Mansion October 2019

Mansion AustrAliA

incorporating news from Dow jones’

Plus

12-page Interiors section

bay watch Byron’s booming appeal Status quo

Vaucluse holds its lead 1

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Issue 30 H October 2019

Homing instinct Expats put down roots

Jamie Durie

Seed House’s space odyssey t H E w E E k E n d aust r a l i a n | o c t obE r 8 - 9 , 2 0 1 6

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LUXURY LUXURY FULL FULL FLOOR FLOOR 33 && 44 BEDROOM BEDROOM APARTMENTS APARTMENTS RESI RESIDENTIAL DENTIAL ONLY ONLY BUI BUILDING LDING PRICED PRICED FROM FROM $2.2M $2.2M -- $3.7M $3.7M

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new . . .

Belmont Belmont 148 148 Ross Ross Street Street

Landmark Landmark lakeside lakeside property property offers offers sanctuary sanctuary lifestyle lifestyle

Inspired by the luxury resorts of Far North Queensland, this

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incomparable family residence is positioned on 2000-square metres of absolute water frontage and set amongst lush tropical gardens. With breathtaking vistas from every aspect, soaring ceilings and an abundance of natural light, this home is the marquee property of Green Point and undoubtedly one of the lake’s finest.

LJ Hooker Belmont www.148rossstreetbelmont.com

For Sale Expressions of Interest View

By Appointment Agent Joshua O'Doherty 0419 698 908

Contents

Tennis court of the Szangolies home on Wentworth Road, Vaucluse: page 26 1 3 l u x u r y darling Point views, Phillip island villa, adelaide Hills grandeur 1 6 cov E r story

byron bay’s holiday appeal is drawing buyers from all over

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james Fitzpatrick’s seed House design rethinks open plan

2 2 d o l l y l E n z the value-adding art of styling a home for the best sale price 2 6 va u c l u s E sydney’s most prestigious suburb is holding its own among rivals 2 8 n i c k t o b i a s we need art to forge a future, says the award-winning architect 30 canbErra

the lauded concrete House sets the standard for sustainability

3 2 a i r l i E b E a c H trophy homes at the gateway to the popular whitsundays 3 4 s t i v E s this mid-century modern gem has retained its original features 3 6 s u n s H i n E c o a s t luxury developments are luring wealthy downsizers 3 8 E x P a t s For australians working overseas, a secure home base is essential 40 Polo

two desirable properties with equestrian histories are on the market

4 3 m a n s i o n g l o b a l trump’s childhood home, irish seat, singapore eyrie 4 4 b a c k P a g E the camp, on the nsw south coast, is an idyllic holiday spot 4 7 i n t E r i o r s georgian architecture inspired a new take on the townhouse 5 6 P r o d u c t s a few key pieces are all that’s needed to lift your space 5 8 d E s i g n c l a s s i c s Hans wegner’s circle chair nExt issuE:

AustrAliA

Editor lisa allen Contributing editor jonathan chancellor Interiors editor david meagher Art director samantha yates Writers joel robinson sam duncan michelle singer Emily Pettafor Chief sub editor deirdre blayney Picture editor christine westwood Advertising michael thompson tel. 61 2 9288 3630 michael.thompson2@news.com.au

november 16, 2019

on tHE covEr luxueux at Eureka in the byron bay

hinterland, an 11ha estate recently bought by a family from the us for $6 million

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Mansion

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unsolicited manuscripts will not be considered.

Printed by ovato Print Pty ltd, 31 Heathcote road, moorebank 2170, for the proprietor and publisher, nationwide news Pty limited (acn 008 438 828), of 2 Holt street, surry Hills, nsw 2010 for insertion in The Weekend Australian on october 12, 2019

Editor’s letter it’s undoubtedly been a tough year for real estate but as the holidays loom there’s been a record deal in sydney, with a $40 million sale in wolseley road, Point Piper. banker steve Harker has offloaded his deep waterfront, trouncing the previous 2019 record of $23.5 million set in march when a rose bay harbourfront sold to corporate lawyer amanda banton. nationally, average prices are notching up, as are auction clearance rates and even in some cases that rare beast – property listings – but apparently not so much at the top level. christie’s international agent ken jacobs says that sydney’s top-end real estate market is still suffering from a shortage of quality stock. this situation won’t help the scores of cashed-up aussie expats who are looking for safe-haven property investments in sydney and other capitals, according to michelle singer’s story in this issue. driven by the weakening australian dollar and global uncertainty in Hong kong and the uk, they are trying to keep up with the long-held tradition for australians living and working overseas to buy property in their home country in anticipation of one day returning. because of the Hong kong protest marches, many aussie expats have brought forward their plans to move back home but they may not have a lot of real estate choice, particularly at the upper end. on a brighter note, however, as summer looms it’s an ideal time to focus on one of the nation’s most iconic epicentres for real estate and leisure – the idyllic northern nsw township of byron bay. as jonathan chancellor reports, byron bay’s prestige rentals are commanding as much as $7500 a night, but owners are under pressure as the nsw government looks to limit the number of allowable rental days in a bid to appease residents who have long opposed plagues of holidaymakers. who can blame them? a big thank you to all the hardworking agent contacts, property developers and designers who helped us put this issue of Mansion Australia together.

Lisa Allen Editor

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Auction 42 Hamptons Road, Prebbleton, Christchurch, NZ An incomparable contemporary masterpiece, this 2.48ha awardwinning private luxury estate is beyond compare. The stunning open plan living, dining and premium kitchen with European appliances and scullery flows to the multiple outdoor living zones with pool and spa. Private media room, four bedrooms with ensuite access and the upper level master suite with private terrace are complemented by solar operated in-slab heating, extensive garaging and shedding. Estates of this size and distinction are rare.

rwtownandlifestyle.co.nz Town & Lifestyle Real Estate Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

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Auction 11:00am November 1, 2019 Ray White, Level 2, 76 Hereford St, Christchurch (Unless sold prior) View Phone for viewing times

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Emma Langton-George +64 275 550 568 Brendan Shefford +64 272 244 733

Luxury The late 1800s Hunters Hill trophy home Glen Mahr has been listed for sale with a $7.3 million guide.

BresicWhitney Hunters Hill agents Nicholas McEvoy and Narelle Scott have an October 26 auction. The Margaret Street house, on the border of Woolwich, was built by Christopher McClure, a contractor, in the 1890s. The Sands Directory listed him living in the home, which once had a widow’s walk. The five-bedroom Victorian sandstone residence, set on more than 2015sq m with established gardens, is at the end of a circular drive and has a pool in the grounds. Last traded for $2.9 million in 2001, Glen Mahr has expansive wraparound verandas with views over the water to the Harbour Bridge.

