Domain Review Stonnington & Boroondara - June 5, 2024

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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, it is all subject to change.

This publication is published by Domain Holdings Australia Limited and Broadsheet Media Pty. Ltd. and is printed by IVE, 25-33 Fourth Avenue, Sunshine VIC 3020

Broadsheet is Australia’s leading independent publisher. Online and in print, we aim to keep you in the loop with the best Melbourne has to offer and enrich your life in the city. We won’t waste your time with anything you don’t need to know about – just the essentials in home & lifestyle, art & design, fashion & style, food & drink, entertainment and travel. Broadsheet also has a presence in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Broadsheet  Founder and publisher: Nick Shelton   General manager: Sian Whitaker   Editorial director: Katya Wachtel  Publications director: Nick Connellan   National editor: Michael Harry   Melbourne food & drink editor: Audrey Payne   Studio and strategy director: Roya Lines   Media partnerships manager: Jessica Kirsopp

Broadsheet  Editor: Jo Walker   Assistant editor: Gitika Garg   Design lead: Ben Siero   Designer: Ella Witchell   Sub editors: Miriam Kauppi, Barnaby Smith, Adeline Teoh, Annie Toller   Writers: Mike Bennie, Emma Do, Alice Jeffery, Grace MacKenzie, Kai Page, Lachsley Parton, Vivian Tang  Photographers: Liana Hardy, Casey Horsfield, Alice Hutchinson, Kaede James Takamoto, Aria Koudounis, Lexi Laphor, Ashley Ludkin, Tilly Parsons, Phoebe Powell, Jordan Price, Samantha Schultz, Leah Traecey

Cover credits: Mikaela Stafford shot by Phoebe Powell

Broadsheet Media acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to lands, waters and communities. We pay respect to Elders past and present and honour more than 60,000 years of storytelling, art and culture.

In this week’s cover story we meet self-taught digital artist Mikaela Stafford, whose stunning works have caught the attention of major art institutions and big brands alike. Of course her pieces are beautiful. But we’re also drawn to her optimistic visions for the future – where tech empowers creativity and art helps us redefine our relationship with screens.

Jo Walker Broadsheet Editor

Home Of The Week

Melbourne: Level 4, 600 Church Street, Cremorne 3121, VIC Instagram: @domain.com.au Facebook.com/domain.com.au/

Sydney: 100 Harris Street, Pyrmont 2009, NSW Instagram: @domain.com.au Facebook.com/domain.com.au/ www.domain.com.au

Melbourne: Level 4, 71 Langridge Street Collingwood 3066, VIC Instagram: @broadsheet_melb Facebook.com/broadsheet.melbourne

Sydney: 258A Crown Street, Surry Hills 2010, NSW Instagram: @broadsheet_syd Facebook.com/broadsheet.sydney

www.broadsheet.com.au

Where Chefs Eat with John Rivera

Studio Visit with Mikaela Stafford

NOW OPEN

Olympia

Level 1, 12–18 Chester Street, Oakleigh

A former DJ, Nick Flaounas is behind neighbourhood wine bars Gloria’s in Camberwell and Harvie in Armadale. His latest venture Olympia, a Greek-inspired wine bar above Oakleigh Market, is co-owned with Steven Bourgazas of nearby Bohdega Cafe.

Split across two spaces, there’s an indoor wine bar on the first floor and an olive-tree-lined rooftop bar in the market’s former car park space. Downstairs, ultra-white walls, reminiscent of whitewashed limestone, are complete with recessed shelving, rattan chairs, a terracotta-tiled bar and blue-and-white-tiled tabletops. A vinylonlyDJ booth hosts funk, soul and disco sets on weekends.

The share-plate-focused menu nods to Flaounas’s Greek heritage with hero dishes like taramasalata served with Yarra Valley caviar and koulouri; club sandwiches with house-made herb chicken; and golden saganaki croquettes. To drink, choose from 14 wines by the glass or pick from 140 primarily Australian and Greek bottles. Or pick from a list of classic and seasonal cocktails. — LP

Photo: Liana Hardy

ADD TO CART

Anyone who’s ever made their own almond (or oat, soy or rice) milk knows it’s a chore. The soaking, the blending, the straining – there’s a reason we buy it in Tetra Paks. But from the cost of a carton to questions around sustainability and additives or preservatives, it’s an imperfect solution. Melbourne brand Nutmixr launched last year with an electric milk maker. While its core functions are blending and heating, you can also use both modes for smoothies and even cups of tea. — AJ

