LIFT-OUT & KEEP!
S P E C I A L L I F T- O U T F E A T U R E
HUNTER HOMES
Showcasing the businesses behind the beautiful homes of the Hunter www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 25
HUNTER HOMES LIFT-OUT
Love
WHERE YOU LIVE
NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA’S SEVENTH-LARGEST CITY AND ONCE KNOWN FOR ITS BHP STEELWORKS, COAL AND A LITTLE BAND CALLED SILVERCHAIR HAS, IN THE PAST TWO DECADES, REINVENTED ITSELF AS A BUSTLING MULTICULTURAL CITY AND A VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE WITH A DIVERSE ECONOMY BASED AROUND BOTH INDUSTRY AND THE SERVICE SECTOR. However, regional cities such as Newcastle are moving away from the traditional manufacturing and agricultural industries that powered their growth over the 20th century toward more professional and service-based economies. For example, the largest employment sectors in this region are health, education and social services. Apart from being an attractive business and investment location, the Hunter offers residents a lifestyle that is hard to
WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN
match, and it does so at a cost of living well below that of the major metropolitan areas across Australia. For those of us lucky enough to live here, there is no better place to live, or a place that offers so much diversity with its pristine beaches, cosmopolitan nightlife and of course Australia’s premier wine region right on our doorstep – not to mention an outstanding place to raise a family. But of course, with recent global developments, the secret is out, and those city slickers residing in the major capital cities have used the pandemic as a catalyst to fast forward any dreams of pursuing a life filled with more affordable housing, less traffic congestion and evenings walking along golden beaches.
Beyond a stripped-back lifestyle, buyers are seeking affordability as prices in capital cities continue to climb. Regional cities such as Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are amongst the many regional towns and cities capitalising on this trend – not to mention offering a tonic for city dwellers overcome by pandemic-induced malaise. Tree changers are also buying up big in regional areas such as the Hunter Valley which is up there as one of Australia’s top 10 affordable tree change locations. While pre-COVID living in a regional area and working for a city-based company may have seemed impossible, the lockdown phase has shown that physical proximity to a workplace is less important when buying a home and people can effectively work from home without having to battle peakhour traffic to be productive. Before COVID-19 hit, there was already a strong trend of sea and tree-change homebuyers looking for the best of all worlds – lifestyle, accessibility to employment hubs and affordable housing – especially amongst the over 40 demographic. But there is now also an increasing tendency for younger families to move away from employment hubs to an area with better lifestyle prospects. And it is not just owner-occupiers who want to move away from the cities; big, property investors are also becoming more drawn to regional markets. As a result of this net migration coupled with affordable housing prices and low interest rates, the region’s economy is looking reasonably resilient over the next few years encouraging investment and the introduction of new technologies and fuelling the demand for new residential and commercial developments as well as tourism.
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HUNTER HOMES LIFT-OUT
BESPOKE ITEMS LOVINGLY CREATED
At Cosy Iron WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW
WHEN YOU ORDER A HANDMADE WROUGHT-IRON PRODUCT FROM COSY IRON DESIGN, YOU’RE NOT JUST GETTING A PIECE OF METAL. YOU’RE GETTING A PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF AN AGE-OLD ARTISANAL CRAFT, AND THE CULMINATION OF 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FROM ARTISTIC BLACKSMITH RENÉ RASMUSSEN. René and his wife Judith emigrated to Australia from Denmark 25 years ago. Back in their home country, René was carrying on the tradition of blacksmithing and iron artistry that had been passed through generations in his family since 1784. Following his grandfather and uncles into the craft in 1969, he served his apprenticeship repairing horse carts and shoeing draft horses for Carlsberg Breweries, then trained in orthopaedic horseshoeing and became a certified farrier. From there, it was on to the highest of heights: as well as taking over his old master’s contract with Carlsberg, René was appointed to the Danish Royal Stables, becoming the blacksmith and farrier to the Queen of Denmark! This involved shoeing the royal horses and carrying out artistic blacksmithing at some of the Queen’s castles – a high-profile role indeed. But after a while, René decided he was ready for a new challenge. And so, in 1995, he and Judith packed a shipping container full of René’s heirloom blacksmith tools and set off for Australia, bringing all that experience and expertise to our shores. Those same heirloom tools still serve René today, as he and Judith create new works and artistic restorations from their Cosy Iron Design workshop in Medowie. René is the embodiment of the old-fashioned artisan. Follow the sounds of hammer and anvil, and you’ll find him ensconced in his forge, working with a combination of traditional and modern tools to create bespoke items for all manner of clients. Judith, affectionately dubbed ‘The
