Nestled among the enchanting, restored ruins of the original “Kenilworth Homestead” which dates back to the 1880s, this architecturally designed masterpiece, now affectionately known as “Moss River House”, seamlessly blends heritage charm with contemporary luxury. With breathtaking views of the escarpment and sparkling waters of the Yass River, this expansive family home is situated in a prime riverfront location.
The generous layout features multiple entertaining spaces bathed in natural light, accentuated by expansive glass, timber accents, and striking stone walls. Towering ceilings create an airy atmosphere, while outdoor living areas, adorned with granite flagstones, offer panoramic scenery perfect for relaxation or gatherings.
SOLD November 2024
Front Cover Image - 171 Kirkton Road, Marchmont
Jessica
Welcome
Welcome to the Autumn 2025 issue of the Inspired Living Magazine. Brought to our community by Blackshaw to showcase and provide readers with the current trends and topics related to homes, from the nation’s capital to the south coast region of Batemans Bay.
Inspired Living is all about discovering possibilities. Being inspired in life and in your home, and gaining insights into local causes and topics that matter. Providing our readers with a unique perspective from property enthusiasts and local talents. We are always on the lookout to showcase collections from local designers, artists and more.
Our Autumn issue is filled with inspiring ideas and refreshing insights to elevate your home and lifestyle for the season. Embark on an exciting autumn getaway or discover Batemans Bays historic sites. Leverage our expert advice to help you find a home that is right for your family. For the outdoor enthusiast, explore our curated collection of top Australian native plants to add to your garden. Join the pack and prepare for the Million Paws Walk: A fun day out with your furry friend! Lastly, for those looking to seize the autumn market, discover our top projects in development now!
Enjoy this complimentary magazine, continue to feel inspired to find endless possibilities to enhance your own living.
Belinda Chamberlain, Corporate Director Blackshaw Real Estate
by Alex King
Photography
How to find a home that’s right for your family
Buying property is one of the most significant financial decisions and investments you will ever make, and there is a lot to consider as you search for the perfect family home. Here are some tips to get you started.
Photography by Collov Home
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
The first step in finding the right home is discussing your family’s needs and determining what’s essential and what’s negotiable. This should include the size of the property and garden, the number of bedrooms, the location and proximity to services, internal and external features, lifestyle flexibility, and future growth potential.
You also need to make sure you know how much you can afford before you start shopping and discuss your reason for purchasing – will it be your forever home, will you likely sell it in the next 5-10 years, or will it eventually become an investment property?
Asking these questions will ensure that you and your family commit to a home that offers a comfortable and practical lifestyle and will serve your short- and long-term needs. Although many of these scenarios may not be relevant right now, you’ll thank yourself in years to come.
WHY LOCATION MATTERS
Location is arguably the most important consideration when looking for a new home. A good location will help your home’s value grow over time, while even a great home might not appreciate as much in a less desirable area.
For each suburb you include in your search, evaluate the availability and quality of nearby amenities and check the property’s proximity to schools, shopping centres, hospitals, parks, nature reserves, community centres, sports facilities, and essential services. Investigate access to main roads and public transport links, look for options connecting the property directly to city or town centres, and scope out access to local transport junctions to ensure bus or tram options are available.
Before attending a house inspection, explore the suburb and surroundings during the week and on weekends. Pop into the local shops and visit the parks and schools when it’s busy and during quieter periods. This will help you get a feel for the area and how it changes depending on the time of day or day of the week. Visiting the area a few times will also give you a sense of the type of people that live there – the community you live in is likely to be as important, if not more important, than the actual property you choose.
Photography by Jimmy Dean
Photography by Behzad Ghaffarian
Photography by Max Bottinger
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Thinking about your property’s long-term potential is crucial, especially as a family with evolving needs.