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A luxury two-storey apartment in Darling Point with views of the city skyline and Harbour Bridge has been listed for sale. An amalgamation of two apartments across levels three and four of the boutique Peddle Thorp and Walker-designed duplex block on Darling Point Road, it now spans 445sq m and is accessed by internal lift. The third-level apartment was bought back in 1999 for $2.75 million and the one above for $2.98 million three years later. The lowers level has two bedrooms including the master. The lounge area, beside the butler’s pantry, opens to an entertaining terrace. Upstairs there’s another terrace, a third bedroom, study, kitchen, dining room and another lounge space. Pauline Goodyer at Goodyer Real Estate is marketing the property with Bradfield Cleary’s Katrina Wilson for $13.5 million.

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Villa Aloha on Victoria’s Phillip Island has been listed for sale. the luxury home in Silverleaves is in the island’s north-east. Set on 4065sq m, it was designed by cramer design and built by Snowdon developments. It sits at the end of a 100m driveway lined with ornamental pear trees. the residence has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and was designed with no steps or stairs. every room looks out either to the landscaped gardens or the centrally located entertaining areas that feature a swimming pool. In the grounds is a self-contained American barn. obrien real estate agent mike Foenander is seeking $3.975 million buyer interest, which would rank the property among the priciest of the western Port bay island holiday home offerings.

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wensleydale, the award-winning botanical garden estate at stirling in the adelaide Hills, has been listed for sale. the 1880s grand villa has been restored since it was bought in 2002 by the smylie family. the stone home, which has its own tower, had been occupied by squatters and fallen into disrepair. the killicoat family built the home more than 130 years ago as a summer residence. the sweeping 7550sq m gardens came later, in the early 1900s. local nurseryman John smith laid out the English-style garden with plants from china and Japan, later adding a Japanese tea house and a victorian gazebo imported from England. the five-bedroom home features rare bespoke leadlighting from E.F. troy, along with classic high ceilings, ornate cornices, polished timber floors and marble mantels. there are 11 open fireplaces. the property was named wensleydale by the weatherald family, who lived there for four decades from 1960. Harcourts williams agent deeanne Hunt has the listing.

A home on Sunrise Road, Palm Beach, designed by architect Gerald Nettleton as his own holiday home, has been listed for sale. It was last sold, by Nettleton, in 1997 for $1.326 million. Set on 815sq m, the three-bedroom home with solid timber beams and double-height ceilings has full-length decks on both levels, one with an inground spa. The fully self-contained lower level has its own entrance.

The property comes with approval for a third level and guest accommodation.

LJ Hooker Palm Beach agents David Edwards and Danielle Ford have the listing.

Among other Sunrise Road offerings is the weekender of philanthropists Arvid Petersen, chairman of Petersen Group and former NSW Rugby Union chairman, and wife Karen. The two-level home was designed by architect Greg Crone, who sold it new, with architect Tim Moon refurbishing it two years ago. It is the same strip where businessman Paul Nankervis and his wife Rosie sold their getaway for $10.6 million in 2013, Sunrise Road’s priciest sale. Designed by architect Susan Rothwell, the three-level home has six bedrooms and six bathrooms.

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Modern manor melbourne architect christopher doyle and his wife Jodie-anne have quickly sold their English-style toorak residence, designed by doyle after the couple paid $3.22 million for the previous home in 2010. the modern five-bedroom grand manor, set in the exclusive cul de sac torresdale court which comprises just six homes, had a guide of $8.2 million to $9 million. it was sold by marshall white within two weeks. the most recent torresdale court sale was late last year when the 1880s-built dinard sold for $5.62 million. the doyle’s near-new residence blends old English architecture with modern interiors, including black steel framed doors and windows, coffered ceilings, oak parquetry floors and a marble gas fireplace. there are formal sitting and dining rooms, as well as informal spaces that open to a bluestone terrace with a heated lap pool.

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the historic homestead Harrington Park near camden has been listed for sale. the restored heritage-listed georgian residence, built in the 1817 as just a single-room dwelling, was the country retreat of the late Sir warwick and Lady mary fairfax. It once sat on the 800ha estate bought in 1944 for £32,000. the homestead is a three-storey, five-bedroom, four-bathroom family home, with an external billiard room, traveller’s rooms, extensive cellars and an external office/yurt built by Sir warwick. Several bunya pines sit in front of the hillside homestead, which has been home to five families. Sir warwick fairfax, the great-grandson of Australian newspaper and publishing pioneer John fairfax, ran a Poll Hereford Stud, while Lady (mary) fairfax managed a commercial cut flower business from the property. the only cow on the 8ha grounds is the bull sculpture by Sydney artist tom bass. the fairfaxes built two pavilion-style rooms in the late 1960s with glass pyramid ceilings that can be opened. these rooms, designed by marcel weyland, served as their private lounge and bedroom with his and her ensuite bathrooms. Harrington Park has been listed after a three-year restoration led by terry goldacre at Harrington estates, who having commissioned heritage architect Lester tropman, has now tasked kerrie Hall and brian richardson with finding a buyer.

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Hillside views A luxury seven-bedroom hillside home in Currumbin has fetched $4.45 million. The Duringan Street offering was designed by Paul Uhlmann for Mark Holmes, the founder and managing director of Nu-Pure, a bottled water business, and his wife Krystle.

The three-storey property has views of creek, forest and ocean. Striking rounded copper highlights dominate the exterior and it has seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, four car spaces and a pool. Michael Kollosche and Eoghan Murphy from Kollosche Broadbeach sold the property as the family is moving closer to their children’s school.

A five-bedroom house on Woodgee Street, winner of the Sloping Site Master Builders Award, sold for $5.6 million in 2018 through Carol Carter of Queensland Sotheby’s and remains Currumbin’s most expensive sale.

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In the round The North Point Residence, one of the Tweed Coast’s most opulent homes, has been listed for sale. The home, designed by Paul Uhlmann on the dress circle North Point Avenue in Kingscliff, was completed in 2011, shortly before it was sold for $3.15 million. In 2015 the already sprawling residence, on a 1960sq m parcel, was added to. LJ Hooker Kingscliff listing agent Nick Witheriff says locals know the property as the Round House, a reference to the most prominent feature visible from the street. The two-level round house, which is connected to the main house through a foyer, comprises a master retreat on the second level, with curved floor-to-ceiling windows offering the best vantage point over the 18m pool and tennis court. On the ground level is a home office and a living space. Four more bedrooms are accommodated in the main building, which is wrapped in a decked veranda.