$349 / nutmixr.com

IN THE DIARY

Rising

The fourth edition of art festival Rising is underway now. Head to Fed Square throughout the festival to experience installation The Blak Infinite. Down the road, The Rivers Sing installation will rise once again across the Yarra. There’s a stacked line-up for an all-day party at the Melbourne Town Hall including Asha Puthli, Richard Youngs, Astrid Sonne and Yasiin Bey. Plus, catch New York absurdist artist Geoff Sobelle’s intimate dinner-party experience Food, an exhibition by UK artist Jeremy Deller and more. — GG

Until Jun 16 / 2024.rising.melbourne

Nutmixr

READ ME

A life lived beside our big blue expanse brings currents of calm and creativity – and, in the right hands, exceptional fit-outs. Gallivanting around beachside locales in Australia and the States, interior designer Ingrid Weir documents the interesting people and spaces found by the ocean. Between an artist’s 1940s Cali-style bungalow in Fremantle and a suave Malibu trailer park full of “actors, lifeguards [and] firefighters”, the style-soaked book’s a joy to drink up. — GM

$60 / hardiegrant.com

BAR CART

Two Metre Tall Sour Pumpkin Ale

This limited release wild-fermented sour pumpkin ale is a blend of varied brews. Local Derwent Valley-grown pumpkins underpin the barrel-aged, soured flavours of the beer with a creamy texture, a good bite of tangy acidity and piquant herbal elements. It’s ideal paired with a multi-dish feast, a perfect foil to feel warmed and refreshed in the same sip. Apt for cooler days when your best trackies, slippers and fingerless gloves might appear. — MB

$165 for 6 / 2mt.com.au

THREE OF A KIND

Croissant bags

What the baguette was to the ’90s, the croissant is to the 2020s. We’re talking about bags, by the way. Worn crossbody or slung over your shoulder, these curvaceous carryalls are topping wish lists everywhere. New Zealand brand Yu Mei’s take comes in four earthy shades. Luggage company July’s iteration is made from machine-washable cotton. And Georgia Jay’s playful silhouette makes for the perfect evening companion. — AJ

July Everyday Crescent bag, $95 / july.com/au

Georgia Jay Baby Fortune bag, $500 / georgiajay.com

Yu Mei Antonia bag, $889 / au.yumeibrand.com

July photo: Alice Hutchinson

New Coastal

HOME MAKER

Wah-Wah World

Kaylene Milner can’t do minimalism.

The local designer known for vivid rock’n’roll knits – she’s collaborated with bands like Sonic Youth, Amyl & the Sniffers and Yeah Yeah Yeahs – has turned her attention to homewares, with a line of luxury merino-wool cushion covers ($150 each) and throws ($280 each). Produced in double jacquard knit, the pieces rep bold tones and psychedelic-mod patterning.

Milner envisions Wah-Wah World as “the (slightly) more mature big sister brand to the clothing line”. A little less gritty, a little more approachable. And still “infused with fun, graphic patterns”. — JW

wahwahaustralia.com

INSTITUTION

Monarch Cakes

103 Acland Street, St Kilda

The venerable Monarch Cakes turns 90 this year. Polish and Jewish migrant Pearl Levine, who had a cake shop in Poland in the 1920s, opened the south-side shop with her family in 1934. Today, the nostalgic bakery is under the stewardship of Gideon Markham and his family, who took over prepping, proofing and piping duties in 1996. They still follow the same recipes that Levine brought over from Poland in the early 20th century. The reigning fan-favourite is Polish baked cheesecake, which uses fermented quark cheese. Or try the lemon tarts, French vanilla slices, slices of apple crumble and sachertorte.

