Domain Prestige - September 27, 2023

A trophy beachfront building by DD Living, designed by the internationally acclaimed Koichi Takada Architects and MIM Design. Burly represents a rare collection of elegant beachfront residences crowned by statement penthouses, unsurpassed in their vistas and luxurious six-star amenities. Now selling from $2.2M

JOSEPHINE HUYNH

By KATE FARRELLY

Byron Bay

Northern Rivers 19 Brownell Drive

$25 million

5 3 5

Forthcoming auction

Agent: Byron Bay Real Estate Agency, Liam Annesley 0417 780 795

A morning surf, breakfast at Raes on Wategos and a walk up to Byron’s famous lighthouse – it’s all within easy reach of this as-new, four-storey residence. A celebration of beautifully crafted stone, timber and glass finishes, the home comes with vast, open living spaces, an internal lift and an upper-level main bedroom with spectacular views from the free-standing bath.

OUR COVER

19 Brownell Drive, Byron Bay

Listed by Byron Bay

Real Estate Agency PAGE 4

Very rarely does an Island off Australia’s shores come onto the market, but when one does, Prestige drops everything to investigate. The pandemic has engendered a lot of interest in some form of isolation and respite in our homes, and add to that lifestyle extras such as undisturbed coral with oysters you can pluck directly off the rocks, abundant fishing or even a seaturtle habitat, and it’s easy to see why island real estate is likely to hold its value. In the case of Picnic Island, which is for sale for around $5 million, its special feature is its birdlife, including a breeding colony of penguins and mutton birds. What makes it more magical is it lies less than one kilometre from the stunning beaches of Wineglass Bay in Tasmania – an unsung natural wonder in my eyes that I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice this year. Read more on page 8. HOT

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

Timeless creations

FEATURE STORY

Retreat to island time

LIVING IN

Shining in the Top End

THE PROPERTY INVESTOR Superannuation or housing?

OLLY GASPAR

Lockleys

Adelaide 10 Willingale Avenue

$5.95 million+

Garners Beach

Cassowary Coast 43 Esplanade 3

Auction: 6.30pm, October 12

Agent: Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty, Judy Newlands 0414 472 707

Bordered by pristine rainforest and the Coral Sea, this 8.5-hectare retreat plays host to an award-winning, pavilion-style home designed by Paul Clout. Unique features include an 18-metre curved rainforest bridge, a sandstone waterfall flowing into the pool and a moon deck overlooking Turtle Beach.

Brighton

Melbourne 29 New Street

$10 million-$11 million

Expressions of interest: Close 2pm, October 4

Agent: Williams Real Estate, Stephanie Williams 0413 874 888 Architect Damian Campagnaro has brought his eye for detail to The White Lotus, a newly built home in a tightly held enclave adjoining Kooyonga Golf Club. It offers 731 square metres of living across two levels and features soaring ceilings, a marble kitchen and a garage with a Tesla battery charger.

Private sale

Agent: Marshall White Bayside, Andy Nasr 0422 029 324

This Palm Springs-inspired residence will impress design aficionados and entertainers with its indoor-outdoor floor plan and heated pool.

INDOOROUTDOOR BEAUTY

Zenn Design unveils the bespoke Archie stool, highlighted by its upholstered seat, sturdy metal frame, and an oversized handle that doubles as a backstop. Selections extend to various fabrics and colours, including a weather-resistant outdoor range. zenndesign.com.au

Age of aesthetics

With a nod to refined artistry, these designs master the art of simple sophistication. Compiled by PAULINE MORRISSEY

REFLECTIVE SCENTS Actor and musician Troye Sivan’s new lifestyle brand, Tsu Lange Yor, welcomes a collection of scented candles and eau de parfum, as well as hand-cast oil burners and a dreidel, designed in collaboration with artist and industrial designer Joel Adler. tsu-lange-yor.au

MODULAR MARVEL Echoing iconic mid-century designs, Tigmi’s debut NARA Modular Sofa offers endless configurations and comes in a spectrum of velvet colours, from terracotta and smoke to burnt butter and pistachio. tigmitrading.com

CLAY CHRONICLES A tribute to timeless pottery artistry, the Pottery Blend range by Brickworks showcases four distinct brick colourways, including burnished tan, charred clay, raku rouge and bisque fire – each a testament to clay’s enduring charm. brickworks.com.au

Island retreat of fers a slower pace of life

A former Victorian politician has created a tranquil, eco-friendly escape on an island off the coast of Tasmania. By

It’s not every day you can buy your very own island. And, rarer still, one that is freehold and sits in open blue water.

There is only a handful of them around, but one is up for grabs a short paddle off Freycinet National Park and the world-renowned Saffire Freycinet resort on Tasmania’s east coast.