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break point Byron Byron Bay’s Bay’s ideal ideal holiday holiday mix mix means means investors investors can can reap reap big big returns returns while while dreaming dreaming of of aa permanent permanent move move bbyy JJoonnaattHHaann ccHHaannccEElllloorr

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T Luxueux LuxueuxatatEureka Eurekaininthe theByron ByronBay Bay hinterland, hinterland,recently recentlysold soldfor for$6 $6million million

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the theprestige prestigebyron byronbay bayholiday holidayhome homemarket marketisisenjoying enjoyingthe thebest bestofoftimes. times.the thetown’s town’s quaint quaintcottages cottageshave havebeen beenrefurbished, refurbished,there thereare arespacious spaciousnew newluxury luxuryapartments, apartments,and and ininthe thehinterland hinterlandthere’s there’sbeen beenaaspurt spurtofofnew newmega megamansions mansionsalong alongwith withtransformed transformed old oldfarm farmcottages. cottages.Holidaymakers Holidaymakershave havenever neverhad hadmore morechoice choicebetween betweenthe thepeace peaceofof the therolling rollingcountryside countrysideand andthe thebuzz buzzofofthe thetown. town.during duringthe therecent recentschool schoolholidays, holidays, some someextended extendedfamilies familiesrented rentedone oneofofeach. each. there there are are many many properties properties inin the the byron byron bay bay district district that that feature feature on on airbnb’s airbnb’s exclusive exclusiveluxury luxuryverified verifiedlist. list.two twoofofthe thepriciest priciestare areatatcoopers coopersshoot, shoot,aasought-after sought-after locality localitygiven givenits itsproximity proximitytototown. town.

Prestige Prestigerentals rentalsinclude includethe therange, range,the therecently recentlybuilt builtspanish-style spanish-styleresidence residenceofof tom tomlane, lane,heir heirtotothe theoroton orotonfashion fashionempire, empire,and andhis hiswife wifeEmma.

Emma.they theypaid paid$3.8 $3.8 million millionfor for44ha 44hainin2017 2017and andbuilt builtthe thehome, home,complete completewith withfurnishings furnishingscrafted craftedby bylocal local artisans. artisans.the thethree-bedroom three-bedroommain mainhomestead, homestead,along alongwith withanother anothertwo twobedrooms bedroomsinin the thebarn barnstudio studioand andthe thecabin cabininn, inn,can canhost host1212people peopleatataacost costofof$7500 $7500aanight. night.there’s there’s aa15m 15mswimming swimmingpool, pool,hot hottub, tub,200-year-old 200-year-oldteak teakoutdoor outdoortable, table,and andan anamphitheatreamphitheatrelike likefirepit firepitcrafted craftedfrom fromrocks rockspulled pulledfrom fromthe therainforest rainforeston onthe theproperty. property.

Just Justnearby nearbyisisPicadilly PicadillyHouse, House,aa16-guest 16-guestEuropean-inspired European-inspiredvacation vacationrental rentalthat that fetches fetchesbetween between$5750 $5750and and$7000 $7000aanight, night,with withaaminimum minimumseven-night seven-nightstay. stay. the themelbourne-based melbourne-basedstar starofofThe TheProject, Project,carrie carriebickmore, bickmore,opted optedfor forthe thebyron byron township townshipwhen whenshe sheinvested investedininthe therental rentalmarket. market.she shespent spent$3 $3million millionon onaarenovated renovated 1920s 1920sproperty propertyon onmassinger massingerstreet streetlast lastyear yearand andhas hassince sinceadded addedaapool pooland andhot hottub. tub. the theproperty propertyhas hasbeen beenlisted listedas asaafive-bedroom five-bedroomholiday holidayrental rentalfor for$1200 $1200aanight, night,with with little littleavailability availabilityininthe thenext nextthree threemonths monthsdue duetotoits itspopularity. popularity.the thehome, home,luxico, luxico,isis described describedas ascosta costarica ricaininbyron. byron. “many “manyofofthe theprestige prestigerental rentalproperties propertiesare aredestination destinationhomes,” homes,”First Firstnational national agent agentsu sureynolds reynoldssays. says.“Guests “Guestsoften oftenbook bookthem themnot notonly onlybecause becausethey theyjust justwant wanttoto holiday holidayininbyron byronbut butbecause becausethey theyabsolutely absolutelywant wanttotoexperience experiencethese thesehomes.” homes.” the the byron byron shire, shire, however, however, isis set set for for aa shake-up, shake-up, with with new new nsw nsw government government regulations regulationsgoverning governingshort-term short-termrental rentalaccommodation. accommodation.non-hosted non-hostedholidaymakers holidaymakers may mayonly onlybe beable abletotorent rentfor foraamaximum maximumofof90 90days daysininaamove moveaimed aimedatatappeasing appeasinglocals locals who whowant wanttotoreturn returntheir theirneighbourhoods neighbourhoodstotoresidents residentsrather ratherthan thanvacationers. vacationers.

Government Governmentreports reportssuggests suggestssome some1818per percent centofoftotal totalhousing housingstock stockininthe thebyron byron shire shireisislisted listedon onairbnb. airbnb.the theproposed proposedlegislative legislativechanges changeswill willlimit limitthe thenumber numberofof days daysthe theproperties propertiescan canbe berented rentedout outbut butwill willnot notstop stopthem themfrom frombeing beingholiday holidaylet, let,as as some someactivists activistshave havedemanded. demanded. reynolds reynoldssays saysmost mostrentals rentalsrun runatatvery veryhigh highoccupancies, occupancies,with withreturning returningguests. guests. they they are are also also frequented frequented by by influencers influencers and and booked booked for for commercial commercial shoots. shoots. she she estimates estimatesthe thehinterland hinterlandhas hasan anaverage averageoccupancy occupancyrate rateofofaround around55 55toto60 60per percent, cent, compared comparedtoto75 75toto80 80per percent centinintown. town.the thetop topoccupancy occupancyrates ratesinintown townsit sitatatabout about 90 90per percent. cent.“it “itisisrare rarethat thataabuyer buyerpurchasing purchasingaaholiday holidayhome homeisisbuying buyingititsimply simplyfor for rental rentalreturn,” return,”reynolds reynoldssays. says.“buyers “buyersbuy buybecause becausethey theywant wanttotolive liveor orholiday holidayhere, here,

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Clockwise from top right: The original Longfield Farm cottage; The Cabin on Paterson Street; the recently sold home of Shelley Craft and Christian Sergiacomi, designed by Paul Uhlmann; Cedar Hill at Newrybar

and because it is one of the best investment areas in the country. almost all buyers are buying with their heart, with the dream of it being their byron holiday home.” karin Heller at Parkinson Prestige says the prestige rental market has reached a whole new level over the past few years. she believes the new rules are unlikely to proceed. “the whole town has grown from whalers and surfers to being run on the fumes of holiday letting,” Heller says. “there are cleaners, handymen, tradespeople, gardeners and managers. short-term letting is such a lucrative market and the returns are high, but there are instances when people start out with the intention to rent and end up falling in love with the byron lifestyle and move up here for good.”

Heller suggests that if the legislation does proceed, the resourceful will find ways to circumvent the restrictions. otherwise, she fears, properties could come up for sale. short-term accommodation is about more than christmas and school holidays, she says. “there are so many events and festivals throughout the year, including the upcoming film festival. there’s the blues at Easter and splendour in the Grass in July. wedding season starts in october.” a ready-made airbnb home in town has just been listed through su reynolds. the Paterson street property is the latest new build from holiday letting management company byron beach abodes. the three-level, two-bedroom home with pool which nets $1095 a night on weekends, is being offered fully furnished for $3.575 million.