If you are buying a forever home for your family, then discuss how your lifestyle might change over the years, not just what you need right now. Does the home offer enough space for your family to grow? Does it offer enough room for grandchildren or elderly parents to stay one day, if needed? Another attractive feature when looking for a long-term family home is its renovation or extension potential. When on the property hunt, don’t just look at the home’s existing floor plan and configuration but consider the land size and the options to build out or upwards if you ever need to in the future.
If you plan to rent out the property one day, think about what might appeal to a future tenant. This could mean reassessing the neighbourhoods in your current property search to ensure their proximity to public transport links. Likewise, you might also need to think about a more energy-efficient heating and cooling system or perhaps make plans for a low-maintenance and hassle-free garden.
Photography by Mi Pham
Photography by Collov Home
A guide to the South Coast’s historic sites
Despite being known for its stunning natural beauty and popular coastal towns, the South Coast is filled with a fascinating line-up of heritage sites that offer a window into its rich and storied past. Whether you’re a history buff eager to step back in time and explore the region’s cultural tapestry or simply looking for a fun and interesting day out with loved ones, be sure to add these spots to your autumn to-do list.
Photography by MHDS Blog
MORUYA HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
A visit to the Moruya Historic Courthouse is like stepping back in time to the days when justice was served in this stately sandstone building. Dating back to 1881, the heritagelisted courthouse is a fine example of Victorian Italianate classical architecture, featuring an imposing façade with verandah, painted and rendered brickwork, timber balustrades and columns, corrugated metal and concrete tile roofing, and a well-preserved interior. While it no longer serves as a working courthouse, the building is sometimes open to the public and can be enjoyed while experiencing the 1.5km Moruya Heritage Walk through the town.
Photography by Aussie Towns
Photography by Moruya Historical Blog
BAWLEY POINT
The coastal village of Bawley Point, just 30 minutes north of Batemans Bay, is peppered with historic gems that reflect the area’s thriving past, including old fishing settlements, heritage-listed cottages, and evidence of the Indigenous people who occupied the land for thousands of years. Learn about the area’s Indigenous heritage at the Murramarang Aboriginal Area, a reserve that protects the largest midden on the South Coast and contains millions of stone artefacts, along with dense deposits of mammal, fish, and bird bones, as well as shells.
More recently, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was known for its bustling timber milling industry with a large sawmill, a blacksmith shop, a post office, several workers’ cottages and a jetty and derrick to load the timber on ships bound for Sydney. Tucked into the southern corner of Bawley Beach is the Gantry, one of the last remaining structures from the timber milling days. It burnt down in 1922, and the old structure was washed away by storms in 2016, but a new one was built a few years ago, keeping this piece of history alive.
The area’s sawmill first opened in 1891, burnt down in the early 1900s, was rebuilt, but unfortunately destroyed by fire, in 1922 and never rebuilt. Some of the concrete blocks of the sawmill remain here and can be found near the Gantry. Today, visitors can explore these sites via several walking trails that weave around the coastline.
Photography by Shoalhaven Tourism
Photography by Belinda Doyle
BATEMANS BAY HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Batemans Bay Heritage Museum, formerly a courthouse, police station and residence, opened in 1985 and is a treasure trove of local history. The museum’s vast collection has grown considerably over the last 40 years and includes a broad mix of permanent, temporary and travelling exhibitions. Highlights include historic photographs, antique machinery and tools, rural technology, costume, dolls, and memorabilia spanning maritime, military, education, geology, crime, gold, timber, domestic life, and the local community history.
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH AND RECTORY GARDEN
All Saints Anglican Church in Bodalla is one of the most splendidly apportioned churches in rural NSW, offering sweeping views of the coastal hinterland from its tower. The church opened in 1881 and features oak woodwork, stained glass windows, chancel tiles and a pipe organ brought from England, UK. Adjacent to the church is the awardwinning Rectory Garden, a privately owned garden open to the public throughout the year. There are 12 unique gardens featuring approximately 1,000 plants and trees across the three-acre property on the site of the church’s old parish residence. The garden’s design blends formal elements with naturalistic landscapes, featuring manicured lawns, meandering pathways, and secluded alcoves. Both garden and church are wellpreserved parts of the region’s history and a testament to Bodalla’s rich heritage.
