won the gold medal at London’s International Wine and Spirit Competition (2017), an Aussie first. Philip is also the first and only Australian to be inducted into the UK's Gin Magazine hall of fame. And no wonder. Moore’s Dry Gin is a citrus and juniper dominant gin, very much like the most popular London Dry gins. This classic-in-style gin has been enlivened with a selection of Australian native botanicals including wild lime, macadamia nut and Illawarra plum.
Fans of ‘contemporary’ or ‘new world’ gins love the cheekily named Moore’s Roots & Leaves Dry Gin. Juniper is less prominent in this style of gin and was inspired by Philip’s enthusiasm for making gin from ingredients he can harvest himself. He proudly
grows eight of the nine botanicals in his garden at Distillery Botanica, four of the roots being galangal, ginger, turmeric and angelica and four of the leaves being makrut lime leaf, curry tree, mandarin and lemon verbena.
Distillery Botanica’s playful flavours instantly create new cult highball classics. Blood Orange Gin, another offering in Moore’s Dry Gin line, is one of his limited releases and is delicious in a martini. Lemon Myrtle Liqueur, an elegant lemon sherbet blend bursting with the medicinal, menthol-like potency of the crushed leaf, is refreshing splashed onto ice, gin, fresh lemon and soda. Lemon Myrtle Collins, anyone?
Visitors can sample Philip's range of award-winning spirits and liqueurs before stocking up their cocktail cabinet at the distillery door (hint: start with the herbaceous hit of the classic Dry Gin with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic and go from there).
Meanwhile, Bar Botanica is a died-and-gone-to-heaven affair. Organic design elements have rainforest appeal. Beams, whitewashed walls and a floor-to-ceiling waterfall window create a light-flooded haven where diners kick off with Distillery Botanica cocktails, graze on platters, gourmet melts, and pastries – or sit al fresco in the shaded garden courtyard bar, scooping up refreshingly cool Affogato, drowned in the distillery’s coffee and raspberry liqueurs. Happily, if you and your dog gallivant together, your pooch is most welcome.
Philip’s pursuit of perfection sees him follow a slow, artisanal, and precise distilling process which is part science experiment, part art form. Each botanical in Moore’s Dry Gin is individually distilled to perfection, capturing its quintessential essence – it’s here that the botanical spirits are ready to be blended into each of his Moore’s Dry Gin range. He is constantly researching new flavours and he is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen to make minor improvements over a period of time to achieve a perfect and intensely flavoured product.
This local attraction is not only bouncing back post-covid with new grounds, but will soon be launching guided group tastings and tours of the distillery. Whether local gin lovers – or visitors from further afield – prefer their gin citrus, floral, spicy or herbal, they welcome the opportunity to enjoy their libation at the new distillery door, accompanied by views of Philip's beautiful gin garden.
25 Portsmouth Road, Erina, NSW 2250; see distillerybotanica.com, @distillerybotanica, facebook.com/therealdistillerybotanica
Ingredients
30ml Distillery Botanica Raspberry Liqueur
20ml Moore’s Dry Gin
15ml lime juice
10ml sugar syrup
Fresh lime
Fresh raspberries
Add Distillery Botanica Raspberry Liqueur, Moore’s Dry Gin, lime juice and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into a stemless wine glass over a large cube of ice. Garnish with fresh lime and fresh raspberries.
Renowned health and wellness coach Claire Bodle, founder of Bouddi Healing Hub, is hosting a special three-day retreat at Launa Killcare Heights from Thursday July 27 to Sunday July 30.
Guests will have three nights’ luxury accommodation in this beautiful property, which is surrounded by natural bushland and features state-of-the-art facilities, a stunning heated mineral pool and ample space for group and private sessions.
Enjoy nourishing meals, coastal bush walks, guided meditation and yoga classes, massage, one-on-one coaching sessions with Claire, and IV vitamin therapy provided by The IV Lounge (ivlounge.com.au).
This retreat offers a wonderful opportunity to relax and recharge with a small group of like-minded people – and make simple lifestyle changes that will last a lifetime!
