Domain Prestige - September 13, 2023

PRESTIGE

BREEZY & BEAUTIFUL

Mid-century meets Australiana

By KATE FARRELLY

Main Beach

Gold Coast 6/3531-3533 Main Beach Parade

$8.75 million

3 3 2 JOSEPHINE

Private sale

Agent: Kollosche, Harry Kakavas 0401 379 248

OK, that’s it. I’m packing my bags and moving to Brisbane. The Stafford Heights cover property already struck a chord with me when I saw its effortlessly-cool crazy-pave travertine flooring, spiral river stone staircase and expansive rosewood ceiling, but when you read about the home’s story (p6) you’re going to be sold too. Seller Kara Rosenlund is a stylist, photographer, author and visionary who’s known for capturing the Australian bush spirit in her works and that’s exactly what she’s done at home. Now on the market, it’s retained an unmistakable mid-century charm and proves that family function doesn’t have to come at the cost of style, which it oozes in spades. It’s also love at first sight when you turn to Design Digest and see the bold colour palette. I’ll be adding those mustard tones to my cart in the hope of creating a sanctuary just like Rosenlund’s.

OUR COVER

12 Finch Street, Stafford Heights

Listed by Belle

Property Samford PAGE 6

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

Your salute to the sun will find new meaning on the wraparound balcony of this Bayden Goddarddesigned apartment, which claims the entire sixth floor of the boutique building Sea. Floor-toceiling glazing makes the most of the views that stretch across the ocean and south to Coolangatta. The Tedder Avenue shopping precinct and light rail are nearby.

KARA ROSENLUND

Darling Point

Sydney 57 Darling Point Road

$15 million

9 5 1

Expressions of interest: Close 1pm, September 20

Agent: Agency by Alison Coopes, Alison Coopes 0419 433 229

Designed by colonial architect Edmund Blacket, this neo-Gothic residence retains a wealth of period features, including marble fireplaces, bay windows and pressed-metal ceilings. The flexible floor plan currently offers a grand, five-bedroom main residence and two self-contained apartments.

Bellevue Hill

Sydney 33 Warren Road

$16 million

5 8 6

Expressions of interest

Agent: DiJones Eastern Suburbs, Simon Doak 0413 811 420 Close to top schools, Double Bay village and Westfield Bondi Junction, this renovated, three-level home has a steam room, sauna and treatment room. Watch a movie in the home cinema, entertain friends in the formal dining room or by the pool, and work from home in the self-contained studio.

Brighton East

Melbourne 183 Were Street

$4.4 million-$4.6 million

5 3 4

Expressions of interest: Close noon, September 26

Agent: Marshall White Bayside, Simon Monnier-Penny 0404 283 551

This family sanctuary boasts an impressive outdoor room with wet bar and wood-burning fireplace, a barbecue gazebo and a heated pool.

MIRROR MIRROR

Australian design and fabrication company

FEARON welcomes the Me Mirror collection, showcasing its signature bold and playful colours. These mirrors exhibit chic, rounded edges, can be wall-hung or floorstanding, and come in four sizes. fearon.shop

Artful utility

Radiating with visual appeal, these designs serve as creative accompaniments to life’s everyday needs. Compiled by PAULINE MORRISSEY

TIMELESS TERRAZZO Anchored by an internal brass framework, Remodern’s distinctive Piece Pendant is a highly sculptural lighting fixture, featuring three floating planes that envelop the light. It is available in white, black, red and blue terrazzo. remodern.com.au

ON DISPLAY Offering a refreshing alternative to the typical shelf or bedside table, the Korpus Shelf by HAY is a masterstroke of simplicity and functionality. Minimalist in design, it’s crafted from robust steel and boasts a vibrant enamel finish in various hues. cultdesign.com.au

GEOMETRIC RUGS Chic and expressive, the Overlay Rugs by Danielah Martinez display mastery in colour and craftsmanship. Made from 100 per cent New Zealand wool, each rug shows textured layers and geometric shapes. designbythem.com

Beneath the vast blue skies of Brisbane stands an iconic 1968 dwelling, nestled in the leafy embrace of Stafford Heights. Elevated gracefully, this timeless treasure grants views of the mountains and valley twinkling in the distance.

This suburban gem has been a sanctuary for the growing family of photographer, stylist and author Kara Rosenlund. It’s a home she discovered untouched in 2020, as though awaiting her artistic imprint.

During the pandemic and with motherhood on the horizon, Rosenlund’s eye was caught by this home’s nostalgia-dripped architecture as she scoured online listings.

Drawn by the property’s unmistakable midcentury character and her family’s need for more space, she and her husband, Timothy O’Brien, decided to make it their own.