However, homes are still being bought for private use. The Block’s shelley craft and her husband, Pacifico real estate agent christian sergiacomi, recently sold their home in town for $4.9 million. they renovated the Paul uhlmann-designed house after paying $3 million 18

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for it in 2016. they landscaped the now Palm springs-style 1010sq m grounds, adding a studio and a new pool. it seems likely to become a private retreat for fund manager Peter cooper. a family from the us recently snapped up luxueux (cover), a new build in Eureka in the hinterland, which will act as their family retreat. the 11ha estate, about 25km inland from byron, sold for a record $6 million after spending just 43 days on the market. the single-storey home was built by construction industry veteran alex scionti, the founder of rocking Horse construction. it sits at the end of a 250m driveway lined with lime trees. a 3m-wide steel front door opens to the great room, the hub of the home. the open plan space with double-height ceilings and travertine stone flooring contains a kitchen with a walk-in cool room and cellar, a lounge set around a wood fire and a banquet dining table. an entire wall of glass folds away, opening to the outside where there’s a 20m zero-edge infinity magnesium swimming pool and several carp ponds. “the idea of the two wings was to provide privacy in relation to parents and children or guests, and it means it can be used for shortterm rentals for two families,” says scionti. the home was designed with thermal performance in mind. in the Palm springs-style gardens is an orchard with 180 avocado trees and the property runs 40 head of cattle. First national byron agent denzil lloyd secured the sale in conjunction with sydney sotheby’s. “there are an increasing number of large, exclusive homes being built in our immediate hinterland and it’s not uncommon for these properties to sell between $5 million and $7 million,” reynolds says. “most are being custom built for the owners, although recently there have been some strong sales of speculative buildings.”

reynolds, along with luke Elwin, is marketing cedar Hill, the project of todd miller and ben Quinlan, the team behind bespoke building designers Zieglerbuild. the duo, who also design quirky cars and motorbikes and undertook the commercial fitout of spell, a celebrity fashion hotspot in town, built a steel-framed modern barn after paying $1.25 million for the 2ha property with 1990s brick cottage on broken Head road, newrybar, in 2016. the barn, clad in cedar with oversized sliding doors and a concrete floor, has further approval for dual occupancy, with an option to extend and divide into two homes. reynolds and Elwin have an asking price of $2.5 million. lJ Hooker agent liam annesley says he’s seeing a lifestyle resurgence, “with buyers moving from the overpriced cities to find greener pastures”. the decision is typically based on a family’s values and lifestyle. “they are looking to create an enriched environment for their children,” annesley says. the number of original hinterland properties that are ripe for renovation is shrinking. longfield Farm, a farmhouse on 41ha at mount wilson, is one of those rare offerings. an early 1900s homestead, it has been owned by the bartley family for more than a century and is listed for $4.4 million. real Estate of distinction agent Janis Perkins says that longfield Farm is presently being used for cattle grazing and has a number of cattle yards. there are also established macadamia and persimmon trees. “this is a one-off, definitely unique,” Perkins says, adding that building a replica would not recreate the majesty of the homestead. “all the money in the world could not duplicate the history, splendour and joy this home has to offer,” she says.

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Reclaiming Reclaiming the the space space “it’s “it’ssaid saidthat thatthe theopen-plan open-planstyle styleofofhouse housedesign design––the theadvent adventofofthe the kld kld(kitchen, (kitchen,living, living,dining) dining)––has hasled ledtotothe theincrease increaseinindivorce divorce rates. rates.suddenly suddenlythe themen’s men’sden denwent wentaway awayand andthe thebedroom bedroombecame became the thewomen’s women’sdomain, domain,and andthere therewas wasno nospace spacefor foreach eachone onetotoget get away away and and have have their their own own space.” space.” architect architect James James Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick delivers delivershis hisverdict verdictwith withso somuch muchconviction convictioniiwonder wonderhow howopen open plan planhouses housescould couldever everhave havebecome becomeso sopopular. popular. we weoften oftentalk talkabout aboutthe theimpulse impulsetotoreturn returntotothe thewomb wombininour our house housedesigns designs––totoaaplace placeofofsafety, safety,security, security,privacy, privacy,intimacy intimacy––but but i’m i’mnot notsure surei’ve i’vemet metanyone anyonewho whohas hasarticulated articulatedthat thatyearning yearningso so well, well,both bothininbuilt builtform formand andverbally. verbally. when wheniiask askFitzpatrick Fitzpatrickabout aboutthe thebrief brieffrom fromhis hisown ownfamily familyfor for seed seedHouse, House,he hesays: says:“there “therewasn’t wasn’treally reallyaadistinct distinctbrief; brief;ititwas was actually actuallydriven drivenby bythe theaccommodation accommodationthat thatwe weoriginally originallyhad, had,and and we’ve we’venearly nearlymatched matchedthis thisnow. now.ititwas wasaadesign designthat thatwas wasdriven drivenby by function.” function.”that thatis,is,ititwas wasabout aboutcreating creatingpurpose-built purpose-builtrooms roomsfor for specific specificuses. uses. “we “wewanted wantedaaplace placefor fordining, dining,we wewanted wantedaaplace placetotosit sitwithout without aatV, tV,aaspace spacetotoentertain, entertain,totolounge, lounge,then thentotowatch watchtV,” tV,”he hesays. says.