For more details and bookings, call 0474 774 460 or see bouddihealinghub.com.au
Cathy Baker is renowned for breaking sales records for prestige properties on the Coast but achieving premium prices for vendors is not all that she excels at. Over the past seven years Cathy’s business has evolved and now encompasses holiday home sales and management, design and styling, concierge services and property investment advice.
Operating under the auspices of Belle Property, the new Lifestyle Collective by Cathy Baker offers high net worth clients a range of services run by a highly experienced team of experts that includes interior designers, furniture suppliers, trades, photographers, PR specialists and dedicated copywriters.
“I take a bespoke approach to every high-end property we bring to market,” Cathy explains. “It’s a collaborative process and the aim is to add value to my clients’ lives, whether it’s ensuring we achieve the optimum sales price for the property by showcasing it to a very targeted market, or, if it is being bought as a holiday rental, we can have it fully furnished and ready for the first guests to walk in as soon as settlement is completed.”
To maximise the reach of a targeted campaign, Cathy works with local and international buyers’ agents and high-profile global companies such as Christie’s International Real Estate, engages with influencers and specific social media frequented by expats, and collaborates with luxury car and boat brands whose databases mirror that of the Collective's.
Belle Property Central Coast’s multi-awardwinning principal is taking the marketing of luxury property and holiday homes to a new level for her many local and international clients.
WORDS SALLY MACMILLAN PHOTOGRAPHY JOSEF NALEVANSKY
“We often hold launch events in a property,” Cathy says. “It’s a discreet way to introduce the property to a qualified buyer pool, which includes clients on my database who have been waiting for this type of property and buyers’ agents. Sampling the market allows the vendor to decide whether we’re in the right price bracket, and whether to then launch on all local and international portals for a short campaign or stay longer off-market.”
Styling a property for maximum buyer appeal is all part of the process and The Lifestyle Collective's team can style a house with furniture that can be bought if it is going to be a holiday rental. This not only saves clients time and money, but also means that the photography and videography used for the sales campaign can be used to publicise the holiday home – in this magazine as well as online and through other channels.
Belle Property Escapes manages an impressive portfolio of holiday rentals, and The Lifestyle Collective provides services that range from property investment advice to housekeeping, gardening, and expert tradespeople – “or anything that’s required,” says Cathy. Clients have loyalty cards for use at the new Life & Style store in Hardys Bay, the base for interior design and concierge services as well as stockists of high-quality homewares, furniture and artworks.
“To maximise the reach of a targeted campaign, Cathy works with local and international buyers’ agents, engages with influencers and market-specific social media, and collaborates with luxury brands”
Cathy has worked with renowned architect Darren Tye, of Architexture, on 18 different real-estate transactions over the past 10 years and says their relationship typifies this holistic way of working.
“I help sell properties Darren has designed and had built, manage them as holiday rentals for an established clientele, look after their styling and maintenance and next sale. We have both met new clients and friends through our relationship.” (Turn to page 34 to see two superb properties Darren has designed.)
Darren says, “It’s really beneficial working with one dedicated team that ensures every little thing is covered. Cathy has incredible knowledge of what’s needed to sell a property for its maximum potential – she knows the area, the potential buyers and the tradespeople you need.
“Once you get to know Cathy, you realise you’re not just dealing with a real estate agent – she’s in it for the long term and almost becomes part of your family. She gets to know you and your needs and it’s a really refreshing way to do business.”
Contact Cathy Baker on 0414 241 005, email cathy.baker@belleproperty.com
11 Wagstaffe Avenue, Wagstaffe
Redesigned from the ground up by Darren Tye of Architexture, this stunning house in sought-after Wagstaffe brings a ‘barefoot at the beach’ feeling right to its heart.
Claiming a coveted deep-waterfront position, this architecturally designed residence is more than a match for its tightly held setting. Finished to absolute perfection by Darren Tye in 2022, the home is at once bold, simple and luxurious. Bathed in abundant natural light, the fluid, open interiors connect every part of the living space to the natural environment; an internal courtyard and sparkling pool are integral to the design.