Being only its second custodians, Rosenlund and O’Brien celebrated the home’s innate charm, from the much-adored sunken plunge bath to the river stones lining the walls of the stairwell which spirals down to a self-contained retreat below.

Their respectful renovations were a delicate journey of blending the past with the present, welcoming elements such as a revived kitchen and bathroom, new custom cabinetry and plush carpet to the bedrooms – and, perhaps most notably, an expansive New Guinea rosewood ceiling.

Mid-century homage

Photographer, stylist and author Kara Rosenlund has faithfully revived this 1960s home with some stunning personal touches. By PAULINE MORRISSEY

Lush greenery surrounds the house, above; coated Besser Blocks are used inside and out, top right; natural hues set the tone, right; Kara Rosenlund and Timothy O’Brien with their children, Alby and Edie, far right.

“The level of craftsmanship behind the ceiling was nothing short of extraordinary,” Rosenlund says. “It’s a piece of art that appears as though it were original and unchanged, alongside the travertine crazy-pave, which is an ode to its era that brings joy to everyone who sees it, even the occasional courier who pops by.”

Rosenlund’s profound affection for natural landscapes permeates through her photography and published books, Shelter and Weekends

Her knack for capturing a spirit of Australiana has paired perfectly with this modernist marvel.

“While this home is a rare and unique find [for] Brisbane, the lifestyle it allows is quintessential [of] the ever-sunny Queensland way of life,” Rosenlund says.

“We have cherished its dual, split-level design, beginning with an entrance illuminated by three large skylights, creating a light-filled link between the living spaces and the bedroom wing.”

Recognising the home’s strong aesthetic, built with sublime coated Besser Blocks both externally and internally, Rosenlund sought to harmonise this, layer by layer, with muted tones, matt finishes and warm timbers.

“We gently introduced natural materials, from the seagrass flooring [and] bamboo blinds to the Charlotte Perriand natural rush chairs,” Rosenlund says.

“We also created an abundant, lush tropical garden that can be seen from most of the windows to craft an indoor-outdoor connection – I find the greenery has a way of softening all the strong materials.”

Beyond its physical beauty, this house has been the backdrop of precious family memories. Rosenlund fondly recalls a day last October. The double-sided Cheminees Philippe fireplace in the living room was newly installed, providing warmth on an uncharacteristically chilly Brisbane day, her father was laying tiles on the wall near the fireplace, her daughter Edie was playing on the lounge, and her mother was holding their newborn, Alby.

“It was just a fleeting moment, but I will treasure it forever,” she says, beaming.

“This, along with the daily magic that unfolds, like witnessing the sun’s golden hues dipping behind the mountain range from the western side, leaving a pink afterglow – it’s like watching nature’s own light show.”

For Rosenlund, a maestro with a lens, this home has also been a muse, with its low ceilings inspiring her photography to new heights. While her works have adorned galleries, including a solo exhibition at the Sydney Opera House, they appear most splendidly within her home.

For instance, a still-life of a dahlia from her Best in Show collection hangs between the fireplace and display shelves in the living room.

“It’s been wonderful getting to know this home,” Rosenlund says. “Like how the morning sun pours through the large, sliding glass doors, highlighting the travertine floors and the fireplace, casting long, intimate shadows that dance around the ceilings.”

As she lovingly recounts bringing both her babies home, the sentiment is palpable. Yet this same sentiment of family is what brought about the decision to sell, motivated by the desire to live closer to her parents, allowing her children to forge deeper bonds with their grandparents.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work we have put into this home,” Rosenlund says.

“At night, I’ll often walk out the front, barefoot, a glass of wine in hand, and just admire the house with the outdoor lights on and the indoor lamps glowing – it’s a little ritual that always leaves me in awe, especially if there’s a full moon rising.”

Stafford Heights

Brisbane 12 Finch Street

4 2 2

Auction: 6pm, September 15

Agent: Belle Property Samford, Georgie Haug 0411 184 561

BEHIND THE LISTING

KARA ROSENLUND

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Stafford Heights

MOLLIE BUCKLEY

As dawn breaks over Newport the locals are already embracing the rhythm of their day. Foreshore walkways come alive with joggers soaking in views of Moreton Bay. Nearby, a parent and child launch their boat at Newport Marina, or perhaps right from their backyard, anticipating a fruitful fishing session.

While Newport is a newer jewel in the crown of the Redcliffe Peninsula – emerging from land and canal development – its swift rise in popularity is a testament to its magnetic charm. Just 35 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, it gleams with waterfront residences bathed in coastal serenity.