Known for: Keeping a migrant community’s culture alive through food. Make sure to: Check out the eclectic interior, jammed with old photos and memorabilia. Locals say: “That’s where my grandparents got their wedding cake (and where I’m getting mine).” Don’t forget: The signature kooglhoupf, a sweet ring-shaped bread with dark chocolate and almond meal. — KP

Photo: Lexi Laphor

Photo: Leah Traecey

SNACK BAR STREET STYLE

By Audrey Payne

The family behind Footscray Market’s famed D&K Live Seafood has opened a Chinatown oyster bar, Muli Express. There’s a dozen or more varieties of oyster on offer at any time, and the team will help guests navigate the range. Also on offer: congee, lobster rolls, marron rolls, oyster ice-cream and sea urchins. 163 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne / @muli_express

The team behind Piedmont-inspired Fitzroy joint Alta Trattoria has opened Enoteca Zingara – a laid-back sister venue with aperitivo hour from 4pm to 5pm, including $6 Peronis and $6 Camparis served alongside complimentary snacks. 334 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy / enotecazingara.com

Abbotsford Convent restaurant Julie has replaced its à la carte offering with two new set menus. An express lunch menu is available for $55 per person and a five-course menu is available during lunch and dinner service for $110 per person. The seasonal menus will change every six weeks. 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford / julierestaurant.com.au

Chef Luke Mangan, well known in Sydney for restaurants Luke’s Kitchen and Luc-San, is opening a French-style bistro in Melbourne’s Hotel Indigo. The new restaurant will take over the space formerly occupied by Beso, a Spanish restaurant that closed after operating less than a year. 575 Flinders Lane / @bistrotbisou

Sydney hospo duo Ross and Sunny Lusted have confirmed they plan to open two Melbourne venues – a basement bar and a restaurant – on the same block as Dave Verheul’s Embla and the yet-toopen boutique hotel Melbourne Place. The couple has not announced the names of the new spots, but notes both will have coastal Iberian influence.

Read the full story for each dot point: broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/series/snack-bar

Name: Sophie Colvin Age: 25 Occupation: Baker and personal assistant Tell us about your outfit today. My shoes, I got them over in New Zealand. I actually think they’re men’s shoes, but it works. I got my pants made when I was in Bangkok a few years ago. I’ve got a Nagnata bodysuit, One Fable shirt and a Camilla and Marc jumper. My sunnies are Luv Lou and most of my jewellery is Lucy Folk. Who is your style icon? I guess with social media these days, you’re always being influenced whether you’re looking for it or not.

Albert Park boasts wide streets, heritage architecture, open-air cafes and parks. The strong sense of community makes it a sought-after suburb for those desiring a fusion of history and contemporary living.

Photo: Jordan Price

Photo: Ashley Ludkin

Photo: Samantha Schultz

DIVERSE APPEAL

Victoria Avenue, Albert Park

Photo: Kaede James Takamoto

WHERE CHEFS EAT

John Rivera from Askal and Kariton Sorbetes

Words by Audrey Payne

Photo by Tilly Parsons

CBD Filipino joint Askal was one of the year’s most anticipated new restaurants. And when doors opened in February, it did not disappoint – pushing the boundaries of Filipino food with torched scallop adobo, a highly Instagrammable clay-pot rice served with bone marrow, and doughnuts topped with the thick peanut stew kare-kare.

Culinary director John Rivera started his restaurant career in 2012, working front-of-house at Rockpool Bar & Grill while studying patisserie at William Angliss. He’s since worked in the kitchen at fine diners including Rockpool in Sydney, Amaru in Armadale and Lume in South Melbourne, where, before Covid struck, he was executive chef.

During Melbourne’s lockdowns he co-founded Kariton Sorbetes, a gelato brand that specialises in Filipino and Asian flavours. It now has three stores in Melbourne, and just opened its first Sydney outpost.

We took five minutes with the chef to find out where (and what) he’s eating in Melbourne these days.

What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway?

CDMX in Melbourne Central never disappoints. It’s literally – even if just according to me – the best birria tacos in Melbourne. That rich, tender braised beef brisket in that crispy, crunchy, cheesy taco with the super flavourful consommé – UGH!

How about lunch on the go? Warkop on Little Collins Street. I’ve fallen in love with their tuna melt cakalang, and I swear I get it every time I’m there now. The way they incorporate traditional Indonesian flavours into their sandwiches just makes them so delicious and interesting.

And for a drink and snacks? It’s hard to look away from Auterra in Armadale for a great flurry of snacks paired with some pretty awesome wines.

If you’re looking for inspiration? Lutong Pinoy in the Footscray Market. They do homecooked Filipino food so well – no fuss or fanfare, just good, honest cooking.