Spanning two exquisite levels, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom house is set on an 891sqm block and wide lawns lead to the tidal beach, jetty and boathouse. The striking pavilion design showcases crisp white interiors, soaring ceilings and banks of stacker doors, with dual living/ dining spaces plus a separate ensuite studio.
A gourmet island kitchen features premium appliances and a butler’s pantry and there are hardwood floors and ducted air-conditioning and heating throughout. The sumptuous master wing includes a dressing room and designer ensuite, and additional double bedrooms on the upper floor are fitted with custom wardrobes.
To arrange a private inspection, contact Belle Property Central Coast principal Cathy Baker on 0414 241 005, or email cathy.baker@belleproperty.com
To arrange a private inspection, contact Belle Property Central Coast principal Cathy Baker on 0414 241 005, email cathy.baker@belleproperty.com or Ashleigh Dodt on 0437 540 134, email ashleigh.dodt@belleproperty.com
Enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle year-round in this exceptionally spacious, architecturally designed penthouse apartment.
Set directly across from oceanfront reserves, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse apartment is a brilliant expression of the laid-back coastal lifestyle with an emphasis on subtle luxury and streamlined design principles. Beautifully finished throughout, the elegant interiors are sophisticated, yet relaxed – this is clearly a home that’s been created for entertaining and hosting weekend visitors.
Its open-plan layout, featuring soaring, double-height ceilings, flows effortlessly through sliding stacker doors to the all-weather terrazzo terrace, which is fitted with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Inside, the kitchen is finished in marble and has an integrated fridge and Bosch induction cooktop; there’s a gas fireplace and ducted climate control in the living/dining space. The deluxe master bedroom features a stylish contemporary ensuite bathroom and custom designed wardrobes.
The penthouse is one of only three luxe units in one of the most coveted pockets on the Central Coast. There are two parking spaces in the security garage and the apartment is less than a two-minute stroll to the sand, surf and local cafes.
Wine tasting at home has never been easier. Experience great Australian wine regions with Tourino. Our wine tasting packs include everything you need to discover new flavours and revisit old favourites. Indulge in the ultimate wine-tasting adventure from the comfort of your own home.
20% off orders use code COAST20 at checkout until 31 August 2023.
Find the perfect year-round escape for you, your family or a group of friends – by the beach, lakeside or hidden in the hinterland – with Belle Property Escapes.
Belle Property Escapes’ extensive collection of holiday homes includes stunning beachfront residences located in the best positions along the Central Coast, as well as peaceful bush and lakeside properties.
Our concierge team is ready to help you make the most of your time on the Coast and organise unforgettable experiences for you, from arranging an in-house chef or massage therapist to booking a table at the best restaurants in the region.
Call 02 4360 1717 or see belleescapes.com.au/central-coast
This is your opportunity to feel a million miles away in one of the Central Coast’s most peaceful locations. Perched high among the natural beauty of the bush and overlooking the ocean, The Bach at Grandview is all yours for a leisurely break. There’s ample space for family and friends, with three bedrooms – one with a king bed, one with a queen bed and a third with a single bed and trundle – along with two modern bathrooms, one with a rainfall shower.
A wooden staircase leads to the top level, which consists of an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area that features high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views from every corner of the room. This lovely coastal home also boasts a wood-burning fireplace, perfect for cooler months, and is equipped with complimentary WiFi, a smart TV and coffee machine along with all the modern conveniences you would expect.
After a day of exploring Bouddi National Park or visiting one of the area’s pristine beaches, come home and enjoy a barbecue and dine al fresco as you watch magnificent sunsets. The enviably positioned Bach at Grandview is just two minutes’ stroll from Killcare Beach, and only 10 minutes to Hardys Bay’s cafes, boutiques and restaurants.
Up to 6 guests. Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
This flawless rural retreat feels a million miles from care, yet it’s just a few minutes’ drive from Terrigal. Erina Valley Treehouse is the kind of place that feels luxe yet totally relaxed. You’ll love the way the fresh interiors open to the hardwood deck – it’s beautifully screened by lush bamboo and palms. The island kitchen features a suite of quality appliances and is well stocked for turning out spectacular meals, while the chic travertine bathroom includes a double vanity and heated towel rack.
