Domain Review Stonnington & Boroondara - July 24, 2024

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Little Red

The small-scale home shared by actor Naomi Rukavina and Pipi’s Kiosk chef Jordan Clay is full of punchy colours

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Cover credits: Jordan Clay and Naomi Rukavina shot by Hilary Walker

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.

What does a bespoke home kitchen look like when it’s made for a professional chef and a colour-loving actor-slash-interior-designer? We get to find out in this week’s cover story, visiting the home of Pipi’s Kiosk cofounder Jordan Clay and Naomi Rukavina (Neighbours, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). The answer is fun, functional and open-plan – and very, very green.

Jo Walker Broadsheet Editor

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 5, 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

NOW OPEN Charlong

2/124 Carlisle Street, St Kilda

Alex Kaew previously worked as head chef at Longsong, Rice Paper Scissors and Hochi Mama before opening her first restaurant, Charlong, earlier this year with partner Sara Pimsamarn.

The chef-owner grew up in Chanthaburi in eastern Thailand with her grandmother, who ran a food stall where Kaew would often help. Her grandmother’s recipes, crafted around charcoal and wok cooking, were a major influence when designing the menu. Kaew also folds in her love for combining Thai and Western ingredients and techniques.

The menu changes with the seasons. You might go for betel leaves topped with poached prawn, punchy chicken mince and caramel coconut; braised Wagyu krapow kai dow (Thai basil stir-fry with a crisp egg); or prawn-filled ravioli served in a tom yum coconut bisque with squid ink caviar. A special family highlight is the massaman lamb shank, braised overnight for 12 hours using an original recipe from Kaew’s grandmother. — GC

ADD TO CART

Who Gives A Crap Poetry Edition

Just like magnetic fridge poetry, Who Gives A Crap’s new loo roll wrappers come emblazoned with fun and chaotic words, so you can arrange them into verses in the privacy of your own bathroom. (Our current composition – “shake your mighty cheese tentacles” – is oddly uplifting.) Poetry Edition bamboo TP is a limited release, and 50 per cent of all profits go towards building toilets and improving sanitation in the developing world. — JW

$40 for 24 rolls / au.whogivesacrap.org

IN THE DIARY

Crft Wrk Contemporary Craft Fair

On the last Saturday of each month, the sheds of Queen Vic Market are home to locally crafted wares from more than 70 designers and makers. Curated by the folks behind Fitzroy’s The Rose Street Artists’ Market, the fair highlights art, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, home decor and other thoughtfully crafted wares. Shop for handmade citrus juicers and mugs by Sorbet Ceramics, dog-shaped side tables and lamps from Dorigami Homeware and more. — GG

Jul 27 / Shed C & D, Queen Victoria Market / crftwrk.com.au

SNACK BAR STREET STYLE

Ben Shewry’s Ripponlea fine diner Attica celebrates 19 years with a series of 13-course dinners featuring dishes from past menus – including the chef’s 2008 signature, Potato Cooked in the Earth it was Grown. The dinners are $330 per person, Wednesday nights until August 14 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea / attica.com.au

After a two-year hiatus, chef Thi Le’s Vietnamese restaurant Anchovy has reopened in its former home. The menu is focused on noodles and snacks with dishes including silver needle (white tea) noodles with pine mushrooms and papaya relish, and raw mullet, persimmon and m m tép (fermented shrimp paste). 338 Bridge Road, Richmond / @anchovy338

Parcs, the 20-seat wine bar on Little Collins Street, has now closed. Owner Adi Halim (The Windsor, Aru, Sunda, Kudo) tells Broadsheet that limitations due to the venue’s small size forced the closure, but says he plans to open a new concept in the same space. 198 Little Collins Street, Melbourne / @parcs.melbourne

The team behind barbeque restaurant Fancy Hank’s has opened Springrock – a new venue that promises to bring a country pub to the heart of the city. The kitchen is led by former Izakaya Den head chef Jarrod Di Blasi, who’s designed a menu of pub classics including chicken parma and ’90s fave oysters Kilpatrick. 87 Bourke Street, Melbourne / springrock.com.au

Alejandro Saravia of Farmer’s Daughters is opening two new Latin American venues next month. Morena the restaurant will be a formal affair with both an à la carte option and set chef’s menu, while Morena Barra is an all-day bar inspired by Latin American cantinas. 71 Little Collins Street, Melbourne / morenarestaurant.com.au/melbourne