Where is your favourite dessert in town? I feel like any answer is wrong if I don’t say Kariton! But actually, I don’t really get high on my own supply. I really love all the goodies at Kudo and Raya. Special mention goes to Kudo’s chilli-andchocolate madeleines and miso-sesame cookies, as well as Raya’s kaya-butter-toast cake.

Where do you go for a big meal? We are always hitting up Sakura Kaiten Sushi II on Lonsdale Street. With my wife being pregnant twice in the past three years, sushi is a real treat for us. Now that she can have all her favourite raw seafood again, we go all out on the sushi train!

If you have visitors from out of town? I’m always taking family and friends to Lune. Let’s be honest, everyone wants to go there.

What’s your bucket-list restaurant? Restaurant Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road, London. I grew up watching Boiling Point, Kitchen Nightmares and Hell’s Kitchen, and even had the chance to meet Gordon on Masterchef, so it would be like fulfilling a childhood dream.

Where do you find your favourite sweet treat? Right now, I’m having a real obsession with falooda [a sweet South Asian drink with layered rose syrup, ice-cream and vermicelli], and living in Tarneit/Truganina means I have access to some great Indian desserts at any time. And by any time, I mean I’m Uber-ing a rabri falooda from Dessert Corner on Wheels at 11pm.

What’s your go-to hangover food? Okay, listen up here – and I apologise to the Indian community of Melbourne in advance. But you get a lamb biryani, butter chicken, raita and a roti paratha. You’re gonna use the roti like a burrito tortilla and you’re gonna fill that bad boy with the biryani, butter chicken and raita. Roll it up tight and then pan fry that confusion of a burrito paratha in a hot pan so two of the sides get crispy. Then you’re gonna eat that on the couch contemplating life and the choices you make.

Five EcoFriendly Swaps for Your Bathroom Cabinet

By Alice Jeffery

FOILE ANGEL EYE JELLIES – $39 Sydney brand Foile has found a solution to disposable under-eye masks with its silicone patches. Simply dab a generous amount of your favourite eye serum onto your face and pop the jellies in place to lock in hydration, awaken and depuff. When you’re done, rinse and dry the patches before storing them in the aluminium case. foileskincare.com

brand

launched as an antidote to the very plasticky, very pink, very gendered razors we’ve grown up with. The brainchild of Rebecca Harding and Ingrid Kesa, Lui offers an ergonomic reusable razor with refillable blades. The shaving cream is a pHbalanced antioxidant formulation made with shea butter, aloe vera and avocado oil. luibody.com

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LUI SHAVE SET – $97.50 Melbourne

Lui

THANKYOU ANTIPERSPIRANT DEODORANT –

$14.95 This 48-hour deodorant is stain-free and safe on sensitive skin – and it’s refillable. It comes in two scents: cypress and cedar, and coconut and santal. The 50-millilitre bottle is made from 94 per cent recycled plastic, or glass. Refills come in a  100-millilitre bottle, which will top you up twice. thankyou.co

FINEAU BASICS HAIR CLEANSER AND CONDITIONER – $57.99 A two-in-one cleanser and conditioner, this soap- and sulphate-free powder concentrate comes in a plasticfree reusable bottle and works to gently clean the hair and balance the scalp. It’s a great option for anyone looking to reduce waste and for travelling when liquid and weight restrictions are factors to consider in your toiletries. fineaubasics.com.au

CONSERVING BEAUTY DISSOLVABLE ZIT STRIPS – $28 Described as Australia’s first waterless beauty brand, Conserving Beauty’s dissolvable, plastic-free strips are coated in a formula with actives including salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to work on pesky pimples. Once you’re done, pop the packaging and the strip in your compost. conservingbeauty.com

At Creative By Design we are proud to produce custom joinery for any room in the home, making each space more usable and pleasant to spend time in.

The team will work with you throughout the design, manufacture and installation journey to bring your dream to reality.

FUTURE VISIONS

Words by Emma Do · Photos by Phoebe Powell

Apathy is dangerous!” Mikaela Stafford tells Broadsheet. The artist, known for her 3D motion graphics projected across public art installations and brand campaigns, is referring to the pervasive doom and gloom wrapped up with digital technologies. You know: excessive screen time , antisocial media , AI stealing our jobs All the techno-dystopian discourse sparking fear and anxiety. Stafford primarily makes art using digital programs and hopes to counter the overwhelming despair around our technological futures. “I want to offer a sense of optimism,” she says. “When people don’t feel empowered or open-minded, they just tap out. I’m trying to encourage people to feel potential – because if there’s not a sense of possibility, then people can’t imagine their lives or other people’s lives to be better.”

