Domain Prestige - August 30, 2023

PRESTIGE

Euphoria on the horizon

JOSEPHINE HUYNH

My home-buying hunt in Sydney has officially begun, and despite not having a wallet big enough for some of the grand listings in this edition, they remind me of the importance to keep dreaming on the property journey. A six-bedroom, five-storey mansion in Vaucluse with views across the harbour, like the one on this week’s cover, might not be on the cards for me right now, but it sure gives something to strive towards. Meanwhile, our Living In feature on Dover Heights has prompted me to revisit its picturesque Federation Cliff Walk this weekend. Writer Pauline likens the ‘burb to “the vibrant villas of Positano”. I didn’t make it to the Amalfi Coast on my recent trip to Italy, but the coveted row of waterfront homes in Dover Heights soak in just-as-pretty views over the sandstone cliffs and out to the Pacific Ocean. I’ll be sure to take a moment at the edge to soak it all in.

OUR COVER

24 Olola Avenue, Vaucluse

Listed by Laing+Simmons

Double Bay

PAGE 3

Editor:

Josephine Huynh

Editorial producer:

Hailey Coules

Group picture editor:

Kylie Thomson

Senior designer:

Colleen Chin Quan

Graphic designer: Emma Drake

National magazine

editor:

Natalie Mortimer

Associate editor:

Jemimah Clegg

Group content director: Mark Roppolo

Chief marketing officer: Rebecca Darley

Chief executive officer: Jason Pellegrino

Residential sales:

Queensland

Amanda Vaughan 0413 370 004

New South Wales

Joe Pinneri 0408 694 223

Victoria, Western

Australia, South

Australia, Northern

Territory & Tasmania

Ray van Veenendaal 0438 279 870

New development sales:

Ivan Curic 0413 498 156

Media sales:

Sam Hill 0438 348 998

Contact: editorial@domain.com.au

By KATE FARRELLY

Doonan

Sunshine Coast 7 Panorama Drive

$4.695 million+

5 4 5

Private sale

Agent: David Berns Real Estate, David Berns 0408 629 438

With a panoramic outlook over the treetops to the Coolum headland, this contemporary home has been designed to maximise natural light and flow-through breezes. Entertain in the openplan living spaces and Miele-appointed marble kitchen, or cool off in the wet-edge pool which comes with built-in seating and a sun deck.

Vaucluse

Sydney 24 Olola Avenue

$30 million-$33 million

Williamstown

Melbourne 15 The Strand $8 million-$8.8 million 4

Private sale

Agent: Compton Green, Adrian Butera 0409 099 791

Brilliantly positioned to enjoy sweeping views across the bay to the city skyline, this renovated home offers a choice of living and study spaces across two floors. The property features a Carrara marble kitchen with a walk-in pantry, hydronic heating and a heated pool.

Hawthorne

Brisbane 42 Stewart Street 5

Private sale

Agent: Laing+Simmons Double Bay, Steven Zoellner 0400 840 111 Sprawling across five levels connected by a 15-person lift, Belmont is oriented to capture sunshine and harbour views. The long list of decadent features includes a showpiece foyer, kitchen with backlit benchtop, tiered cinema, four-hole putting green and heated pool.

Auction: 10am, September 9

Agent: Ray White Bulimba, Brandon Wortley 0447 269 591

A finalist at the Housing Industry Awards, Lenore House has been reinvented by Invilla Architects to create a contemporary yet elegant abode.

GRAND ENTRANCE

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Voyage by design

Capturing the essence of far-flung places, these designs blend a sense of wanderlust into Australian interiors. Compiled by PAULINE MORRISSEY

UMBRELLA MUSE Drawing inspiration from the beach umbrellas of the Mediterranean, the Maison Lamp, handcrafted by Tunisian maker Yasmine Sfar for Tinja, exhibits rustic charm and exaggerated proportions, making for a striking statement piece. clostudios.com.au

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TEXTURE Taking design cues from its Turkish name “sade”, meaning “simple”, Saardé’s Texture collection radiates understated luxury, offering a range of tactile treasures from the richness of its Tufted Art Cushions to the warmth of the Merino Wool Blankets. saarde.com

BAMBOO BEAUTY The Tynell 1972 Pendant, a Gubi masterpiece, captures mid-century magic with its intricate design. The polished brass canopy contrasts with the bamboo slats, hand-sewn and pleated, which embody Paavo Tynell’s signature craftsmanship. danishdesignstore.com

Time traveller

By PAUL BEST

YOUR AGENT

Tyson Clarke, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty

“The house is perfect for someone who grew up in, or has an affinity for, the Ascot-Hamilton area. Someone, too, who loves the story of the home and wants to add their own touch or simply preserve a slice of Brisbane’s history.”

