Domain Prestige - February 23, 2022

23 FEBRUARY / 2022

PRESTIGE THE BEST IN AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY

PICTURE PERFECT Almos t too good to be true

B y K ATE FARRE LLY

Flinders Mornington Peninsula 261 Musk Creek Road $27.5 million-$30 million

J OSE PHIN E H U YN H

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Expressions of interest Agent: Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty, They say a picture paints a thousand words but in the case of this week’s

Rob Curtain 0418 310 870

cover, I’m stripped of any thought or words at all – speechless, feeling

Equipped for entertaining on a grand scale, this

nothing but utter relaxation. It’s moments like sinking into a hot bath and

eight-hectare estate includes a party barn, a

gazing out to a green, forest-like horizon with no neighbours in sight that are

tennis court, a heated pool, landscaped gardens

able to melt away any stresses of the day instantly. That safe-haven sense is

and a working organic vineyard. The striking main

what many home buyers search for and property aficionados dream of –

residence, which was originally crafted as a

that feeling of exhalation the second you walk through the door. Australia is

builder’s own home, features cathedral ceilings

blessed with simply spectacular homes that offer just that, and some of the

and Phillip Island views. There’s also a two-

world’s best architecture can be found across the country’s natural settings.

bedroom guest cottage.

Turn the page and you’ll find a prime example: the Margaret River residence profiled by Dana of Yellowtrace, inspired by its surrounding bushland and coastline and oozing a calm coolness.

O U R COVE R 261 Musk Creek Road, Flinders Listed by Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty PAG E 4

HOT PROPERTY Editor: Josephine Huynh josephine.huynh@ domain.com.au Editorial producer: Paige Tonna Group picture editor: Kylie Thomson Senior designer: Colleen Chin Quan Graphic designer: Emma Staughton National managing editor: Alice Stolz Chief executive officer: Jason Pellegrino

DESIGN DIGEST Timeless ceramics

YELLOWTRACE Margaret River modern marvel

LIVING IN For lovers of the outdoors

THE PROPERTY INVESTOR How to be a realistic renovator

Residential sales: Queensland Brad McLeod 0429 571 826 New South Wales Belinda Sinclair 0414 580 903 Victoria & Tasmania Ray van Veenendaal 0438 279 870 Western Australia, South Australia & Northern Territory Jeroen van de Peppel 0427 292 797 Digital edition Visit domain.com.au/ digitaledition

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Main Beach Gold Coast 55-57 Rankin Parade 4

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Auction: 1pm, March 11 Agent: Kollosche, Ryan Ward 0405 309 359 Walk to the eateries on Tedder Avenue from this handsome, Europeaninspired house, set opposite the riverfront reserve. Top features include a family-sized pool, a cabana and topiary gardens.

Mount Martha

Hunters Hill

Mornington Peninsula 4 Trig Point

Sydney 62 The Point Road

$5.75 million-$6.3 million

$13 million-$14 million

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Private sale

Private sale

Agent: McEwing Partners, Dean Phillips 0402 833 865

Agent: Ward Partners,

Capturing views across Martha Cove Marina to Port Phillip Bay, Astra is set

Matthew Ward 0417 942 223

on 3401 square metres close to beaches and village shops. Designed by

Claiming 1391 square metres of waterfront land at

Graham Jones, the multistorey, split-level property includes a home theatre

the tip of the Woolwich peninsula, this large

and a 17-metre lap pool just steps away from the outdoor kitchen.

family home comes with a boat shed and jetty.

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A U S T R A L I A’ S U LT I M AT E BEACHFRONT PENTHOUSES & BEACH HOMES

O N - S I T E D I S P L AY N O W O P E N D A I LY I N T R O D U C I N G A L I M I T E D CO L L EC T I O N O F 3 & 4 B E D R O O M A B S O LU T E B E AC H F R O N T A PA R T M E N T S & P E N T H O U S E S T H AT W I L L R E D E F I N E T H E S K Y L I N E O F T H E G O L D C O A S T F R O M $ 2 . 9 7 5 M – $ 1 6 . 5 M .