To look at Stafford’s peculiar, biophilic artwork is to fall into an alternative reality. Her vivid dreamscapes, rendered through animation programs such as Cinema 4D, can feel simultaneously cavernous and microscopic, alien yet familiar. At first you’re struck by the detail, then you begin to question what exactly you’re gazing at. Is that coral? Folded glass? Liquid metal?

If there is an element of escapism to Stafford’s style, it can be traced to Melbourne’s lockdowns, when she first learned how to make art using 3D animation software. “We were so isolated, and I was definitely going through challenging mental-health stuff like everybody else,” she says. “Being able to create these sub-aquatic, abstract worlds was a really good place for my energy and mind to go. I could just escape into the places that I was creating.”

But before the world-building came the upskilling. When the pandemic halted her stage-design and installation work, Stafford directed her energies into learning 3D motion graphics, teaching herself via YouTube tutorials.

“I always found it really intimidating – I didn’t use any digital programs before doing motion 3D, which was a pretty hilarious move. But I think my naivety was to my advantage. If I’d known the mountain of learning that was involved, I’m not sure I’d have gone through with it.”

Cue multiple scenes of Stafford “crying over the keyboard”. By the six-month mark, though, her perseverance began to pay off. She’d initially planned to use her animation skills to bolster her stage-design work, but once she realised the software’s potential, her mind buzzed with artistic ideas.

“I was creating things I was never able to fully execute in real life, because in stage installation you need money,

space and a team to build stuff,” she says. “I finally found the tools that meant I could just do everything I wanted at my desk, and that was a really liberating moment.”

While digital art has not always been accepted by cultural gatekeepers, Stafford’s has been quickly embraced. Beauty brand Mecca sponsored her first big commercial project in  2022: a video artwork displayed in shopfronts across Australia and New Zealand.

Since then, she’s followed up with campaigns for Nike, Penfolds and Drunk Elephant. Her artwork has wrapped one of ACMI’s stairwells, graced the halls of the Tate Modern and decorated giant outdoor screens at music and cultural festivals.

A literal career high has been seeing her work beamed from a 30-metre screen in Hong Kong. “I was doing laps looking for the screen, then I realised I’d been looking at it the whole time,” she laughs. “It was so big, I thought it  was just a building. That was really epic.”

From a studio above retail store Sucker in Fitzroy, which she shares with a handful of other artists, Stafford dreams up large-scale public art concepts. She brings physical experiences and a sense of tactility to her art in an attempt to “renegotiate the relationship” we have with everyday screens.

“I think when it’s more experiential, it’s impactful and meaningful for people, especially in this time when digital media is so saturated everywhere,” she says. “I don’t just want my work to exist on social media or on a website.”

For all her time spent sitting behind the computer, Stafford relishes a good session in the workshop – somewhere she can properly get her hands dirty.

Recently, she’s been experimenting with bronze casting, shaping the molten material into sculptures which she describes as traditional in material and digital in shape. For a recent show, Stafford created sand-casted aluminium frames for a series of prints, fusing her futuristic aesthetics with ancient processes.

Though Stafford’s art exists primarily in pixels, it is constantly inspired and informed by the natural world. “There’s always been a pull, a curiosity,” she says. “Everybody’s had a beautiful experience in the natural world – it’s where we do our best healing and have our favourite memories.”

Encouraging curiosity and conversation around our environment is important. And if her images can ignite the imagination, that’s a win. “I like to remind us that we have a responsibility to nurture the planet – to ask, ‘What does it look like in the future? What changes can we make to make it a better place?’”

HOME OF THE WEEK

The pinnacle of luxury living

Words by Anders Furze

This stunning penthouse’s name says it all: the Skyhome. Acclaimed architects Elenberg Fraser and Hecker Guthrie are the design minds behind this striking tribute to luxury, which sprawls over two floors and approximately 750 square metres.

Here, you’ll find unimpeded city vistas, a rooftop entertainment oasis, two butler’s kitchens, an expansive terrace, pool, spa and sauna. All of this is impressive enough. But arguably its most luxurious feature? The main bedroom has two en suites.

