21 FEBRUARY / 2024
PRESTIGE THE BEST IN AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY
STRIKING GOLD Sun -soaked ranch living
B y K ATE FARRE LLY
Barrengarry Southern Highlands 47 Cavan Road $24 million-$26 million J OSE PHIN E H U YN H
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Private sale Agent: Forbes Global Properties, Ken Jacobs 0407 190 152 If only I won the $200 million Powerball. I’d buy 10 mansions across the
Breathtaking inside and out, Ooralba is a
globe, all different styles for every mood. Or at least if I got just a cut I’d
92-hectare estate with magical, award-winning
definitely be giving the agents of our cover home, Sun Ranch, a call. The
gardens and views to the ochre escarpments
laid-back, luxury 22.3-hectare Byron hinterland estate, dedicated to the
of Kangaroo Valley. Updated by interior designer
ultra-chic Californian ranch houses of the ’70s, is designed to ignite the
Nic Graham, the home features vaulted ceilings,
passions of music lovers, foodies, wellness enthusiasts and anyone seeking
stacked-stone walls, seven bedrooms with
an unforgettable experience. It’s dubbed the “hotel of good vibes” and,
en suites, and a caterer’s kitchen. There’s also
boy, does it live up to its moniker - an adults-only lair with a “cowboy bar”,
a manager’s residence and a visitor’s cottage.
a sunken communal lounge and conversation pit, badminton court, plus six two-bedroom, off-grid barns. All eyes are on the listing to see if it comes close to breaking the $37 million record sale of The Range, also in Coopers Shoot, previously owned by the Oroton fashion empire heir.
O U R COVE R 17 Byron Creek Road, Coopers Shoot Listed by HTL Property with Pacifico Property. Photo by Anson Smart PAG E 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 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 Rachel Savio 0401 704 452 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
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HOT PROPERTY
ANSON SMART
DESIGN DIGEST Radiating warmth
BEHIND THE LISTING Californian ranch nostalgia
LIVING IN Country living at its finest
THE PROPERTY INVESTOR Brisbane at the top of its game
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Mount Eliza Mornington Peninsula 4 Denistoun Avenue $18.5 million-$20.35 million
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Expressions of interest: Close March 19 Agent: Marshall White Mornington Peninsula, Jake Egan 0491 129 137 Built in the 1990s to emulate a grand Federation mansion, Pelican sits on level clifftop land with panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay to the city. There are five elegant living zones, a showroom with a wet bar, a floodlit tennis court, and an infinity-edge pool with a glass-fronted pavilion.
Castlecrag
Boat Harbour Beach
Sydney 304 Edinburgh Road
North West Tasmania 293 Port Road
$28 million
$1.95 million+
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Private sale
Private sale
Agent: Black Diamondz Property Concierge, Monika Tu 0409 898 888
Agent: LJ Hooker Wynyard,
While the outlook over Middle Harbour is the indisputable star at this new
Keryn Newman 0427 539 989
four-storey Sugarloaf Point house, inside, your attention will be drawn to the
Take a dip at the beach, explore rock pools and
helical Venetian plaster staircase. Designed by Alchemy Architecture with
head to the surf club for fish and chips when you
interiors by MXM Design Studio, the property comes with a boat shed.
call this character-filled property home.
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Absolute Brisbane riverfront luxury, absolute showpiece design 5 8 PA R KS I D E C I R C U I T, H A M I LTO N
MAGNIFICENT 3 LEVEL RESIDENCE NOW SELLING Presenting a rare opportunity to live an extraordinary riverfront life in Hamilton – a prestigious waterfront suburb, located just 6km from the Brisbane CBD. Characterised by an acclaimed location and architectural excellence, this showpiece residence combines with the finest expression of contemporary luxury, including timber floors, ultra high ceilings, generously proportioned living spaces, statement lighting and a cleverly incorporated purpose-designed study. Life here is perfectly private yet truly connected. It’s a short stroll to cafés, cinemas and shops, a CityCat ride to theatres and restaurants, and the airport is mere minutes away. Idyllic living for the privileged few, in the most coveted riverfront neighbourhood.
