Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - September 06, 2023

The Art of Living With Charles & Leah Justin

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This publication is published by Domain Holdings Australia Limited and Broadsheet Media Pty. Ltd. and is printed by IVE, 25-33 Fourth Avenue, Sunshine VIC 3020

Broadsheet is Australia’s leading independent publisher. Online and in print, we aim to keep you in the loop with the best Melbourne has to offer and enrich your life in the city. We won’t waste your time with anything you don’t need to know about – just the essentials in home & lifestyle, art & design, fashion & style, food & drink, entertainment and travel. Broadsheet also has a presence in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

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National editor: Michael Harry  Melbourne food & drink editor: Audrey Payne  Studio and strategy director: Roya Lines  Group campaign manager: Emily Barlow

Broadsheet Editor: Jo Walker Assistant editor: Gitika Garg Design: The Company You Keep, Sam Aldridge, Ben Siero Sub editors: Jasmine Crittenden, Barnaby Smith, Annie Toller Writers: Rosie Herdman, Chris Harrigan, Ruby Harris Photographers: Jamie Alexander, Pete Dillon, Ed Gorwell, Arianna Leggiero, Kaede James Takamoto, Amy Hemmings, Kate Pascoe, Hilary Walker

Cover credits: Charles and Leah Justin shot by Hilary Walker

Broadsheet Media acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to lands, waters and communities. We pay respect to Elders past and present and honour more than 60,000 years of storytelling, art and culture.

From Broadsheet editor, Jo Walker

This week’s cover story features Charles and Leah Justin – proprietors (and occupants) of the Justin Art House Museum (JAHM) in Prahran. Their home is a gallery/house hybrid, filled with abstract art, mid-century furniture and a small library’s worth of books collected over 52 years of marriage.

When we use the phrase “that house is like a museum”, it’s not normally a compliment. We think of someplace austere and unchanging, where you might be shushed if you’re not on best behaviour.

But the Justins’ home is not like that at all. It’s full of life and warmth and colour, with art lovers visiting for events and exhibitions, and big family gatherings occasionally spilling out into gallery spaces from the dedicated living area up top.

Being a prominent architect (now retired), Charles of course was very involved in the build – collaborating on designs laid down by daughter Elisa, director at Justin Architecture. He and Leah are justifiably proud of their unconventional house, but they’re prouder still of the life they’ve built together.

“I really downplay the physicality of the home,” Charles told us. “For me, the home is the life that you put into it.”

It’s a good motto. As much as we love sharing beautiful spaces (and there are plenty more to come in future issues), they’re not just for looking at, they’re for living in. And it’s the life you live in them that counts.

Melbourne: Level 4, 600 Church Street, Cremorne 3121, VIC Instagram: @domain.com.au Facebook.com/domain.com.au/

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“Besides cooking, I don’t really know much. I always think about food.”

Back

Chat with

Mo Zhou

Back Chat with Mo Zhou

Home Visit: Charles & Leah Justin

Neighbourhoods: St Kilda

Benjamin Baldwin

Property Listings

Park Pantry

119 Park Street, South Yarra

Park Pantry (formerly Le Derriere by Entrecote) has been quietly serving as a takeaway coffee, sandwich and pastry shop for a few months now. After a light refurb, the 16-seat venue – led by sommelier Jeremy Vogrin – is now operating as a wine bar, too.

During the day there are sandwiches, including a croque monsieur with mortadella, pork and apple; sausage rolls; boeuf bourguignon pies; and a salad niçoise. By 4pm on weekdays and 12pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the petite Euro-style spot becomes a wine bar, plating dishes like corn polenta with foraged mushrooms, tiger prawns with a saffron risotto, and confit duck.

Given Vogrin’s sommelier credentials, it’s no surprise that there’s a “very smart”, tight list on offer. Expect German rieslings and rosé from Provence, alongside pinot noir from GevreyChambertin, chardonnays from Montagny and more chardonnays from one of Vogrin’s favourite local producers, Giant Steps. — AP

THREE OF A KIND

Local Small-Batch Chilli Oils

Leave it to crispy chilli oil to spice up any meal, literally. (We recommend fried rice, soups, egg dishes and cheese toasties especially.) Gyoza joint Chotto Motto sold so many jars of its crispy mix during lockdown, it helped keep the whole business going. Bomb Ass Chilli Oil (or “BACO”) is an all-rounder with versatile flavour. And chilli lovers can get Ronin on subscription. — GG

Chotto Motto Crispy Chilli Oil chottomotto.com.au

Bomb Ass Chilli Oil hdfoods.com.au

Ronin Chilli roninchilli.com

Photo: Kate Pascoe

READ ME IN THE DIARY ADD TO CART

Maison Balzac Cello apron

Dressing tables, lighting candles and setting the mood are dinner party essentials. Cult Sydney homewares label Maison Balzac can always be trusted to provide the goods with its playful offering of candle holders, glasses, plates, textiles and other joy-filling wares. New to the party is this elegant cello-inspired apron in 100 per cent organic flax linen, complete with delicately embroidered details. Nodding to Jean Cocteau’s designs for the Ballet Russes in early 20th-century Paris, it’s the brand’s first wearable piece and the perfect hosting accessory. — GG