Picnic Island is a small rocky outcrop that measures 6750 square metres and teems with bird and sea life.

With a name like that, it’s hard not to summon up carefree images of rowboats, leisurely summer days and romantic lunches. Certainly, for owner and former Victorian politician Clem Newton-Brown, who bought the island around

PAUL BEST

2005, Picnic Island proved to be a wonderful getaway for his then-young family.

In their earliest days, it was where he brought his wife and two toddler sons from Melbourne for “wild adventures”. They’d set up camp, huddle around a fire, swim, fish and “live offgrid” for weeks at a time.

“We had some amazing experiences as a family … this wild, barefoot existence where time didn’t matter,” Newton-Brown recalls. “It truly was a special place to escape to.”

He initially never imagined doing much with the place. But in 2015, Newton-Brown – with his political career in the past – decided to build accommodation. He approached local architect

John Latham to design something that “looked as if it could’ve washed up on the beach”.

Two eco-friendly buildings were completed by 2017. One held five twin bedrooms, the other a communal living area with kitchen, bathroom, hanging fireplace and uninterrupted waterfront views, of course.

Copper-clad exteriors, sandstone floors and rough-cut timber boards helped the lodge blend into its natural habitat. “It’s rustic but stylish,” Newton-Brown says. “The idea wasn’t to build a five-star luxury hotel.”

In fact, it remains off-grid with its own desalination plant, solar power and hot water, backup generator and eight water tanks – which he ferried 800 metres from shore, tied to the back of his tinny.

With the island home to little penguins and mutton birds (shearwaters) nesting in scrub, Newton-Brown installed a 300-metre circular boardwalk to protect the birdlife from visitors.

He also added a jetty and viewing platform looking across to The Hazards mountain range and Freycinet Peninsula.

There’s also a permit to build a modest function venue. Importantly, the lodgings have

not only been for friends and family but rented to guests as well, at $3300 a night.

“Turning it into a tourist destination let us share and better protect the seabird colony,” Newton-Brown says. “The penguins are the highlight for most people.”

Newton-Brown is now ready to pass Picnic Island on – or at least dip his toe in the water to gauge buyer interest.

“It appeals to buyers with a romantic notion of owning an island retreat they can take their family to, as we’ve done, but also run as a business,” he says.

“It’s a unique property.”

Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty managing director Robert Curtain agrees. “We see this for a fairly unique buyer looking to indulge themselves or create a yield with some kind of tourism venture,” he says.

It comes at a time when other Tasmanian islands have come up for sale: Waterhouse Island sold for $5.5 million in 2016 and Ram Island was listed in May for $7 million.

“Owning islands, you’re a front-row purchaser [with] uninterrupted views and direct access to the beach,” Curtain says.

“The buyer may own a boat or pleasure cruiser that can be easily moored. It even could be an overseas buyer.”

Newton-Brown says the island forces you to slow down and “slot yourself into the natural order of things. It’s a magical place”.

Picnic Island

Freycinet Coles Bay

$5 million+

5 1

Expressions of interest

Agent: Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty, Robert Curtain 0418 310 870 in conjunction with Knight Frank Tasmania, Scott Newton 0409 186 261

YOUR AGENT

Robert Curtain, Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty

“What appeals is Picnic Island’s location to the internationally renowned Coles Bay and Freycinet coast, with easy access, including a local water taxi.”

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

YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH THE SUN

Introducing BASK, the latest luxury coastal haven on the Sunshine Coast. Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey as you step into your new home, the ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������

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Designed and constructed by

FANNIE BAY

Imagine gliding on a catamaran over tranquil waters at sunset in balmy, fresh evening air.

Once ashore, waterfront dining beckons, followed by a brief journey home to breathtaking vistas, if you’re lucky enough to live in an oceanfacing residence.

While many might envision such splendours in NSW or Queensland’s coastal suburbs, this wistful lifestyle also awaits in the Top End, in coastal jewels like Fannie Bay, beautifully perched on the outskirts of Darwin’s vibrant heart.

Top End’s top lifestyle

For those with an eye for luxury, Jeremy O’Donoghue of O’Donoghues First National Real Estate says Fannie Bay boasts many lavish homes, from sprawling waterfront properties to classic tropical dwellings, found between the shopping village and East Point Reserve.

“Generally, properties here enjoy generous lots,” O’Donoghue says. “Over the years, the suburb has bloomed with amazing amenities. It perfectly encapsulates the Australian dream, being a stone’s throw away from the Darwin CBD, yet set alongside great beaches, spectacular cliffs and famous sunsets.”

At the end of each year, Domain reveals the hotspots potential buyers have eyeballed most. In the  Domain End of Year Wrap 2022, Fannie Bay ranked fifth in the Northern Territory.