Master’s Apprentice’ by her husband, adds her creative talents to the mix as well; a diploma-certified welder with a good knowledge of fabrication and steel manufacturing, she sculpts her own original designs for smaller products such as wine racks and candelabras. Cosy Iron products are a combination of age-old artistry and uncompromising quality. René and Judith work together in collaboration with architects, designers, builders, fabricators and individual clients to create a mix of classic and modern wrought-iron designs. They specialise in restoration as well as new work, so whether you’ve got a functional or decorative piece that needs some attention or you’re in search of something new, Cosy Iron is the place to call. Attention to detail and a keen eye for classic design elements shine through in every custom-made piece. The husband-and-wife team’s repertoire includes various indoor and outdoor furniture items; Juliet balconies and staircases; gates, fences and security grilles; fire screens and tools; hinges, brackets and hand-forged nails; candelabras and mirrors; beds and bedheads; flower boxes and garden items; wine racks and hat and coat stands; unique sculptures; wedding accessories; and much more. If you have a unique one-off piece in mind, be it large or small, all you need to do is talk to the Cosy Iron team. In an age of mass production where the art of handcrafting sometimes seems all but lost, master craftspeople like René are a rare find. So if you do commission a product from Cosy Iron Design, be sure to treasure it. Not only will it become a unique focal point in your home or garden, it can also be passed down as an heirloom for years to come. The Cosy Iron Design workshop is located at 619A Medowie Road, Medowie. For more info on the products and services available, or to obtain a quote for your next special project, visit www.cosyiron.com.au or call 4981 7174.
Since 1784
Renovation Value Hits Four-Year High The value of residential alterations and additions has risen to the highest level in more than four years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS Building Approvals for August found that the value of alterations and additions to residential buildings was substantial in August, up 7% to $784 million, to be the highest level recorded since April 2016. The stellar result is likely partly due to the HomeBuilder scheme, but also an increase in the number of people undertaking renovations during the lockdown, according to a New South Wales renovation expert. Author of The Happy Renovator and Newcastle local, Werine Erasmus, says many Australians are choosing to use the downtime to start or finish renovation projects on their homes or investment properties. “The problem with many renovators who attempt to complete projects in their ‘spare time’ is that they often don’t have any time to spare,” Ms Erasmus says. “However, the lockdown created the ideal conditions for many people to restart or finish their renovation projects.” Ms Erasmus believes renovations will continue to grow in popularity in the months ahead as more people transition to working from home or perhaps move to parttime employment. For more information about the book and loads of helpful advice, visit www.thehappyrenovator.com.au
HAND FORGED WROUGHT IRON • EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY Specialising in artistic restoration and new works, Danish born René Rasmussen has the blacksmith’s skill to restore and recreate the style of yesteryear in many creative and varied forms. When you walk in Rene’s blacksmith shop, you will get the feeling you walk 100 years back in history. Fire in the coal forge, and tools that are 100, even 150 years old. If the tools could talk, you'd have part of the history here. Former blacksmith and farrier for the Queen of Denmark Former blacksmith and farrier for Carlsberg breweries Traditional Danish Family Blacksmiths since 1784
619A Medowie Road, Medowie. Ph 4981 7174 | M 0402 190 835 E cosyiron@optusnet.com.au | www.cosyiron.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 27
WARNERS BAY'S LEADING FURNITURE STORE To this
Create more space with an effective solution... Sleepzone Warners Bay has the solution with a range of wall beds offering you an office set-up during the day that converts into a bedroom in the evening. And without the need to move a thing! If this seems too good to be true, then why not pop into our store and check it out for yourself? Our wall beds are Australian made and offer many options, including shelving or cupboards on either side, providing ample storage for books and files and enabling you to convert the desk to a bed quickly and easily. The convenience this offers could see you using a wall bed in your apartment, spare room or even main living area as an office by day, bedroom by night! Sleepzone Warners Bay is excited to announce that they are converting the store to HOMEMAKERS WARNERS BAY, providing customers with an even greater variety of products to browse and buy. You can now purchase lounges, dining, outdoor furniture along with bedding all from the same trusted team you’ve been dealing with for years.
