Domain Review Stonnington & Boroondara - March 20, 2024

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

A Design for Light

Sarah Nedovic’s ceramic lamps are part light, part sculpture. And the Dior-approved South Yarra maker is just getting started.

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Cover credits: Sarah Nedovic shot by Hilary Walker

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Despite her artistry, South Yarra ceramicist Sarah Nedovic is a practical type. Her lighting creations are functional, and – as we learn in this week’s cover story – Nedovic founded her studio practice as a way to keep working around having and raising kids. As her children have grown, so has demand for her elegantly monumental clay light fixtures, which now light up homes and elevated spaces around the world.

Jo Walker Broadsheet Editor

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“My shows are basically like a very, very, very, very slow Instagram feed.”

The Interview with Hannah Gadsby

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Feature:

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The

167 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Filipino food has become more visible in Melbourne in recent years. Joining the pack of restaurants is Askal, a new Filipino diner led by co-owner and chef John Rivera (ex-Lume, Amaru and Sunda).

The menu offers an approachable and refined take on Filipino mainstays with snacks like doughnuts topped and filled with oxtail kare-kare, and rock oysters with aged pinakurat (Filipino vinegar) and green chili relish. Among the larger plates, standouts include a young hen lechon (a spit-roasted meal) and coal-roasted swordfish. For dessert there’s halo-halo (a shaved-ice sundae) and Tanduay rum caramel leche flan. Enjoy it with a signature cocktail like the Purple Slurple – a mix of ube, hazelnut, cacao and bergamot.

It’s in the former Shakespeare Hotel, and co-founder Michael Mabuti (behind CBD gelato spot Kariton Sorbetes) oversaw the renovation. Exposed brick walls are softened by curtains in deep red, gold and navy – a nod to the Filipino flag. — ST

THREE OF A KIND

Specialty iced coffees

Melbourne coffee makers have been getting inventive with their own signature takes, turning out more than just iced long blacks and lattes. Good Measure’s Tiktok viral brew Montblanc is finished with freshly grated nutmeg and orange zest. Juniper’s Greek-inspired iced coffee frappe is served with a creamy coconut ice cube. And Bench Coffee Co adds jasmine tea to its seasonal Spring Glow blend. — EB & SM

Montblanc, Good Measure, Carlton

Iced coffee frappe, Juniper, South Melbourne

Spring Glow, Bench Coffee Co, CBD

Photo: Liana Hardy

Good Measure photo: Ben Moynihan

READ ME IN THE DIARY ADD TO CART

Sheridan robes

If there were a measurement system for cosiness, then these new robes from Sheridan would surely rate high on the scale. Made with 100 per cent cotton terry, the Bower and Ceder styles use a jacquard weave for texture and pattern – the former adorned with florals, the latter with relaxed checks. (We also dig the colourways in dusty greens, pinks and blues.) They’re part of the Australian heritage brand’s new autumn/winter 2024 Embrace collection and designed for year-round use. — JW

$159.99 / sheridan.com.au

What Can I Bring?

Some cookbooks are to be studiously admired and left pristine like a lovely work of art. This gloriously useful one from country food writer Sophie Hansen will probably be covered in batter and fingerprints within a week. Hansen’s bring-aplate recipes are simple but impressive, with meals designed to be transported and shared with friends and family. Suggested menus are grouped by season and include handy sections on some of life’s trickier collective culinary moments, like cake stalls, camping trips and potluck dinners. — JW

$49.99 / murdochbooks.com

Edge of Elsewhere

Catch the last few days of this thought-provoking exhibition at Glen Eira City Council Gallery, taking place as part of Photo 2024 International Festival of Photography. Featuring the work of 11 acclaimed Melbourne artists (including Ponch Hawkes, Julie Shiel and Linda Wachtel), there’s a mix of powerful large-scale portraits sitting alongside delicate sculptures. Exploring subjects like the global climate catastrophe, the works examine how actions taken now will impact our collective future. — KW

Until Mar 24 / Glen Eira City Council Gallery, Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield / gleneira.vic.gov.au

HOME MAKER

Clouding Over

Kit Henseleit, along with partner Harry Christie, founded Geelong-based homewares company Clouding Over as a fun project to look forward to after finishing the build of their new home. As the name suggests, much of the label’s designs take inspiration from nature, namely (you guessed it) clouds. The duo translate the fluffy forms into striking resin tables made to order in cream and fairy floss pink. “We want people to be able to move them around in their homes from the bathroom to their bedside table to the lounge room,” Henseleit says. — GG

$749 / cloudingover.com

SNACK BAR STREET STYLE

Thelatestin Melbourne foodnews

By Audrey Payne Swan Street, Richmond

CBD and South Yarra bakery Le Yeahllow is known for making hyper-realistic cakes that look like other objects. Now the team has released a trompe l’oeil “hot cross cake”: entremets made to look like hot cross buns, with a hot cross bun sponge in the centre topped with chocolate cremeux and encased in allspice whipped ganache. The cakes are available as a single “bun” or in larger slabs of six, nine, 16 or 24. 14 Claremont Street, South Yarra / leyeahllow.com.au

After leading the kitchen at Collingwood brewery Molly Rose, chef Ittichai “Biggy” Ngamtrairai has returned to Scott Pickett’s Matilda, taking on the role of head chef. He brings a more relaxed approach to the South Yarra restaurant. 159 Domain Road, South Yarra / @matilda159domain