Picture-perfect peninsula

Dianne Clarke of Belle Property Newport says residents prefer to move within the suburb when upsizing or downsizing, hesitant to let go. The property market reflects this affection – the suburb has a median house price of $1.2 million (up 45 per cent in the past five years), according to the latest Domain House Price Report.

“It’s an anchor for those passionate about marine recreation, drawing people from across Australia,” Clarke says.

“Just recently, we facilitated the home purchases for three Dolphins NRL players who have found their haven here.”

Clarke emphasises Newport’s unique appeal, highlighting the rarity of finding a waterfront

suburb this close to any capital city without the hefty price tag.

“The weekends here see a blend of community market visits in the mornings, Jazz and Shiraz events at Newport Park by afternoon, and the thrill of sports at the Dolphins Stadium,” she says. “With proximity to pristine beaches, retail hubs, great dining, essential health services, and the airport – what more could you want?”

A wonderland’s evolution

Element Interior Design and Styling’s Toni Empringham, a Newport resident for more than 10 years, speaks of Newport with both professional admiration and personal fondness.

“In 2019, during Newport’s development phase, I introduced a custom home design that deviated from the prevalent Hamptons-style and coastal rendered homes,” she recalls. “My design, incorporating the chic PGH Tribeca Brick, welcomed different colours and textures, and it’s still heartwarming to spot numerous homes in the neighbourhood echoing this ... concept.”

Empringham has witnessed Newport’s transformation from empty plots to shimmering lakes, bustling shopping hubs and leafy parks.

“Everything is easy and within 10 minutes,” she says. “Each drive over the bridge, greeted by the sights of Moreton Bay, is a heartwarming welcome home.”

Newport is a premium waterfront community with a median house price of $1.2 million.

YOU MAY LIKE ...

Newport

Moreton Bay 8 Lighthouse Esplanade $2.3 million

3 2

Expressions of interest

Agent: Belle Property Newport, Dianne Clarke 0418 767 853

Adorned with an elegant facade, this new waterfront oasis boasts spectacular views and luxurious finishes. It features a spacious living area, al fresco zone and resort-style pool.

The Moreton Bay suburb of Newport may be a newer arrival, but it’s captured the hearts of all who live there.

By PAULINE MORRISSEY

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

Investing in student accommodation

As overseas students flood back into Australia and launch into the daunting search for suitable accommodation, many investors are wondering if this is a sector worth buying into.

But the answer isn’t simple. If an investor is after good cash flow to balance their portfolio, then it could be worth it. If they’re after capital growth, however, it might not be.

Certainly, the figures look promising. A new report from University Living, Beyond Beds, puts the current number of international students in the country at 613,217, which is 27 per cent more than at the same time last year. It also says the increasing demand for education in Australia and the resulting shortage of affordable student beds, coupled with high rents, is stimulating growing interest from private investors.

Just last year, colleges anecdotally reported receiving up to seven applications per bed, according to JLL’s Australian Student Accommodation Investment Update 2022, driving rents skyward.

“If you’re looking for high rental yields as part of your portfolio and cash flow, these properties can work,” says Darren Venter, director and buyers’ agent at The Investors Agency. “But they don’t generally generate equity because the demand for them is within a specific market.

There are a number of forms of student accommodation including studio apartments, which tend to be in the inner cities and close to universities, townhouse complexes purposebuilt for students, and large sharehouses.

The first two options start at low prices, which often makes them popular, although the management charges can be significant – up to 17 per cent more than other buildings –according to Ryan McLean, director at property website On Property.

“You’ve also got an extra vacancy rate with students finishing courses and moving away, or going back home to their families during the uni holidays,” McLean says.

Any investor can buy a family house, though, and adapt it for students to share, with lockable rooms and communal facilities. Wear and tear on the house could be higher than with a normal tenancy, of course, and the maintenance costs higher.

If this is being considered, BFB Property

Buyers principal buyers’ agent Ben Plohl says a house will need to have a number of bedrooms to provide a decent return, but the advantage is that it might deliver better capital growth.

“Around 70 per cent of buyers in any property market are home buyers and only 30 per cent are investors … and only some of those investors will be interested in student accommodation. “As a result, there’ll be much less competition for your property and you’ll probably sell at a lower price.”

“If you’re looking at a free-standing house, then at the end of the student tenancy, you could turn it back into a family home and sell it as that,” Plohl says. “The whole concept of getting a good price is about scarcity, and a big house would be a better bet than a studio when there’d be so many more identical ones around.”

There’s no denying the growing demand for specialist student accommodation, but extracting capital growth can be tricky.