“Even “Even the the bathrooms bathrooms and and the the kitchen kitchen were were broken broken up up into into functionally functionallyseparate separatespaces.” spaces.” you youcould couldsay saysuch suchaadesign designrepresents representsaaleap leapback backaageneration, generation, but butwhat whatwas waswrong wrongwith withthings thingsthen thenanyway? anyway?ififititain’t ain’tbroke… broke… architecture architecturehas hasan anunfortunate unfortunatelink linktotofashion, fashion,which whichmakes makesititall all very veryinteresting interestingas aswe wemove movefrom fromart artdeco decototobrutalism brutalismtotoPrairie Prairie totomid midcentury centurymodern modernand andthen thenminimalism. minimalism.but buthave havewe, we,ininour our haste hastetotokeep keepup upand andcontemporise, contemporise,forgotten forgottentotohonour honourand andretain retain the thegood goodbits, bits,the theparts partsthat thatmake makeus usfeel feelgood, good,the theparts partsthat thatare are what whatthe thehuman humanspirit spiritreacts reactsto. to. “the “thebedrooms bedroomslook looksmall, small,but butiihave havetotosay sayi’m i’mnot notaafan fanofofopen open plan planhomes,” homes,”iitell tellFitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick.“i“ilike likethe theway wayyou’ve you’vecompartmentcompartmentalised alisedthe thespace.” space.” “we “wemade madeititaapriority prioritynot nottotomake makethe thekids’ kids’rooms roomsaahaven,” haven,”he he says. says. “they “they are are small small by by design design and and they they are are not not loaded loaded with with technology technologycapability, capability,so so[the [thekids] kids]have havetotocome comeback backtotothe thefamily family spaces spacestotoenjoy enjoyall allofofthat.” that.”this thisisisaapiece pieceofofsocial socialdesign designthat thatisis driven drivenby byfamily familyvalues valuesand andfamily familyconnectivity, connectivity,and andit’s it’saalesson lessonwe we could couldall alllearn learnininthis thistech techage. age.iiam aminstalling installingititininmy myown ownfamily family home; home;as asgreat greatas astech techis,is,i’ve i’vefound foundit’s it’saaconstant constantbattle battletotohave have quality qualityfamily familytime. time.this thisdesign designdoes doesthe thehard hardwork workfor foryou youand andlets lets parents parentsavoid avoidfeeling feelingthat thatthey’re they’rethe theogres. ogres. as asfor forthe thesetting setting––ininsydney’s sydney’scastelcrag castelcrag––“did “didyou youturn turnyour your back backon onthis thisview?” view?”iiask. ask.“no, “no,iidon’t don’tthink thinkso,” so,”Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrickreplies. replies. “the “theobjective objectivewas wastotoframe frameseparate separateviews viewsand andnot notone oneuniversal universal view. view.we wewere werequarantining quarantiningthe theview, view,framing framingit,it,restraining restrainingititand and defining definingit.it.Very Verymuch muchconcentraing concentraingon onmaking makingititdifferent differentfrom fromthe the different differentpods podsofofthe thehouse. house. “i“iwas wasworried worriedthat thatififwe wedid didthe thebig bigopen-plan open-planscheme schemethen then everything everythingwould wouldhave havethe thesame sameview, view,so sowe weworked workedhard hardtotocreate create defined, defined,curated curatedviews viewsfrom fromevery everyroom roomofofthe thehouse.” house.”

Fitzpatrick’s Fitzpatrick’sefforts effortstotoreward rewardthe thefamily familywith withtheir theirown ownprivate private aspect aspecthas hasbeen beenaacomplete completesuccess. success.the thehouse houseisisaabox boxofofsurprises. surprises. you’re you’re pulled pulled through through it,it, as as itit generates generates aa sense sense ofof intrigue intrigue and and discovery discoverythat’s that’srare rarethese thesedays. days.Each Eachroom roomhas hasits itsown owncharacter character and andfeeling, feeling,Fitzpatrick Fitzpatricksays; says;this thisone oneisisabout aboutthe thetrees, trees,the thenext next about aboutthe thewater. water.Each Eachspace spaceunfolds unfoldsits itsown ownadventure adventureand andstory story instead insteadofofititbeing beingall allgiven givenall allaway awayatataaglance. glance.“it’s “it’snice nicetotoplay play scale, scale, proportion proportion and and enclosure enclosure so so that that view view isis just just one one ofof the the components, components,it’s it’snot notthe theonly onlyone,” one,”he hesays. says. “when “whenit’s it’syour yourown ownhome, home,you youstruggle strugglewith witheverything; everything;there’s there’s no nobreak. break.Every Everyidea ideayou youcome comeacross acrosscould couldbe bean anoption. option.aagood good piece pieceofofadvice adviceiigot gotfrom fromthe thegreat greatarchitect architecttim timGreer Greerwas wasthat thatyou you have havetotoframe frameititas as‘this ‘thisisisthe thebest bestpiece pieceofofarchitecture architecturei’ll i’llcreate createatat this thispoint pointinintime’. time’.ififyou youkeep keepguessing guessingabout abouttomorrow tomorrowyou’ll you’llnever never 20 20

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When Whenit’s it’syour yourown ownhome, home,you youstruggle strugglewith witheverything. everything.

‘Every Everyidea ideayou youcome comeacross acrosscould couldbe bean anoption. option.IfIfyou youkeep keep guessing guessingabout abouttomorrow tomorrowyou’ll you’llnever neverdecide decide ’

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Clockwise Clockwisefrom fromfar farleft: left:Exterior ExteriorofofSeed SeedHouse, House, Castlecrag; Castlecrag;the thespacious spaciousliving livingarea; area;exposed exposed CLT CLTtread treadspiral spiralstaircase; staircase;main mainbedroom; bedroom; bathroom bathroomwith withtravertine travertinebath bath

be beable abletotodecide. decide.this thisway waythere thereare areboundaries; boundaries;without withoutthat, that,you’ll you’ll never neverbe beable abletotodecide. decide. “being “being timeless timeless isis not not so so important; important; being being ofof aa time time isis more more important. important.Funny Funnythe theway waywe weall allchase chasethis thistimeless timelessdesign, design,but but actually actuallygiving givingthe thedesign designits itsown ownsense senseofoftime timeand andplace placeisisfar farmore more interesting. interesting.where wherewould wouldwe webe beififthe thebuildings buildingsand andhomes homesofofthe the past past500 500years yearswere wereall alltimeless? timeless?thank thankgoodness goodnessthey theyall allowned owned their theirera eraor orwhere wherewould wouldwe wefind findhistory?” history?”

Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrickdesigned designedhis hishouse houseconsciously consciouslyand andwith withpurpose purposeby by choosing choosingaaseries seriesofofrenewable renewablematerials. materials.in infact factall allofofthe thetimber timberinin the thehouse houserepresents representsonly only90 90seconds secondsofofgrowth growthharvested harvestedfrom from local localaustralian australiantree treeplantations. plantations.that thatis,is,the thebeauty beautyofofits itsdesign design from from an an environmental environmental perspective perspective isis that that the the home’s home’s principal principal material materialcan canbe beregrown regrownininits itsentirety entiretyanywhere anywhereininaustralia australiaininjust just 90 90seconds. seconds.our ourplantation plantationforests forestsare arestarting startingtotomake makean animpact. impact. “we “we did did aa lot lot ofof research research that that led led us us toto engineered engineered timber timber construction,” construction,” Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick says. says. “i“i think think this this isis the the second second domestic domesticuse useofofclt cltfor foraahouse, house,and andthe thefifth fifthor orsixth sixthbuilding buildinginin the thecountry countrytotouse usethis thistype typeofofconstruction. construction.it’s it’snot notlike likeaatypical typical brick brickveneer veneerhouse.” house.” cross crosslaminated laminatedtimber timberwas wasaanew newpiece pieceofofbuilding buildingtechnology technology swooped swoopedupon uponby byconstruction constructionjuggernauts juggernautslend lendlease, lease,which whichhas has been beenable abletotocreate create14-storey 14-storeyaccommodation accommodationand andoffices officesusing usingpure pure purpose-grown purpose-grownlaminated laminatedtimber. timber.that thatmeans meanswe weare arenot notdestroying destroying more more rainforests rainforests toto simply simply erect erect our our pretty pretty homes. homes. we we are are also also using using aa natural natural material material instead instead ofof an an industrial industrial one one for for our our structural structuraland andaesthetic aestheticsurroundings. surroundings.that’s that’swellbeing wellbeingright rightthere. there.