Amanda Lowrensa, a former Supernormal and Osteria Ilaria pastry chef, has launched her own bakery, Amande. There’s no permanent location yet, but Lowrensa is selling weekly cake boxes including French and European pastries and slices of American cakes. They’re available to pre-order online; pick-up is in North Melbourne. @amande_melb

Chef Dan Hunter’s regional fine-dining restaurant Brae has earnt Australia’s first threestar sustainability rating from The Sustainable Restaurant Association. 4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra / braerestaurant.com

Ovolo’s Amphlett House, the CBD restaurant in the former Mrs Parmas site on Little Bourke Street, has closed after less than 16 months in business. The restaurant was attached to boutique hotel Laneways by Ovolo; the group says it has plans to open “an exciting new venue” in the space. 19 - 25 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne / ovolohotels.com/ovolo/ laneways Read the full story for each dot point: broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/series/snack-bar

Name: Nickie Greenough Age: 62 Occupation: Scientist Tell us about your outfit today. The skirt is woollen from Country Road and I think I bought it in the late ’80s. The top is from Byron Bay. My shoes are from a lovely Spanish Italian shoe shop in Canberra, and my bag – my son bought it back from Bristol when he was studying there. What do you gravitate towards when shopping? I don’t shop a lot. Instead I make things last a very long time, and the things that I have that I love, I wear. I love linen and natural fibres, and clothing that isn’t too fitting. I’d like to be cool and comfortable and have something flowing.

Richmond’s transformation from gritty working-class enclave to sought-after neighbourhood reflects Melbourne’s passions for footy and food. Cashed-up professionals rejuvenate red brick warehouses and workers’ cottages into multimillion-dollar properties.

Photo: Kaede James Takamoto

Photo: Jamie Alexander Photo: Alex Squadrito

Photo: Colin Page

For Hannah Gadsby, Success Means Being Mobbed at Libraries

Words by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen

Photo by Mia Mala McDonald

Hannah Gadsby doesn’t take note of anything anyone says about them on the internet. The 46-year-old comedian has courted their fair share of criticism, most recently for their 2023 exhibition at Brooklyn Museum critiquing the legacy of Pablo Picasso – but to them, it’s all white noise.

“When you hit the kind of success I happened upon, you get elevated to a place where the criticism as much as the adoration is unreal,” Gadsby tells Broadsheet. “I’ve spent enough time in my life on the genuine struggle bus, and I can really easily disassociate from the public figure. If that crashes and burns, I’ll still be able to see myself as a complete human.”

On the Picasso controversy, Gadsby is happy to be considered disrespectful. “I’m a disruptor, so it comes with the territory. The art world is disappearing up its own turtleneck … I love art, but I don’t necessarily love the way that we have to talk about it.”

These provocations should be no surprise from the mind behind Nanette – the stand-up show that catapulted Gadsby to international fame when it became a Netflix blockbuster in 2018. With it, the comedian pushed the boundaries of the artform, blending their signature dry humour with something unrelentingly raw and real.

In Nanette, Gadsby said they were leaving comedy altogether. They haven’t, but these days they’re being a bit more selective about what they share and when. “I don’t really talk about stuff I haven’t already thought about on my own as a private human – you won’t find me participating in this self-exposure on social media.

“My shows are basically like a very, very, very, very slow Instagram feed. I’m an incredibly private individual but for some reason, every couple of years, I don’t mind looking back retrospectively and going, ‘Here’s a dark secret.’

That just seems to be the mode of work I have found for myself, but I do feel very uncomfortable with being open all the time.”

Their new show, Woof!, is a response to what’s going on in their life at the moment – and what’s happening in the world at large. With the uncertainty of the everyday, what else is there to say? “It’s such a difficult world to know how to plan for, because it’s in such flux and chaos, and existential dread is raining down on us all. That’s all summed up in the word woof.”

Gadsby is also busy using their platform to elevate the voices of their community. They’ve curated a new Netflix special, Gender Agenda, which features seven genderqueer comedians from around the world, including ALOK, DeAnne Smith and Jes Tom. The aim of the show is to “provide diversity in a conversation that is very unfortunately narrow and hostile toward our community”, Gadsby says.

“It’s just about bringing these voices to the Netflix space and broadening that conversation that has been narrowed down into hostile transphobia.”

Between multiple Netflix slots and appearances on TV shows such as Please Like Me and Sex Education, Gadsby is getting more accustomed to being recognised out in the wild. Not all the time, though. “I could turn up to a nightclub anywhere in the world and have to line up with everyone else, but go to a library or museum or gallery and it’s mob-town.”

“My fanbase is very polite and very respectful of my bodily autonomy, so I always have these nice little interactions out in the world. I enjoy my fans in the small doses that I experience them in. I feel like I’m in a really sweet spot of success.”