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28 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
From this
NOW ON
LATEST DESIGNS AT THE HUNTER’S NEWEST DISPLAY VILLAGE Nothing beats the tactile nature of walking through a new home to feel the way light and space work together, and now a hand-picked selection of NSW’s top builders are on display at Huntlee’s new Display Village 2.0. The village boasts the latest designs from eleven of the state’s leading builders, with 15 show-stopping homes already open and another three designs nearing completion. The range of homes caters to a broad cross-section of lifestyles, life stages and budgets. Huntlee Sales Director Robert Crane discusses the perfect mix of builders and home designs. “In the new display village, we have designs suited to first homebuyers, upsizers, empty nesters and everything in between. The Huntlee land sales offering includes lot sizes ranging from our smaller cottage lots right up to acreages and the homes on display complement this. “Our builder partners have carefully selected display homes idyllically suited to the Huntlee market and can work with you to customise your dream home to suit your perfect lot.”
HUNTER HOMES LIFT-OUT
Now Open!
WE’VE HANDPICKED OUR BUILDER PARTNERS TO ENSURE THERE IS SOMETHING TO SUIT THE LIFESTYLE, LIFE STAGE AND BUDGET OF ALL OF OUR BUYERS. The Huntlee Home Display Village boasts fabulous designs like Candor Homes, Coral Homes – Milan 29; Hudson Homes – Jasper 26 and Onyx 24; Hunter Homes – Ellerton 223 and Kenneth 276; McDonald Jones Homes – San Marino 16 Manor, Lucia and Havana Encore 14; Metricon – Mantra 28; Mojo – Carrington and Rhapsody 31; Montgomery Homes – Avoca 210 and Avalon 220 and Thrive Homes – Aria 22. Find the perfect home. Find the perfect lot. Visitors can take their dreams of the perfect home to the next level by talking to the onsite builder reps about their wants, needs and aspirations. Once they’ve found the ideal home design, they can speak to the Huntlee Land sales team about finding a new home site that is perfectly sized and orientated to suit their design. Huntlee is unique in its capability of continually bringing new lots onto the market to match buyer demand. On completion, Huntlee will comprise 7,500 lots and be home to approximately 20,000 lucky residents, comparable in size to a town like Singleton. Huntlee owns all the land and has master-planned every aspect of the development, allowing them to be highly adaptive to market demands and modify releases to suit the needs of their buyers.
HUDSON HOMES – JASPER 26
As the first new town to be built in the Hunter in well over 50 years, Huntlee is proving popular among locals and Sydneysiders swapping congested living for open spaces and easy transport. As a fully master-planned community, it’s an opportunity for people of all ages and stages in life to take advantage of having so much right on their doorstep. A positive to come from the global pandemic is that many work practices have changed, and people are no longer tied to the traditional office environment. Embracing lifestyle and convenience, Huntlee residents benefit from a $16,500 Advantages package which includes side and rear fencing, front landscaping, connection to Huntlee Water and natural gas and, importantly for those with home offices; every home comes with NBN fibre to the property. Take your inspiration and imagination for a walk at the new Huntlee Display Village 2.0. Huntlee Display Village 2.0 is located in Peachy Avenue, North Rothbury. For further information, phone the Huntlee Land Sales Centre on 4938 3910 or visit www.huntlee.com.au
www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 29
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30 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
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Jetmaster Newcastle WORDS CLAIRE BRADSHAW JETMASTER NEWCASTLE IS WELL KNOWN FOR THEIR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PREMIUM FIREPLACE PRODUCTS. OFFERING A START-TO-FINISH SERVICE, THEY’LL PROVIDE EVERYTHING FROM INITIAL DESIGN TO COMPLETED FIREPLACE INSTALLATION. BUT DID YOU KNOW THEY’RE ALSO THE REGION’S PREMIER SUPPLIER OF PERIOD ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE AND ACCESSORIES? Whether you’re restoring the interior of an old building to its former glory, styling a new property with a period feel, or striking the right balance between modernity and historic charm, fittings and fixtures deserve just as much attention as major architectural elements. Functionally, some traditional hardware aspects can’t be replaced with modern alternatives. And aesthetically, the amount of difference that can be made by just the right antique copper doorknob or brass light switch is often quite surprising. For over ten years, Jetmaster has been the go-to local destination for period interior styling and home restoration projects. At the expansive Adamstown showroom, you’ll discover all the fittings your period or Federation-style home requires. We’re talking everything from traditional door,
window and cabinet hardware to brass accents, pressed metal panels, unique glass and ceramic doorknobs, and more. It’s easy to see why Jetmaster has been a long-time favourite with local builders, cabinet-makers, kitchen designers and architects, as well as the home DIY crowd. Robin Hastings, owner of Jetmaster Newcastle, says there’s a real resurgence in the market for these kinds of architectural hardware products – especially since the last season of The Block – where contestants renovated period homes from the 1910’s through to the 1950’s. “When renovating – especially in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, where there are a lot of older homes – people are trying to strike that balance of updating their residences without losing the charm and historical aspect of their home,� he explains. “That’s where we come in, providing advice and an extensive range of products.� And the range certainly is extensive. Browsing the Jetmaster catalogue online or in person at the showroom, you’ll find a huge range of meticulously crafted reproductions of authentic originals collected from around Australia. There