$79 / maisonbalzac.com

Fish Butchery

With several Sydney restaurants under his belt – plus a James Beard Award (aka the Oscars of food) for his debut book The Whole Fish Cookbook – chef Josh Niland is truly paving the way with his “fin-to-scale” mission: dedicated to cooking as much of the fish as possible. This new cookbook is presented in three separate sections (Catch, Cut and Craft) and is ideal for lovers of seafood – whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef. — RH

$49 / hardiegrant.com

Sisterworks Spectacular Cultural Festival

Over the past decade, not-for-profit outfit Sisterworks has helped economically empower more than 2000 migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker women from 105 countries. To mark its 10-year anniversary, the organisation is bringing a vibrant day of culture, stories, art, music, dance and food to the Abbotsford Convent. Browse more than 40 stalls run by women (“the Sisters”), with all sorts of locally made wares and food on offer. Plus, there’ll be traditional dance performances and plenty of activities. — GG

9am–4pm Sep 9 / Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford / @sisterworks_inc

HOME MAKER

Joyrolla

Marissa Mills is used to people puzzling over what to call the Joyrolla – at one point, the new Aussie label’s co-founder took to describing it as “a grocery granny cart trolley thing”. Inspired by the classic nonna version, the new design comes in three parts (frame, wheels, bag) that can be repaired and upgraded over time. The washable and water-resistant bag – made from recycled components and available in ochre, black and lilac – has plenty of pockets for phone, wallet, tablet and keys. Plus space enough for a hefty market shop. — JW

joyrolla.com

SNACK BAR STREET STYLE

Thelatestin Melbourne foodnews

by Audrey Payne Swanston Street, CBD

Ca Com, chef Thi Le’s banh mi bar, is now open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 30 pm. Le, also the chef at Laotian restaurant Jeow, which is next door, is serving a small snacky menu, including housemade Vietnamese charcuterie and rotating grilled items. 336 Bridge Road, Richmond / @cacom.banhmi.bar

Abbotsford Convent will see new spot Julie open this month in the former Lentil as Anything space. The laid-back, 80-seat restaurant will occupy a heritage room and be run by the team behind the convent’s cafe and wine bar, Cam’s Kiosk. 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford / julierestaurant.com.au

Ondo, a Korean restaurant in Armadale, has opened a CBD outpost on Little Lonsdale Street. The team is serving speciality drinks, like black sesame lattes and sujeonggwa, a Korean cinnamon punch, as well as savoury breakfast sets and pastries. 115 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne / @ondo_melb

The duo behind The Orrong Hotel in Armadale has reopened Yarra Valley pub Healesville Hotel, founded in 1912. The historic charm remains, but the pub has had a retro refresh with a 1970s colour palette. There’s a bistro, public bar and lush 200-seat courtyard with a kids’ playground outside. 256 Maroondah Highway, Healesville / healesvillehotel.com

Cannoleria has partnered with Ministry of Chocolate to make bars garnished with broken cannoli shells. The tasty fragments add crunch to pistachio with white chocolate, orange with dark chocolate and hazelnut with milk chocolate flavours. Available at all Cannoleria outlets, including the flagship store at South Melbourne Market. 322-326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne / cannoleriabythatsamore.com.au

Read the full story for each dot point: broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/series/snack-bar

Name: Louis Harrison Age: 18 Occupation: Freelance photographer and writer What are you wearing today? I found these pants at an op shop for $6 – they’re my best purchase. I wear them every day; they’re my lucky pants. My necklace is a globe that I got for my 18th birthday from my mum, and it came with an inscription in the box saying “Be the change you want to see in the world”. My shirt is from Dangerfield and the shoes are Doc Martens – they are just so comfy. How would you describe your style? I really like monochrome colours like black, white and grey. I have pretty much this same outfit paired with a skirt as well, but I tend to prefer dressing a bit more masc.

THE EVOLVING CBD

Not so long ago, Melbourne’s CBD was essentially just that – a business-centred zone. Now it’s difficult to imagine a more exciting or well-serviced place to call home. Every conceivable cuisine is on offer down walkable streets and laneways, plus world-renowned coffee and boutique shopping.

MEDIAN PRICES CBD 2 bed unit, $399k 3 bed unit, $518k 4 bed unit, $1.075m

Source: Data based on sales within the last 12 months

Photo: Amy Hemmings

Photo: Kaede James Takamoto

Photo: Nick Wilkins

Photo: Pete Dillon

BACK CHAT Mo Zhou

Words by Audrey Payne

Photo by Arianna Leggiero

Mo Zhou is consumed by food. “Besides cooking, I don’t really know much,” Zhou tells Broadsheet over coffee at Gaea, the 16-seat Gertrude Street restaurant he opened in 2019. “I always think about food.”

Gaea’s 10-course tasting menu changes monthly. But in Zhou’s perfect world he’d update it far more frequently. He says he gets bored easily, has too many ideas, and enjoys challenging himself (and diners) too much to be satisfied cooking the same dish for any extended period.

Zhou’s food is loosely Japanese, and more generally Asian-inspired. Diners are presented with a menu at the end of the meal, with only the key flavours and ingredients listed. “My cooking is, in a way, quite subtle,” Zhou says. “I don’t use much spice. I used fermented juice, flavoured oils and flavoured salt to season dishes.” The results are ambitious, intellectual and never boring.