Woof! runs March 28 to April 20 at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Stylish Birthday Gifts for Friends Turning 40

By Alice Jeffery

BAINA SULIS BATH ROBE – $275 Baina’s towels are a much-loved favourite among Broadsheet editors. And when the antipodean brand recently introduced a bathrobe to its range, it became an instant wishlist item. If your friends and family are anything like us, they’ll love you for adding to their bathing routine with a luxe terry robe. shopbaina.com

VERSA MARTINI – $75 If their drink of choice is a Martini, then they’re sure to be happy with Versa’s bottled take on the classic cocktail. The brand recommends chilling the bottle for at least 30 minutes before building over ice, serving with olives and a dash of brine to make it dirty, or simply with a twist. versacocktails.com.au

JULY CARRY-ON SUITCASE – $325 Frequent flyers will love July’s signature carry-on suitcase. It comes equipped with an ejectable battery with USB and USB-C docks that hold enough power to charge both phones and laptops on the go. And you have the option to personalise the case with their initials or a picture of their pet. july.com/au

EMMA LEWISHAM THE ESSENTIALS SET – $145

The NZ skincare line has amassed a loyal following since launching in 2019. Known for its signature purple packaging and active-ingredient-led products, the brand offers this set of minis as the perfect intro for anyone who wants to take their skincare routine up a notch. emmalewisham.com.au

Whether you need room for guests or more space in your home, our wall beds provide you with a stylish multi-purpose solution.

OONI FYRA PIZZA OVEN – $549 Ooni’s ovens bring woodfired pizzas to backyards big and small. This portable design (which only weighs 10 kilograms) is perfect for setting up on apartment balconies, shared gardens or inner-city courtyards. It runs on the brand’s hardwood pellets and claims to cook stone-baked pizzas in one minute. au.ooni.com

HOME OF THE WEEK

A dream come true for families

Words by Kay Keighery

The Scotch Hill area has been coveted for prestigious family living since Scotch College set up there in about 1920.

Laying claim to parklands, trams and trains, it fits the bill for discerning broods putting down their roots for the long haul.

Built in 1982 and extended and renovated by the current owners, this abode figures as a relative newbie in the predominantly oldschool neighbourhood.

It has no complicated lines, no crumbling cornices, no dark crannies, and an abundance of natural light.

Cherished by the savvy vendors Elisa and Rob (who retained the original bagged and rendered walls and pale timber flooring in keeping with the cross-century attraction), the house affords a heart-warming welcome … minus any construction concerns.

“You walk in to this incredibly calming vibe,” Elisa says. To which Rob adds: “And there’s a Nordic feel due to the clean lines, which were quite progressive the time.”

A thicket of creepers softens the brutalist lines of the red-brick facade, extending its greening glory over the entrance porch.

Most of the ground floor is given over to semi-open-plan living, with linked lounge and dining rooms flowing through to a kitchen-family-meals hub.

Though door-free, the formal and informal areas are autonomous spaces, and thus ideal for families who like to entertain two (or three) generations simultaneously. The lounge has a fireplace, while glass doors in the dining area part to a porch giving on to a garden with a bubbling water feature.

Centred by a kitchen toting European appliances, the hub has sliding doors to the entertainment terrace and a picture window accentuating the pool’s allure.

Segue past the internal access to the garage for the ground level’s final offering.

Listed as the fourth bedroom (with an en suite and a fold-down bed at the ready), the space also makes a superb studio, connecting as it does with the backyard action.

Decked out by Storia Interiors (also responsible for the home’s interior decoration) it’s a fab and flexible addition to an already family-fit pile. The backyard amplifies the family factor with an in-ground

trampoline and pool, roll-and-tumble lawns and decking.

Head upstairs, and what you get is beyond your usual expectations, with the front sector fashioning a splendid parents’ retreat and the rear boding well for time-out-loving offspring.

The folks have a study, an en suite, a walk-in wardrobe and a boudoir opening to a romantic terrace. For the kids, there’s a bathroom, a laundry room (wishful thinking), and a roomy retreat.

Hawthorn

79 Illawarra Road

$4.5 million-$4.9 million

4 3 3

Auction: 11am, March 23

Agent: Kay & Burton, Scott Patterson 0417 581 074

WHAT THE AGENT SAYS

“Renovated with flair, this architecturally interesting residence provides the perfect balance of indoor and outdoor living in the heart of the Scotch Hill precinct.”

NEED TO KNOW

The property was last sold for $2.267 million in 2013. The median price for a fourbedroom house in Hawthorn is $3.1 million. RECENT SALES

$1.1 million

117 Auburn Road, February $590,000

8/10

14

Scott Patterson Kay & Burton

FLEXIBLE 1, 2 & 3 BED APARTMENTS CUSTOMISED TO YOUR WAY OF LIVING, FROM TWO LEADING DESIGNERS, WINWOOD MCKENZIE AND BERGMAN & CO.

MAKING LIGHT WORK OF CLAY

Words by Leta Keens · Photos by Hilary Walker

She has the imprimatur of Vogue and Dior for her sculptural light fixtures made with clay. South Yarra ceramicist Sarah Nedovic talks architectural inspiration, motherhood and how horseriding taught her to take it slow.

For Sarah Nedovic, working with clay is almost a form of meditation. “It’s a sensory thing – you open a bag of clay and it smells like rain. And when you touch it, you can’t look at your phone or do anything else because you have clay on your hands. So you think, ‘Okay, I’m here and I’m in this moment.’”

In Nedovic’s hands, the clay will eventually be transformed into a light. Each one is made to order from her Botanic Gardensadjacent South Yarra studio (which once housed a gym) where she now works with two colleagues.