Photography by VisitNSW
Photography by VisitNSW
Photography by Anglican Parash of Bodalla
MORUYA MUSEUM
The Moruya Museum, situated in the heritage-listed Emmott House, is home to a fascinating collection of furniture, books, artefacts and memorabilia that pay homage to the people and history of the local Moruya region, from its early Indigenous inhabitants to the arrival of European settlers. Many of the eclectic items on display in this charming 19th-century building were donated by local families, with highlights that include a large collection of photographs of the pioneers who developed the area, an insight into the granite quarrying industry, which supplied the stone for many monuments in Sydney, including the pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as displays on the role Moruya played during World War II. At the rear of the museum is the Genealogy Research Room, which houses a large archive for those who are interested in researching their family history.
Photography by MDHS Blog
Photography by MDHS Blog
Join the Million Paws Walk this May
The RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk is back in 2025 with a stronger-than-ever mission to raise vital funds to help dogs in need, fight against animal cruelty and provide care, veterinary, education and protection services across the country.
Photography by Matt Nelson
MORE THAN A WALK
The Million Paws Walk is more than a walk, it’s a movement to support dogs and give them the care they deserve. It is one of the biggest events on the RSPCA calendar and an important reminder of the life-saving role the RSPCA plays for all animals across the country.
Now in its 31st year, this iconic event continues to help provide warmth and care for the 87,000 dogs that come through one of Australia’s many RSPCA shelters every year, waiting for their second chance. In 2024, over 15,000 Australians and their pooches participated in this family-friendly event, raising over $1 million. Since the RSPCA established the fundraising event in 1994, more than 750,000 Australians and 400,000 pooches have participated, raising over $16 million.
Walks will take place in every state and territory (except for Western Australia) during the month of May, with at least 30 in-person events taking place across the country. Before and after each walk, participants and their furry friends can enjoy a whole range of delicious food, pooch treats and pupachinos, live music and entertainment, pet-friendly retail stalls and services, games, raffles, prizes and doggy competitions, such as best trick, waggiest tail, best dressed and best underbite.
Anyone can take part, even if you don’t have a dog. Ticket sales go towards supporting the costs of delivering the events across the country, so participants are encouraged to fundraise to help raise much-needed funds to help animals in RSPCA’s care. If you sign up, a range of fundraising resources, such as posters, guides and social media imagery is available to help you spread the word about your walk to fight animal cruelty.
Saturday 25 May at Patrick White
Lawns, just near the National Library of Australia.
Photography by Markus Winkle
Photography by Madeline Bowen
Photography by Margarita Kosior
CANBERRA
For Canberrans, this year’s Million Paws Walk will be held on Saturday 25 May at Patrick White Lawns, just near the National Library of Australia. Registration opens at 9am and the walk starts at 11am. Parking will be available at the National Library of Australia car park, the National Library of Australia (Flynn Place) car park, Questacon car park, and Parkes Place West car park.
More information can be found at millionpawswalk.com.au
Photography by Hannah Lim
Photography by Andrea Lightfot
Photography by Sorin Gheorghita
Blackshaw Projects
Blackshaw Projects partners with award-winning developers and architects to bring a portfolio of high-class residential developments to the ACT and NSW South Coast region. Whether you are a first-home buyer, downsizer, investor or anywhere in between, there is something for you. Here are some of our current projects.
Photography by Jackson Allan
OLIVINE
Olivine, a stunning off-the-plan development where coastal luxury meets lifestyle. It is a sophisticated collection of 17 architecturally designed one, two-, and four-bedroom apartments across four floors, featuring open-plan layouts, state-of-the-art kitchens equipped with premium appliances, and contemporary bathrooms. Its enviable location in the heart of Batemans Bay is perfect for a first home buyer, downsizer, or savvy investor, being just steps away from the renowned 27-hole championship Catalina Golf Club, the Marina, and a leisurely stroll to the town centre. With limited apartments available and construction set to commence soon, don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting new chapter.