4.5
4 POOL
LIFT
3 484sqm
MPR + STUDY $4,500,000 FPR0053B
FOR ALL THE DETAILS AND TO GET A TRUE SENSE OF THIS EXTRAORDINARY HOME, SCAN THE QR CODE AND VIEW THE PRIVATE WALKTHROUGH VIDEO. CECILYNNE JURSS 0417 647 591 | RIVERSREACH.COM.AU | 13 38 38
DESIGN DIGEST
Rustic charm Bask in the warmth of rusty tones, from reddish brick to burnt orange and muted cocoa. C o m p i l e d b y PAU LIN E M O RRIS SE Y DUO-TONED DREAM Part of Castlery’s limited-edition collection, the Sacha Armchair is upholstered in duo-toned fabric with natural hues. This vibrant, sculptural chair infuses any room with style and comfort, creating a warm welcome. castlery.com
COMFORT CLOUD RJ Living’s Floss Queen Bed in Corduroy Cocoa presents a plush yet sculptural look. Its wide, low-line frame and recessed base offer an almost weightless appearance, further accentuated by elegant curves. rjliving.com.au
WARM GLOW New
GREAT OUTDOORS HAY’s Palissade Table and Chairs, crafted by French designers Ronan & Erwan
from Nicole Lawrence
Bouroullec, sport a sleek, slatted steel structure that balances strength and elegance. The iron-red
Studio is the Oro
variant brings an earthy tone, ideal for gardens and balconies. cultdesign.com.au
Lamp, artfully merging form with function. Available in a selection of warm colours, it has a circular base inspired by the ancient Ouroboros snake symbol, and handblown glass shades. nicolelawrence.online
ADAM FLIPP
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BEHIND THE LISTING
Luxury and fun in the Sun Ranch
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Sun Ranch in the Byron hinterland is a breathtaking and unique hospitality venue – and it’s on the market. B y PAU LIN E M O RRIS SE Y
JESSIE PRINCE
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estled in the Byron Bay hinterland, where rolling green hills and vast blue skies appear straight out of a Yellowstone scene, Sun Ranch emerges as a sunkissed sweet escape, affectionately nicknamed “the hotel of good times”. In 2021, Jamie Blakey and Julia Ashwood, bonded by years of friendship and creative synergy, discovered this 22-hectare gem while scrolling through property listings on their home turf, the Northern Rivers of NSW. They saw not just land but potential – an expanse that once grazed cattle but screamed for something more. They formed an investment group with close friends, combining their backgrounds in hospitality, fashion and advertising to create a luxury hinterland haven. “We drew inspiration from the vibrancy of 1970s California, the rustic charm of spaghetti westerns, and the warmth of Mexican and Spanish designs,” explains Blakey, former creative director and founder of fashion label One Teaspoon. “Our unconventional approach to design is infused with Byron’s laid-back spirit, though steering clear of the tired all-white schemes to embrace a bold and fun aesthetic.” Within less than three years, their vision materialised into a breathtaking estate that can accommodate up to 34 guests across a number of thoughtfully designed spaces. The Rambler Long House, facing north, features four lavish rooms with private pool access from their patios, high ceilings, minibars, and en suite bathrooms. There’s also a self-contained, one-bedroom Private Suite. Further up on a ridge, the Sun Ranch Barns offer six chic two-bedroom timber barns, operating entirely off-grid and aligning with the owners’ commitment to sustainability. “I’m sitting in one of these barns as we speak,” says Ashwood, a Byron native, travel writer and co-owner of Eltham Hotel. “The views make you feel like you’re on top of the world, surrounded by ancient figs and sprawling gums. “It’s hard to tell at times that I’m only five minutes from home in Bangalow.” On the grounds, there are all sorts of peaceful pockets to explore. The Pool Club, perched on the hillside, offers a 25-metre pool with thatched umbrellas and bleacher-style seats reminiscent of the Bondi Icebergs Pool. Blakey and Ashwood share memories of running around the estate searching for the perfect pool location, ultimately choosing a spot with stunning north-eastern vistas. “I remember how exciting it was to watch the Pool Club come to life,” Blakey says. “Just as fun as it was taking our inaugural dip.” Other frills include the Field House, a host of magical meals, and Fire Feasts, equipped with
ANSON SMART
Opposite page: Friends Jamie Blakey and Julia Ashwood are the driving force behind Sun Ranch. This page: The property draws inspiration from 1970s California, spaghetti westerns, Mexico and Spain.
an Argentinian barbecue, an open-air kitchen fire pit, and the Go Easy Dam is a wellness space with an ice bath and a floating sauna. Before its official opening in September 2023, Blakey celebrated her birthday at Sun Ranch, allowing them to enjoy the property while having 30-odd loved ones test the intricacies of running a hinterland hotel. “Sun Ranch is truly a nature’s playground – whether you’re visiting as a couple or with 34 of your nearest and dearest,” Ashwood says. “Each day, you’re waking up to a private acreage, glossy black cockatoos flying over the pool, riding horses, dining under the stars with local wines, and watching incredible sunsets.” A closer look at Sun Ranch affirms its coowner’s exquisite tastes and creative prowess.