Then there are the ceramics. Everything down to the butter knives is custom-made and Zhou has a say in each design. “I’m very addicted to handicraft, and I appreciate everything made by hand and locally,” he says. The pieces mostly come from Melbourne’s Merrimu Studio, Sydney ceramicist Daniel J Mulligan, Tasmania’s Ridgeline Pottery and a friend of Zhou’s in Europe. Dishes are dramatically presented with an abundance of flowers, leaves, hay, wheat and even chestnut shells to remind diners of the land they come from.

It’s hard to believe Zhou had never cooked (professionally or at home) until he started studying at the William Angliss Institute 16 years ago. Originally from Zhengzhou in Henan, China, he moved to Melbourne with his family as a teenager. After high school, he embarked on a business degree. “I didn’t really know what I could do,” he says. “My score wasn’t high enough to be a doctor or do law, so it was business.”

He never finished the course. One year

before he was due to graduate, Zhou spent six months travelling through England, Scotland, France, Germany and Italy, and had the kind of revelatory experience gap years are meant to offer, but seldom do.

“As a new immigrant, I didn’t actually know much about this city [Melbourne]. We still ate mostly Chinese at home … Going to Europe really opened my mind, and when I came back, I just never went back to uni. I thought, ‘Maybe I can try cooking.’”

After finishing the cookery course at William Angliss – where the discovery of Peter Gilmore’s Quay: Food Inspired by Nature in the school library opened his eyes to the world of Australian fine dining – Zhou staged and then took a job at Ripponlea fine diner Attica and followed it up with stints at Vue de Monde and Press Club. He did several pop-ups around Melbourne, Sydney, Seoul, and China and spent three months in 2018 staging at celebrated Copenhagen restaurants Amass and Kadeau, where he focused less on refining his kitchen skills than unpacking the restaurants’ food philosophy. By 2019 he was ready to open his own spot, and Gaea started service.

But the chef refuses to rest. Six weeks ago he – along with Kantaro Okada of Leonie Upstairs and Hareruya Pantry and Alicia Feng of Calere – opened Chiaki, a Collingwood restaurant in the former Congress space specialising in ochazuke (rice bowls steeped in green tea). While it’s early days, Zhou says they’re “much busier than expected”.

Zhou’s work ethic, obsession with food and raw culinary talent makes him one of Melbourne’s most exciting chefs. While his food may look and feel like artwork, he doesn’t consider himself an artist. “At the end of the day, a chef is a cook and I cook. I don’t pretend I know everything, I just need to be me and be the best. That’s always been Gaea. We’re not chasing perfection, we’re chasing a great experience.”

Home Exercise Gear Chic Enough To Leave on Display

By Jo Walker

BALA ON-THE-GO KIT – $168 Known for its hit weighted bangles, Bala turns out a range of shapely and colourful ergonomic exercise gear that can pass for installation art between reps. Weighted bars, rings and beams in cheerful hues sub in for the more familiar forms of dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells. shopbala.com.au

ESFERA WELLNESS BALL – $179 Exercise balls are great, but we haven’t always loved their off-duty looks. Sydney label Esfera’s decor-friendly wellness ball is designed to stay out on display rather than hide away. Use as fun seating for guests, or practise active sitting at your home-office desk in between sweat sessions. esferadesigns.com.au

SEEK SOLITUDE YOGA BOLSTER – $139 Made from pure cotton with a buckwheat-hull filling, these yoga bolsters from Mornington Peninsula label Seek Solitude do the job when you’re getting yin on the mat. They’re also a comfortable and stylish addition to your sofa, bringing a pared-back coastal aesthetic when it’s time to lounge post-savasana. seeksolitude.com.au

FRANK GREEN XL CERAMIC REUSABLE BOTTLE – $89.95 Need bulk hydration with style? This two-litre ceramic bottle from Melbourne label Frank Green comes in many peppy hues, and its hefty thermal mass keeps water chilled for days. BPA-free and recyclable at end of life, it also looks pretty good on a coffee table. frankgreen.com.au

MAAT THE SUEDE TIGER MAT – $129 Animal prints are a neutral, but The Suede in Tiger print from Aussie label Maat is just as much glam rock as it is balanced meditation. At 3 5-millimetres thick, it features a sustainably sourced natural tree-rubber base and recycled PET suede-feel top, promising an extra luxe workout feel. maat.world

CELSIUS YBELL – $79.99 TO $129.99 Invented by an Aussie personal trainer, the YBell incorporates four handles and can be used as a dumbbell, kettlebell, medicine ball or push-up stand depending on how it’s gripped. With neoprene coating in a range of bold colours (plus classic black), its sleek form easily doubles as minimalist ornament or doorstop. rebelsport.com.au

HOME OF THE WEEK Room for parties and solitude

Words by Anders Furze

Here’s the thing they don’t tell you about open-plan living: sometimes it can get a bit much. It’s all very well to seamlessly blend kitchen, dining and living into one freeflowing, light and airy space. But, as parents know, a bit of peace, quiet and privacy every now and then doesn’t exactly go astray. Happily, the architects behind this thoughtfully designed California bungalow get it. This property has that easy-living vibe, the contemporary blend of kitchen, dining and living zones that all seamlessly connect to the outdoors.