However, However,this thisparticular particularhome homewasn’t wasn’teasy easyor orcheap cheaptotobuild. build. “there “therewas wasaalot lotofoflearning learningabout aboutthis thistechnique,” technique,”Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick

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explains. explains. “this “this isis aa house house where where you you see see everything; everything; nothing’s nothing’s hidden hidden––all allthe thebrackets bracketsare areon onshow show––so sowe wehad hadtotounderstand understandhow how the the product product performs, performs, because because the the way way the the product product performs performs inin Europe Europe could could be be very very different different from from the the way way itit performs performs inin the the harsh harshaustralian australianclimate. climate.How Howfar fardoes doesititexpand expandor orcontract? contract?How How much muchdoes doesititmove?” move?” “sustainability “sustainabilitywas wasaabig bigpart partofofthe thehouse houseand andwe wehave havetaken taken that that through through from from the the original original demolition. demolition. the the house house isis solar solar powered poweredand andwe wecollect collectmore morewater waterthan thanwe weneed.” need.”

Equally Equally impressive impressive isis that that itit has has been been created created as as aa “forever “forever home”, home”, inin Fitzpatrick’s Fitzpatrick’s words. words. itit isis designed designed toto be be upgradable upgradable as as technology technology improves, improves, aa capacity capacity that that should should be be more more widely widely adopted. adopted.the thevertical verticalsculptural sculpturalheaters heaterscustom custommade madeininthe theczech czech republic republicare arethe theold-school old-schoolstyle styleofofheated heatedwater waterradiator. radiator. “there’s “there’san anhonesty honestytotothe themechanics mechanicsofofthe thehome,” home,”iisay. say.“are “are you youaafrustrated frustratedengineer?” engineer?”Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrickresponds: responds:“my “myarchitecture architecture comes comesfrom fromdefining definingaafunction, function,resolving resolvingititand andthen thenexpressing expressing the thefunction. function.iiiike iiketotoexpress expressthat thatproblem-solving problem-solvingas asthis thiscreates creates the theart artininthe thebuilding. building.Quite Quiteoften, often,when whenyou youare aredesigning designingaapiece piece ofofarchitecture, architecture,ininthe theend endit’s it’sthe thepretty prettyparts partsthat thatare aretaken takenout out when whenthe thebudget budgetrequires. requires.my myphilosophy philosophyisistotomake makethe theworking, working, functional functionalparts partsofofthe thebuilding buildingbeautiful beautifulso sothey theycan cannever neverbe betaken taken out outand andthe thebeauty beautyremains.” remains.”

Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick has has been been on on the the waiting waiting list list for for the the new new electric electric Porsche Porschefor foralmost almostthree threeyears. years.iiask askififhe’s he’saabit bitofofan aneco-geek. eco-geek.“well “well no,” no,”he hesays, says,“but “butiido dofeel feelour ourgeneration generationhas hasbeen beenliving livingoff offour our parents’ parents’generation generationfor foraalong, long,long longtime. time.iithink thinkit’s it’simportant importanttoto stand standup upand andmake makeour ourown owndecisions decisionsinstead insteadofofthe theones onesfrom fromthe the past pastso sowe weactually actuallygive givesomething somethingback backtotofuture futuregenerations.” generations.”

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Dolly Lenz

Local aspect

witH jEnny lEnz

mc Gr at H E s tat E aGE n t s

Tracey Dixon Encouraging an emotional response from potential buyers with an empty home is difficult, and it highlights any flaws or maintenance issues. showing the possible lifestyle and highlighting living zones with furniture is the key to impact. most buyers like a neutral paint scheme as they can add to it to create their own look. stylists often blend soft furnishings with some of the feature colours of the property – blues or greens to mirror pool colours, rolling lawns or a water view to tie the interiors with the exteriors and create a good flow. a good balance of furniture and designer items create a feeling of light and space, even in smaller living areas. with mega mansions, partial styling to enhance what is already there or to accentuate the best features is the norm. it is especially important for mansions/ estates to look exceptional as we are selling aspirational living. sometimes the home has been beautifully put together by architects and interior designers but adding mirrors, changing rug positions and bringing in the odd designer piece or artwork can enhance things. Generally, 10 per cent to 15 per cent can be the difference in result with a styling and decorating budget. we recently sold a home where the presale budget was around $80,000, including exterior and interior painting, new carpet, repairs to gutters and styling. the result was a 10 per cent increase on our original estimate.

prEstiGE HomEs of v ictoria c H r ist i E ’ s i n t Er nat iona l

Sean Cussell st y linG

Two views of a New York apartment styled by designer Meridith Baer, host of the TV show Staged to Perfection

Setting the stage over the past 20 years, staging – the professional furnishing and preparation of a home to showcase it and make it more appealing to potential buyers – has grown significantly. once a costly endeavour limited to the marketing of high-end properties, staging has become the norm for those at all price levels. Given that realtor.com estimates the average staged property sells 88 per cent faster, and for a 20 per cent higher price, than a typical non-staged home, staging companies are expanding and appear to have a bright future. the staging trend traces its roots to the luxury condo boom of the early 2000s and the need for those marketing new developments to overcome the most common impediment to selling white-box empty living spaces: most home buyers are unable to properly visualise an empty space’s potential. seeking to boost pre-construction sales, developers saw the benefits of showcasing model apartments and hired interior designers to optimise the layouts. sterile empty spaces were thus transformed into dramatic showplaces, with luxury furniture, elegant lighting, curated art and chic accessories. sales boomed and the trend toward decorated spaces took flight. capitalising on the success that luxury model apartments were having generating sales, staging companies began to offer their services to high-end existing home owners who were looking to sell. and the services they offered were not limited to empty homes; staging companies tailored their offerings to occupied properties as well by enhancing the existing decor and reconfiguring the furniture layout while allowing the homeowner to enjoy the use of the property as it was being marketed. with the cost of staging steadily declining due to increased competition, and the various cost options staging firms began to offer, it was only a matter of time before the phenomenon would expand to all property markets, luxury and non-luxury alike.