The Lair, a sunken lounge in The Rambler Long House, invites guests to gather around a striking sculptural fireplace amid one-off furnishings and artisanal touches, from commissioned lighting by Lana Launay to ceramics by Lisa Lapointe. “We took a buying trip to the States, finding treasures in and around Los Angeles, then down to Mexico, and shipped a large container back, which arrived after 10 months,” Blakey laughs. “Many of our favourite pieces, including artworks, personality chairs, and the timber carvings found in the Cowboy Bar, were found during this trip.” Speaking of the bar, this is the first port of call when guests enter the Ranch, where “every rancher receives an icy-cold beer or salty margarita upon arrival”. One of artist Nathan Pickering’s hand-painted signs can be spotted here; the same goes for the timber sign that marks the property’s entrance, paying homage to classic ranch gates. These unique and fun details place Sun Ranch in a league of its own. Earning every bit of the limelight it basks in, from Vogue Living being the first of many to cover their launch to, more recently, GQ naming them one of “the most stylish hotels on the planet”. Now, just five months post-launch, and after much interest from around the globe, the group has placed Sun Ranch on the market through expressions of interest. With an initial price guide of over $20 million, a recent comparable sale is The Range estate’s $37 million recordsetting sale, also in Coopers Shoot. “We’re open to selling the entire estate, but equally happy to expand and go forward with an investment group to forge the Sun Ranch brand wider, around Australia, and beyond,” Ashwood says. “We believe we have created something very special and are excited about whatever the next chapter may bring.”
JESSIE PRINCE
Coopers Shoot Northern Rivers 17 Byron Creek Road $20 million+
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Expressions of interest Agent: HTL Property, Andrew Jolliffe 0438 733 447 with Pacifico Property, Brad Cranfield 0401 823 310
Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Byron Bay
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kimjonesproperty.com.au
LIVING IN
34.4865° S, 150.3385° E
BERRIMA DEE KRAMER
This quaint Southern Highlands village is adored by horse-lovers and those seeking serenity or opportunity. B y PAU LIN E M O RRIS SE Y A time-honoured treasure of the Southern Highlands, Berrima is one of Australia’s bestpreserved villages from the 1830s, with natural
Southern Highlands 64 Nathan Street
spending fewer days on the market.”
A blend of old and new
collective spirit. The city hustle is replaced by
Jemima Fairbanks and Sophie Jenkins’ newly
the quietude of country living, refined by bespoke
launched interior design practice, Fairbanks &
boutiques, artisanal eateries, and lush vineyards.
Jenkins, contributes to the village’s character.
A paradise of possibilities
transformation and are thrilled to be part of
Samuel Lindsay, principal at Drew Lindsay
this new chapter, embracing its rich past while
Sotheby’s International Realty, says Berrima’s
contributing to its evolution,” Fairbanks says.
$7.7 million-$7.9 million
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“We’re witnessing Berrima undergo a
residents range from families and couples
“Our store aims to be a haven for home owners
seeking serenity to investors hunting for the
looking to enhance their homes, with an evolving
perfect weekender.
collection of bespoke items and carefully
and musicians to history buffs and equestrian
Berrima
“They are often tightly held and are now
beauty, historic architecture, and a palpable
“The village welcomes everyone, from foodies
YOU MAY LIKE ...
selected antiques, each chosen with passion.” Fairbanks is settling into her home, Mountside
fans, each finding their niche in Berrima,” he says.
Berrima, with her family. Sharing the construction
“Here, the dream of owning a quaint cottage,
and curation of this journey on Instagram, F&J’s
Private sale
with its rich heritage waiting to be restored,
exquisite taste is apparent, from an antique
Agent: Drew Lindsay Sotheby’s International
becomes a tangible reality, and the same goes
marble fireplace to elegant Murano lights.