Sculptural and minimal in form, her ambient lighting sits somewhere between art and design, and is favoured by architects and designers, with clients including Tamsin Johnson and Arent & Pyke. In  2022 Dior Institut Paris even commissioned two of Nedovic’s lamps for its floating spa on the Seine.

Used in both commercial and residential settings, Nedovic’s work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Belle and Architectural Digest, and was exhibited as part of a collaboration with stylist Stephanie Stamatis during Melbourne Design Week last year. (She has two exhibitions in Melbourne Design Week this year, working with Duetto Studio and glass artist Ruth Allen.)

“Designing objects that have a purpose is really important to me – I remember asking a friend many years ago for his opinion on a design idea I had. He simply said, ‘It will work if it makes sense.’ I often come back to that – why am I doing it, what is the outcome, what is the relationship to the piece. Storytelling and connection play a big part in how I like to design.”

For Nedovic, part of that connection involves not only the emotional response we have to lighting but also the ritual attached to it. “When it starts to get dark, the overhead lights go off and the table lamps and wall lights come on. For  me it’s a trigger to switch into relaxing mode,” she says.

“I like making objects that have a purpose, and lighting is emotive – it can really set the tone of the space … I feel like I can be more experimental with my designs going forward, and these bridge a space between wall art and functional lighting.”

Almost invariably, Nedovic’s pieces will be oversized. “They have a presence beyond being just an object; scale makes them feel like something else.” But making such large work carries risks, she says. “If you’re not

supporting it in the right way and it gets bent, you might be able to straighten it up when it’s still wet, but because clay has a memory, as soon as you put it into the kiln, that bend will come back.

“I did a lot of horseriding growing up and the animal can sense your fear. It’s almost like that with clay, you have to work slowly and treat it with respect.”

Having been brought up in an outdoorsy family where creativity was encouraged, Nedovic always knew she’d follow an artistic pathway in life. Her stepfather was a builder trained in industrial design. “We were always making things in his workshop and were taught from a young age how to be practical with our hands,” she says. “I joke with a girlfriend, now, that I have more power tools than handbags – it’s just something I learnt through nurture.”

After studying at university, Nedovic worked as a textile designer in the fashion industry for 17 years. She only got into clay when pregnant with her son, Angus, now four (she also has a daughter, Cesca, two). At that point she felt it was time to start her own practice, one that would be compatible with motherhood, but wasn’t sure what that would be.

“I knew I wanted to use my hands again,” Nedovic says. “The textile industry was becoming faster and more digital.” She hadn’t contemplated turning ceramics into a business, however.

“It was purely a hobby – it was me experimenting with clay in the kitchen of our old apartment and just having fun, which was such a nice way to start. I didn’t have any expectations – I really nurtured my creativity and just let it all out.”

As it turns out, the way Nedovic works in ceramics is not all that different from how she approached textile design. “The foundation of how I design is a play on shapes – how they interconnect and sit harmoniously.” She always carries a small notebook with her and sketches constantly with a black pen. “I feel like my hand will often move in ways my mind hasn’t thought of or my eye doesn’t see – I can draw hundreds of variations of the same design.”

Once Nedovic lands on an idea, she’ll draw it to scale on brown paper – just like patternmaking for fashion – and pin it on the wall. “It can sit there for a few weeks, and if I still like it after that, I’ll start to make it out of clay.”

The introduction of light is considered all through the long design process. “We do

lots of little tests – I try to highlight the clay body as much as possible and show the qualities of the material I’m working with through light.”

It was a little trickier when Nedovic first started her practice, she admits. “The electrical wiring was a big challenge. Melbourne was in and out of lockdown in 2020, so I was trying to construct and learn how to build the electrical backplate[s] myself. I eventually engaged a supplier to help me.”

While Nedovic’s work appears to be abstract in form, it can be informed by anything from Spomenik World War II memorials in the former Yugoslavia – her husband’s family is from Montenegro –to the gothic-style Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne’s CBD.

“I used to say that nature was my inspiration, but I actually think being in nature just allows my ideas to come out,” she says. “That is when I am most relaxed.”

Much of her inspiration comes from repetition and patterns. “I love architecture and walking around the city looking at new and old buildings. The old buildings have wonderful brickwork and Victorian filigree detailing, while the new buildings can be monumental and overpowering in scale. I love the repetition of the windows and the cladding.”

Unlike her previous work in textile design, Nedovic’s current practice means she’s involved from start to finish. It’s one of the things she finds most rewarding about working in lighting. “We get the bag of clay, we roll the slabs, we make the design and all the electrics are built in. We own every single step and have total control over it.”

And how she knows whether something works or not is to live with it. “That’s the ultimate test, and I’m happy to say I have lots of my pieces in our own home,” Nedovic says. “They’re often ones that haven’t made the cut – they might be a little bent or have blue flecks from copper electrical wires, but all those small imperfections are beautiful and hold stories and memories for me.”

View the collection at sarahnedovic.com –all pieces are made to order. Styling for photo shoot thanks to Bridget Messner for Self Agency. Sarah Nedovic wears Bassike classic tee and twill stripe detail pant (cover and facing page) and Oroton sleeveless waiters jacket and Clea Dante trouser (previous page). Model’s own shoes throughout.