Now that’s luxe living.

The entry stuns from the outset. Head on past the statement central staircase and you’ll find two wine fridges in the hall. An art hanging system allows you to easily hang your collection on the wall.

Those expansive views beckon you to the end of the hall and into the open-plan living, dining and kitchen area.

A double-sided fireplace smartly divides the living from the kitchen and dining zones, and a marble-encased entertaining table makes a statement to your guests. The gourmet kitchen is the definition of elegance,

thanks to Italian super-white marble/quartzite countertops. Sub-Zero Wolf appliances make for a well-equipped culinary kingdom.

Both butler’s kitchens are discreetly tucked behind the dining zone, and you’ll also find an adjoining large laundry.

The main bedroom has three walk-in wardrobes, those two en suites and a lovely private balcony. The other two bedrooms have views and en suites, and a guest bedroom is conveniently found adjacent to another bathroom.

Head up the central spiral staircase and you’ll reach yet another kitchen, alongside a large recreation area. The billiards table and golf simulator are great for relaxed recreation and you’ll be able to sweat out the stresses of the day in the sauna.

Head outside to the terrace and you’ll find the stunning swimming pool and spa, which offer panoramic views over Melbourne’s suburbs and the city skyline.

A pergola, al fresco fireplace and barbecue kitchen complete this space.

Who needs TV? The city becomes your entertainment up here, whether lying in the

water or sitting and gazing out to an unparalleled view of the city skyline.

The private garage has room for five cars and there’s a basement storage room. Other features include integrated home automation, underfloor heating in all bathrooms and a 20-kilowatt solar panel.

The CV Apartments sit just minutes from Camberwell Junction. The building’s amenities include a private gym, a concierge, a heated pool, a spa and a sauna.

Hawthorn East

The Skyhome, 9 Porter Street $14 million-$15 million

4 6 5

Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, June 11

Agent: Marshall White, Marcus Chiminello 0411 411 271

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Hawthorn East

WHAT THE AGENT SAYS

“The Skyhome offers unmatched and unparalleled luxury spanning over a footprint of 750 square metres, highlighted by breathtaking city skyline views and state-of-the-art amenities, including a rooftop entertainment oasis and private garaging. It truly needs to be seen to be appreciated!”

NEED TO KNOW

The highest recorded house price for Hawthorn East (past 12 months) was $9.61 million for 6 Bethune Street in September 2023.

RECENT SALES

$4.96 million

19 St Helens Road, March

$6.98 million

31 Cole Street, December 2023 $6.753 million

1 Laurel Court, November 2023

Marcus Chiminello Marshall White

LIKE A LOCAL

Balwyn

By Vivian Tang

Alongside Balwyn’s iconic mid-century and interwar homes, Palace Cinemas is a centrepiece of the neighbourhood’s heritage charm. Art deco elements pair nicely with the movie house’s nostalgic, popcorn-scented vibe. Grab a house-made choc top and watch your choice of blockbusters,indies and classics. International film festivals also roll out frequently – German, French, Spanish, Chinese – offering a moment to step into the rich world of foreign cinema.

Smaller steps can be taken outside in the area’s lush, familyfriendly parks. Beckett Park is built for play – there’s an extensive maze, wooden playground and a charming 1930s observation tower to climb and admire. Nearby Maranoa Botanic Gardens is rich in native flora and has plenty of spots for picnics, strolling and weekend catch-ups.

When it’s time to eat, try Mr Hendricks. Enjoy the outdoor courtyard and an East Asian spin on brunch, with dishes such as Earl Grey tea-braised egg roll, and scallion pancake tacos. Or cross the border to Balwyn North for Mr Tanuki’s Okinawa sushi pockets – choose from five-spice pork, yuzu barramundi and teriyaki mushroom. Order a hot drink with bear face coffee art for extra cuteness.

Home cooks head to Meatsmith by celebrated restaurateur Andrew McConnell and top butcher Troy Wheeler. The Balwyn outpost stocks Gippsland pasture-raised beef porterhouse steaks, free-range Bannockburn chicken schnitzels, duck breast, pre-marinated lamb shoulder or backstrap, and reams of plump house-made sausages. Hearty take-home meals also line the fridge shelves – often slow-cooked and always flavourful.