But thanks to a rear studio and upstairs retreat, there are also opportunities to nab some peace and quiet. It’s the ideal modern Australian family home, in other words – a blend of lovely street appeal with indoor-outdoor living and the opportunity to seize that coveted downtime when required.

Enter through the front porch, and you’ll find the lovely hallway and floorboards leading all the way to the rear of the property.

The three downstairs bedrooms are all accessible from the hall, as is the modern family bathroom.

It’s far from a dingy affair, thanks to glass bricks that bring in the outside light.

The lounge (with fireplace) is the first of the two downstairs living zones. It opens through French doors onto a side deck. A vertical garden, which frames the view from inside, adds a leafy, modern sensibility.

The lower floor plan opens up out the back into the kitchen and dining area. Built-in cabinetry takes over a full wall, perfect for displaying statement pieces, books and more.

Folding doors open this whole space up to the integrated rear deck.

As for the kitchen, here you’ll find stone benchtops, a 900-millimetre Smeg oven and gas cooktop, and central kitchen island.

The elegant rear garden has artistically designed paving and a lovely box elder tree and pear trees. A separately accessed studio out the back is a neat blank canvas to create whatever you want. This could be a home office, gym or sanctuary for the kids – whatever makes sense.

But it’s the house’s first storey that’s its proper sanctuary. Head up the central staircase, built from Victorian ash timber, and

you’ll find the parents’ retreat. There’s a sitting room that could also work as a home office, and the main bedroom up here connects to its en suite via a walk-in wardrobe.

Two garden sheds contribute to the house’s generous storage options, and there’s offstreet parking. Wesley College’s Elsternwick campus and Elsternwick Primary School are easily within walking distance.

There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, thanks to the nearby foreshore and Elsternwick Park.

Brighton

71 Brickwood Street

$2.2 million-$2.25 million

4 2 1

Private sale

Agent: Belle Property St Kilda, Moses Habib 0450 011 922

WHAT THE AGENT SAYS

“Paying tribute to its history whilst delivering a seamless transition into contemporary living in Brighton. Truly one of a kind in uniting modern design with Californian elegance.”

NEED TO KNOW

The property was last sold for $535,000 in September 2001, and the highest recorded house price for Brighton (past 12 months) was $7.3 million for 179 New Street in February.

RECENT SALES

$3.45 million

6 Enfield Road, August $2.84 million

51 Asling Street, June $2.72 million

833 Hampton Street, June

Moses Habib Belle Property St Kilda

Charles and Leah Justin Live in a Work of Art

Words by Rosie Herdman · Photos by Hilary Walker

The founders of the Justin Art House Museum talk us through their day-to-day lives in a home-gallery hybrid in Prahran. It’s a house that embraces dualities: public and private; colourful and zen; cultural conduit and family home.

Many of us like our homes to be a haven from the outside world. As the founders of the Justin Art House Museum (JAHM), Charles and Leah Justin invite the outside world in – while maintaining a peaceful sanctuary to wind down in at the end of every day.

The three-storey building, formerly a block of flats, is a striking geometric presence on a Prahran corner site. The lower two floors are dedicated exhibition spaces, and the Justins live on top.

They opened their home-gallery hybrid in 2016 to publicly share their passion for contemporary art and design, along with a collection of more than 350 pieces amassed over decades.

Charles is a former architect who co-founded major practices SJB and Plus Architecture, while Leah was the adult education coordinator at the Jewish Museum of Australia until 2021. Now they lead regular and intimate tours of their ever-changing exhibitions – which are followed by refreshments and socialising in their living quarters. JAHM also hosts evening lectures and other happenings such as concerts and charity events.

The couple collects abstract art – mainly Australian, with some international pieces picked up on travels. They also collect mostly emerging artists and want to demonstrate that an art collection doesn’t need to be all big names. “A lot of people are intimidated by contemporary art, and we’re trying to instil some confidence,” Charles tells Broadsheet “Don’t care what people think. If you love it, get it – then it becomes part of your life.”

“We wanted to give people a sense that you don’t have to be an authority to comment on art,” Leah adds. “And to give them that opportunity to have a conversation.”

Having met in 1970, they’ve been married for 52 years and enjoy a colourful family life in their unconventional home. Gatherings often spill out of the dedicated living spaces. “I was playing soccer with my grandson in the gallery space and [we] had the ball whizzing past those paintings,” Charles laughs.

Despite the home’s arty focus, both owners share a favourite room in the house: Charles’s study, lined with hundreds of books from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. Tell us about the architectural process. Charles: We bought the site just before I retired, and our daughter Elisa [ Justin, the founder of Justin Architecture ] took it on. So that was interesting, to have not only your parents as a client, but also a major architect as your client.

We spent time thinking through our vision for JAHM. On our travels, we visited private museums and saw that each one was individualistic and idiosyncratic because they reflect the personality of the collector. That gave us the confidence that we could do our own thing. The challenge lay in making the house comfortable for both two people and 100 people. The place is a bit like a piano accordion that can expand and contract to suit the needs of the circumstances.

It all went smoothly. Something I learned through my practice is the best projects come through collaboration, because collaborators tend to edit out each other’s bad ideas, and the better ideas tend to prevail.

Leah: That’s what happens with JAHM too. You’re not visiting a white cubed institution; you’re visiting a synergy of gallery space and home together. We offer food when you come into our apartment, because it’s natural to offer hospitality when you come into someone’s home.

