Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - May 10, 2023

THE REAL MUMS of MELBOURNE

LUCY FENTON ON THE JOY OF MOTHERHOOD

FOOD

PRE-THEATRE DINING DELIGHTS

REAL ESTATE ENTERTAINER’S HEAVEN

Each year in the lead-up to Mother’s Day, a flood of pink flowers and love hearts inundates the media. To many, it’s trite to lay it on so thick (and it often is). But I think it’s important to honour our mums without putting a shiny gloss on it, just by stating the truth – the sacrifices most mums make deserve recognition. Something I didn’t grasp until I had my own kids is that no mother (or parent) is perfect – purely because they’re human. This week we celebrate the joys and challenges of motherhood through all its stages. My love to all the mums and to those who may find Sunday difficult. ●

by HAILEY COULES

SKY HIGH \ South Yarra has been graced with another new – highly anticipated – hospo venue. Beverley is on the Goldfields House rooftop in Chapel Street, with views as far as the bay. ● beverlyrooftop.com.au

LOCAL LUXE \ Melbourne brand Jordan the Label is opening a pop-up store in South Yarra, May 26-28, where customers will get to experience the stunning high-end clothes in person. ● jordanthelabel.com

THE EDIT

Things we love about Melbourne

OUR COVER \ Courtney Ray, Caroline Wilson, Robyn Baillieu and daughters.

Photographed by Kristoffer Paulsen

MORE TO LOVE ONLINE

Go to domain.com.au/domain-review

General inquiries \ editorial@domain.com.au

Editor \ Jemimah Clegg

Editorial producer \ Hailey Coules

Group picture editor \ Kylie Thomson

Senior designer \ Colleen Chin Quan

Graphic designers \ Emma Drake, Nicole Gauci

National magazine editor \ Natalie Mortimer

Chief marketing officer \ Rebecca Darley

Chief executive officer Domain Group \ Jason Pellegrino

Real estate sales director \ Ray van Veenendaal \ 0438 279 870 ray.vanv@domain.com.au

Retail sales \ retailsales@sales.domain.com.au

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CREATURE COMFORTS \ Every year, Country Road creates the perfect gifts for the mums and mother figures of Melbourne. Think lush slippers, soft scarves and silk pillowcases. ● countryroad.com.au

PAGE TURNER \ The annual Melbourne Art Book Fair is on May 18-28. The NGV is hosting a free Stallholder Fair in the Great Hall to gather together publishers, art book makers and art galleries. ● artbookfair.melbourne

JAYDEN OSTWALD

JAKE RODEN

Compiled

In living colour

Words KIM WILSON

As the creator of the interiors treasure trove Fenton & Fenton, Lucy Fenton exudes energy, creativity and individuality – characteristics she also brings to her role as mother to Pepa, 9, and Woody, 7.

Her love of eclectic, interesting and colourful art and furnishings is making its mark on her children, who are already showing signs of following in their mum’s flamboyant footsteps.

“They are still pretty young, but they seem to be creative in their own unique ways,” Fenton says. “They are both really into their art and each seems to have their own quirky style.”

Running a successful homewares store is more than a full-time job, and she admits it has taken time to adjust to managing motherhood and her business.

“I absolutely loved the baby phase, but it was also a very challenging time as we were adjusting to life with two kids and working out how to balance work and home life and the division of labour between my husband and I,” she says.

“I guess it was like parenting teething problems, but after a few years, we got into more of a groove and seemed to work out who was responsible for what parts of the work/home life and things became easier.

“It’s definitely a juggle and I have realised it’s very difficult to be able to fit everything in all the time.

“There are phases when I have very little time for my friends or anything outside work and my family, so then I’ll prioritise a weekend away with friends or a holiday to balance things up.”

Lucy Fenton

Mum of two, founder of Fenton & Fenton and champion of the arts.

LIFESTYLE

The owner of homewares store Fenton & Fenton and other stylish mums on life and parenting.

Colourful, creative and compassionate, these dynamic Melbourne women share their insights into what mothering means to them. ●

Lucy Fenton with Pepa, 9, and Woody, 7.