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

High Street, Thornbury

Name: Kyra Jensen Age: 22 Occupation: Graphic designer Tell us about your outfit today. I’m wearing a skirt from Cos and my jumper is from Kowtow. The shoes are my trusted New Balance 1906D Protection Packs. The beautiful bow bag is from my friend Liv’s brand, Equilibrium. What do you gravitate towards when shopping? I’m a very plain girl, I like black and white. Every now and again, I’ll buy something that’s a lot more exciting, so I can wear all my basics with that piece, like a capsule wardrobe. What’s a trend you love or hate? Hate micro trends and fast fashion.

STREET CRED

Thornbury is a vibrant and diverse suburb nestled in the northern suburbs. Known for its close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a proud member of the cool-places-to-live club in Melbourne.

Photo: Kaede James Takamoto
Photo: Simon Shiff
Photo: Holly Engelhardt
Photo: Arianna Leggiero
Photo: Arianna Leggiero
Photo: Parker Blain

KITCHEN HACKS

Analiese Gregory’s Quick Trick for Boosting Flavour in Her Home Cooking

After sharpening her skills in the world’s best kitchens, such as The Ledbury, Bras and Mugaritz, top chef and author Analiese Gregory now lives on a rural property outside Hobart with a fridge full of condiments. “My sister organised my fridge recently and she was like, ‘This whole shelf is condiments!’” Gregory says. “It made me realise I do keep a lot of them because it makes it so easy to add depth of flavour to your cooking.”

Gregory says artisan sauces, mustards, pastes and dressings often save the day when she needs to make a quick, flavoursome dinner.

“If I have rice, eggs, potatoes and some greens in the house, there’s any number of combinations that can be made,” says the star of SBS series, A Girl’s Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Wild Cooking. “I throw some brown rice in my rice cooker, make a little egg and soy omelette for the top, then load it with chilli crisp, togarashi, pickled mushrooms, pickled mustard leaves –you name it.”

Gregory orders a fresh vegetable box every week, and often grills vegetables slathered with condiments such as lemon shio koji from Tasmanian producer Rough Rice. “My ‘girl

dinner’ is making a delicious dip with heaps of vegetables, which makes me feel virtuous.”

When the ex-Franklin head chef is making another favourite, beef tartare, she’ll pump up the volume with doenjang (Korean soybean paste) and fermented chilli sauce. “I use them to add base flavour and umami to food which I’ve made quickly, without needing to be in the kitchen for hours.”

A keen traveller, Gregory likes to bring back unique offerings from overseas. “I do what I call ‘condiment tourism’, where I bring back a condiment as a souvenir from everywhere

I visit.” This means Old Bay spice mix from San Francisco, artichoke tapenade and piment d’espelette (a mild chilli powder) from France, preserved olive plant and soybeans from Hong Kong. “When I use these at home, the flavours transport me back to my travels.”

But Gregory’s favourite meal-saving condiment can be found in your local supermarket. “I am very partial to the original Lao Gan Ma chilli crisp,” she says. “I’ve been known to put it on everything, from a cheese toastie, to gnocchi, to congee … I have a family-sized jar, even though it’s just for me.”

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Six Aussie Products To Nourish Dry Skin This Winter

JOJOBA ACTIVATING CLEANSING OIL – $39.95

First rule of dry skin club: don’t mess it up from the beginning of your routine by stripping moisture with harsh cleansers. This luxe facial cleansing oil is enriched with natural jojoba –it’ll get you prepped and clean and moisturised from the off. (Try the OG Australian Jojoba too – great as a body oil, or add some to a warm bath for a silky soak.) thejojobacompany.com.au

AIRYDAY CLEAR AS DAY DREAMSCREEN – $51

Not sure what the technical definition of a “dreamscreen” is, but in this instance it’s a lush product somewhere between a gel and a balm that delivers primo moisture with the added protection of SPF50+. Packs a big hydration punch and leaves skin dewy as all get-out – plus it’s scented with hypoallergenic fresh watermelon, just like a tall drink of juice for your thirsty winter skin. airyday.co