The Jetmaster Newcastle showroom at 334 Brunker Road, Adamstown, is open 9am–5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am–1pm Saturdays. Drop in and see the team, give them a call on (02) 4952 9299, or check out the range online at www.jetmasternewcastle.com.au
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„…† „†„„ www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 31
HUNTER HOMES LIFT-OUT
BUILD YOUR OWN BLOCK AT
are period door and cabinetry fittings in materials ranging from brass and antique copper to chrome, iron and porcelain. Traditional window accessories, house name signs, period tiles, heritage-style Bakelite electrical outlets and switches, and other hardware sundries all offer the unique touch you might be looking for. Basically, it’s a complete treasure trove for anyone with a passion for authentic period styling. Jetmaster’s architectural hardware products also include a popular range of pressed tin sheeting and accessories. Patterns based on original early Australian designs are faithfully reproduced in mill-finish aluminium, which has been treated to accept either powder coating or paint. But if all this sounds a little overwhelming to you, don’t worry – the Jetmaster team is here to offer expert advice on every part of the process, from pattern selection to installation to ongoing maintenance. “Our pressed tin range has become increasingly popular the last couple of years as people find all-new ways to incorporate it into their homes – not only as a traditional ceiling panel but as a design feature such as a kitchen, laundry or bathroom splashback, a feature wall or even a bedhead,� Robin explains. “The range of pressed tin can be powder-coated to your specifications and, of course, Jetmaster can organise skilled tradespeople to carry out all your installations.�
HUNTER HOMES LIFT-OUT
Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES WORDS LARA O'DONNELL – Tailored HQ
Interior Design | Curtains & Blinds Custom Furniture | Art | Accessories SHOWROOM OPEN MONDAY–FRIDAY In-house appointments for curtains and blinds and interior design available
WINNER 2019 & 2020
HIA Hunter Region Residential Interior Design
Suite 1A, Ground Floor, 41-45 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Phone 4047 2330
www.tailoredhq.com.au 32 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
FAQ#1: What is involved in an interior design consultation? I have never used an interior designer before. The initial consultation runs for 1-2 hours. We come to you and discuss your project and the scope of the work you require. We bounce ideas on the spot and give advice where we can immediately. From there, we will send you a Scope of Works, with 1-3 packages for you to choose from for us to do the project with you. The difference between each package is how much involvement you want from us. For example, the Silver package would be mood boards for the rooms you want to transform, and from there you run with it. A Gold package would include the mood boards, layouts, fixtures and cabinetry finishes selections. A Platinum package would be all of the Gold, plus trade coordination, product purchase and installation, and a styling session at the completion of the job, with an ‘Accessories Pull’ to ensure all the little things are coordinated in to complete the look. FAQ#2: Do you only use your suppliers, or can we shop elsewhere? We specify products from our own suppliers – we have over 100 of them! We pride ourselves on not providing a cookie-cutter design service, and our clients do not come to us for that either. Saying that, we will provide a mood board, and this can be used as a ‘style guide’. If you are out and find a chair or cushion that you love, send through a picture, and we will advise ‘yes’ or ‘no’. There will always be a logical reason for a ‘no’. For example, a turquoise cushion may not suit the warm neutral scheme you are going for. At the end of the day, we understand it is your home, not ours, and your comfort and love of all the pieces in it is vital for a successful design.
FAQ#3: What is a typical budget we should set for furniture and accessories? This is dependent on the scope of the job, the size of the house, and if you are incorporating existing pieces. We will discuss a budget to work towards if needed and advise if a given one is realistic to accomplish what you are wanting to achieve or not. It also helps us know which supplies we are going to be looking at for sourcing. Also, consider whether window coverings are to be included in the budget or have their own. These are not to be an afterthought, but part of the overall design.
FAQ#4: What services do you offer? Is it only full house designs? We help select fabrics for cushions only or source ready-made ones. If you need a few pieces to finish a space (an ‘Accessories Pull’ as we call it), we will bring pieces to you and style them up. We can do a revamp of your bookshelves using your own pieces. We can source and specify cabinetry. You may only be in need of a rug and side table and one artwork, and we can do this. Or you might be at plan stage and need guidance on the specification for window coverings and where to allow for power, what practical elements should be considered. We can select all flooring, paints, furniture, accessories, window coverings, wallpapers and artworks and organise their purchase, delivery and installation. All to make it easy for you!