“Given its distinctive charm and growing demand, I believe the suburb will only soar in popularity and value,” O’Donoghue says.

“In my opinion, this increasing demand and limited supply indicate there will be further growth to come.”

High seas, high spirits

Every day, Fannie Bay showcases nature’s spectacle. Locals partake in a spectrum of activities along the waterfront, stretching from the museum precinct at Gilruth Avenue to East Point Reserve. These include refreshing morning walks, afternoon sailing sprees and delightful evenings with friends at the local clubs.

The shopping village of Fannie Bay is quaint and dotted with specialty stores, an independent supermarket and bottle shop, and a cafe. Its community spirit is felt far and wide.

A notable neighbourhood gem is the Fannie Bay Coolspot – near the shoreline and opposite the renowned Fannie Bay Gaol museum – which draws locals and visitors alike.

The town has many social hubs. The Darwin Sailing Club and its beachside bistro attract sailing enthusiasts and those with a penchant for seaside dining. Meanwhile, the Darwin Turf Club pulsates with excitement, from the thrill of the annual Darwin Cup Carnival to the sophistication of its standard racing events.

YOU MAY LIKE ...

Fannie Bay

Darwin 78 East Point Road

$4 million

5 4 3

Expressions of interest

Agent: Colliers International Darwin, Chris Hyland 0409 988 022

Ocean views and sea breezes await in this grand residence, spread across two opulent levels. Four bedrooms are downstairs, the upper floor has the living zones and there’s a lap pool and spa.

Fannie Bay offers stunning water views to lucky owners of oceanfacing residences.

Waterfront vistas and community spirit ensure the Australian dream is alive and well up north.

By PAULINE MORRISSEY

Face-off – super challenges property

By SUE WILLIAMS

Are you better off having your savings sit in super or splashing out on property?

It was a shocking suggestion for many.

At the annual The Australian Financial Review Property Summit held earlier this month, Evan Thornley, the outspoken executive chair of property management company LongView, suggested it might be better for many real estate investors to forget about buying homes and put their cash into super instead.

“Typically, they’d earn 6 per cent or 8 or 9,” he says. “And many are earning 6 per cent or less from their investment, so it would make perfect sense. They’d be better off that way.”

Afterwards, however, Thornley clarified his thinking, saying, “The problem is that most people don’t buy a good investment property, and that’s the difference.

“A lot of them buy rubbish property. So, while capital growth in property might average 7 per cent, many investors get under that average –sometimes returns are catastrophically bad.

“But, if you buy the right property, capital growth will be much better than super returns.

“So, we suggest they invest in our shared equity fund to make sure they’re getting good property, or that they invest themselves in a good, old dwelling on well-located land.”

There are many investors, at the same time, who appear to be heeding his advice to put their savings back into super.

PIPA chair Nicola McDougall says the main reason is governments increasing, or threatening to increase, taxes, duties and levies on property ownership, while changing tenancy legislation and talk of rental freezes or caps also worried many.

“We would like to see some proactive policies from governments to get more people into the property investment market and encourage them to stay for the long term,” she says. “The vast majority of investors own just one property, and it doesn’t take much to spook them.

“When dealing with an environment that’s already seen a record increase in interest rates, and now talk of new property taxes and rental caps in Queensland so owners can’t increase their returns to help them pay for the higher cost of mortgages, you can understand why some are getting out.

“But we need investors to increase the supply of rental property.”

Yet the returns on property at the moment can be much, much better than the cash earned on super, and it does, of course, also come with tax benefits, says Julian Finch, founder and principal broker at Finch Financial Services. The key, again, is people buying well.

The ninth annual Property Investor Sentiment Survey conducted by the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) found a surge in the sale of rental dwellings, with a mammoth 12.1 per cent of investors selling one or more of their properties in the past 12 months.

“They need to invest in a property where there’s good infrastructure in any city or regional area where there might be public service jobs that prop up the local economy, or universities and hospitals that create a demand for rentals,” he says.

Slow growth in property prices and high borrowing costs are prompting investors to give proper thought to shifting into super.

“If you buy the right property, capital growth will be much better than super.”

Property investment can be profitable but experts say many people don’t choose the right asset.