DENMAN TERRACES
Have you been up to take a look at Denman Prospect? If you’re considering buying a property, you must. Each separate-title residence here boasts spacious living, highquality finishes and inclusions, and lowmaintenance courtyards, all situated within an area that will be landscaped to future playgrounds, public arts, elevated lookouts, cycling tracks, community gardens and even outdoor table tennis facilities. Not forgetting the nationally renowned new aquatic centre just nearby. The suburb is surrounded by rolling hills and backs onto native bushland, offering superb views – the Arboretum to one direction and Stromlo Forest Park to the other, and down on the CBD, the Parliamentary Triangle, Woden, Weston Creek and neighbouring Molonglo suburbs of Coombs and Wright. Denman Prospect is being developed by the award-winning, environmentally savvy team behind the Canberra Airport, neighbouring Brindabella Business Park and Majura Park, so you can expect great design and quality.
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
NORREBRO
Located in Canberra’s Inner North, Norrebro is a 4.4 hectare mixed-use precinct with a limited range of beautiful one and twobedroom apartments remaining. Crafted for comfort, each apartment has been thoughtfully designed to feel warm and easy to live in, with carefully selected materials and inclusions, and a high standard of lowmaintenance and long-lasting finishes. Expect to find high ceilings, double-glazed windows, full-height tiling, HANSA German Tapware, Smeg appliances, and Quantum Quartz in the kitchens and bathrooms.
The one-bedroom apartments at Norrebro range from 52sqm up to 68sqm for the onebedroom plus study configuration, while the two-bedroom range from 75sqm to 82sqm.
Situated close to the Inner North’s bustling scene, buyers will appreciate the nearby restaurants and cafe culture, as well as the precinct’s proximity to Lonsdale Street and the City Centre, where there’s world-class shopping, global exhibitions and a rich arts scene.
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
THE LAZENBY
The Lazenby is a boutique development of 12 townhomes in Strathnairn, each designed to maximise natural light and space, with functionality in mind to enhance the way you live. The residences boast open-plan kitchens and living and dining spaces that seamlessly flow out onto private courtyards, giving each townhome a feeling of true indoor-outdoor living. Standard inclusions span from stone benchtops and custom cabinetry in the kitchen to engineered timber floors in the downstairs living areas, and full-height tiling in the bathrooms. The development is located only minutes from the Kippax and Belconnen shopping centres, Magpies Golf Club, and beautiful natural attractions such as the Murrumbidgee River and Shepherds Lookout walking trails, and just 15 minutes from Canberra City.
For more information, visit blackshaw.com.au/projects
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
Photography Blackshaw Real Estate
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Best destinations for an Autumn getaway
If you need a break this autumn, look no further – we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best Australian destinations to inspire your next getaway.
Photography by Jai Hail
VICTORIA
YARRA VALLEY | GREAT OCEAN ROAD
Victoria’s Yarra Valley is situated at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges and is home to some of the best cool climate wines in the country. The region offers various food and wine festivals, including the popular Yarra Valley Harvest Festival, and there are boundless accommodation options for an autumn holiday break. Also situated in this southern state is the Great Ocean Road, 243km of heritage-listed road stretching from Torquay to Allansford. Here, you will find pristine beaches, wildlife spots and museums filled with local history. Don’t miss the stretch from Lorne to Apollo Bay and Great Otway National Park, arguably the most picturesque part of the drive, and the world-famous rock formations, The Twelve Apostles, along the coastline of Port Campbell National Park.