SARAH NEDOVIC’S TIPS ON HOME LIGHTING:

1. LAYER YOUR LIGHTING

Having different types of light sources – table lamps, wall lights and candles, for instance – at varying heights will give your rooms depth and dimension.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK

Turn off the overhead lights and just put on one or two lights in the room. Play around with darkness as a way to de-emphasise certain areas or to create a space for the eye to rest.

3. LEARN BULB BASICS

Stay away from fluorescents and instead buy good quality warm LEDs. These can change the whole feel of a room.

4. LIGHT FOR BEAUTY

Always ramp up the lighting in your bathroom. You want your make-up to look good in the daylight, so try and mimic this with warm white light globes.

LIKE A LOCAL

Kew

By Bridget Clarke

It’s easy to underestimate the size of Kew. Nestled between the Yarra River and the Eastern Freeway, this leafy suburb serves as a bridge between the traditionalist east (Balwyn, Hawthorn) and the trendy, formerly working-class north (Fitzroy). While the many schools and churches foster a strong neighbourly vibe, Kew is also loaded with sophisticated food options and lush green spaces.

Adeney Milk Bar is a good place to start. At school dropoff time, this homey cafe is full of busy parents getting a caffeine fix on the morning school run – often alongside their dogs. Across neighbouring Victoria Park is High Street, which is dotted with cafes and restaurants. Look for the blackand-white-striped awnings of Frank & Harri Patisserie for handmade bakes and brunch, or get a toasted sanga from the newly opened Pronto by Via Porta.

Head west to the spectacular Yarra Bend Park and a revamped Studley Park Boathouse. For a scenic feed, dine in the Conservatory restaurant or get out onto the water for a familyfriendly paddle in a hired canoe. A walk along the Main Yarra Trail feels far away from the urban inner-east – until you reach one of the CBD lookouts that dot these vast riverside greenspaces.

Come evening time, Kew hosts some of Melbourne’s most coveted Italian eateries. There’s Di Palma’s and Centonove, which have both been offering refined yet accessible Italian fare for decades. At the Junction, you’ll find the much-hyped Puttanesca, Guy Grossi’s Italian diner housed inside the Clifton Hotel.

The homey vibe is maintained at newcomer Mirchi Indian Restaurant. For date night, start at Sushi On – a slick eightseat omakase diner – and continue towards Cotham Road for a nightcap at elegant wine bars Cru or Bar Alba.

NEED TO KNOW

Kew’s property market is characterised by upscale residences, green spaces and a demographically diverse community. Affluent and with cultural appeal, it’s a sought-after living experience.

Average Age

41

Median Weekly income $2,497

Clockwise from top: Centonove, Plating up at Di Palma’s, Sushi On, Baked goods at Pronto by Via Porta, photos Amy Hemmings

WHAT THE AGENT SAYS

Cameron Ingram Nelson Alexander

“Kew is known for its prestigious residential areas, expansive parks and gardens, reputable schools, cultural attractions and historic sites – all with excellent connectivity to Melbourne’s CBD.”

Clockwise from top: Ora Specialty Coffee, Kanes Bridge, Studley Park Boathouse, City views from Yarra Bend Park, photos Amy Hemmings

Inside Hotel Sorrento’s Mega Makeover

Words by Tomas Telegramma

Photos by Elisa Watson

Hotel Sorrento knows how to show its guests a good time. Part of the furniture since 1872 in Sorrento, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the hotspot has five bars, two restaurants and, of course, accommodation.

Last December it unveiled a five-yearsin-the-making transformation that’s further broadened its appeal. “It was about going from a hotel to a resort,” says Bridget Bailey, whose family, the Pitts, have been the custodians of the pub for more than 40 years. “We’ve always been good at the ‘play’. Now we want to offer a balance of play and rest.”

Chasing a new level of coastal luxury, as Bailey says, Hotel Sorrento has added 13 suave new suites, a 30-metre pool and sundrenched terrace, and a labyrinthine day spa. “If you’re staying with us, we want you to feel like you don’t have to leave,” she adds. Get among the party crowd if that’s your vibe, or get away from it altogether. It’s up to you.

First and foremost, the design – a collaboration with local firm Six Degrees Architects – honours the original limestone building. But it also gives the hotel a higherend edge. “Everything we added had to talk to what was already here,” Bailey says. “And we’re surrounded by natural beauty, so we really focused on drawing the outside in.”

There’s nothing in-your-face about the new suites; instead, they ooze understated elegance. The bathrooms are splashed floorto-ceiling with textural travertine tiles, the private outdoor terraces are fitted with freestanding circular marble bathtubs, and European oak is another muted note in the mix. (NB: If you’re not splashing out on a new suite, fear not; all pre-existing rooms have been refurbished in the past two years.)

When it’s time to swap the bath for a bigger body of water, drape yourself in a robe by

lush Melbourne homewares label Hommey and slink out to the pool. The area is guestsonly – so rarely overrun – and importantly, “There’s a daybed for pretty much everyone,” Bailey says.

Olive trees and green-and-white umbrellas aim to give the surrounding terrace an air of the Med, while a wading area lets you sun yourself while semi-submerged, and a dedicated poolside bar lets you order poached-prawn club sandwiches and Mandarin Margaritas direct to your daybed.

But it gets more Rancho Relaxo than that. In a quiet, tucked-away corner of the hotel is Marlo Spa, its series of treatment (and steam) rooms connected by travertineclad hallways.