Additional highlights include air con, ceiling fans and internal laundry. Just 10 minutes from the beach, it’s a short walk to the fragrant gardens of Distillery Botanica and Six Strings Brewery, while a five-minute drive to Erina Fair shops.
The two-bedroom property is perfect for two couples or a family, and seamlessly merges indoor-outdoor living. Even the gas fireplace works inside and out!
Up to 5 guests.
Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
Bathed in natural light and boasting sweeping ocean views, this contemporary home, aptly named ‘Oceano Escape’, exudes a sense of coastal luxury and has all the modern comforts needed for an idyllic Copacabana getaway.
There are three bedrooms – the master with king bed and ensuite bathroom, a further king-sized room and two single beds – and another luxurious bathroom with double vanity.
Spread over three levels, Oceano Escape has high ceilings, a fresh coastal-inspired colour palette and clearly been designed to maximise open plan living. Cook up a storm from your gourmet kitchen or enjoy a delicious barbecue from your entertaining deck as you take in the breathtaking views of Copacabana Beach. The property comes with complimentary WiFi, smart TV, coffee machine and outdoor shower – the perfect way to cool off after a day at the beach or exploring all that the area has to offer.
Up to 6 guests.
Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
Less than a five-minute stroll to Wagstaffe ferry wharf, this home is everything you could possibly want for a holiday. It delivers a relaxed coastal lifestyle and boasts fabulous water views. The versatile floorplan features bright, open living spaces and luxe finishes, and sliding stacker doors blur the distinction between indoors and out. There are plenty of outdoor entertaining options with a series of broad decks creating a tremendous sense of unity and flow.
La Belle’s dual living zones effortlessly accommodate up to eight guests. The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with custom walk-in robe, three have queen beds and the fourth is a studio/bedroom with king singles. Catering is a breeze in the sleek island kitchen, which is fitted with Caesarstone benchtops and quality appliances – or why not take advantage of dining at nearby Bells at Killcare, one of the Coast’s premier boutique hotel/restaurants?
Up to 8 guests.
Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
Enjoy a peaceful weekend in one of the quietest pockets on the Coast, Daleys Point, overlooking beautiful Brisbane Water. This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home captures the simplicity of life by the water while offering convenience and a splash of luxury. Set over three levels with three generous entertaining decks, the accommodation includes a master suite upstairs with king-size bed and ensuite, while the queen bedroom downstairs has water views and its own balcony. The lower deck is fitted with a hot tub spa and the upstairs balcony is furnished with a dining table and outdoor sofas. Packed with character, the house has a wood-burning fireplace and air conditioning for year-round living.
Daley’s Point is part of Bouddi National Park, renowned for its walking trails, mountain biking tracks, fishing spots and beautiful beaches. Two two-person kayaks and lifejackets are supplied at the house and there is parking for two cars.
Up to 8 guests.
Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
This architectural wonder at Forresters Beach sets the bar for contemporary coastal elegance. A grand underground entrance leads to dramatic cathedral ceilings, gleaming polished floors and cooling concrete walls that create a stunning, airy space where light floods in. The formal lounge commands views of Forresters Beach all the way to Terrigal. An ingenious multi-level design features plenty of zones to easily accommodate friends and family, from formal dining to cosy, carpeted living areas and an al fresco area overlooking the garden. A sleek galley kitchen makes it easy to cook for the whole tribe, while a fully equipped games room gets the party started – table tennis anyone? The master touch is the suite-like main bedroom. Once the door closes it becomes a lovely parents’ retreat. A secret stairway leads up to a private rooftop deck complete with a jacuzzi and sweeping ocean and district views.
Up to 8 guests.
Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
You can’t get much closer to the water than at this magnificent waterfront house in pretty Wagstaffe. You can swim off the jetty, moor your boat there or hire kayaks at nearby Hardys Bay to explore the Central Coast’s picturesque waterways.