Words of wisdom

“I

Lisa Keenan

Mum of two teens and executive director of Mecca M-Power, Mecca’s social change initiative aimed at promoting gender equality.

Gender equality advocate Lisa Keenan says motherhood has taught her invaluable life lessons.

“As much as it’s confusing and sometimes frustrating, the fact is that just when you think you’ve got the hang of this mothering thing, they change again and there’s another lesson and some new skill to learn,” she says.

“I’ve chosen to see that as a blessing.”

Keenan says her role in advocating for opportunities for girls has helped her to become a better mother.

“My work has absolutely helped me to be a better mum because it’s helped me to be a better version of myself,” she says.

“I don’t see work as something separate, I see it as part of how I live my life and spend my time –and because I’ve always gotten a lot of joy out of it, I think it has made me more bearable to live with.”

She has learned valuable lessons she is passing on to her children from the programs championed by M-Power.

“First, that inequality is everyone’s business and everyone’s responsibility,” Keenan says.

“Second, that many of the gender norms we live by don’t serve us or others, so just be you and let others do the same.

Ginger & Carman

“And three, there are a lot of people out there literally changing the world, so be a champion for them, and don’t take yourself too seriously.”

While her day job is fiercely focused, Keenan loves to inject vibrancy into all aspects of her life. It’s a quality she hopes will be infused into her children as well.

“I only have one way of operating and expressing myself and that shows up at home, at work, and everywhere in between,” she says.

“[It’s ] often perhaps inappropriate or a bit bizarre to see me rocking around in a ball gown or massive heels, and certainly frustrating for my husband to find the furniture has moved around again, but creative expression in any form is at my very core.”

TikTok stars and fashion influencers.

This dynamic duo, who became friends through their kids, are all about embracing fashion, fun and ageing.

Both have two adult children.

Ginger and Carman have come through to the other side of parenting to enjoy enriching and entertaining adult relationships with their children.

They both admit to trying to conform to certain boundaries when their children were young, but soon realised there was more to be gained from allowing them more freedom and responsibility.

“I realised very early on that openness and adjustments to any

preconceived ideas were necessary if you wanted to raise loving, balanced, confident human beings,” Carman says.

Ginger adds: “When they became teenagers and the required ‘right of passage’ kicked in, it was my cue to give them more responsibility.”

The vibrant duo have a firm following on social media through their love of vintage fashion and embracing the ageing process.

“They are at an age now where they embrace everything I do in either the G&C world or in my own creative pursuits,” Carmen says.

“It’s such a wonderful place to have arrived at with your kids.” ●

know everyone says it, but try to enjoy the journey. My kids are still young, but I feel like the past 10 years have just flown by and can’t believe Pepa is almost 10. Now I miss having younger kids.”

LUCY FENTON

“Everyone sets out to do the best they can. Don’t judge yourself or others.”

LISA KEENAN

“Love, resilience and independence are wonderful attributes to foster in your children. Respect goes both ways, it’s not something given but earned. Every phase is a joy, and it’s still the most important and fulfilling job.”

GINGER & CARMAN

Ginger & Carmen.

There’s nothing like advice from your mum or a motherfigure. But, as those who have become parents know, mothering comes with its fair share of challenges, and you can’t have all the answers. Here are some lessons learned by three local families

Daily Blooms founder Courtney Ray, mother of Jasper, 6 & Charlotte, 8.

Courtney says: Mother’s Day is a bit different for me – it’s our busiest day of the year. I get to work at 3am and wrap flowers and prepare bouquets all day. My family would come into the warehouse and sit around and have a Mother’s Day at work.

The kids will pop in at some point this year. I had kids shortly after starting the business and as babies they came to work with me in their first year of life.

They like to make their own bouquets and help the florists pick flowers, too, when they pop in.

I don’t think I would’ve been able to incorporate them into my work life if I had a full-time job elsewhere.

I am super close to my mum, Helen. She always worked full time and gave me the blueprint that you can have it all – just not all at once!

Mum and Dad worked as air crew on shift work most of our lives, so we didn’t get to spend Christmas or Mother’s Day together.

We would celebrate it another day, which was fine.