FRANK BODY ROSEHIP DRY BODY OIL – $28 Given how many different kinds of oil this stuff contains – rosehip, coconut, grapeseed, jojoba and sweet almond – it’s kind of wonderful how not-sticky and sink-right-in it is. You can apply the lightly scented oil any time of day to clean, dry skin –but it’s especially good after towelling down from a long warm shower. frankbody.com/au

TUTTOFARE HOLY GRAIL TALLOW BALM – $45

Vegans, look away now. Tuttofare utilises old-school tallow (animal fat) for a balm that mimics the skin’s natural barrier. Use it to target your face’s driest patches (a tiny bit goes a long way, and melts right in for instant moisture), or apply all over for a super-rich night-time treatment. Made in Australia and scented with raw cocoa butter, it’s a top choice for sensitive skin. There’s basically nothing here to react to. tuttofare.com.au

GROWN ALCHEMIST LIP BALM – $18 Cracked and chapped lips are not fun. This blend from Grown Alchemist is big on shea butter (a dry lip’s best friend), plus rosehip, jojoba and sweet almond oils, and works as much as a repair treatment as it does a balm. Unlike most lip products, this is free of petroleum-based ingredients. Plus, a little goes a long way, so the tube is a long-term investment. grownalchemist.com/au

LANO GOLDEN DRY SKIN MIRACLE SALVE – $19.95

The skincare world is full of “miracle” products, but we’ve got to say this one comes pretty close to actually performing divine interventions on the driest of hands, legs, elbows and cuticles (and itchiest patches of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis). The heavy-duty ointment is stuffed with all-natural lanolin, Manuka honey and vitamin E. Whack it on at night and wake up wondrous and replenished. lanolips.com.au

A LITTLE COLOUR BOMB

The first time Jordan Clay and Naomi Rukavina saw their home, it was, she says, “an unappealing beige box – and the smallest place we’d looked at”. But it had plenty going for it – loads of natural light and four outdoor spaces (including a roof terrace that now doubles as a veggie garden). Plus, the apartment was, Clay says, “a really unusual L-shaped space” that stands separate to the other units in the block, almost like a mini-house. “I could see us living there,” he tells Broadsheet

And they have, for about two-and-a-half years now. As soon as the couple moved in, they realised it wasn’t small, but just the right size. And the beige-boxness of it was actually a big plus, Rukavina says. “It meant we could do whatever we liked with it – we’ve turned it into a little colour bomb.”

The couple, who’ve been together six years, have slowly been making the place their own – renovating it and filling it with art, ceramics, plants and their furniture finds. Actor Rukavina, a regular on Neighbours, studied interior design at RMIT and instigated much of the colour scheme. “Jordan said he didn’t want to live in a circus, but he’s actually the one who chose the coral – he’s much more adventurous than he thinks he is.”

She and Clay, a chef and co-founder of Pipi’s Kiosk in Albert Park, designed the kitchen together. “That was a really big part of the reno, and definitely the hardest part,” Rukavina says. It didn’t help that it all happened while she was in the stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at night and working on Neighbours during the day.

The only other major change, at some point, will be the bathroom. “We’ve got great plans for it,” she says. “Blue Venetian plaster, microcement and some really nice soft lighting – it will be like a mini day spa.”

*

Names: Jordan Clay and Naomi Rukavina

Live: In a one-bedroom apartment in a 1990s building in Elwood

Since: 2022

With: Their dog Milos

*

Can you describe your place’s vibe and also your approach to decorating it? JC: Green and very eclectic. We’re pretty opposite people, but our tastes are usually quite similar.

NR: Relaxed fun. There’s a lot of colour and texture, just on a small scale. The thing we wanted to achieve was to be really clever – we wanted it to be beautiful but also

very functional. We’ve been doing things gradually while we’ve been living here, although we did the floors and some painting before we moved in. The latest thing is the front courtyard –we had someone come over and give us lessons and then did the paving ourselves.

What’s your favourite room? JC: Definitely the kitchen. It was pretty rare for me to cook at home in the last six or seven years, and that was largely due to the limitations of the spaces I’d lived in prior to here. We’ve had the opportunity to design something from scratch with Naomi’s background as a designer and with my professional cooking background –it’s functional and looks great and I want to be in there.