There’s so much to explore in Queensland this autumn, from bustling cityscapes, pictureperfect beaches and tranquil hinterlands. Starting with the capital, Brisbane offers as much as any large Australian city, with great shopping, fantastic dining, a thriving performing arts precinct, rooftop bars, a beach-style lagoon at the river’s South Bank, and the luscious Botanic Gardens. Further south, you can escape to the Gold Coast, a metropolis of holiday accommodation, shopping, nightlife, a casino and 42km of golden sandy beaches, perfect for a short break or longer stay. Further north, you could explore the state’s Sunshine Coast, made up of nine regions boasting 211km of spectacular coastline, 100 sun-drenched beaches, and a vast, luscious hinterland. With a laid-back vibe and near-perfect climate, this beautiful part of the country is a great spot to stop this autumn. Lastly, nothing tops a visit to the pristine paradise that is the Whitsunday Islands, an archipelago of 74 islands said to have the country’s best beaches, some often voted among the world’s finest. Only a few islands offer accommodation, including Hamilton, South Molle, Daydream and Hayman.
Photography by Lochlainn Riordan
Photography by Nick Sarvari
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
MOUNT GAMBIER
South Australia’s Mount Gambier is located on the slopes of an extinct volcano, making it a fascinating spot for an autumn break. Here, you’ll find four crater lakes set in a popular recreation spot with walking trails, a wildlife park and several caves. The area’s biggest drawcard is the 75m-deep Blue Lake, which changes its colour to an intense shade of blue throughout autumn. While visiting, take a stroll through the beautiful Sunken Garden, also known as the Umpherston Sinkhole, once a typical limestone cave that collapsed and was then transformed into a botanically rich garden in 1886.
TASMANIA
FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK | CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK
The Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast is home to some remarkable ocean beaches, the Hazards Mountain Range, and numerous walking trails peppered across its peninsula, one of the most popular being the track to the superb Wineglass Bay. A drive along the east coast is a highlight for any visitor, and be sure to stop at the cute towns of Ordford, Swansea and St Helens on your journey. If you’re close to Hobart, take a break at the charming Georgian town of Richmond, nestled in the heart of the Coal River Valley region where food, wine and culture are abundant. If you’re keen to explore Tasmania’s beautiful inland – and possibly go on one of Australia’s most iconic hikes – then head to Cradle MountainLake St Clair National Park, a Tasmanian wilderness area that includes Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. The Tasmania Walking Company offers guided hikes here.
Photography by Charles G
Photography by Lochlainn Riordan
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
MARGARET RIVER | BUSSELTON
This autumn, head to Margaret River, a large town in the state’s southwest set in a thriving region that is home to some of Australia’s most remarkable wines and spectacular vineyards. The area also attracts surfers to its many beaches, the coastline known as one of the world’s best big-wave surfing locations. There’s also plenty to see in town with art galleries, cafes, restaurants, shopping, boutique breweries and gourmet produce at your fingertips. If you can, try to make the 50km trip to Busselton, which is popular for its pristine beaches and waterbased activities, including fishing, whalewatching and scuba diving. Here, you’ll find the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere, stretching out to a whopping 1.841 kilometres.
NEW SOUTH WALES BLUE MOUNTAINS
If you haven’t made it to the Blue Mountains yet, then put this destination at the top of your list this autumn. The Blue Mountains National Park is a sight for sore eyes –expect breathtaking views of rocky peaks, sheer cliff faces, canyons and striking waterfalls, then wander along some of the best hiking trails in the country or try your hand at some epic rock climbing, caving or abseiling. The town of Katoomba is the tourism hub of the area, home to the Scenic Skyway, the Scenic Railway, and Echo Point lookout, where you can admire the sacred Three Sisters sandstone formation. Nearby, you’ll find the quieter towns of Leura and Blackheath, all which offer great shopping, galleries, restaurants, accommodation and local markets.
Photography by Nicholas Doher
Photography by Ryan Chondro
Photography by Deeparali Gaind
Photography by Gilly Tanabose
Essential elements when marketing your property
SOCIAL MEDIA
PRINT ADS
A highly targeted, visual presentation of your property.
Print publications with large audience reach and a glossy finish.
MAIL FLYERS
Tailored insights for specific markets and communities.