22 K oo r ing a l Cou rt , Ta l l ebudge ra , Gold C oas t Q L D 4 4 5

The new benchmark in modern architectural living has arrived with this unique and unrivalled Tallebudgera masterpiece As -new and nestled on 1.3 acres ( 5,337m2) of lush greener y, this is unlike anything you’ve seen before A touch of drama awaits with bold interiors, including a gourmet kitchen. Anchored by sleek finishes, acclaimed appliances and a solid concrete island bench, a fully -equipped butler’s pantr y accompanies it to ensure enter taining is ef for tles s. Sprawling living and dining zones are tucked beneath 3m ceilings and bookended by beautiful oak flooring, a luxurious slim gas fireplace, while the main house bedrooms promise peace and privacy Each is acces sible by dedicated staircases, with the deluxe master suite framed by a full-height picture window to capture enticing views of the pool and grounds An elegant ensuite with dual vanit y, bidet and supersized 3 head shower accompanies it, along with a walk-in robe Bedrooms two and three occupy the other private wing and share a separate bathroom

John Fischer & Shelley Watkins 0478 071 623 | 0474

141 551

prdburleighheads.com.au

181 Streeter Drive, Agnes Water QLD

Discover K2 - Agnes Water

A one-off mountain top luxury residence. Palatial 969 sqm home. Expansive North facing views along Agnes Coastline to 1770. 140m above SL, 24.47 Ha. 3 titles, residence, 5 bay shed + Helipad. Walk - in walk out fully furnished + equipment. Located 4 hours North of Noosa, in Agnes Water, gateway to Southern Great Barrier Reef. Year-round swimming & sur ng + Incredibly good shing. Discover K2. This is a genuine sale.

0417 206 500

0417 206 500

30 Wreck Rock, Deepwater QLD

"Serenity" - 300 Acre Beachfront

Rare parcel, incredible coastal rainforest, magni cent Queenslander behind the dunes of Wreck Rock Beach. Absolute beachfront, boundary to Deepwater National Park & Deepwater Creek. Caretakers’ residence, 3 bay shed, workshop, bores, FF, all plant & equipment. Development opportunities include nature-based tourism. Incredible setting, pristine environment, shing & wildlife mecca with the Barrier Reer Offshore. 4 hours north of NOOSA, 1.56 hours north of Bundaberg. 50 mins to Agnes Water – 1770. This is a genuine sale. Sale by EOI Closing Friday 6 October 2023.

Gordon Christian

Gordon Christian

7 Caretakers

Agnes Water

Agnes Water

25 WYUNA DRIVE, NOOSAVILLE

Life Could Be So Good!

Without a doubt, one of the best north-facing positions on the Noosa River. With a wide river frontage, sit back and soak in the tranquility of the pristine waterways - a truly panoramic outlook! This beauty oozes coastal elegance with a cool nod to Palm Springs. Filled with natural light and water views from every room you immediately feel the embrace of the sub-tropics.

The open plan living flows seamlessly onto a massive sun-drenched terrace and pool, which leads to your own private sandy beach and deepwater jetty, suggesting euphoric days for water enthusiasts and sun lovers alike. Located on a tightly held street, with close proximity to Noosa Sound and just minutes to Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach, this property certainly delivers beyond expectations.

Auction Saturday 21 October 11am

Agent Nic Hunter 0421 785 512

nic@offermann.com.au

37 Eastern Rise, Henty

Crafted to the highest level, this design masterpiece is the epitome of contemporary luxury, delivering a rare and remarkable residence.

Henty is the Jewel in the Crown of the Ferguson Valley region, 180 kms south of Perth. The property is surrounded by magnificent vistas, award winning wineries, incredible restaurants, a brewery or two and a bakery filled with delicious delights.

Sitting atop its elevated position, the home stands as a testament to the possibilities of innovative design, providing a sanctuary that truly caters to the needs and desires of the modern family - o ering the perfect marriage of style, function, and lifestyle excellence.

Agents

Steve Lloyd-Smith 0409 109 674 steve@zephyrrealestate.com.au

Steph Lloyd-Smith 0429 109 674 steph@zephyrrealestate.com.au

Offers over $3,900,000 zephyrrealestate.com.au

5 Bedrooms // 3 Bathrooms // 5.23 Hectares // 12.92 acres // 767 square meter home // Double garage // Below ground swimming pool

14ha with 800m Beach & Clifftop Frontage

4 minutes drive south of Bermagui village, the property is a blend of coastal woodland (40%) and pasture (appx 60%) with multiple paddocks watered from a huge dam.

“Nerimbah”

once in a lifetime

14ha (35 acres)

A Landmark Property on Australia’s Eastern Coastline

Nestling into clifftop gardens and enjoying stunning 180 degree views of this extraordinary coastline the

Exquisitely Executed, Architect Designed Home

offers multiple living areas, chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry, media room, 2 home-office rooms, gymnasium, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathroom (2 as ensuites), 2 powder rooms, studio/library and 3 car garage under roofline. A flexible design allows for 2 areas of the house to be used as self-contained guest wings when desired. Outbuildings include a purpose-built artists studio, farm sized workshed/ garage and shade house with potting shed. Grounds include a vegetable garden and orchard. For more details - including a feature video or virtual tour - visit www.marshallandtacheci.com.au

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.

Above: Otway Trestle Table & Johanna Armchairs designed by Justin Hutchinson for Kett