NR: I agree, the kitchen has been the heart of every home I’ve lived in. In our old place, there was a kitchen and separate living room. At Jordan’s restaurant, the kitchen is open to the dining area, and he said he wanted that at home. I liked the two spaces being separate, but now I couldn’t agree with him more. It’s great if you’re making dinner to be able to turn to talk to whoever’s in the living area.

What’s your favourite item in the house? JC: The chairs –they’re aesthetically pleasing but also really comfortable. We bought the Arne Norell chair, my first big furniture purchase, a year and a half into Covid. It’s a funny story – we went round to pick it up, got chatting to the people and it turned out they used to have a restaurant in the building where mine is now.

NR: Two things. The light is the ephemeral thing I love the most, and the other is the Ryan Hoffmann artwork I got for my 40th birthday. I’d wanted one of his works for years –a friend of mine convinced me to message him, and I ended up going to his studio. Nine or 10 months later he made this work, which he calls The Ferrari – it’s red, but it’s also part of my early midlife crisis! We have a genuine friendship now, so it’s very special. It’s a culmination of where I am in my life, and my beautiful friends and family helped get it for me. What are your favourite places to find homewares and art? NR: The VCA grad show. The Victorian Artists Society – it’s super great, super fun, there are really varied styles because it’s a gallery of just anybody. Australian Galleries has quite a good collection. Then there’s Leonard Joel, the auction house, and Craft Victoria.

What do you love about your neighbourhood? NR: The village feel is gorgeous, and it’s close to the beach.

JC: And close to a lot of green space to walk the dog and be with your thoughts.

NR: When you’re walking down by the canal, it feels like you’re in the country.

HOME OF THE WEEK

A quintessential family abode

Leafy Glen Iris is having a moment in the real estate sun, particularly with families wanting large residential blocks and tree-lined streetscapes without the price of nearby suburbs such as Toorak or Camberwell. But it actually started taking shape over a century ago with the development of the Glen Iris Heights Estate back in the 1880s.

Subsequent decades brought Californian bungalows and art deco homes, making the area a charming testament to Melbourne’s real estate history.

The renovated Californian bungalow at 27 Courang Road mixes heritage features with the best of modern Melbourne living and offers a rare opportunity to buy into the tightly held Glen Iris Heights Estate.

“Highlights include engineered French oak floors, landscaped gardens and a versatile studio,” agent Mike Millington says.

Its charming features impress from the outset thanks to a period facade and lowmaintenance front garden.

Enter through the verandah, and you’ll find a formal lounge to the south and the main bedroom to the north. The formal WHAT THE AGENT SAYS

“This beautifully renovated Californian bungalow in the exclusive Glen Iris Heights Estate combines historic charm with modern luxury. It features four bedrooms, formal lounge with open fireplace, open-plan living area and gourmet kitchen.”

lounge has an open fireplace and its bay window is a standout feature, offering a lovely outlook to the front garden. On the other side of the house, the main bedroom retains period features and an open fireplace.

There are three other bedrooms, two of which come with built-in wardrobes and one of which boasts a period corner fireplace.

The luxurious central bathroom has a bath and large shower, while two of the bedrooms share proximity to another bathroom.

The rear of the property is given over to an open-plan living, meals and kitchen area. You won’t be short on space to host your pantry staples – the storage here extends from floor to ceiling. The breakfast bar is an ideal spot for casual meals with the family.

This area opens through bifold doors to a large rear garden whose north-west orientation ensures plenty of warm sun in winter.

A paved outdoor entertaining area sits underneath a pergola, while the charming water feature ties everything together.

The garden also has a separate studio that adds flexibility to the floor plan. Keep it as is, and it works nicely as a studio or

workshop, or, with a smart renovation, it could potentially transform into a self-contained bungalow.

Elsewhere, you’ll find parking for two cars in the garage and a laundry with rear access.

Nearby, Ashburton village has your shopping and lifestyle needs sorted, and there is rail access to the city via Ashburton Train Station. Glen Iris’ trademark greenery is also close, with Ferndale Park to the north and Gardiners Creek to the west. Glen Iris Primary School is literally around the corner.