What’s the day-to-day reality of living in this type of home? Leah: Because there are three tiers, you don’t necessarily have to go into the gallery – it’s a discrete module that we made a conscious decision to not integrate into the plan of the residential compound. We’ve got screens that can contain a space or open it up, and we’ve got a large terrace with glass doors that can be pushed right back. Luckily, we’re very ordered.

Charles: Sometimes we tap into the gallery space for when we have large family celebrations. We can set up long trestle tables for 40 or 50 people, which is very hard to fit into a normal house. And our grandkids sometimes come down and play in the gallery space; they drag out all the chairs and bring blankets down.

What is the neighbourhood like?

Charles: We’re in Prahran, quite a dense inner-urban suburb. We’re surrounded by apartment buildings or flats, which are all two or three storeys high. One of the big

selling features of this property is we’re on a corner, and down the side street is a cul-desac with a park at the end. The irony is that from our living space, we feel like we’re in the country. We do not feel the urban density around us, because we’re on the third level –we’ve got views of all the treetops, views of the park and views of the city.

Leah: You can walk anywhere [from here] including Chapel Street. So it’s got fantastic social amenity, but it’s not “high-end real estate” in the street at all.

What’s your approach to decorating?

Leah: We have mid-century furniture with a combination of Persian rugs, clean timber floors and very clean lines. The furniture is architectural. We didn’t have to buy any when we moved in, because it’s furniture that we’ve collected over the last 40 years. We wanted it to be a warm home, and that’s what people say when they walk in.

Charles: Because of the art, we wanted the interior to be relatively recessive. There are essentially four finishes: oak floors and joinery throughout the whole house, white walls except for the two splashes of blue at either end. We’ve got some black trim, and in the wet areas we’ve got travertine stone. Every year we rehang the art both in the gallery and our home. That changes the whole complexion of the apartment. We’ve had people come back for a visit, and ask “When did you do your renovation?”

What’s it like living in such a distinctive house? Leah: I don’t think about it in those terms – it’s my home. Charles: The distinctiveness of the outside sits more comfortably with the gallery areas, whereas the house is quite different … It’s got a certain serenity to it, and its connection to the outside architecture is more indirect from that point of view. The outside is quite sculptural, whereas the apartment itself is a lot more zen.

What do you love about your house?

Leah: I love the light. We have east, north and west light all day, and the changing of the sky, the sunsets and the dawns just make you marvel at the beauty of the world. I love coming home. No matter how crazy the world is outside us, I feel like I’m in a sanctuary.

Charles: Although I’m an architect, I really downplay the physicality of the home. For me, the home is the life that you put into it. It’s fantastic here and we don’t take it for granted. But it’s what we’re doing with it. We meet all these people here, we have amazing nights and fantastic lectures and great tours. At the end of the day, if you look at what makes a place special, it’s the people.

WINDOW SHOPPING

St Kilda

By Gitika Garg

There’s something special about a beachside suburb. The diversity of metropolitan living on the ocean’s edge, with all those big water views. Ever since the railway opened in 1857, locals and tourists have been flocking to St Kilda – a melting pot of old and new.

Heritage pubs and hotels are bursting back to life, and in the suburb that’s always reinventing itself there’s a host of fresh additions, too. Kick back with an icy beer or two at The Prince Hotel or the newly revamped Saint Hotel – now a multi-level dining destination on Fitzroy Street. There’s the Village Belle Hotel, the 152-year-old Post Office Club Hotel – where you’ll find $3 50 oysters at happy hour – and, of course, the much-loved live music icon Hotel Esplanade (or “The Espy” as most know it), originally built in 1878

Winding your way down Acland Street, you’ll find European-style cake shops like Monarch Cakes, still baking its classic Polish cheesecake from a 100-year-old family recipe; health-focused cafe Sister of Soul; and the art-lined interiors of Italian diner Cicciolina. Over on Carlisle Street, grab a round of Margs at Radio Mexico or newly opened Latin-American diner Rufio, or graze through the afternoon at The Local Taphouse, where you’ll likely try beers you’ve never heard of before.

As you’d expect, the beachfront is magnetic. Locals and visitors walk, scoot and cycle under the palms. Settle down with fish and chips on the sand or, for something finer, take a seat at Stokehouse to enjoy uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling views and an extensive seafood menu. You could also enjoy a meal at the St Kilda Sea Baths, or at Donovans – imparting a genuine dinner-party-at-a-friend’s-house feel. Afterwards, see little penguins at the Breakwater if you’re lucky.

Plenty of energy hums outside of wining and dining, too. Start by shopping for wares at the Esplanade Market on Sundays before adventuring at Luna Park. Finally, catch classics and cult favourites at The Astor Theatre’s treasured single-screen cinema or enjoy live music at the Palais. Pop over to see Australia’s first Pride Centre as well, adding to the suburb’s rich cultural significance.

NEED TO KNOW

If there’s one word that describes St Kilda, it’s eclectic. Originating as a glittering seaside resort for the wealthy, it’s evolved into a hub for artists, misfits and pleasure-seekers. And with the majority of occupants renting, it’s a great place for investors looking to expand their portfolio.