I didn’t tell Mum I was swapping careers from finance to flowers to start Daily Blooms. I was worried what she would think. When I did come clean and told her it wasn’t a hobby, it was a proper business, she was super supportive.

She’s a big advocate for rolling up one’s sleeves and getting stuck into things, and helps me choose flowers and gives me ideas for gifts I should be stocking.

Mum’s the word

COVER STORY

Words JANE ROCCA ● Photo KRISTOFFER PAULSEN

Melbourne mums and their daughters share the secrets to their unbreakable bonds.

Sports journalist Caroline Wilson & daughter

Clementine Donohoe

Caroline says: It was the summer of 1996, and I remember suddenly being gripped by an overwhelming desire to have another child. I always wanted another baby. Clem was born in 1996. She’s my youngest of three and wasn’t a natural delivery. We found an irregular heartbeat and she arrived by emergency caesarean. I remember a feeling of completion when she came along. I had more time off with Clem than with the other two children, Rose, 32 and Ned 30.

Clem was significantly younger than the first two children, and kept me and husband Brendan on our toes.

When my granddaughter, Sunday, was born two years ago in Amsterdam, it was a traumatic time. We found out there were some problems with [older daughter Rose’s] pregnancy and there would be problems afterwards. I flew overseas at a day or two’s notice. Clem was away on a holiday at the time, and we didn’t want to ruin it.

I was glad I let her have that time. When she did come home, she proved to be incredible in a crisis. She has been a great comfort to me.”

Clementine says: When going through a crisis, Mum would always say, “Sleep on it and run a bath.” I am a bit of a hot-head, but she always taught me to take time out to find the right answer and not do anything I’d regret. I feel that has rubbed off on me as an adult.

Mum has always been a warm supportive loving mother, but she also has an air of, “OK, it’s time to get on with it – life will go on and let’s do it.”

She is a duality of softness and is also the strong ox of the family –a workhorse who makes sure everything is ticking.

For Mother’s Day we would often take part in the fun run – but walk it as a group and meet up for lunch or brunch at home or at a restaurant.

Robyn Baillieu with daughters, Eleanor & Martha Baillieu

Thermomix consultant Robyn says: Motherhood doesn’t come with a textbook; it’s your own journey. You learn as you go and, for me, it was about not sweating the small stuff.

As I got older, I realised that things have a way of evening out in life. You have to have perspective and know that life goes on. I always tried to be the glass-half-full person with my three children.

I looked to the bright side if things weren’t going well with the kids at school, with friends or otherwise.

I always tried to make a positive out of a negative. That’s a good habit to adopt because if you’re gloomy, life has no colour.

To now be a first-time grandparent to Martha’s son Arthur is amazing and more than I expected. The overwhelming love you feel for a grandchild is incredible. It is such a privilege to have a newborn baby in the family now.

Ted and I are over the moon.

Martha says: I certainly feel a lot more appreciative of my mum now that I am one. Navigating sleepless nights, with the challenges of breastfeeding and not being always sure why a baby cries, puts in perspective what Mum went through for me, my brother and sister.

She has always said less is more in life, and I have tried to apply that to a lot of things in mine – including fashion. She is quite positive and I can tend to be a little negative, but I try to remind myself of what Mum would do or say. We always manage to find things to laugh about when we are together.

We usually always have lunch at Mum and Dad’s or sometimes we have gone out for Mother’s Day in the past. At home, my sister and I have often cooked; although Mum might beg to differ! We have definitely served her pancakes in bed.” ●

“I always tried to be the glass-half-full person with my three children.” ROBYN BAILLIEU

Left to right: Courtney Ray with children Charlotte and Jasper; Caroline Wilson with daughter Clementine; Robyn Baillieu with daughters, Eleanor and Martha, and grandson Arthur.

Curtain-raisers

Five top foodie spots to visit before hitting the theatre.

The next time you head into Melbourne’s CBD for a live show, why not book an express pre-theatre menu at those restaurants delivering the best off-stage action on a plate. It’s a chance to speedily make your way through a top-notch feast that’ll have you in and out of a restaurant in less than two hours, and settled in your seat before curtain time. ●

LA MADONNA \ Next Hotel

What’s not to love about a hatted restaurant delivering all the wow on a plate before you go stage-side?