The newly renovated house easily accommodates up to eight guests – there are four generous-sized bedrooms, three bathrooms and a spacious, lightfilled open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. The huge covered deck is perfect for a relaxing barbecue with views.
Nearby Bouddi National Park is renowned for its walking trails, mountain biking tracks, fishing spots and beautiful beaches. The Bouddi Coastal Walk runs from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach over eight kilometres, much of it on boardwalks – it’s a fairly easy hike and it can also be broken down into shorter sections. Head to Gerrin Point Lookout to spot migrating whales between May and November.
Up to 8 guests.
Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
Claiming spectacular views in two directions, this luxurious property is a five-star retreat set against a magnificent coastal backdrop. The open interiors were designed by Thomas Hamel and are the definition of understated elegance; at the heart of the home is a lofty atrium with antique hardwood floors that flow out to a covered waterfront deck with exquisite views.
Tommy’s has three beautifully styled bedrooms and bathrooms – two king-size bathrooms feature clawfoot baths – and lush gardens surrounding the house add to its boutique-hotel ambience. The elegant living room has a fireplace and long couches, perfect for snuggling up on cooler evenings.
Killcare Heights is a quiet village near Brisbane Water and one of the Central Coast’s prized hidden gems. Close to Hardys Bay, Killcare and Killcare Heights, it is nestled between Bouddi National Park and Box Head, delivering attractions on and off the beaten track.
Up to 6 guests.
Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
This striking, architecturally designed split-level home exudes a relaxing ambience and luxury, with uninterrupted views of the Brisbane Waters. A combined living and dining area flows effortlessly out to the entertaining deck overlooking the bay. There is a spacious kitchen that features updated quality appliances plus a gas barbecue outside that is perfect for cooking up your ‘catch of the day’. Stylishly decorated, the interior is kept cosy during the cooler months with an eco-friendly gas fireplace. Enjoy access to the local boat ramp or throw in a line from the shore with direct waterfront access. Just a short stroll to the local cafés, you can pick up a morning coffee or head to nearby Killcare Beach. The property includes WiFi and a smart TV, but you could also just unplug from the devices to reenergise and reconnect during your stay.
Up to 8 guests.
Contact Belle Property Escapes: 02 4360 1717
Paul Riley’s highly acclaimed Trademark Building company has some remarkable projects under its belt. One of the most recent is the multi-award-winning Legato House at Macmasters Beach.
WORDS SALLY MACMILLAN PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT
Having grown up in Avoca Beach, where he lives with his fiancée and their two children and where his company Trademark Building is based, Paul Riley has lifelong connections to the Central Coast. He has a deep knowledge of its history, geography, character and communities and is highly thought of among his peers and industry groups (although he would be too modest to mention this).
“We are a small but very focused team of five, ” he says. “I work handson on every project and clients deal directly with me. I love what I do and the day that building becomes solely a financial transaction is the day I give it up.”
Luckily for the clients, architects and designers Paul works with that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Legato House is a recent project that he is particularly proud of; originally designed by David Boyle Architect, the property was recently reimagined by the architect along with interior designers Arent&Pyke and James Headland’s Pangkarra Garden Design.
Paul and his amazing team of carpenters, along with his select subtrades, worked on the project for just over two years and in that time perfected every detail specified by the designers. HIA Hunter Housing Awards judges commented, “This renovation is a complete masterpiece with outstanding craftsmanship and nothing to fault.” As Paul says, it was a true collaboration between “fantastic clients” and a very passionate builder. And one that was achieved while dealing with restrictions imposed by covid and the shortage of materials. Paul says that only a handful of items on this project were off the shelf –everything else was either made on site or custom made. The attention to detail and finish is incredible. For example, terrazzo tiles and stone slabs were flown in from Italy, leather tiles for the kitchen island were sourced from New York, the hand cast brass doorknob was custom made and the garage is lined in custom birch ply and houses two wine fridges from France.
Legato House is coastal living at its best. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area that opens onto an oversized entertaining deck with ocean views. It is surrounded by a native garden and has a mineral pool with a striking pool pavilion and the flexible floor plan allows for separate accommodation downstairs with another generous living space opening to the garden.