The Pitts, while prolific publicans, decided to leave the wellness aspect to an expert, recruiting local spa-industry veteran Marlo Johnston to operate it for them. The treatment menu is extensive, running the gamut from warm stone massages to aromatic full-body scrubs, to ayurvedic therapies (a mind-body practice from India).

There’s now not much that Hotel Sorrento doesn’t offer, which Bailey hopes will help draw more visitors to Sorrento both inside and outside of the peak summer period. “Sorrento has experienced such exponential growth over the last five years, with more and more holiday-makers choosing to call it home,” she says. “That’s brought a new energy to the town year-round, rather than it being so dramatically seasonal.”

Not to mention to the multimillion-dollar renovation of the nearby Conti, as well as the addition of excellent eateries like Bistro Elba and Stringers to Sorrento’s main street.

COMPRISING 5 LUXURY

For private viewing, contact ;

Kelgend Winters

0439 434 449

kelgend @ pbandco.com.au

www.fiftytwoblack.com.au

FIFTY TWO BLACK

Once-in-a-lifetime Brighton residences

Words by Liz McLachlan

Brighton’s Fifty Two Black ably demonstrates what elevates world-leading design and luxury over less privileged properties.

This stunning haven’s five residences were crafted by New York architect Gregory Tuck and Melbourne architect Nicholas Day, with interiors by renowned designer Meg Sharpe.

The evergreen beauty of the Cote D’Azur’s 1930s art deco design has inspired Fifty Two Black’s immaculate styling, streamlined feel and large, airy interiors. Leading furniture brand RH has added to the opulence, selecting lavish furnishings for each residence.

“These residences are incredibly unique; we could not repeat this level of craftsmanship,” says PB & Co. chair Michael Pesochinsky. “The exceptional design and luxury … has set a new standard that the most discerning international clients desire.”

Since completion, PB & Co. has leased three homes to high-net-worth internationals; one has since been snapped up for a record Brighton price. Just two remain available.

DESIGN

The globally sourced and curated interiors feature over 20 natural stones, chevron timber flooring, ceiling heights of three metresplus, tall arched steel windows, fireplaces, in-floor hydronic heating and Restoration Hardware (RH) light fittings. Elite New York interior designer Meg Sharpe has used textures and layers to imbue the spaces with a sophisticated richness.

LAYOUTS

The two ground-level residences are available with internal areas of 245 and 258 square metres, respectively. Each has a private garage and lift, three bedrooms (with en suites), a butler’s pantry, separate laundry and a powder room. Spacious living areas open to courtyards, and each residence has a second living room and a library. The main suites include luxe dressing zones.

FIFTY TWO BLACK

Brighton

52 Black Street

3 $6 million-$6.5 million

Developer: PB & Co.

Architect: Nicholas Day

Interior architect: Gregory Tuck

Interior designer: Meg Sharpe

Landscape architect: Jack Merlo

Sales: Zed Real Estate, Zed Nasheet 0432 797 384

Location: Drive – three minutes to Brighton beach, 30 minutes to the CBD. Walk three minutes to Middle Brighton station or Church Street cafes, restaurants and specialty stores. Walk to Brighton and Firbank grammar schools.

Fifty

THE REPORT

Is the News of Oat Milk’s Death Greatly Exaggerated?

Words by Che-Marie Trigg · Illustration by Billie Justice Thomson

Recently Vogue published an article titled “Goodbye, Oat Milk: Since Learning This I No Longer Add it to My Coffee”. It’s just one in a series of articles and social media posts decrying the milk, claiming it causes dangerous blood sugar spikes, acne and bloating, and proclaiming a return to dairy milk or other milk alternatives. Sounds scary. But how much should we be worrying about our daily oat flat white habit?

“Like many forms of milk, oat milk may cause a moderate spike in blood sugar levels due to its carbohydrate content,” accredited practising dietitian Kirsten Swan tells Broadsheet

“There is limited scientific evidence to say that moderate spikes in blood sugar alone are linked to developing diabetes or other chronic diseases. But having consistently high blood sugar levels over time can raise the risk for some people.”

Swan says people should be on the lookout for food and drink with a lower glycemic index (GI) – the term used to describe how fast a food or drink containing carbohydrates raises a person’s blood sugar levels.

“Oat milk generally has a moderate GI,

which means it is higher GI than other milks (such as cow’s milk and soy milk), which [also] tend to have a higher protein and fat content – carbohydrate combined with protein and fat or fibre lowers a food’s overall GI.”

Swan says people with pre-diabetes or diabetes, or those who monitor their blood sugar levels should be mindful of how much oat milk they’re drinking and consider choosing unsweetened varieties of oat milk to lower health risks.

As for inflammation, bloating and acne?

Swan says though individual sensitivities to naturally occurring components (such as FODMAPs) or additives like preservatives or emulsifiers could cause such reactions, there’s not enough high-quality evidence that oat milk broadly causes these issues in the wider population.

“Like with all food and drinks, it’s best to consume oat milk in moderation and pay attention to how your own body responds,” she says.

So, given the hit pieces, are people actually ditching oat milk in favour of other dairy or plant-based alternatives? Apparently not.

“Purchasing across our shops has largely

remained unchanged over the last six months,” says Angus Nicol, CEO and founder of Sydney’s Black Market Coffee. “Oat milk has gradually been taking market share from light milk, soy milk and also almond milk – though this may have plateaued.”