E N T E R A R A R E W O R L D O F T I M E L E S S L U X U R Y & D E S I G N A C R O S S H A L F O R F U L L F L O O R L AY O U T S T H AT EPITOMISES THE ENDLESS GOLD COAST SUMMER. S A L E S D I S P L A Y O P E N B Y P R I V A T E A P P O I N T M E N T. E N Q U I R E N O W .

L O C AT E D AT 7– 9 N O R T H C L I F F E T E R R A C E , S U R F E R S PA R A D I S E I N S P EC T 7 DAY S F R O M 10A M TO 4P M SCAN TO WATC H O U R VIDEO

R OYA L EG C.CO M.AU

1300 722 131

DESIGN DIGEST

Poetic pottery Natural materials, organic forms and raw finishes are mindful qualities at the forefront of these delicate ceramic creations. C o m p i l e d b y PAU LIN E M O RRIS SE Y PRETTY PEARL Robert Gordon, one of Australia’s most renowned pottery and ceramic makers, has launched a new interiors collection. The soft curves of the whimsical Pearl Wall Sconce is inspired by a vintage glass shade and hand-made using high-fired stoneware clay. robertgordonaustralia.com

CHERISHED OBJECTS These sculptural vases by Melbourne-based ceramicist Jessica Choi are designed to be admired as decorative objects on their own or with flowers, either of which perfectly displays the creative utility of clay. makersmrkt.com

DOWN TO EARTH

TIMELESS TEXTURE Queensland-based design and ceramic studio Marloe Marloe is loved for its

Showcasing the

timeless handmade creations, ranging from luxurious vases to tumbler candles, often finished in its

beauty of

signature textured and bubbly glaze. marloemarloe.com

imperfections, Melbourne-based artist Sarah Nedovic has designed a stunning range of ceramic lamps.

Drawing inspiration from abstract art, each piece celebrates Nedovic’s love for natural materials. sarahnedovicgaunt. com

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COURTESY OF JONES

“No whitewash, salvaged coral or sailboat motifs in sight. The clients loved how we worked with the richness of colour and texture … to inject a little fun.”

YELLOWTRACE

b y DANA TO MIC H U G H E S

Coastal living without the clichés

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hen Alexandra Donohoe Church, founder and managing director of Decus Interiors, first set foot on the site that gave rise to this mighty residence in Margaret River, there was nothing but a vacant block of bush and sand to be seen.

Aside from the spectacular natural setting, what sealed the deal were the fundamentally aligned values shared by the Sydney-based designer and her client.

“Once we began getting to know one another, we discovered [they] were as family-focused as we are – my son was only 10 months old when he accompanied us on our first site visit,” explains Alexandra. “They fell in love with our approach, which they said gave them confidence the outcome would be uniquely ‘them’.”

The brief called for a home that could

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accommodate three generations of family without feeling crowded. A house that could expand and retract to suit its occupancy, while allowing independence and autonomy for all.

Any typical references to “coastal living” were to be avoided.

“No whitewash, salvaged coral or sailboat motifs in sight,” says Alexandra. “The clients loved how we worked with the richness of colour and texture, allowing us to inject a little fun.”

Aside from their clients’ enthusiasm for colour, the robust bushland and coastline setting were the key drivers for Decus’ textural approach to the interiors. With the house divided into distinct zones – essentially three separate homes under one roof – materials and finishes vary from one space to another.

“Each zone was reflective of its primary user:

the mature couple, the young family, and the young professional couple,” says Alexandra. “For example, we opted for more robust and playful materials in the spaces occupied by children, and a more sophisticated palette for the adult spaces – differing ideas and personalities dovetailing to achieve the end result.”

The main house addresses the needs of the permanent residents, with centralised communal spaces for everyone to come together, and a quiet main bedroom retreat located on the upper level. Along the western edge is a private wing with a comfortable apartment-like space for one of the clients’ adult children. A compact secondary home sits to the east – a child-friendly dwelling for a family of five.