The project has won five building awards – two Master Builder awards and three HIA awards – and has also been recognised and commended for the interiors, architecture and landscaping. For more information and to contact Paul, call 0405 316 606 or see trademarkbuilding.net.au
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Shrines of Gaiety delves deep into the seamy side of the glitzy Jazz Age nightclub scene in 1920s London. Award-winning author Kate Atkinson has based protagonist Nellie Coker on the reallife Kate ‘Ma’ Meyrick, who owned a string of famous nightclubs and was in and out of prison for licence violations. Nellie is pursued by DCI Frobisher, who is investigating missing girls who may be involved with the clubs’ dancers. Former librarian Gwendolen Kelling joins the detective to work undercover and the three main characters’ stories intersect with historic events in a brilliant, thought-provoking novel. Penguin, RRP $32.99
Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan combined forces to produce Mad Honey, a riveting suspense novel that combines a very contemporary love story, a murder trial and a lot of information about beekeeping. Two single mothers, Olivia and Ava, have both moved to a small New Hampshire town to escape their pasts and meet when their teenage children, Asher and Lily, fall in love. Everything appears to be going well until Olivia receives a phone call – her son is being questioned by the police about Lily’s sudden death. As the case unfolds, long-held secrets are revealed. Allen & Unwin, RRP $32.99
Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed Hamnet brought William Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway to vividly imagined life and now The Marriage Portrait does the same for Lucrezia, Duchess of Ferrara. At 15, Lucrezia is married off to Alfonso d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, who is keen to produce a son and heir, but a year later she dies childless. The novel paints a detailed portrait of a young woman who has grown up in the rarefied world of a 16th-century Medici palazzo and then finds herself isolated in her mysterious husband’s remote villa. A compelling, richly dramatic tale. Hachette, RRP $32.99
Multi-award-winning Irish author Sebastian Barry’s latest novel, Old God’s Time, tells the moving story of a man who is forced to come to terms with past loves, memories and mysteries. Retired policeman Tom Kettle is leading a quiet life at his home by the sea when two former colleagues turn up to ask questions about a decades-old case that still haunts him. His peace is further disturbed by a troubled young mother and family who move in next door. And what happened with Tom's wife and their two children? Nothing is quite what it seems. Allen & Unwin, RRP $32.99
Lead singer of rock band U2, artist and activist Bono’s remarkable autobiography, Surrender, is subtitled ‘40 Songs, One Story’, a nod to the book’s 40 chapters which are each named after a U2 song. Bono takes us from his early days growing up in Dublin to U2’s journey to becoming one of the world’s most influential rock bands, to his more than 20 years of activism dedicated to fighting AIDS and extreme poverty. Writing with honesty, self-reflection and humour, Bono opens the aperture on his life – and the family, friends and faith that have sustained, challenged and shaped him. Penguin, RRP $49.99
Fans of Fiona McIntosh’s enigmatic detective Jack Hawksworth, who stars in the bestsellers Bye Bye Baby, Beautiful Death and Mirror Man, will be thrilled by his latest outing in Dead Tide. While on sabbatical as guest lecturer in a London university, one of Jack’s female students dies under suspicious circumstances and he finds himself drawn into a chilling new case. His investigations lead him to Adelaide, where he identifies an international crime consortium that preys on childless couples and vulnerable women. A page-turning take on greed and corruption. Penguin Random House, $32.99
Ashes in the Snow was inspired by the experiences of author Oriana Ramunno’s great-uncle, who was detained in a German concentration camp during World War II. The harrowing story is set in Auschwitz, Poland in the winter of 1943, and is largely told by a young Jewish prisoner, Gioele Errera, and detective Hugo Fischer, who is sent to the camp to investigate the murder of an SS officer. While grappling with the confronting evidence of the Final Solution, Hugo is forced to decide what is most important to him – and who, if anyone, he should try to save. Harper Collins, RRP $32.99
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WITH THANKS TO THE ERINA FAIR COMMUNITY FOR HELPING US ACHIEVE THIS MILESTONE