Nicol says 50 per cent of coffees sold across his cafes are made with cow’s milk, with almond milk at 18 per cent and oat at 17 per cent. Lenka Krmencikova of Cat & Cow Coffee also confirms she has not seen a change in oat milk numbers recently, and Melbourne’s Market Lane Coffee also tells us it has not seen any decline in oat milk orders.

While Swan says cow’s milk is “a superior choice for people who rely on milk for calcium and protein, as well as fat-soluble vitamins, which many fortified plant-based milks (including oat milk) may lack”, whether you should be drinking oat milk ultimately comes down to individual health needs. (It’s not considered suitable for those with coeliac disease and not nutritionally suitable for children under five, for example.) Swan also reckons it may be worth rotating between different milks for different uses and nutrient content.

“For the average person, having a couple of oat milk beverages per day isn’t likely to cause issues,” she says. “While I wouldn’t classify oat milk as a health food … [it] may offer several potential health benefits. Many oat milk options on the market have been fortified with nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, making it a suitable alternative for adults who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.

“Depending on the degree of processing, oat milk may also contain small amounts of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre naturally present in oats that can help reduce cholesterol levels and promote heart health.

“Oat milk is naturally low in saturated fat, is cholesterol-free and offers a creamy, slightly sweet and nutty plant-based alternative to other milks, which is a big win for people who can’t tolerate cow’s milk but want to enjoy a cup of creamy coffee.”

The information Kirsten Swan has provided is based on her own opinion and understanding of the available research and it is not intended to replace individual nutrition advice.

LUXURY

Words by Joanne Brookfield & Kay Keighery

Glen Iris

1754-1756 Malvern Road

$4.8 million-$5.2 million

5 2 4

Contact agent

Agent: Marshall White, Daniel Wheeler 0411 676 058

Yet another showstopper by architect John Wardle, this powerhouse of a pad parades liveable family luxury, where an indoor-outdoor connection is the order of the day and bespoke touches complement the functional glamour. Deep gardens bracket the bodacious build. On the ground level, a feature window in the foyer addresses the cool-as pool, and the sitting room and hub adjoin expansive terraces. Find yet another terrace off the brilliant bathroom on the first floor.

Brighton

18 Asling Street

$11.5 million-$12.5 million 5

Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, March 26

Agent: RT Edgar, Sarah Case 0439 431 020

Higham Grange is quintessential Brighton: a renovated period home on a massive suburban block (almost 1800 square metres) that’s walking distance from Bay Street and has a pool, a tennis court and an eight-figure price tag. Dating back to the Federation era and designed in Queen Anne style, its interior updates create a very modern family mansion with a long list of high-end brands and high-tech appliances to impress. A bonus is the separate gym with steam room.

Glen Iris

26 Bella Vista Road

$6.8 million-$7.48 million

5 5 5

Expressions of interest: Close noon, March 25

Agent: Marshall White, Jesse Matthews 0413 197 905

Designed by award-winning FIGR Architects, this brandnew house occupies three levels, with a theatre room, cellar and storeroom coming off a five-car basement garage with turntable. Imported marble, slimline bricks, chestnut timber and state-of-the-art technology create luxury throughout this home, where living extends into the landscaped north-eastfacing garden with heated pool and spa. The covered al fresco area includes a full barbecue kitchen, bar fridges and heaters.

Elwood

103 Ormond Esplanade

$3.45 million-$3.65 million

4 2 4

Auction: 1pm, March 23

Agent: Chisholm & Gamon, Torsten Kasper 0428 454 181

Located in Elwood’s prestigious golden mile is this striking house, which leaps out from the beachside streetscape due to its distinctive curvilinear spotted gum facade and porthole windows. Designed by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects, it has bedrooms spaced over the three levels, creating a flexible floor plan with plenty of storage. There’s abundant natural light internally, a leafy private yard and, most desirably, foreshore views that will never be built out.

OPEN FOR INSPECTION

Words by Richard Cornish, Maria Harris & Shae Wiedermann

St Kilda

12 Odessa Street

$2.4 million-$2.6 million

4 2 2

Auction: 10.30am, March 23

Agent: Marshall White, Oliver Bruce  0409 856 599

Combining the best of old and new, this Victorian home renovated by Tony Hobba Architects is an absolute stunner. It is single-level, making it great for families and for downsizers who still want space. The superb family zone features a Miele kitchen and living and dining areas that open to the wide, sheltered deck for outdoor living and dining. Four bedrooms include the main with en suite and walk-in wardrobe. This impeccable home also has secure off-street parking.

Canterbury

34 Mangarra Road

$3.5 million-$3.8 million

Beaumaris

2b Welton Street

$1.95 million-$2.1 million

3 2 2

Auction: 11.30am, March 23

Agent: Belle Property Sandringham, Andrew Solomon 0449 928 636

This two-storey townhouse is a beautiful home, from its garden outlook to classic finishes such oak flooring and the clean lines of the modern kitchen. On a quiet tree-lined street and cocooned in double glazing, this tranquil abode is generously proportioned, has perfect flow and is completed by a large outdoor entertaining area. It’s close to The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, beaches, village shopping and the train.