Sourcing furniture and lighting from local suppliers and artisans was another priority of

DAVE WHEELER

the project. Key pieces include the solid bronze front door handle by Melbourne maker Christopher Boots, whose striking Abacus pendant also floats above the dining area.

Australian-made furniture pieces by Nau, Adam Goodrum, Nathan Day, Made by Morgan, and Jardan, plus custom rugs by Whitecliffe and Spence & Lyda, bring warmth and authenticity.

Alexandra further elaborates: “The master en suite pendant – Sempre Mia by Mario Nanni for Viabizzuno – is a personal favourite, as is the ASMR textural wallpaper by Bien Fait in the kids’ room – that’s ‘autonomous sensory meridian response’ for the uninitiated.

“And let’s not forget the stunning vinyl wallpaper by Elitis Taroko in the rumpus room.

Artwork Fleeting 2021 by Tamara Dean in the cinema room is another highlight.”

The list of custom pieces in this project is significant too. Alongside their upholsterer, Decus produced a snake-like lounge for the cinema room that took a fair bit of testing in Sydney before perfecting the outcome.

Furniture maker Jonathan West, who Alexandra describes as a “true hero”, custommade more than 15 pieces for the home.

From grandparents to grandchildren, this house addresses varying aesthetic sensibilities and complex functional needs. Not only delivering democratic access to light, views and landscape, the home also allows the family to connect with ease while giving everyone adequate levels of privacy – the gold standard in multigenerational living. yellowtrace.com.au

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LIVING IN

31.98086° S, 115.79955° E

NEDLANDS TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Established and close to the Perth CBD, Nedlands is seen as one of the country’s finest lifestyle suburbs. B y PAU LIN E M O RRIS SE Y

YOU MAY LIKE ...

Nedlands

Finding an ideal family home means more than

Australia only being four minutes away,” Kerr

simply looking for the right house to live in. It’s

says. “When you layer this with an abundance of

Perth 69 Dalkeith Road

about the bigger picture – the overall energy of

recreational resources, including numerous parks

$3.25 million

the suburb, its access to the things you need, and

and ovals, as well as plenty of local clubs for the

the type of lifestyle it affords.

keen golfer or yachter – it’s not hard to see why

In Perth, the inner-western suburb of Nedlands – one of the city’s oldest – thrives in its established environment, with shady parks, large

One with nature

trees and character homes adding to its appeal.

It’s no wonder couple Rosanna Susanto,

Hot property According to Michelle Kerr, founder and director of DUET Property Group, Nedlands is often seen

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managing director of Bodyscape, and Chris Wilson, founder of Chris Wilson Fitness Studio, have come to call Nedlands home.

“I opened Bodyscape in 2014, which began

as one of Australia’s best lifestyle suburbs.

purely as a yoga studio, and has since evolved

“On average, people tend to stay put in

into a wellness spa, located within a renovated

Nedlands far longer than in other suburbs,

heritage building that was once the Nedlands

generally keeping the number of available

Post Office,” Susanto says.

properties very low, and therefore sustaining the

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those who move here, stay here.”

Expressions of interest

While most days start with a cardio-focused

high demand,” she says. “The demographic is

class at Chris’s gym and end with a grounding Yin

Agent: William Porteous Properties International,

heavily weighted to high-earning professionals,

Yoga session at Rosanna’s studio, the couple also

Peter Robertson 0427 958 929

primarily in the medical, law, and accounting

relish Nedlands’ natural playground.

Completed in 2002, this Federation-style

fields, which is unsurprising, considering it’s only

“We love to take family walks down the river on

residence reveals many classic features of its

six kilometres from the CBD with very few traffic

the Esplanade with our four-month-old son,

inspired era, including ornate ceilings, grand

lights along the way.”

Hunter, or do cycling loops over the bridges to

pillars and architraves, and imposing verandahs.

According to the latest Domain House Price

South Perth and home again,” Susanto says. “My

Report, Nedlands’ median house price rose 14.3

favourite time of the year is when the nearby

per cent year-on-year to $1.915 million.