For take-home wine there’s family-run Italian grocer and bottle shop Boccaccio Cellars. Or head upstairs to Enoteca Boccaccio, a 60-seat restaurant and wine bar run by the folks below. On its menu you’ll find larger dishes like sea bream with cabbage cooked in vongole stock, charred on a hibachi grill and topped with vongole tartare. There are smaller bites, too –and an extensive formaggio selection – alongside wine shipped over from Italy.

For a more laid-back Italian feed, Birichino Cucina & Pizzeria is a crowd favourite pumping out woodfired pizzas with classic toppings. Or go all out with The Advocate’s ninecourse tasting menu and its extensive cocktail list, which includes a cheeky tipple named Earl of Balwyn.

NEED TO KNOW

Balwyn features diverse architecture – from elegant period homes to modern designs – while offering easy access to quality schools, appealing to families seeking excellent educational opportunities.

Average Age 43

Median Weekly income $1,975

Clockwise from top: Meatsmith, Birichino Cucina & Pizzeria, Maranoa Botanic Gardens, Laurent Bakery, photos Casey Horsfield

“Balwyn is a coveted and peaceful family-friendly inner east suburb with an excellent public school – it’s also closely located to prestigious private schools. Surrounded by numerous recreational parks and reserves, it also has a shopping strip offering a full suite of shops plus a cinema.”

Clockwise from top: Beckett Park Playground, photo Casey Horsfield. Enoteca Boccaccio, photo Aria Koudounis. Whitehorse Flowers, Palace Cinemas, photos Casey Horsfield

William Chen Marshall White

Gaining the right skills doesn’t happen by chance. The Middle Years Program at MGGS (Years 5 to 8) creates the perfect environment for your daughter to develop her skills and self-confidence, identify her strengths and pursue her learning with enthusiasm. To find out more, visit

mggs.vic.edu.au/discover-middle-years

LUXURY

Words by Shae Wiedermann & Maria Harris

Surrey Hills

14 Verdun Street

$4 million-$4.4 million

5 5 2

Expressions of interest: Close 4pm, June 10

Agent: Belle Property Glen Iris, Steve Burke 0448 331 653

This opulent French provincial-style three-storey home sits in one of Surrey Hill’s most admired streets and is both a tranquil family home and an entertainers’ delight. It has five bedrooms, including a lavish main suite, a theatre room with a cinema-style screen, a games room and a swimming pool. The marble kitchen is designed to bring out your inner chef with top-level appliances and a butler’s pantry, while the garden studio also has a built-in kitchen.

Brighton East 2 Waverley Street

$3 million-$3.2 million

4 2

Auction: 1.30pm, June 15

Agent: Atria Real Estate, Russ Enticott 0431 526 636

This spacious house is between Dendy Park and the beach. The ground floor has a formal lounge room, a study and an open-plan living and dining area that extends to a sunken rumpus/home theatre room with surround sound. Upstairs are three bedrooms with built-in wardrobes – two of which share access to a terrace – and a retreat area. The backyard is an oasis consisting of a bluestone courtyard, saltwater pool, spotted gum poolside deck and an array of palm trees.

Malvern

1b Spring Road

$6 million-$6.5 million

4 2 4

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, June 6

Agent: Jellis Craig, Michael Armstrong 0407 063 263

At first glance, this Malvern house appears modern and tasteful. Delving a little bit deeper, it exudes tranquillity from every thoughtful feature. The rich oak flooring contrasts beautifully with the white walls, and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of light and continuity with the outdoors. A pool and pond – plus a covered patio – contribute to peaceful outdoor surrounds. The mudroom and laundry are well positioned, and the cellar is smartly concealed within the flooring.

Brighton

14a Campbell Street

$4.35 million-$4.6 million

4 4 4

Private sale

Agent: Kay & Burton, Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982

Newly built with a polished concrete facade, this Brighton townhouse is perfectly positioned between Martin and Bay street villages. Luxury features include a lift, underfloor heating, a butler’s pantry and a lower ground floor with a home theatre, bar and garage with a vehicle turntable. Each bedroom has an en suite, and the outdoor courtyard has a built-in barbecue. The open-plan living and dining area has a sound system and floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows.