Pass through the arched entrance of Hampton Wick, a grand brick-andstucco manse in the well-to-do innerBrisbane suburb of Ascot, and it’s like stepping into a time capsule.

“Enter the main living room; it literally feels like you’re transported back [almost] 100 years,” says Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty senior sales executive Tyson Clarke, who specialises in selling heritage houses.

“The original part of the house is still 100 per cent original.”

Built in 1931, the house was designed by architect Eric Percival Trewern (or E.P. Trewern as he was professionally known), revered as one of the city’s most prestigious architects of his day, particularly during the interwar years.

More than this, he was also considered a pioneer who liked to experiment with thennovel styles – introducing Californian bungalow, as well as the once-upon-a-time-in-Hollywoodfavoured Spanish mission and old-English, or Tudor, revivalist (which appealed at the time to many Australians’ colonial roots).

“To own one of the architect’s houses in the early days was something of a privilege,” Clarke says. In short, the brick construction, uncommon to Brisbane, spoke to an owner’s wealth and status.

Trewern designed Hampton Wick – also known as the Sutton House – for local doctor Graham Sutton in the old-English or Tudor renaissance style, which was not only one of the Victorian-born architect’s last examples but one of the few to have survived.

From the outside, all the hallmarks are there: the steeply pitched and gabled roof, the decorative darkened half-timber beams set into roughcast walls, and elegant chimneys, as well as rounded portals and a Juliet balcony.

Inside, the robust Tudor style continues: more roughcast-finished walls and rounded doorways, as well as dark-stained timber floors and iron casement windows. The main living room is

adorned with dark timber beams, cornices and architraves, as well as an original corner brick fireplace. “You see the original character everywhere in the front section of the house, right down to the door handles and outside down-pipe,” Clarke says.

At the same time, all historic houses need to be updated and rejuvenated to some degree. Hampton Wick is no exception.

While many of Trewern’s residences have been either demolished or renovated somewhat unsympathetically, Clarke believes the upgrades and additions complement the architect’s original vision in this instance.

“Typically, you find there’s a starkly distinct delineation between old and new [with add-ons to historic homes],” he says.

This couldn’t be further from the truth at Hampton Wick.

Floors have been re-stained and windows restored – rather than being replaced. The wiring and plumbing have been brought up to modern-day standards, while the main

bedroom has been modernised to incorporate a walk-in wardrobe and en suite.

More recently, a Wyer + Craw-designed kitchen with an island bench and skylight has introduced a fresh, contemporary look and feel. However, there’s still a classic elegance that works with the original design.

Through bifold doors, the light-filled openplan kitchen-dining-lounge spills onto a breezy pavilion-like entertaining terrace, bookended by a pool and a deck with a daybed.

While the structure picks up the main building’s gabled roof and terracotta tiles, it’s lighter and brighter, which sets it apart. Below the house sits Sutton’s original medical reception area and rooms, which have been converted into general-purpose rooms. This level also includes a workshop, laundry, storage, a sleek 1200-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, and a double garage in the Tudor style. A retreat and three bedrooms have been built into the cavity created by the steep pitch of the gabled roof, which creates more airy, light-filled spaces and a sense of renewal.

“Through the portal windows, you can look out across Ascot and neighbouring Hamilton,” Clarke says.

Ascot

Brisbane 12 Ascot Street

$5.5 million

5 4 2

Private sale

Agent: Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty, Tyson Clarke 0407 034 803

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Ascot

MITCHELL GUY KEMP

Just as the vibrant villas of Positano majestically rest atop the cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, so too do the homes of Sydney’s Dover Heights, which are perched on a rugged cliff above the Pacific Ocean.

This affluent haven offers a sweet escape in the glittering Eastern Suburbs, yet the city’s heart is just eight kilometres away, the airport a 30-minute drive, and Circular Quay a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from nearby Rose Bay.

Cliffside living privilege

Highland Double Bay agent and proud local Daniel Baran has sold some of Dover Heights’ most iconic properties throughout his career, including the famed Butterfly House and the prestigious Sir Peter Abeles mansion.

“I grew up just off the cliff in Lancaster Road, with all my friends within walking distance,” Baran says. “We spent countless hours watching rock fishermen pit themselves against the elements, pulling in the largest fish our young eyes had ever seen.

“We were awestruck by the incredible ocean views from our local parks, a spectacle that continues to captivate with its dramatic sunrises and mesmerising exhibitions of the full moon.” He says the area’s spectacular views of the ocean, harbour and city consistently attract both domestic and international buyers.

PAULINE

“Just like its sister suburbs of Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Bellevue Hill, Dover Heights will continue to attract keen interest, driving further growth to the market,” Baran says.

Passionate affinity

Hammock Bliss “chief relaxation officer” Dov Frazer is another resident whose deep-seated connection with Dover Heights is palpable.