Glen Iris

27 Courang Road

$2.2 million-$2.4 million

4 2 2

Auction: 11.30am, July 27

Agent: Shelter Real Estate, Mike Millington 0411 300 205

NEED TO KNOW

The highest recorded house price for Glen Iris (past 12 months) was $6.95 million for 26 Bella Vista Road in April. The median price for a four-bedroom house is $2.65 million.

RECENT SALES

$2.67 million 65 Martin Road, June

Mike Millington Shelter Real Estate

LIKE A LOCAL

Brighton East

Often hidden from the limelight by its buzzier neighbouring suburbs, Brighton East is home to quieter streets, parks and walking routes. It’s the ideal spot for a bit of calm in the morning – particularly in the colder months when a walk along the beach isn’t quite so appealing.

Start your day at Landcox Park, with a gorgeous lake in the middle – which often hosts families of ducks – and a little playground for kids. It’s a relatively small park which means you can do plenty of laps and get your steps up. Our suggestion? Grab a coffee nearby from Cafe Bliss on Mavis Avenue, take it to the park and while away a few hours getting lost in your thoughts. The cafe also has a comprehensive breakfast menu with all the classics, including Mexican scrambled eggs, smashed avocado, and eggs Florentine, so you can pop by post-park for a refuel.

Brighton East is also home to the 18-hole Brighton Public Golf Course, open every day of the week. It’s generously lined with trees, so expect to feel like you’ve taken a daytrip out of Melbourne while hitting some shots.

Whether you spend your morning in the park or playing golf (or both), there are a few options come lunch and dinner time in the leisurely suburb. On Hawthorn Road, Brother Brew Cafe has a large offering for breakfast and lunch, with seasonal specials on offer too. Go for the hearty Philly cheesesteak, a Southern fried chicken burger or the popular Polo Club sanga with pulled chicken breast, bacon and Swiss cheese. There are also chunky New York-style cookies for something sweet. The spot is open till 3pm Saturday through Thursday, and until 7pm on Fridays. Make sure to stop by for happy hour from 3pm to 6pm.

Across the road is Niyom Thai, open every day except Monday. It’s a cosy joint serving up cocktails and classic Thai fare, plus stellar desserts like banana fritters served with coconut ice-cream. If you’re looking to catch up with friends or family over a good meal, this casual diner nails the brief.

Being the little sister behind Brighton proper means there is no beach frontage in this bayside suburb, however residents have easy access to Brighton Golf Course and the gorgeous Dendy Park.

Average Age 44

Median Weekly income $2,720

Clockwise from top: Cafe Bliss, photo Casey Horsfield. Brother Brew’s Polo club sandwich. Suburban architecture, park sculpture, photos Casey Horsfield

WHAT THE AGENT SAYS

“Brighton East offers a charming blend of leafy streets, modern amenities, and proximity to Port Phillip Bay. Its diverse housing from period homes to contemporary builds mirrors its rich suburban allure.”

Clockwise from top: Landcox Park lake, Brother Brew facade, Landcox Park playground, Niyom Thai signage, photos Casey Horsfield
Sam Inan Belle Property Brighton

INTERIOR DESIGN

There’s more to consider than just colour

From the kids’ school lunches and daily dinners to prepping for a party or hosting the extended family, your kitchen benchtop sees a lot of action week in and week out. So, when choosing a new benchtop, you’ll want to weigh up more than just colour and finish.

While good looks are important, interior designer Jasmine McClelland encourages her clients to take a more considered approach when choosing the material for their next kitchen or bathroom counter.

“Your benchtop’s aesthetic appeal plays a significant role in creating a cohesive kitchen design that reflects your personal style,” says the director of eponymous studio Jasmine McClelland Design. “But it’s important to consider budget, how we use the kitchen and what’s being put into the products that we purchase.”

For McClelland, durability is at the top of the list of must-haves.

“You want a material that can withstand daily wear and tear, including scratches, heat, and spills,” she says. “Ask yourself how often you will need to clean and maintain your

benchtop. Some materials, like stainless steel, are extremely durable and require minimal upkeep. Others, like wood and laminate, may need more frequent cleaning and sealing.”

With natural stone trending, McClelland says it’s important that her clients understand the pros and cons of using a material like marble, which tends to absorb liquids.

“It’s a porous stone, so it stains easily, even from water,” she explains.

“On the plus side, it’s heat resistant, it can come in beautiful colours and styles and it adds a lot of value to a home because it’s rightly perceived as expensive.”