Somerville Auditorium transforms into an

The beautiful Kings Park

outdoor cinema, where we have watched many

and Botanical Garden

Hover your camera over the

prestigious high schools within a 10-minute drive

movies under the stars and majestic tree canopy.

sits on Nedlands’

code to see Domain listings

of home, along with the University of Western

It’s truly a special place.”

eastern boundary.

in Nedlands

“Living in Nedlands means having Perth’s most

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S U N S H I N E B E AC H

4/1 Crank Street

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HOUSE-SIZED VILLA DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE BEACH! Opportunities to purchase in this premium location very rarely become available. Only metres from the beach access of Sunshine Beach, the Surf Club and Village with all its amenities at your doorstep.

• Enjoy stunning ocean views from almost every angle, North-facing balcony as well as the private courtyard with direct access to a sparkling pool.

• Ready to down size, make a fantastic investment as a holiday rental or a lock-and-leave retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Sunshine Beach living doesn’t get any better than this.

D A V I D C O N O L LY

0438 259 956

AUCTION VIEW

Wednesday & Saturday 1.00 - 1.30pm

07 5447 2451

century21noosa.com

THE PROPERTY INVESTOR

ISTOCK

Splash some cash but don’t be rash Improving your investment property can attract a higher rent and more capital growth but it’s important not to go overboard.

B y SU E WILLIAMS

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Experts advise caution when it comes to renovating an investment property.

veryone loves a renovator’s delight, but how often do they turn into a renovator’s ruin?

Far more often than you’d imagine, says Belinda Botzolis, valuer and senior property strategist at Metropole Property.

Because while it can be good fun with an investment property to pull out a rickety old kitchen and replace it with acres of gleaming marble, and to transform a grotty bathroom into a dazzling white spa, many amateurs discover that they’ve spent far more than they could ever recoup.

“It’s easy to get carried away and overcapitalise on an investment property,” Botzolis says. “A lot of the time, I blame social media like Instagram and then the beautiful pictures in home magazines. People want to emulate the images and, too late, they discover that those tiles are handmade imported porcelain and cost $130 a square metre.

“People can just get caught up in the beauty of renovations rather than thinking about what they want to achieve. Every dollar you spend,

you want to get at least $2 back, otherwise there’s no point. Of course, you want to attract good tenants and maybe sell later for a higher price, but if your property is in an area where people are happy with Laminex, why would you choose Carrara marble?”

“Go for something more Grace Kelly and rather less the Kardashians.”

Australians are still in the midst of a pandemic renovation frenzy, with $11.82 billion worth of renovation approvals granted last year. But while the lack of international travel means many of us have more spare cash than ever before to splurge on renovations, it’s important, with an investment house or apartment, to not

go too far. In a market with rapidly rising prices, it’s even easier to overspend. But to get the best bang for your buck, it’s wise to be more cautious, say the experts.

“In a city like Sydney, property values will still double every seven to 10 years,” says Phil Lovell of architectural builders Lawson & Lovell. “And if you’re in an exclusive area as an owneroccupier, by the time you’ve finished your renovation, your home will have increased in value a lot. But with an investment property, it’s important you go with a reputable builder and be careful not to overcapitalise.”

It’s also critical not to be too avant-garde with the renovation of an investment property, warns Peter Georgiev, director of Archicentre Australia. He was once asked to design a bathroom with clear glass walls, but persuaded the owner to add some etchings to the glass to avoid everyone outside seeing everything.

Another notable trend to avoid, he advises, is having a bathroom in a bedroom.

“But real estate prices generally are going up so much, and rents are so healthy, that whatever you spend, eventually the marketplace will give it back to you,” Georgiev says. “And if you go into debt to renovate, now is a good time with such low interest rates.

Botzolis says, “If you’re spending a lot, go for something more Grace Kelly and rather less the Kardashians.

“You want it to age well so you can follow the money, rather than the latest trend.”

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