ONLINE LISTING
A detailed resource for those who like their research.
LOOKING TO SELL OR LEASE YOUR PROPERTY?
There are a range of advertising platforms and tools to consider when showcasing your property’s finest features, to ensure it makes the right impact in the real estate market. Experience our professional perspective and see what we do to ensure a successful property marketing campaign.
Autumn landscaping: Native plants to brighten your yard
Autumn is an ideal time to add new plants and blooms to your garden ahead of winter and spring, especially native species. Native plants add colour and beauty to your green space and foster a sustainable, minimal-care garden that will be resilient enough to withstand Canberra’s unique and often harsh climate. Native plants can also benefit local biodiversity and provide essential habitat and food sources for local fauna, including birds, insects and small mammals.
Here are some of the most well-suited native species for autumn planting.
by Jade Stephens
Photography
Banksia spinulosa ‘Birthday Candles’ is one of the most popular native plants in Australia. It’s a dwarf and dense shrub with golden yellow flowers that is loved by bees and nectar-eating birds.
Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’ is a popular bottlebrush shrub recognisable for its aromatic leaves and vibrant red cylindrical flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It’s very hardy and adds a striking colour to gardens. For a smaller version of this vibrant red bottlebrush, try the Callistemon viminalis ‘Captain Cook’ or Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’ varieties.
Grevillea lanigera ‘Mount Tamboritha’ is a hardy evergreen shrub popular for its vibrant pinkish-red and cream flowers. It’s a spreading, low-growing native with attractive bushy foliage.
Correa ‘Marian’s Marvel’, otherwise known as the Australian fuchsia, is a durable shrub that can live through frost and drought. It produces pink and yellow, bell-shaped tubular flowers and dark green foliage.
Photography by Megan Clark
Photography by Walter Frehner
Photography by Re Walsh
Photography by The Frustrated Gardener
Photography by The Samdy Clark
Eucalyptus ‘Baby Blue’ is a small multibranched evergreen tree with round leaves that are silvery blue-green. It’s similar to the well-known eucalyptus, but much smaller and better suited for a private garden or compact plot.
Indigofera australis, also known as the Australian indigo, is a native shrub that is both frost and drought-hardy, perfectly suited for Canberra’s climate. The plant’s name reflects its attractive, indigo-coloured blossoms that grow amongst delicate green leaves.
Lomandra ‘Tanika’ is a tough, droughttolerant grass-like plant with long, slender leaves that are green in colour. It boasts small, yellow flowers that bloom from April to October.
Westringia ‘Glabra’, also known as the violet westringia, has small, white or pale purple flowers and dense foliage, making it a popular choice for hedges and landscaping.
Photography by Iain Robertson
Photography by Australian Native Plant Society
Photography by Pip Magazine
Remember, before you plant anything new in your garden this autumn, be sure to give your green space a good clean-up. Remove weeds, leaves and debris, pull out old or diseased flowers and plants, and prune anything healthy that you want to keep. Where you have soil, be sure to aerate it, then add some compost or manure to give it new life.
Next, add a fresh layer of mulch to keep the moisture in and prolong plant life, especially in the upcoming colder months as it helps to regulate soil temperatures, insulates plant roots from frost and prevents erosion. The cooler temperatures and increased soil moisture during autumn also allow plants to establish strong root systems before the onset of winter. Mulch is also your first line of defence against weeds.
Be sure to choose the right location for your plants to thrive, making sure they have access to enough sun and water and have enough room to grow. If you’re not a green thumb, then ask your local nursery expert for some handy tips and advice.
Finally, instead of only planting new species in garden beds this autumn, why not inject some colour and textural variety across your outdoor space with pots and planters of different shapes and sizes? Be sure to prepare them like you would garden beds, with the right soil and fertiliser, and ensure they are set up for ample water retention and drainage.
Photography by Tim
Photography by OzBreed
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Email us today: magazine@blackshaw.com.au
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