Typically found in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is a great option for heat, stain and bacteria resistance, although it will scratch easily. Timber adds a lot of warmth to a kitchen, but McClelland warns that it comes with high maintenance.

Laminate has come a long way in terms of colour profiles and remains a popular budget option, while at the other end of the spectrum, porcelain is finding its way into an increasing number of high-end homes.

“Porcelain ticks a lot of boxes,” McClelland says. “It’s really robust, though there is the possibility of chipping with the slimline styles.”

Solid surface benchtops are a great option as they can be moulded into any shape and scratches can be buffed out.

Until recently, engineered stone was Australia’s most popular benchtop choice, thanks to its durability and wide variety of styles. However, the discovery that the processing of engineered stone generates deadly crystalline silica dust has led to a nationwide ban, which came into force on July 1.

The ban means engineered stone products commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms can no longer be installed even if a contract was already in place.

WorkSafe Victoria executive director of health and safety Sam Jenkin says no one should die for a kitchen benchtop.

“The fact is, there is a direct link between working with engineered stone and skyrocketing rates of silicosis and silica-related disease in stonemasons,” he says. “By using an alternative product in their homes, consum-

ers can do their part to protect the health and safety of workers.”

Jenkin says engineered stone products that have already been installed don’t pose any ongoing risks to consumers and are not affected by the ban.

McClelland says she was horrified when she learnt about the devastating effects of silicosis. “I’m so grateful that something’s been done about the silica. We’re really lucky to have the WorkSafe protection.”

In the end, as a space that’s routinely described as the heart of the home, the kitchen deserves thoughtful design choices.

“We really want to know how our clients entertain, how often they cook, will people be sitting at the bench,” McClelland says. “Then we can balance those requirements with aesthetics, with their budget ... and longevity.”

Interior designer Jasmine McClelland, below. A porcelain benchtop in an Alphington house, right, photo Jonathan Tabensky.

OPEN FOR INSPECTION

WEEKEND

Clearance Rate of 60%*

Source: Domain Group

WHAT OUR PROPERTY EDITOR SAYS

Harold Street $1.95 million-$2.05 million

4 3 2

For sale by July 30

Agent: Barry Plant, Mark Di Giulio 0407 863 179

This new two-level house sits on an elevated corner block in the rapidly ascending suburb of Bulleen. From the selection of bricks, the render and the low-profile, full-length window frames to the herringbone oak floors, it exudes style and quality. Space, light and seamless flow are complemented by a Sonos sound system and an enclosed courtyard with a pizza oven. There are stunning views across Koonung Creek and the Yarra River, and the home is located near great shops.

“The winter market is hit and miss this year. Buyer demand remains strong but many are cautious in the face of uncertainty around interest rates. Sellers who are setting a realistic reserve are the ones putting up the sold stickers.”

21 Duke Street

million-$1.1 million

2 1 1

Auction: 2.30pm, July 27

Agent: Marshall White, Nicholas Brooks 0419 883 136

$2.42

*As reported on July 13, 2024

Flaunting a royal address, this updated Victorian house radiates welcome. With a lane on one side and a north-facing courtyard at the rear, it enjoys ample natural light and ideal orientation for indoor-outdoor living. Both bedrooms have built-in wardrobes. Open the doors from the kitchen, dining and living area to a courtyard that doubles as a car parking space.

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, August 5

Agent: Marshall White, James Tostevin 0417 003 333

Those on the hunt for stylish, low-maintenance liveability with an indoor-outdoor edge will find it in this impeccable townhouse. Set over three levels in an architecturally striking complex with sweeping views, it incorporates an open-plan hub adjoining a north courtyard on ground level, a lounge on the first floor and a large roof terrace on the second.

Auction: 10am, 27 July

Agent: Heavyside, Tim Heavyside 0403 020 404

The owners have transformed this charming 1915 two-storey timber house, complete with its original Edwardian verandah and fretwork, into a spacious and wonderfully functional family home. Surrounded by an established garden and offering undercover parking for three cars, it is within walking distance of the foodie haven of Box Hill Central, as well as trains and buses.