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when it comes to achieving the highest prices for property, position, price and particularly presentation achieve the results. i am a great believer in employing a stylist to present your home. an independent, unemotional eye to declutter, rearrange furniture to maximise garden aspects or suggest a better flow to a room is critical. as the seller, remember how you live and how you present your home for sale are two different things. that means a kitchen, bathroom and laundry decluttered of all appliances. buyers do look in cupboards, so tidy them too. Entry halls and kitchens should have fresh flowers for every open for inspection. buyers are looking for a reason not to buy your home so give them every reason to fall in love – open your curtains, clean the windows, and make sure your home is sparkling clean. i strongly advise against selling a home vacant as it is hard to picture yourself living in an empty house. it also suggests the vendor is desperate to sell. a vendor should look at spending money on presenting their home for sale as an investment not an expense. r E a l E s tat E . c om . au

Chloe de Ridder before staging became a common practice among individual homeowners, the mantra for successfully selling a home was clean, organised, decluttered. this, however, is clearly no longer enough. sellers who attempt to sell their homes without any staging at all are placing their property at a distinct disadvantage. today, real estate agents routinely recommend that their clients professionally stage their homes before photographing and listing them for sale. overall, staging has become invaluable in differentiating a property from its closest competition, resulting in higher closing prices and fewer days on market.

Dolly Lenz heads New York-based Dolly Lenz Real Estate and last year sold more than $US500 million worth of luxury US and international homes. dollylenz.com

when styling a home for sale, making sure your styling choices highlight key aspects of the home that will appeal to as many buyers as possible will create more competition and return dividends on auction day, so it’s best to keep styling on the neutral side. you also want to ensure potential buyers can imagine themselves in the home, so avoid displaying personal items, and unique or polarising decor. Effective styling showcases the best possible version of your home. less is better, so make like marie kondo and get decluttering. it’s also important to ensure styling complements the architectural design or period of the home. if you’re styling a classic 70s-built house, mid-century furniture can highlight the style better than overly modern styling. Exceptions are time-capsule homes and appealing to a niche buyer audience. styling a home is both an art and a science and it can help to highlight the best parts of your home while making the areas that aren’t perfect look very liveable. styling a mega mansion will help buyers value the luxury of the home.

t H E w E E k E n d aust r a l i a n | o c t obE r 1 2- 1 3 , 2 0 1 9

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89 Watkins Road, Dalkeith Western Australia Within the gates of this unrivalled luxury waterfront property on the Swan River is the most idyllic family lifestyle. The private 6,406sqm Estate hugs the foreshore with its own boat storage, while lush grounds include an orchard, tennis court and 25m pool. Renowned architect Geoffrey Summerhayes designed the original residence which is now a truly extraordinary family home.

rwcottesloemosmanpark.com.au

Sale Offers closing 2nd December 2019 (unless sold prior)

Jody Fewster 0414 688 988

V Vaucluse Vaucluse

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Holding its own

The The blue blue ribbon ribbon Sydney Sydney suburb suburb may may have have conceded conceded some some ground ground in in prestige prestige property property records records but but desire desire to to own own aa piece piece of of itit isis still still intense intense

aucluse, aucluse, the the pricey pricey sydney sydney harbourside harbourside suburb, suburb, managed managed toto dodge dodge the the worst worst ofof the the recent recent property property market market downturn, downturn,with withaacouple coupleofofexceptions. exceptions.while whileititno nolonger longerholds holdsthe the record recordas asthe thelocation locationofofaustralia’s australia’smost mostexpensive expensivehome, home,Vaucluse Vaucluse does doeshave havethe themost mosthomes homestotohave havesold soldfor formore morethan than$15 $15million. million. around around40 40houses houseshave havebeen beensold soldatatthis thislevel levelor orhigher higher––more morethan than ininPoint PointPiper Piperand andbellevue bellevueHill.

Hill.

Vaucluse Vauclusehad hadaamedian mediansale saleprice priceofof$6.5 $6.5million millionover overthe thepast past year, year,according accordingtotorealestate.com.au, realestate.com.au,with with29 29homes homesininthe theyear yeartoto date dateselling sellingover overthat thatfigure. figure.in inone onesale salethere therewas wasaadrop dropfrom from$8 $8 million millioninin2018 2018toto$6.5 $6.5million. million.Just Justaafew fewyears yearsago agoits itsmedian medianhouse house price pricewas wasaround around$3 $3million. million.“we “wehave haveseen seenaasteep steepand andimmediate immediate rise rise inin price price from from 2018 2018 toto 2019, 2019, with with no no signs signs ofof correction correction inin aa negative negativeway,” way,”says saysalison alisoncoopes coopesofofagency agencyby byalison alisoncoopes. coopes. coopes coopeshas hasthe thelatest latestlisting, listing,marketing marketingthe thewentworth wentworthroad road dress dresscircle circlehome homeofofrestaurant restaurantentrepreneur entrepreneurJohn Johnszangolies szangoliesand and his hiswife wifeHeather.

Heather.the thecouple couplehave haveowned ownedthe thethree-level three-levelmansion mansion since since 2011, 2011, when when they they bought bought itit from from alceon alceon partner partner morris morris symonds symondsfor for$8.75 $8.75million. million.the theszangolies szangoliesfamily familyare areset settotomove move into intoaarecently recentlycompleted completedrose rosebay baymansion. mansion. they theyhave havecompletely completelyrenovated renovatedthe themodern modernhome homeininVaucluse.

Vaucluse. situated situated on on an an l-shaped l-shaped 1220sq 1220sq mm block block between between Parsley Parsley bay bay beach beachreserve reserveand andchristison christisonPark, Park,itithas hasaatennis tenniscourt courtatatthe therear. rear. the theentry entryfoyer foyermakes makesaastatement statementabout aboutthe therest restofofthe thehome, home, with withaagrand granddouble-height double-heightceiling ceilingand andaasculptural sculpturalstaircase staircasewith with handcrafted handcraftedtimber timbercurved curvedhandrail. handrail. the thebespoke bespokePoliform Poliformkitchen kitchenwith withhidden hiddenbutler’s butler’spantry pantrymeets meets the theliving livingand anddining diningarea, area,which whichopens openstotothe theentertaining entertainingterrace terrace with withsea seaviews viewsfrom fromParsley Parsleybay baytotomosman. mosman.also alsodownstairs downstairsisisaa media mediaroom roomand andaabilliards billiardsroom. room. the thetop toplevel levelhas hastwo twoofofthe thesix sixbedrooms, bedrooms,including includingaamaster master suite suitewith withharbour harbourviews, views,aacustom-made custom-madedressing dressingroom, room,carrara carrara marble marbleensuite ensuiteand andaawraparound wraparoundPeperino Peperinogranite granitetiled tiledterrace. terrace.