Book a table between 5pm and 6.30pm and choose from three main dishes designed by La Madonna’s

the latest office trends

head chefs, Adrian Li and Danny Natoli, who craft the season’s best for you to enjoy. Think prosciutto and melon, salt-and-vinegar zucchini fritto and grilled quail arrosticini (skewers) with rosemary, ’nduja and pickled pineapple.

LA MADONNA

You can add prosecco, wine or beer to the mix. $49pp

● nexthotelmelbourne.com

BOTSWANA BUTCHERY \ Flinders Lane

A curated two-course pre-theatre menu with petit-fours-style desserts is on offer at Botswana Butchery. Entree choices include smoked buffalo curds, hiramasa kingfish and eggplant caviar or

Words JANE ROCCA

duck liver pate. For mains, grilled king salmon, chickpea socca and salt-baked beetroots with stracciatella pesto or Wanderer sirloin with Cafe de Paris butter and fries are on the menu. Available for bookings between 5pm and 6.30pm – wine served on arrival. $95pp ● melbourne.botswanabutchery. com.au

THE CRAFTY SQUIRE \ Russell Street

The Crafty Squire offers a twocourse pub meal ahead of your show. You’ll receive a drink on arrival – a glass of house wine, sparkling, beer or soft drink plus a brewers plate to share. Think cold cuts, cheese, olives, pickles and flat bread. Select any main except steak from the large-plate menu. Bookings 5pm-7pm daily. $50pp ● thecraftysquire.com.au

DOLLY \ Le Meridien Hotel

The new in-house restaurant at the luxurious hotel Le Meridien on Bourke Street (the former Metro Nightclub venue) channels a Hollywood era atmosphere that pays homage to its storied past with a dazzling line-up of prix fixe dishes for theatre goers. Executive chef Christian Graebner has charged the menu with some fabulous dining choices. There’s Humpty Doo barramundi, beef wellington –dubbed The Director’s Cut – or ricotta thyme savarin to choose from with sides to share, including  chestnut potato mousseline and bitter lettuce leaves. $60pp

● dollymelbourne.com

TAXI DINING ROOM \

Federation Square

Taxi Dining Room’s showbiz menu designed by executive chef Tony

Twitchett comes with all the hearty requirements to get you through a three-hour show plus interval. The mains hit the spot here – think Szechuan spiced duck, watercress, chilli dressing, Humpty Doo barramundi, cuttlefish, confit black bean vierge (sauce) and golden silken tofu with oroshi (grated) daikon and soy dashi. There are also entrees and sweet treats. $75pp

● transporthotel.com.au/ taxi-kitchen

Erskine Sofa & Coffee Table designed by Justin Hutchinson for Kett

TAXI

BOTSWANA BUTCHERY

MICHAEL PHAM

FEATURE HOUSE

BRIGHTON EAST \ 8 TRINITY COURT

This Brighton East home is sleek and glamorous with clean lines contrasted against mature trees and an elegantly simple garden.

It was built just three years ago and has a striking, layered facade with a water feature and Buller stone pillars.

It’s a home in which to entertain friends and family – and show off a little. The house has been designed to make parties and get-togethers effortless, with bright, spacious indoor areas and a large deck.

The living and dining area runs from the front verandah to the rear, where a wall of glass opens to the pavilion-style deck. Here, a wine fridge, gas heater, ceiling fan and a woodburning fireplace bring comfort to the outdoors.

In the living and dining area, black-rimmed clerestory windows border the room at ceiling height (3.9 metres), adding light and definition. There are engineered-oak floors, a wide gas-log fire with a feature chimney, and an extended hearth.

The family room, also opening to the deck, has a built-in desk, timber cabinets along one wall and a lavish home theatre system.

The kitchen is a sophisticated black and timber affair with a dramatic ceiling of timber slats. Feature pendant lights hang over a waterfall island of white stone and blackbutt, and a window splashback shows off a section of garden. There are two concealed ovens, a walk-in pantry nook and excellent storage.