Average Age 36

Median Weekly income $1,779

Owner 35% Family 22%

Renter 65% Single 78%

Clockwise from top: Saint Hotel, photo Jamie Alexander; Radio Mexico, photo courtesy venue; The Local Taphouse, photo courtesy venue; Prince Hotel, photo Arianna Leggiero; Stokehouse, photo courtesy venue

WHAT THE AGENT SAYS

“St Kilda boasts some of the best examples of Victorian, Edwardian and modern architecture whilst offering leafy streets and a relaxed seaside lifestyle with amazing eateries, parks and easy access to the CBD.”

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICES

Median price houses $1.507m

Median price units $528,750

Distance from CBD 5km

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in St Kilda

Clockwise from top: Walking on the foreshore, Catani Gardens, Acland Street, The Astor Theatre, photos Amy Hemmings

Sam Gamon Chisholm & Gamon

Benjamin Baldwin

Words by Chris Harrigan · Photos by Hilary Walker

When Benjamin Baldwin set out to open his Melbourne woodworking studio, he had two clear goals in mind: make some of the most quietly stylish chairs, tables and beds this side of Scandinavia, and take care of the planet in the process.

The result of those dual ambitions is Baldwin Studios: a one-stop online shop for the environmentally minded aesthete in need of sustainably made furniture and tableware.

“Making things has always been a part of who I am and what I do,” Baldwin says while stepping Broadsheet through his range of minimalist wooden goods, which includes everything from low-rim plates to banquet-sized dining tables. “But I’m equally passionate about sustainability.”

Passionate may be an understatement. After enrolling in an industrial design course at university, Baldwin imagined a life as a busy furniture maker. “But when I saw the massive environmental impact of the industry, I took a step back.” For the next decade Baldwin worked not as a designer but as a conservationist, including a lengthy stint as a base manager (and occasional ship repairer) with Sea Shepherd.

It was fulfilling work, but the urge to create never fully dissipated. To scratch that creative itch, Baldwin began making furniture in his downtime, focusing on simple designs he could produce with minimal environmental impact. The few buyers lucky enough to score a Benjamin Baldwin stool or chair from this era can attest to their craftsmanship, but output for the part-time operation was understandably slow. That is, until two years ago, when Baldwin decided to go all in on furniture-making, opening Baldwin Studios with a full suite of handmade products.

“I offer almost every item of furniture that you’d need for your house,” Baldwin says, seemingly surprised by the extent of the range he’s managed to put together as a one-person operation. Each piece is made from reclaimed wood, which Baldwin sources from local Melbourne timber yards, and all

waste is recycled, if not reused: plates and bowls, for instance, are made using offcuts from larger items.

The maker says that what unifies his collection is its simplicity. “I like minimising every element down to its most basic form,” he tells Broadsheet. “All my pieces try to fulfil a need in the simplest and most functional way, and I use a lot of utilitarian forms and minimal structural elements to communicate those functions. That means staying away from overly complex joinery and any kind of ornamentation.”

That insistence on simplicity helps Baldwin steer clear of trends. Timelessness is the goal – for environmental reasons as much as stylistic ones. “There’s no point making something that’s going to last a long time if the next generation isn’t going to want it,” Baldwin explains. “Sustainability isn’t just about what your products are made from. It’s about lasting aesthetics.”

These aesthetics are on full display in Baldwin’s latest “product” line: a series of artworks made from acrylic paint on linen canvas. “Painting is something I’ve been doing since I was a kid,” he says, “but I’d always kept it separate from my design practice.”

That thinking started to change during the pandemic, when Baldwin found himself painting more and more “just to structure my time”. Slowly, he came to realise his art and furniture were guided by similar principles: “simple structural forms, arranged and orderly”.

By incorporating art into his studio work, Baldwin is chipping away at the designer’s credo that form always follows function. Which makes sense: if we’re going to save the planet, we may as well try to fill it with nice-looking things. “I’m really inspired to introduce more and more colour into my work, and experiment with finishes,” Baldwin says. “It feels nice.”

All Baldwin Studios pieces are handmade entirely from locally sourced, recycled timber and can be ordered through baldwin-studios.com

Burleigh, QLD

by Ruby Harris

Burleigh was once the sleepy Gold Coast suburb you’d drive through on the way to Surfers Paradise. Times have changed though, and Burleigh is now the place to be – for the beach and the food.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday morning, start at the Burleigh Farmers Market, which runs from 7am to midday at Burleigh Heads State School. Among fresh produce and deli products, fnd food trucks and cofee vans – an ideal spot to begin your weekend.

On any other day of the week, you can’t really go past a morning start at Commune Espresso on

the highway. It’s hard to go wrong with the menu, but we recommend the Super Greens Bowl (add haloumi and thank us later), accompanied by freshly squeezed juice. Otherwise, head down the road to Helen’s Heavenly Wholefoods Cafe on James Street and pick up a takeaway acai bowl to indulge in on the beach.

You could easily spend the day just lazing on the sand (or surfng the world-class point break), but there’s also the option of the 3 1-kilometre Burleigh Head Oceanview and Rainforest Circuit. The round hike takes about an hour, and you’ll be

rewarded with gorgeous sweeping views of the ocean and city. Next, try an early afternoon snack at Paddock Bakery. Take a seat in the outdoor area and order a few pastries to share.