“My wife first moved to this suburb in 1965,” he says. “We rebuilt her parents’ house here, which has been our home since 2006.

“Since 2014, I have been serving as the Dover Heights Precinct convenor, representing the residents in our collective mission to enhance our beloved suburb.”

Over the years, Frazer has played a pivotal role in spearheading several key initiatives, including the rejuvenation of the commercial precinct on the corner of Blake Street and Military Road, the introduction of a “learn to ride a bike” initiative at Dudley Page Reserve, and various upgrades to Weonga, Rodney and Raleigh reserves.

“When I’m walking my dog, Obi, it’s a joy to see other locals enjoying the coastal paths or basking in the greenery of our numerous parks,” he says.

“The allure of Dover Heights lies not only in its breathtaking views but also in its distinct lifestyle – it’s a privilege to call such a beautiful place home.”

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Dover Heights

Sydney 53 Wallangra Road

$12 million

6 4 2

Expressions of interest

Agent: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty, Michael Pallier 0417 371 522

With its majestic P&O architecture, this grand c1940 family home gleams in its coveted setting. The home unfolds across four luxurious levels, offering a colossal terrace with harbour views.

The spectacular clifftop scenery is just part of the allure of Dover Heights, according to the lucky locals who call it home.

It’s all about the natural drama of clifftop ocean views, coastal paths and numerous parks in Dover Heights.

By

MORRISSEY

Buyers have a spring in their step

The arrival of spring this week is expected to herald a bumper harvest of new property listings to give investors plenty of fresh chances to find the pick of the crop.

Though some may be distressed listings from sellers hurt by so many interest rate hikes and coming off fixed rates to variable, spring is traditionally the time when others choose to downsize, upsize and relocate.

“We’re seeing a lot of confidence this spring for both sellers and buyers,” says Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell.

“We’re already starting to see a rise in new listings – the first annual increase in both Sydney and Melbourne for some time.

“The recovery of prices and high auction clearance rates are encouraging vendors to list more properties, so there’ll be a lot more choice for buyers.”

For investors seeking high rental yields, Powell tips Perth, where she says the demographic tailwinds support growth, and for those hunting equity growth, she favours Sydney because prices haven’t yet hit their peak.

Further north there are also good opportunities, says Property Friends founding director Uwe Jacobs who wrote the book The 7 Secrets of Highly Successful Property Investors. He likes Cairns, where unit prices have risen by an astonishing 28.9 per cent over the past year to a median of $535,000, according to the latest Domain figures.

“That’s a good capital increase and there are also strong rents,” Jacobs says. “We’re tipping a lot of population growth, too, to continue to support that, and there’s a big infrastructure spend in the area.

“There’s been a lot of pent-up demand and not much supply in the market. Townsville is another one we’re watching, which is probably 12 months behind Cairns at the moment.”

However, he urges investors to do proper due diligence on any area they plan to invest in. Good research increases the chance of success. That’s echoed by Smarter Property Investing’s Christine Williams, who says investors should put themselves and their finances through that same level of due diligence.

“They should be doing checks around their expected cash flow, their own risk profile and buying capacity,” Williams says.

“They also need to check the land tax regulations in different states if they’re thinking of investing outside their own.

“They should also be looking at potential local government area rezonings to find out about opportunities, and check the suburbs around the best performers for the likely next boom places coming through. And they shouldn’t forget to speak to the property manager in the area, find out about the crime rate and how transient the local lifestyle might be.”

At the same time, investors shouldn’t bank on too many distressed sales coming to market, Williams believes. Even though mortgage repayments have risen dramatically over the past year, and there may still be more to come, the value of properties has increased hugely since the start of the pandemic, which helps balance out the uncertainty.

As the weather starts to warm up, so does the investor market – and this spring looks like it will be a particularly good one.

By SUE WILLIAMS

“We’re seeing a lot of conf idence this spring for both sellers and buyers.”

Sydney property prices haven’t yet hit their peak, so equity growth is still on the cards.

Larimar, Airlie Beach

Contact Agents

Lynn Milsom | +61 415 039 060

Wayne Singleton | +61 416 024 168

LarimarThe Rarest Gem.

AIRLIE BEACH

Welcome to a realm of sheer indulgence at Larimar, the Whitsundays rarest gem.

Nestled in the exclusive gated enclave of the Yangaro Resort, this opulent villa fuses Melbourne’s sophistication with the relaxed Whitsundays lifestyle.

Unveil the grandeur of this brand-new architectural wonder, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to perfection, inviting you to experience a lifestyle beyond your wildest dreams. This is where time seems to slow, and the world outside fades away, as if only to bestow this sanctuary with a breath of eternal tranquillity and privacy.