Bedrooms are ranged down the south-west side of the house. The main suite looks out to the front garden and has a deep walk-in wardrobe and a stylish en suite. The three children’s bedrooms share the family bathroom.

The house, on around 620 square metres, has aggregate and bluestone paths, hydronic heating, cooling, indoor and outdoor audio, CCTV and an alarm system, double-glazing, automated irrigation and a workshop.

The property is in a cul-de-sac and close to the Elster Creek Trail and transport. It is zoned for Gardenvale Primary School and Brighton Secondary College. ●

BEVERLEY JOHANSON property@domain.com.au

Agent: Jellis Craig, Nick Renna 0411 551 190

Price: $2.4 million-$2.55 million

Auction: Noon, May 20

FINAL WORD

“THIS EXPERTLY CRAFTED RESIDENCE PRESENTS AN EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILY LIVING.” NICK RENNA – AGENT

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Brighton East

CHELTENHAM \ 22 GILFORD GROVE

This beautifully renovated house in soughtafter Pennydale Estate is ideal for an active family and entertaining. There is a formal living room at the front of the home and the rear wing has a cathedral ceiling over the white kitchen and the dining area. A wall of glass opens to one deck and another deck flanks the sparkling pool. The main bedroom has a bay window. Upstairs, an office and a den, with separate staircases, provide quiet hideaways. The house has ducted heating and air-

conditioning and is close to the area’s championship golf courses, Charman Road shops and cafes and transport. The address is zoned for Cheltenham Primary School and Cheltenham Secondary College ● BEVERLEY JOHANSON

BRIGHTON \ 15A CHELSEA STREET

BRIGHTON \ 2 BIRDWOOD AVENUE

4 3 3

The beachy location is golden mile, and there’s yet more metallic allure going on here … from the wrought-iron entrance gate to the kitchen’s arabesque light fittings to dramatic drapes gracing the formal lounge. Spacious, classically styled and embracing indoor-outdoor flow, this showpiece home provides for luxurious, large-family living. On the ground level, the lounge, the theatre room and the kitchendining-family area adjoin decks or terraces, and the study displays timber detailing.

Agent: Buxton, Shantelle Francis 0422 862 821

Price: $1.5 million-$1.6 million

Auction: 12.30pm, May 20

Behind an Edwardian facade addressing the street with era-appropriate pomp, this charismatic, semi-detached abode offers three bedrooms, a bathroom, a lounge room and an eat-in kitchen. The bedroom at the front of the house has a leadlight bay window to the garden and a marblemanteled fireplace. A second fireplace suggests the lounge is the spot for winter huddles. Past the second and third bedrooms (both with built-in wardrobes), the kitchen presents a historic surprise,

with the original cast-iron oven in place and functional. The rear porch looks over the north-facing backyard and car space. Location-wise, things are undeniably peachy, with Church Street shops and Middle Brighton station a short walk away and the bountiful benefits of the beach within a few metres. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Buxton, Tamara Penno 0409 532 606

Price: $1.8 million-$1.98 million

Auction: 11.30am, May 20

Ascend the sweeping staircase for a retreat opening to a balcony, three minor bedrooms (one with an en suite), spa bathroom and a majestic main bedroom suite with a walk-in wardrobe, spa en suite and a private terrace. Marble and Caesarstone surfaces, parquetry floors and video security marry well with the inherent prestige. ● KAY

KEIGHERY

Agent: Kay & Burton, Will Maxted 0451 105 900

Price: $4.5 million-$4.95 million

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, May 23

ALBERT PARK \ 3 FINLAY STREET

The reinvention of this Victorian cottage guarantees it is not your average fare. While the facade is period in milky-white, the interior is modern, worldly and big on boutique touches. The bedroom on the ground level has built-in wardrobes. Occupying the first floor, the main bedroom woos with a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite, not to mention a peaked ceiling and romantic window seat. Back on the ground and completing this level, but for a bathroom and laundry, two living

spaces (living and kitchen-dining) overlook, flow around and open to a Zen central garden. Italian marble adorns the kitchen. Serene in olive green, the living area sports a Nectre wood burner. Walk to trams, village shops and the beach. ●