At night, stop by Light Years for dinner. With outposts in Noosa, Byron Bay and Newcastle, the modern Asian diner opened just a few doors down from Commune in 2019. The menu includes the likes of frecracker chicken, eggplant katsu bao and Singapore chilli prawns, as well as a very healthy selection of cocktails.

Sounds like an ideal weekend to us.

Photo courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland

LUXURY

Words by Kay Keighery

Frankston South

13 Barriedale Grove

$3.9 million-$4.2 million

5 3 4

Private sale

Agent: Marshall White, Dominic Salvato 0400 335 700

Presenting like a fairy-tale vision, this abode embodies the idea of one’s home as one’s castle. Built in 1926 by English rice growers in homage to their Sri Lankan mansion, Kirinaran sits splendidly on a substantial block, heralded by immaculate gardens and concluding with a backyard where a pool and spa hut set the scene for al fresco enjoyment. Entertain formally in the lounge and dining rooms, casually in the rumpus room, and indoor-outdoor in the barbecue pavilion.

Middle Park

98 Armstrong Street

$4 million-$4.4 million

4 3 1

Auction: 12.30pm, September 9

Agent: Jellis Craig, Warwick Gardiner 0438 308 555

It’s extraordinary for a Victorian terrace to deliver the indooroutdoor flow this one does. Along with the ground-level hub adjoining a terrace-and-pool backyard, the first-floor living area unites with a massive deck (barbecue and table), and the main bedroom nabs a romantic balcony. The styling is sophisticated throughout and the hub sports a unique marble-topped dining island and a modernist fireplace. There’s a studio with a bathroom and kitchenette above the garage.

Hampton

139 Thomas Street

$3.6 million-$3.9 million

5 3 2

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, September 11

Agent: Marshall White, Robin Parker 0409 336 282

Balancing period integrity with bespoke modernisation, Clifton charms effortlessly. This Federation gem has grown up and out to ensure unfettered family living. Three bedrooms on the ground level include the main with twin walk-in wardrobes and en suite. Two sharing a bathroom upstairs bode well for teen seclusion. Back downstairs, two heavenly hubs (one kitchen-dining-living, the other kitchen-living) unite with a succession of decks addressing the pool and studio.

Brighton

15 Hammond Street

$3.8 million-$4 million

3 4 3

Contact agent

Agent: Kay & Burton, Alex Schiavo 0419 239 549

Cutting-edge design by Martin Friedrich Architects distinguishes this terrific townhouse. Focused on a dramatic central staircase and endowed with a terrace-and-pool backyard, it’s all about low-maintenance living served with finesse. Past the garage, the semi-open lounge has a fireplace and two sets of French doors to a landscaped courtyard. Flow on for amalgamated kitchen, dining and family areas connecting with the barbecue terrace and pool. All three bedrooms have en suites.

OPEN FOR INSPECTION

Words by Iain Gillespie, Kay Keighery & Peter Semple

LAST WEEKEND

Clearance rate of 66%*

Source: Domain Group

WHAT OUR PROPERTY EDITOR SAYS

“The sun’s out! After months of a quasi stalemate, supply is increasing [albeit slowly] finally giving buyers some options.”

Hampton

32 Orlando Street

$3.3 million-$3.5 million

4 3 3

HIGHEST VALUE

$4.35 million

Richmond

168 Brighton Street

Sold by Jellis Craig*

*As reported on August 26, 2023

Contact agent Agent: Buxton, Stefan Whiting 0411 473 153

A futuristic architect-designed home with striking interiors over two levels, including sliding glass walls, oak floors, light wells and automated awnings. There’s a separate media room and home office and a spacious kitchen-dining-living zone that opens to a timber-decked outdoor entertainment area with a heated pool. The property is in a great location, about 300 metres from the beach.

Albert Park

264 Bridport Street West

$3.1 million-$3.4 million

4 2 1

Auction: 11.30am, September 9

Agent: Marshall White, Oliver Bruce 0409 856 599

This reimagined Victorian terrace house boasts social spaces on both levels. Sensitively styled by Catherine Heraghty, it’s befitting of contemporary tastes and ready for immediate occupation. One of the four bedrooms (with fireplace and verandah vistas) is ideal for home office purposes. The openplan hub commences with a stellar kitchen and concludes with a living area flaunting folding glass doors to the entertainment courtyard. Upstairs is a central retreat.

Brighton

50 Warleigh Grove

$2.9 million-$3.1 million

4 3 2

Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, September 11

Agent: Follett & Co, Justin Follett 0405 996 822

This spacious, 381-square-metre home features a lift to three levels, gallery-inspired living, dining and entertaining zones, and a swimming pool. The main bedroom features a balcony, a marble en suite and a free-standing bath, while the guest room also has an en suite. Two of the other bedrooms share a central bathroom.

Hampton East

2/23a Oswald Thomas Avenue

$1.25 million-$1.35 million

3 3 2

Private sale Agent: Buxton, Arthur Apostoleros 0411 515 015

This architect-designed, three-bedroom, tri-level townhouse is close to trains, shops, parkland, golf clubs and schools. Interior spaces include a kitchen with stone benches and Smeg appliances and open-plan living and dining areas with sliding doors to the garden. The bedrooms all have en suite bathrooms, the main with twin vanities, and built-in wardrobes.