Realty, Samuel Lindsay 0404 647 609
for aspirations of owning a sprawling acreage.” Lindsay points out Berrima’s rolling hillsides, which are home to some of the Southern
It’s easy to imagine a blissful family life here,
children who attend Tudor House school, and
historic homes, expansive green landscapes,
bringing them up in this setting, where they can
and garden wonderlands.
experience nature firsthand – from collecting
whether it’s adding a guest house, creative studios or leisure facilities like swimming pools or tennis courts,” he says.
Kywarra’s 6.4 hectares host a New-England-style
“Both Sophie and I are parents to young
Highland’s most beautiful estates, with grand
“These properties offer endless possibilities,
On the outskirts of Berrima’s historic heart,
something Berrima naturally nurtures.
home, a self-contained cottage, a tennis court and equestrian amenities.
eggs from the chickens to picking fresh produce for dinner – is deeply fulfilling,” Fairbanks says.
The morning sun shining
Hover your camera over the
“It fosters a childhood of exploration and
over the Wingecarribee
code to see Domain listings
River in Berrima.
in Berrima
curiosity, exactly as it should be.”
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See demand for your home Download the app
10 P R E S T I G E
THE PROPERTY INVESTOR
TAMMY LAW
The gold-medal capital for growth The numbers are stacking up for investors in Brisbane as the looming Olympics and supply issues drive the market higher. B y SU E WILLIAMS
W
Residential properties are posting record price growth as low vacancy rates and fast-rising rents pump up the property market.
ith its infrastructure build-up to the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane, of all our capital cities, looks like winning the biggest share of gold medals for investors. With record capital growth for both houses and apartments, an eye-watering rental vacancy rate of 0.8 per cent and a 9.1 per cent year-onyear rise in rents for houses, and 16.7 per cent for units, on Domain figures, the stage continues to be set for excellent residential investment returns. “Even looking at the population growth in Brisbane shows what a good market it is,” says Jordan Navybox, managing director of buyer’s agency Cohen Handler’s Queensland division. “The Australian Bureau of Statistics put Brisbane’s population growth rate at 2.3 per cent, over double that of Melbourne and more than three times the growth in Sydney. “And migration into Brisbane is still happening, from both interstate and overseas.” At valuers Herron Todd White, Brisbane director David Notley also believes the city is at the top of its game.
He sees the surging population, with past increases and forecasts of continued growth, as key to its position on the winners’ podium. “Probably, it’s one of the most active markets I’ve seen for quite some time,” Notley says. “I guess what’s underpinning it is the limited
“Probably, it’s one of the most active markets I’ve seen for quite some time.” supply at the moment, with demand pushing up capital values, and replacement costs proving quite challenging as well. “But one difficulty is that we’re seeing owner-occupiers outbidding investors. “They need somewhere to live and some are getting out of rentals because they’re becoming
too costly, so we’re seeing tenants buying the properties they’re currently residing in.” Changing tenancy laws and higher land taxes are also proving challenging for investors, although the other market fundamentals remain strong, with few big projects to build substantially more apartments or houses on the table to swell supply, he says. “[However,] if interest rates start to fall, and as the Olympics approach, we might see more investors decide to get into the market.” The latest Domain House Price Report certainly shows the market favours investors. Annual house price gains in Brisbane are at their steepest since September 2022 – 9.7 per cent – with a record-high median of $888,285. Units have also hit a record high, at $524,202. “Brisbane unit prices continue to break records by achieving another price peak,” says Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell. “Annual gains are the steepest of all the capitals, topping the city’s fastest increase in almost 16 years at 14.2 per cent.” Navybox further points to the falling number of building approvals in Brisbane, down from a historic average of 18,000 to 20,000 dwellings a year to 10,000 in the past 12 months. “[They are] now at a 15-year low and, because of high building costs, building approval conversions … are at an all-time low,” he says. “We’re creating a massive housing bottleneck at the moment, and that will continue for at least three years.”
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Cutting Edge Elwood Icon 9 Bendigo Avenue, Elwood a b c d e
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5/20 HENDERSON STREET, SUNSHINE BEACH, NOOSA
Looking for a truly spectacular, unrivalled eagle’s
Tall walls of glass seemingly disappear and morph
eye view from northern Sunshine Beach, sweeping
from indoors out, to two of four undercover
beyond 180 degrees across the luminous azure of
terraces. Imagine a vibrant spectrum of blues,
the Coral Sea, where dreamy waves are off the hook,
greens, oohs, and aahs, also sun-kissed days with
and all totally visible from one-and-only penthouse-
the carefree spirit of the season as fresh as an
perfection, two minutes to the sand. Come inside.
early morning swim and walk along the beach.