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•
MAITLAND
•
7 Communities across Lake Macquarie, Maitland & Port Stephens Onsite children’s playgrounds, cycleways & Mature Street Trees Community focused living in central locations All time low interest rates & Builder Incentives
34 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au
HUNTER HOMES LIFT-OUT
Unique
LIFESTYLE FOR FUTURE RESIDENTS WORDS MCCLOY GROUP
AWARD-WINNING HUNTER-BASED DEVELOPER, MCCLOY GROUP HAS A VERSATILE HISTORY IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY, BUT IT IS THEIR FOCUS ON CREATING FAMILY-FRIENDLY, AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITIES THAT IS FRONT OF MIND IN TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET, WITH AN ONGOING REPUTATION FOR ATTRACTING PURCHASERS SO EAGER TO SECURE LAND ACROSS THE HUNTER, THEY’RE WILLING TO CAMP A WEEK IN ADVANCE!
Across Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens McCloy Group have seven active communities with the likes of the UDIA awarded Heritage Parc Maitland, lakeside haven Billy’s Lookout in Teralba and impressively spacious The Bower at Medowie to their name. The team are known to identify sites for their position and opportunity to create a unique and promising lifestyle for future residents. Their newest community, Hereford Hill in Lochinvar launched in October of 2020, with all 19 homesites under deposit by the close of the launch weekend. Not to mention over 30 display homes are also locked in for a brand-new display village on the site. “We identified the site for its position on the New England Highway and its strategic location as the gateway to the Lochinvar Urban Release Area. It provided a promising opportunity for future residents and builders, and we look forward to partnering with them in the Display Village. We’re sure those in the new build market will be impressed with the community playground facilities and displays to come” noted Sam Rowe, Project Director.
Similarly, both of the McCloy Communities in Medowie, The Gardens and The Bower experienced demand so high they had prospective purchasers camping to ensure their spot in the line. The McCloy team attribute some of the spikes in demand to the changing lifestyle of Australians after the effects of COVID. They see more often families looking for space and opportunity away from typical city locations. McCloy Sales teams have experienced young families flocking to the area for land affordability and a clear rise in Sydney based enquiry. Port Stephen’s scenic towns have seen the demand for residential land grow year on year, in many parts it's affordability and proximity to Newcastle CBD whilst still maintaining that country feel are to be well credited. A large portion of the current buyer’s market are millennials, a demographic, who’re of the age where they’re seeking to enter the property market and the years of starting families, many of which are creating a clear trend in making a move away from the bright city lights towards more affordable housing options in regional Australia. With demographers predicting the upward trend in relocating to regional Australia to flourish over the coming years. The Hunter offers an attractive mix for Australian’s not just millennials, offering a sought-after combination of housing affordability and proximity to work opportunities both in the Hunter and by connection down the M1 to Sydney. Not to mention the enviable lifestyle with the beaches of Newcastle to the east, vineyards to the west and the Barrington’s to the north-west, those in the Hunter really are spoilt for choice! Team this with the Government’s HomeBuilder grant, a grant of $25,000 for eligible Australians build a new home, and now more than ever property seekers are turning to new residential communities to seize the opportunity! According to the Regional Australia Institute, regional
towns and new builds in the Hunter are in the eye of many Australians, in terms of household income, proximity to schools and average house price. Many buyers are discovering that building new is often more affordable than renovating an existing property, with a brand new fourbedroom, two-bathroom, double garage house at Potter’s Lane, Raymond Terrace starting at just $525,356 for house and land.
FOR THOSE SEEKING THE LIFESTYLE BUT STILL A CLOSE CONNECTION TO SYDNEY, NEW COMMUNITIES IN LAKE MACQUARIE ARE A MAJOR DRAWCARD. Its location near the M1 and nearby train stations allow an easy connection to Sydney when required, but foster an affordable ‘lakeside lifestyle’ with nearby work opportunities in Newcastle CBD only 30 minutes away by car. The Regional Australia Institute’s figures for Lake Macquarie were also in support of the coastal town, with the median house price at $575,375 and average years for a mortgage at 33, by comparison to Parramatta in inner Sydney sitting at 65 years for the average mortgage repayment. It’s no surprise the move to regional towns is increasing year on year. If you’re looking to make your move into the property market or lighten your burden from hefty mortgage repayments over the long term, exploring the new residential communities in the Hunter is highly encouraged. McCloy Group has been creating master-planned communities across the Hunter for several decades, so when looking for land a drive through their communities across Maitland, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens is a must. www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35
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