Alice Stolz

Domain property editor

Brighton

114 Cole Street

$3.2 million-$3.4 million

4 2 2

Auction: 2pm, September 9

Agent: Nick Johnstone, Sarah Korbel 0415 393 898

This Edwardian house sits within a short distance of Gardenvale station, parks, dining, shopping and Brighton Beach. The openplan living and dining rooms have floor-toceiling glass doors that open to a high-walled garden. The kitchen has Miele cooking appliances and a stone island bench.

Elwood

34 Goldsmith Street

$2.735 million

4 2 1

Private sale

Agent: Chisholm & Gamon, Trish Mulcahy 0419 446 313

This renovated period home is a blend of old and new, with the ground floor retaining its fireplaces, high ceilings and art deco stainedglass windows. A kitchen, dining and family living area opens to a covered deck and pool. The architect-designed second level houses the main bedroom and a spacious balcony.

Hampton 98 Linacre Road

$2.2 million-$2.35 million

3 2 2

Auction: 1pm, September 9

Agent: Belle Property Sandringham, Jenny Dwyer 0418 528 988

This delightful Californian bungalow has a choice of decks overlooking landscaped rear gardens and a pool. Separate living and dining rooms lead to an open-plan kitchen and family area, where French doors open to a large rear balcony and stairs lead down to a laundry, third bathroom and storage cellar.

17 Sunset Crescent, Mount Eliza

ASPENDALE

170 Nepean Highway

RARE AND UNIQUE BEACHFRONT OFFERING - 1260M2 APPROX.

An extraordinary offering on Aspendale Beach, this is a rare opportunity to secure a significant 1260m2 approx. beachfront site with a 19.5 metre wide frontage and an existing apartment block. Ready to make way for a luxury new coastal development (STCA), or premier home site, the 5 current strata titled residences present an option to lease while arranging plans & permits.

belleproperty.com/mentone/

ELSTERNWICK

14 Elster Avenue

PICTURESQUE PARKSIDE LIVING, FABULOUS FAMILY FLAIR AUCTION

Positioned opposite Gardenvale Park and tucked away in a tranquil cul-de-sac, this meticulously renovated and extended Edwardian home (circa 1918) masterfully blends historical allure with contemporary luxury. Its delicate timber fretwork, genuine Baltic Pine floorboards, ornate ceiling roses, exquisite leadlight, and nostalgic open fireplaces capture a bygone era, juxtaposed seamlessly with stylish updates tailored for modern comfort and aesthetics.

belleproperty.com/222P451225

10:30am

34 Cosham Street, Brighton

4 A 2 B 2 C

Gracing a coveted corner position in Brighton’s elite ‘triangle’, just moments to Church Street, the Bay, and prestigious schools, this sublime contemporary sanctuary presents light-filled, luxurious, and effortless indoor/outdoor family living and entertaining whilst retaining the most charming vestiges of its Edwardian heritage.

marshallwhite.com.au

Auction

Saturday 16th September at 1.30pm

Viewing By Appointment

Contact

Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982

Campbell Butterss 0432 735 385

Scott Xue 0433 493 837

264 Bridport Street West, Albert Park

JUVERNA – A RARE OPPORTUNITY IN PRESTIGIOUS LOCALE

• Timber floors, high ceilings, leadlight windows and open fireplaces throughout

• On the door step of Albert Park Lake, MSAC, light rail and Albert Park Village

• Car access from rear lane Comprising: Expansive formal living leading to family/dining just next door, light-filled modern kitchen with excellent bench space, stainless steel appliances, and a unique splashback with 1970s French tiling all of which opens to

magnificent lush north facing garden. The wonderful master bedroom boasts incredible space, built-in robes, and ensuite. A further three bedrooms and family bathroom plus rear office Other features include separate laundry, ducted heating, cooling, attic storage.

3.5 5 4

MALVERN EAST

10 CENTRAL PARK ROAD

Amongst

OFI

2.00 - 2.30pm & 5.30 - 6.00pm

Thursday 7 September

Auction 1.00pm

Saturday 9 September

Agents

Michael Cooney 0418 325 052

Toby Primrose 0415 333 380

19 Logan Street, Canterbury

PRICE $5,000,000 - $5,500,000

AUCTION Saturday 16th September 11.30am

- Stunning fully renovated Edwardian 4-5 bedroom, 3 bathroom family home, originally built circa – 1910

- Extension and renovation completed in 2016 by renown local architect, Ian McEwan

- Embraced by immaculate gardens designed by landscape architect, Ian Barker

- Period features include pressed metal high ceilings, leadlight bay windows, ornate cornices, and fretwork

- Engineered French Oak flooring

- Stylish alfresco & outdoor kitchen overlooking resort-style pool

- Stunning swimming pool is salt-chlorinated, self-cleaning, plus gas and solar heated

- Luxe master bedroom flaunts walk through BIRs, ensuite & in-room bathtub

- Three further bedrooms are beautifully appointed with BIRs

- Family bathroom boasts walk-in shower, bathtub, and exquisite finishes

- Hydronic heating & refrigerated cooling for comfort

- French cast iron wood heater 'Cheminees Philippe' is the perfect finish in the living room

esteemed company in the prestigious Gascoigne Estate, this exceptional 5-bedroom Federation residence has been expertly reimagined and extended to meet the many lifestyle demands of modern family living.

6/400 Canterbury Rd, Surrey Hills heavyside.co Tim Heavyside 0403