Bulleen
Kew
Alice Stolz Domain property editor

Richmond

68 Highett Street

$1.48 million-$1.55 million

2 1 1

Auction: 11am, July 27

Agent: Biggin Scott, Julie Taylor 0439 859 811

Built in 1880, this solid two level brick house retains its original iron lacework, dramatically high ceilings, timber floors and dark marble fireplaces. At ground level is a private study and large storage space. Walk up to two bedrooms and a spacious living and kitchen area opening onto a bricked courtyard.

Bentleigh

9b Marriot Road

$1.8 million-$1.85 million

4 3 3

Auction: 10am, July 27

Agent: Buxton, Simon Pintado 0431 473 701

Spacious and brand-new, this showpiece townhouse calls families wanting a slice of the easy, good life. Features include a threecar garage, laundry, powder room and study nook. The kitchen, dining, and living hub connects with a patio, and a rumpus room reinforces the family-friendly ethos.

Ashburton 23 Johnston Street

$2.4 million-$2.6 million

4 3 2

Auction: 11am, August 3

Agent: Fletchers, Michael Rosano 0419 595 183

This Californian bungalow is ahead of the pack in the personality stakes, and blends past charms such as bay windows and leadlight with modern bathrooms and a cutabove kitchen. For social space, inside are a lounge, a retreat and a hub, while outside are a broad deck, curvy pool and open lawn.

Hover your camera over the code to view live listings on domain.com.au FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

LUXURY

Port Melbourne

1203/115 Beach Street

$3.5 million

3 2 2

Private sale

Agent: Marshall White, David Barber 0437 980 091

Panoramic views over Port Phillip Bay and glorious sunsets give this luxurious 12th-floor beachside apartment a yearround holiday vibe. The minimalist interiors have timber, marble and stone finishes and high-end European appliances, including a Liebherr fridge. The main bedroom is well separated from the other two bedrooms, and all three open to the full-width terrace. The building, with an outdoor pool and concierge, is close to vibrant cafes and the light rail.

Caulfield South 15 Bokhara Road

$3.25 million-$3.55 million

4 2 2

Auction: 11.30am, August 4

Agent: Wilson, Joey Eckstein 0419 419 199

Underfloor bathroom heating, motorised blinds, heated pool, second integrated fridge-freezer in the laundry – there’s no end of luxurious considerations in this house by MBD Constructions. A landscaped garden and contemporary facade set the scene for the rest of the spacious family living areas on a generous 631 square metres. The floor plan includes a fitted home office, a north-oriented living and dining zone, a separate formal dining room and a double garage.

Hawthorn East 14 Stanley Avenue

$2.88 million

3 2 1

Private sale

Agent: Kay & Burton, Tom Staughton 0411 554 850

With its captivating street appeal, flexible floor plan, formal and informal living, secure garage and north-west facing deck and garden, this classic Victorian house offers space, privacy and a great location. Set on a quiet, family-friendly street, you can walk to Auburn Primary School, Auburn village, Glenferrie Road shops, and trams, and you have the choice of two stations. Even better, the first-floor bedroom would make a great retreat, work-from-home office or studio.

$4.15

Expressions of interest: Close 6pm, August 6

Agent: Kay & Burton, Alex Schiavo 0419 239 549

This penthouse, opposite the Brighton beachfront, delivers sweeping views of the bay and the city, and sophisticated interiors designed for relaxed living and effortless entertaining. The kitchen includes Gaggenau and Liebherr appliances, while the living area opens to the terrace for indoor-outdoor entertaining. The main bedroom has a lavish en suite and walk-in wardrobe; two more bedrooms also have en suites. The rooftop terrace is sure to be a hit on summer evenings.

Lachlan

AWARD WINNING MODERN MASTERPIECE

• Custom built by architect Mills Gorman and builder Clancy Constructions

• Double garage plus rooftop with spectacular CBD views

• Moments to Bay St, parks, public transport and beach

• Award-winning pool and spa which has travertine coping and glass tiling

Promising bespoke design fittings and finishes this memorable residence is Port Melbourne living at its finest. Two bedrooms plus 3rd bedroom / office, the ground level also boasts family room plus access to the gorgeous courtyard with tiered lush garden.

The master bedroom boasts dual walk-in robes, and deluxe ensuite. Expansive lounge and dining zone is dominated by soaring cathedral ceilings, Spanish Neolith kitchen with full Miele appliances.

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