Be enthralled by the generosity of well-appointed
Entertainers are definitely spoilt for choice.
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Auction Saturday 9 March 11am
mimicking the environs.
Agent Jesse Stowers 0414 367 282 jesse@offermann.com.au
offermann.com.au
NOOSA’S HOME OF PRESTIGE PROPERTY
living and dining areas, and a fresh aesthetic
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MAXWALLS.COM 16 P R E S T I G E
9977 7777
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YASS ’Dowan Hill’ 198 Connells Lane
5 Auction
Dowan Hill, a historic grazing & cropping propert r y spanning 1,184 hectares (2,925 acres) along the rt Murrumbidgee River, just 15 minutes fr f om Murrumbateman. Off ffe ff fered fo f r only the second time since it was settled in the 1840s, Dowan Hill is one of the oldest propert r ies in the region. It is securely watered, rt boasting 2 km of river fr f ontage, 2 creeks, a licensed bore, and 40 paddocks (of which 11 are dedicated to hay making and silage). The fif ve-bedroom homestead is accompanied by excellent shedding (accessible fo f r t o-wheel drive vehicles), a fif ve-stand shearing shed, shearer’s quart tw r ers, and substantial sheep and cattle rt yards.
View
1 Monday, 11th March, 5.00pm, Homely Auction House, Level 1, 29-33 Bay Street, Double Bay By Appointment David Medina 0419 772 233
All info f rmation contained herein is gathered fr fo f om sources we deem to be reliable. However we cannot guarantee its accuracy and interested part r ies should rely on their own enquiries. rt
MELBOURNE 808/201 COLLINS STREET 1
a 1b 2c
PARIS COMES TO COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE
Exquisitely designed, this richly adorned and extremely spacious 1 bedroom apartment has no equal. Sitting above Melbourne's most revered boutique hotel The Westin, the property enjoys one of the most exclusive addresses in the Paris end of Collins Street. With a completely unique living experience, the owner of this apartment will enjoy full access to room service, housekeeping, and the world class pool and gymnasium. Providing the perfect City residence with an interior featuring intricately designed living and dining zones and quality features throughout all combining to offer inspired details that creates a one-of-a-kind French inspired ambience and ultimate luxury. Bedroom features floor to ceiling Oak built-in robes, double glass doors which open out to the balcony, an ensuite with his and hers vanity all in a rich stone finish with spa bath. Fully equipped Gaggenau kitchen with marble benchtops adjoins the living room, which offers high ceilings and direct access to terrace. The oversized terrace enjoying views of Southbank, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the City Square this is quintessential Parisian-styled apartment with the bonus of two side by side car parks. Magnificent executive residence to suit the most fastidious buyer.
Contact
www.dinglepartners.com.au 18 P R E S T I G E
Kim Shannon 0417 324 323 Malcolm Dingle 0418 333 489
9614 6688
SUNSHINE COAST – ‘AINSLIE ON ANNING’
5 Bed | 4 Bath | 4 Car | 7,073m2
74 ANNING ROAD, FOREST GLEN Schampers Developments’ latest LA-inspired creation showcases coastal Californian design & resort-style family living. Discover bespoke finishes, gourmet Miele & Liebherr kitchen, vaulted 4.2m ceilings, stone fireplace & seamlessly connected living zones. There is space for as many as four vehicles in addition to a caravan & boat hardstand. A separate professional office allows seamless work & play with this 6,000m² garden paradise. A selection of private & public schools, university, hospitals, boutique gourmet eateries and the Coast’s finest beaches showcase Buderim’s demand.
• Enjoy sunrises and sunsets against nature backdrop
Price: Expression of Interest Closing Monday, March 4 at 12 noon
• Generous proportions & connected alfresco living zones
Inspect: By appointment
• Custom furnishings complete the purchase package
• 7.1m x 2.9m airconditioned office adjoining carport with separate powder room & entry • Separate & exclusive entry self-contained guest suite with laundry/ensuite bedroom
Danny Redman 0418 731 588 Luis Tomarchio 0418 731 589
• 20 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport and one hour to Brisbane International Airport
Office: 07 5445 2844 www.kenguybuderim.com.au PR E ST IGE
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