OPEN FOR INSPECTION

Words by Joanne Brookfield, Maria Harris & Richard Cornish

Clearance Rate of 62%*

Source: Domain Group

Dr Nicola Powell

Chief of research & economics

“Domain’s latest Sustainability in Property Report reveals that energy-efficient homes receive more attention from buyers and have an attached price premium compared to their non-energyefficient counterparts.”

For the latest property insights go to domain.com.au/research

Kew East 64 Baker Avenue

$1.8 million-$1.98 million

3 1 4

Auction: Noon, June 15

Agent: Jellis Craig, Nick O’Halloran 0430 345 086

An arched porch, a bay window, and filigree detailing on the remote front gates combine to add period charm to this clinker-brick cutie. Set on a deep, gently elevated block of 650 square metres, this single-level family home has been renovated, so the back opens entirely to the entertaining deck and the lush, private garden. Inside are glossy floorboards, brand-name appliances and luxe touches, like underfloor heating in the bathroom.

Brighton East 6b Connor Street $2.1 million-$2.25 million

4 3 2

Auction: 9.30am, June 15

Agent: A-Z Real Estate, Sam Christensen 0434 338 695

$4.325 million

Middle Park

47 Nimmo Street

Sold by Marshall White*

*As reported on May 25, 2024

“They’ve done an amazing job,” says the agent of the vendors’ renovation of this doublelevel home. It has herringbone parquet floors and marble finishes in the kitchen, butler’s pantry and main en suite, which create a contemporary, neutral palette. Stacker doors lead to a low-maintenance, covered al fresco area, which adds lock-up-and-leave flexibility. It’s close to Tooronga Village.

Auction: 12.30pm, June 15

Agent: Marshall White, Stuart Evans 0402 067 710

This smart, new, elevated townhouse sits on a leafy street in a desirable quarter of Surrey Hills. A clever floor plan sees the living and dining areas and ground floor bedroom wrap around a private courtyard garden with an outdoor kitchen and pool. The main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and en suite, while the fourth bedroom could be a home office. It’s across the road from a playground.

4 4 2

Auction: 10.30am, June 15

Agent: Kay & Burton, Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982

French terracotta tiles, solid French oak parquetry and hand-forged wrought iron feature in this French provincial-inspired townhouse. Spacious rooms, state-of-the-art appliances, a stunning marble fireplace and marble-tiled bathrooms complete the luxurious home. It sits on a quiet street a short distance from the bustle of Brighton’s Bay Street, top schools and the beach.

Contact Agent

Agent: Marshall White, Stephen Gough 0439 844 855

Close to Camberwell Junction, this apartment delivers light-filled contemporary sophistication. It has floor-to-ceiling doubleglazed windows, marble finishes, two balconies with panoramic views and an EV charger in one of its two car spaces. Residents’ facilities include a heated pool, spa and sauna.

Auction: 2.30pm, June 15

Agent: Buxton, Paul Sibley 0403 325 423

This slick townhouse in the Pennydale neighbourhood is in as-new condition. A flexible floor plan creates options for study, work and guest or intergenerational accommodation. There are three bedrooms and a retreat upstairs, with another bedroom with an en suite and a fitted study nook downstairs.

Auction: 11.30am, June 8

Agent: Hodges Real Estate, Stephen Wigley 0411 115 736

This 1970s home captures the optimism of the era. The large, open lounge-kitchen area (with breakfast bar) opens to a spacious covered patio. A recent remodelling has included oak flooring, wool carpets and Caesarstone benches. The large garden has a casual suburban feel, with a lock-up garage at the rear.

Beaumaris

Cheltenham

Whole Block With Plans & Upside a b

Apartments 1-4/27 Leopold Street, South Yarra

Penthouse 2A Hopetoun Road, Toorak Stunning, State Of The Art Luxury With Pool a b c e

A Martello built, bayside masterpiece that redefines luxury and first-class comfort on a grand scale.

‘YamalaStables’–Historymeetscontemporarycoastalluxe

A luxury residence of unbridled opulence, with swimming pool, tennis court and breathtaking bay views across Daveys Bay Yacht Club to Melbourne epitomises the ultimate in refined seaside living within steps to the beach. Constructed in 1876 as the stables and coachman’s quarters of the ‘Yamala’ estate, the property has been spectacularly expanded and reimagined to boast multi zoned living, featuring 3 living areas, 2 gourmet kitchens, up to 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, sunset terrace and a deluxe poolside alfresco area.