Glen Iris

22 Fuller Avenue

$2.2 million-$2.4 million

4 2 2

Auction: 6.30pm, March 27

Agent: Marshall White, Duane Wolowiec 0418 567 581

Crafted by the current owners, who have 40 years of experience as master builders, this charming house is rich in character and functionality. The residence sits behind a stone wall and manicured gardens with an attractive arched, custom-made steel entry door. The kitchen, dining and living rooms connect via French doors, while the formal lounge room opens to the courtyard. The oak floors and multiple fireplaces provide warmth and ambience.

Auction: 11am, March 23

Agent: Shelter, Todd Braggins 0420 618 618

Built in 1935, this Californian bungalow has been renovated by Paul Delaney Architects and is now a contemporary charmer with a great connection to the outdoors. Baltic pine floorboards and other original features have been retained. The four bedrooms include a main with an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe. The lounge, living room and dining room open to a gracious pergola that connects to the outdoor entertainment area. A highlight is the versatile separate studio.

Brighton

20/30 Esplanade

$1.95 million-$2.1 million

3 2 2

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, March 26

Agent: Kay & Burton, Jamie Driver 0400 126 612

Great design and understated luxury combine at this townhouse just metres from the beach and bay trails. Showstopping views stretch across the bay to the Bellarine Peninsula and the city skyline. The sizeable rooftop terrace is made for cocktails at sunset.

Kew East

35 Frater Street

$2.9 million-$3.19 million

5 3 2

Expressions of interest: Close 6pm, March 25

Agent: Marshall White, Davide Letteri 0414 018 707

Tucked into a slope, this new home offers three-metre ceilings in the living and dining areas, which are immaculately finished in timber and marble. The house, wrapped in landscaped gardens, is just minutes away from trams, village shopping and the freeway.

Whether you need room for guests or more space in your home, our wall beds provide you with a stylish multi-purpose solution.

Albert Park

34 Finlay Street

$1.9 million-$2.09 million

3 2

Auction: 5.30pm, March 28

Agent: Marshall White, Ben Manolitsas 0400 201 626

This extended and renovated Victorian house is a walk from Albert Park Lake and the beach. The interiors have a modern feel, except for period detailing in the exposed brick walls, and high ornate ceilings. The upper level is dedicated to the main bedroom, which has an en suite and city views.

Palatial 1980's Estate No Heritage

5 Grosvenor Court, Toorak

a b c d e f

‘CLYNE’

7 STONEHAVEN COURT TOORAK

5

‘SEQUOIA’ 4/27 HOWARD STREET KEW

3 3 3

Grand ground floor proportion and garden per fection. In conjunction with Marshall White.

Private sale

Viewing

Wednesday 11:45-12:15pm

Saturday 1-1:30pm

John Bradbury

0413 772 778

Walter Dodich

0413 262 655

Davide Lettieri

0414 018 707

Nick Ptak

0413 370 442

‘COLONGULAC’

103 SACKVILLE STREET

KEW

6 5 6 2166

An expansive Sackville Ward family sanctuary offering grandeur, luxur y and resort st yle excellence

Expressions of interest

Close 16 April at 5pm

Viewing

By appointment

Sam Wilkinson

0400 169 148

Garrick Lim

0424 4 39 242

Isabella Maugeri

04 38 096 720

Munro Estate

11

Saturday 23 March 3.30pm

Jesse

Tom

4

“Wembden” – c1908

Park Estate

40 Chrystobel Crescent Hawthorn

5 3 2 1600 approx.

Saturday 23 March 12:30pm

Wednesday 12.30pm-1.00pm & Saturday from 12.00pm

0418 567 581 0412 336 266

Stuart Evans 0402 067 710 0418 328 056

Thursday 11.00am-11.30am & Saturday 12.00pm-12.30pm

0418 681 235 0414 799 343

Sensationally positioned with sweeping views overlooking La Trobe Golf Course, this showstopping Clare Cousins renovated residence on 1704m2 sets a new benchmark in luxury indoor/outdoor refinement. Two striking staircases highlight four bedrooms (all with BIRs & WIR to master) four bathrooms – main ensuite with luxurious spa bath, entertainers’ kitchen with WIP & large living area with floor to ceiling windows. Add to this, a billiards room with integrated bar & wine cellar & adjoining utilities room plus alfresco paved terrace, sparkling magnesium pool & enchanting Eckersley Garden Architecture designed garden.

Summer

▪ Perched on the cli top above the northern end of Ranelagh Beach

▪ Panoramic views of the You Yangs, Mornington Pier and Melbourne’s city lights

Auction

Saturday 13th of April 4:00pm

Open for Inspection

Saturday 3:00 - 3:30pm

301G/14-16

Saint Moritz by GURNER™ is acknowledged as changing the Australian luxury landscape with an unprecedented dedication to world class service, amenity and wellness. Including Samsara an exclusive resident only wellness facility taking in cryotherapy, �lotations tank & stunning 25m pool, this is six star living on another level.

Personally designed and retained by developer Tim Gurner, with priceless views of the St Kilda foreshore, this penthouse style residence offers two �loors of stunning design, perfectly zoned, delivering an irreplaceable home at one of Melbourne’s most desirable addresses.

You are greeted by a soaring 6 metre double height void, two living zones, four bedrooms including a master suite like no other with retreat and sauna, �ive bathrooms and a palatial six car garage. Curated with care this is one of the few prestigious Saint Moritz residences facing the shimmering bay.

Designer Furniture for Indoors & Out