By SUE WILLIAMS

“If you’re looking for high rental yields … these properties can work.”

A new report shows that the number of international students in Australia has jumped by 27 per cent in the past year.

Eco-luxe Oasis + DA Opportunity in a World Heritage Wonderland.

Sometimes you need to sail across the globe to find the world’s most perfect untouched paradise. Nestled between two World Heritage wonders, “Nemourna” is an 8.5ha oasis offering the allure of island living with the advantage of a mainland connection. Basking in pristine rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea views, “Garners Beach House” is a sprawling testament to sustainable luxury. A former “House of the Year” that boasts seamless indooroutdoor living and entertaining spaces, a coveted lifestyle awaits: watch breaching whales or exquisite sunsets from your private beach, savour a moonlit spa or listen to the rainforest’s melodies from a choice of five protected patios.

Enticingly, this opportunity includes DA approval for ten elevated residential blocks with sweeping rainforest and ocean vistas. Likely one of the last coastal developments authorised in Queensland, the lots are cleared and construction ready.

6/8 QUAMBY PLACE, NOOSA HEADS

If love is a privileged location on a salubrious stretch of the pristine Noosa River, with one neighbour, swoonworthy front row seats on a north-facing terrace with several metres of lawn to the water’s edge, plus a feast of seagull’s eye views stretching 180-degrees from the Noosa River mouth to yachts sailing near park-fringed Noosaville, this is the moment of reality. You have found holiday heaven.

Similarly spectacular and plentiful, are effectively defined spaces all light, bright and whitewashed with beachy sophistication, sumptuous sofas, wispy sheers and custom cabinetry suggesting living and loving the good life not only revolves aroundindoors, but its unimpeded connectivity to outdoors, where sunsets over Mount Cooroy and shimmering waters in the forefront are mesmerising.

Auction Friday 6 October 11am

Agent Jesse Stowers 0414 367 282

jesse@offermann.com.au

302/71 HAS TINGS STREET, NOOSA HEADS

Pinch yourself, endless summers could be yours. Think 5-star apartment, a peerless incomparable position several beach towel-lengths away from pearlescent white sand, a spirit-stirring private rooftop terrace with the heavenly fragrance of salty breezes and steered by nature’s canvas of a mesmerising ever-changing artwork from the pearlescent sand of Noosa Main Beach to the megawatt-lustrous Laguna Bay.

Dress circle Hastings Street is the sophisticated and prized beachfront address for Netanya Noosa. A bevy of beachside restaurants, also cafes, bars and boutiques are literally on the doorstep; it is a few minutes along the boardwalk to the main entrance of famous Noosa National Park as well as the worldrenowned surfing reserve; and this romantically beautiful apartment redefines beachside magic.

Auction Saturday 7 October 11am

Agent Jesse Stowers 0414 367 282

jesse@offermann.com.au

5 MCMILLAN COURT, SOUTHPORT

GRAND EUROPEAN MANSION INSPIRES ON MAIN RIVER

Lavish Gold Coast waterfront living and entertaining finds a new benchmark inside ‘Alston’, a magnificent estate in one of the most sought-after riverfront addresses.

A rare 3,442m 2 * allotment, with its private sandy beach and skyline vistas spanning Main Beach to Broadbeach, sets the stage for this stately manor to shine. This exquisite residence boasts six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a five-car garage, a separate self contained care takers residence. anda long list of luxury inclusions. An indoor lap pool, spa, gym, and sauna beckon, while entertainers will embrace a bar, wine room, cinema and billiards room. A deep-water pontoon with twin jet ski docks creates easy passage to the Broadwater and the Gold Coast Seaway.

A strong desire to divest the asset and make a move to the beachfront is the catalyst for an auction campaign. The sellers are highly motivated to transact stating that “the property will be sold”.

AUCTION ON SITE

Friday 22 September at 5:00pm

Auction Registration from 4:30pm

PHONE FOR INSPECTION TIMES

MICHAEL KOLLOSCHE 04111 888 15

REBECCA MOFFREY 0433 261 489

(RAY WHITE)

Masterpiece in Prized Wategos Byron Bay 19 Brownell Drive, Byron Bay

Positioned in the exclusive enclave Wategos Byron Bay, 19 Brownell Drive, is a show-stopping sanctuary of architectural brilliance, enhanced by breathtaking ocean and hinterland views. The home has been strategically oriented to embrace the surrounding environment. Meticulously crafted with generous proportions, it’s a triumphant union of timeless style. Offered to the market for the first time, this could be your chance to secure a newly master-built home in Wategos.

6 3 5 1

For Sale Private Auction Agent Liam Annesley 0417 780 795