KAY KEIGHERY

Agent: Marshall White, Ben Manolitsas 0400 201 626

Price: $2 million-$2.2 million

Auction: 10.30am, May 20

ST KILDA WEST 203 Canterbury Road 5 a

LANDMARK PERIOD HOME WITH CHARM, SIZE AND POSITION

Elegant classic beauty and traditional style resonate throughout this exceptional residence that showcases all the period details of its era. Set on expansive land with rear laneway access, the early 1900s property makes an enticing prospect and is presented with well-preserved interiors enhanced by generous proportions and smart modern upgrades.

belleproperty.com/222P418955

ST KILDA 8/40 Charnwood Road

1a 1b 1v

ST KILDA G02/76 Barkly Street

1a 1b 1v

This exceptionally spacious apartment is nestled in a grand mansion-style block on prestigious St Kilda Hill. The floor plan features an enormous living room with soaring ceilings and a charming fireplace. The refurbished kitchen includes a meals area and comfortable bench seating.

Costa Karabatsos 0404 046 631

Will Johnson 0449 131 648

Shar Claridge 0402 170 732

BREATHTAKING GRANDEUR ON ST KILDA HILL www.belleproperty.com/st-kilda

AUCTION

Saturday May 27 at 10:30am

VIEW See website for details

STYLISH, SERENE AND STEPS TO EVERYTHING!

Embrace the serene sense of sanctuary this modern 1-bedder offers while enjoying all the perks of its dynamic bayside location, just a short stroll from transport, Acland & Fitzroy Streets and the beach. Relax in the dedicated living and dining areas, both with sliding doors to a covered patio.

Costa Karabatsos 0404 046 631

Shar Claridge 0402 170 732

Will Johnson 0449 131 648

www.belleproperty.com/st-kilda

AUCTION

Saturday May 27 at 12:30pm

VIEW See website for details

New benchmark

KG Architecture family design in the golden triangle

Proving the value of a collaborative approach, this unparalleled 5 bed and home-office, 4.5 bath home brings together the talents of KG Architecture, Double Complete Design and boutique suppliers under the patronage of a design-literate client.

Set in approx 791sqm north-rear grounds from Le Page Design and Starving Artist Landscaping, this 3-suite design (with 6 Star masterdomain) features a home-office and formal lounge with individual water-feature views, family and al fresco zones wrapping a glasstiled gas heated pool, and lofty 1st-floor living, plus a children’s retreat. This is a new Golden Triangle benchmark; 12 doors to the Red Bluff clifftops.

Lambros Bollas 0413 861 979

52 Black Street Brighton

Offering peace and beauty in the heart of Brighton, FiftyTwo Black is a collaboration of worldrenowned designers including Nicholas Day and Jack Merlo, with New York’s Gregory Tuck and Meg Sharpe. With graciously house-like proportions, this unique collaboration has been designed with a private and elevated lifestyle in mind. RH branded furnished residences, the first in Australia. Only one available, enquire now.

CONTACT

Alex Bragilevsky 0478 401 247 | Kelgend Winters 0439 434 449

www.fiftytwoblack.com.au

P o r t M e l b o u r n e 4 2/4 Seisman Place

A Park Viewing Wonder with Twice the Fun

A B C

Capturing a magnificent outlook over the lush expanses of Lagoon Reserve and beyond, this beautifully spacious 2 bedroom + study, 2 bathroom 4th floor security apartment is the complete package you’ve been waiting for Opening onto a pair of fabulous balconies that take in the afternoon sunshine and stretch the eye to the glistening lights of the city towers, this oversized sensation reveals a wonderful open plan living and dining area and a timber floored contemporary kitchen (Bosch appliances). In this Becton built complex with resort style luxuries at hand including 2 swimming pools and a gymnasium, this exceptional apartment features ducted heating/cooling and lift access to 2 storage cages and 2 secure basement parks in tandem. Famous lifestyle location.

• Sweeping parkland views

• 2 sunny alfresco balconies

• Use of 2 outdoor pools and gymnasium

• Lift access to 2 secure car spaces

• Private access onto Lagoon Reserve

Auction: Saturday 20th May 12.00pm

Guide: $1,100,000 - $1,200,000

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