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Opposite: Opposite:The TheSzangolies Szangoliesmansion mansionentertaining entertainingterrace terraceand andliving living area. area.This Thispage: page:Phoenix PhoenixAcres Acresstaircase, staircase,exterior, exterior,living livingroom room and andswimming swimmingpool poolbefore beforemajor majorrenovations renovationswere werestarted started

alison alisoncoopes coopeshas hasaaprice priceguide guideininexcess excessofof$14 $14million millionfor forthe the property. property. she she believes believes Vaucluse Vaucluse will will experience experience aa strong strong spring. spring. “where “where the the market market isis looking looking for for an an oasis oasis inin our our tightly tightly held held peninsula, peninsula,Vaucluse Vaucluseremains remainsthe themost mostlogical logicaloption optionas asland landspace space and andlifestyle lifestylechoices choicesare aremore moreeasily easilyattainable,” attainable,”she shesays. says.Vaucluse’s Vaucluse’s four fourbeaches, beaches,each eachwithin withinwalking walkingdistance distanceofofevery everyhome homeininthe the suburb, suburb,as aswell wellas asits itsbus busroutes routesand andproximity proximitytotothe theshops, shops,make make the thesuburb suburbone oneofofthe themost mostdesirable desirableininthe theeast, east,she sheadds. adds. married marriedcouples coupleswith withaanumber numberofofkids kidsare arethe thetypical typicalbuyer buyer demographic, demographic, according according toto coopes, coopes, given given the the number number ofof private private schools schoolsnearby. nearby. christie’s christie’sinternational internationalagent agentken kenJacobs, Jacobs,who whohas hasaa$55 $55million million listing listingon onVaucluse’s Vaucluse’swaterfront waterfrontcoolong coolongroad, road,says saysthe thesuburb suburbisisstill still up upthere therewith withPoint PointPiper.

Piper.“For “Formany manydecades decadesVaucluse Vauclusewas wasranked rankedas as australia’s australia’spremier premiersuburb, suburb,and andalthough althoughrecent recenttimes timeshave haveseen seenthe the major majortop topend endfocus focuson onwaterfronts waterfrontsininwolseley wolseleyroad, road,Point PointPiper, Piper, due duetotobridge bridgeand andopera operaHouse Houseviews viewsand andproximity proximitytotothe thecity, city, Vaucluse Vaucluseremains remainsone oneofofaustralia’s australia’smost mostcoveted covetedaddresses,” addresses,”he hesays. says.

Harbourside Harboursidehomes homesreign reignsupreme supremeininVaucluse, Vaucluse,particularly particularlyon on coolong coolongroad, road,which whichoverlooks overlooksVaucluse Vauclusebay. bay.during duringthe theglobal global financial financialcrisis crisisinin2008 2008aanew newaustralian australianprice pricerecord recordwas wasachieved achieved on onthe thestreet streetwhen whenivan ivanritossa, ritossa,the thethen thenglobal globalhead headofofforeign foreign exchange exchangeatatbarclays barclayscapital, capital,paid paid$45 $45million millionfor foraaheritage heritagehouse house on on aa 4100sq 4100sq mm waterfront waterfront block. block. menulog menulog co-founder co-founder leon leon kamanev kamanevisisbuilding buildingaamega-mansion mega-mansionon oncoolong coolongroad, road,having having paid paid$80 $80million millionfor forfour fouradjoining adjoiningproperties propertiesinin2016.

2016.

Vaucluse’s Vaucluse’s highest highest waterfront waterfront sale, sale, however, however, was was on on the the crescent, crescent,between betweenParsley Parsleybay bayand andkutti kuttibeach. beach.Phoenix Phoenixacres acressold sold for for$65.25 $65.25million millionininlate late2017 2017totohotelier hotelierJerry Jerryschwartz, schwartz,who whowas was upgrading upgradingfrom fromloch lochmaree, maree,aanearby nearbyVaucluse Vauclusewaterfront waterfrontwhich which he hewent wenton ontotosell sellfor for$29.5 $29.5million. million. singaporean singaporean businessman businessman ck ck ow, ow, chairman chairman and and chief chief executive executive ofof singaporean singaporean hotel hotel owner owner and and developer developer stamford stamford land landcorporation corporationlimited, limited,paid paidjust justover over$7 $7million millionfor forPhoenix Phoenix acres acresinin1995.

1995.the thesprawling sprawling3730sq 3730sqmmsite sitehas hasaasix-bedroom, six-bedroom,sixsixbathroom bathroomhome. home.in inthe thegrounds groundsisisaatennis tenniscourt, court,resort-style resort-stylepool pool with withchange changerooms, rooms,and andaaprivate privateboathouse boathousewith withjetty jettyfacilities facilitieson on the the80m 80mharbour harbourfrontage. frontage. ray raywhite whitedouble doublebay bayselling sellingagent agentcraig craigPontey, Pontey,who whohas hassold sold Phoenix Phoenix acres acres twice, twice, says says that that inin previous previous markets markets he he has has seen seen Vaucluse Vaucluseowners ownersborrowing borrowingon ontheir theirhomes homestotosupport supporttheir theirlifestyle, lifestyle, kids’ kids’ school school fees, fees, cars cars and and holidays. holidays. “the “the past past year year this this has has not not happened happenedso sothe themarket marketlooks looksmuch muchstronger, stronger,albeit albeitititisisdifficult difficulttoto get getfinance financeatatthe themoment momentififyou youare areborrowing borrowinginto intothe themillions.” millions.”

Pontey Ponteysuggests suggeststhat thatwith withaalack lackofofstock, stock,prices priceswill willhold holdup upthis this spring, spring,but buthe heisisnot notsure sureabout aboutnext nextyear. year.“be “beaware awareofofaadead deadcat cat bounce,” bounce,”he hesays. says.the thebest besthouses housesare areon onVaucluse Vaucluseand andwentworth wentworth road, road,facing facingthe thecity, city,he hesays. says.“they “theyget getawesome awesomeharbour harbourviews views and andare arenormally normallyon onextra-large extra-largeland.” land.” ititwas wason onwentworth wentworthroad roadthat thatthe theVaucluse, Vaucluse,and andatatthe thetime, time, australian australianhouse houseprice pricerecord recordwas wasset setwhen whenJames JamesPacker Packerand andexexwife wifeErica Ericasold soldla lamer merfor for$70 $70million milliontotothe theHunters HuntersHill-based Hill-based chinese chinese billionaire billionaire chau chau chak chak wing. wing. the the casino casino tycoon tycoon paid paid aa combined combined$29 $29million millionfor forthree threeproperties propertiestotalling totalling3330sq 3330sqm, m,before before commissioning commissioningtzannes tzannesand andassociates associatestotocreate createwhat whatwas wasslated slatedtoto be bethe themost mostexpensive expensivehome homeever everbuilt builtininaustralia. australia.

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Creativity

Nick Tobias sees creative collaboration as the key to building cohesive communities

Em i ly pE t ta for

The new lens Architect Nick Tobias believes art is the key to social evolution

nick cubbin

in a world in which technology is ubiquitous and community connections can be tenuous, architect nick tobias believes he has the answer: art. “creativity is really where it is for humans,” he says. “it’s crucial that we live in creative communities.” tobias, founding principal of the award-winning tobias partners, believes artists have vital skills to teach the broader community. “artists look at the world and its issues through an unconstrained creative lens,” he says. “this breaks down barriers and frames issues so that we can get those really robust conversations started.” these conversations help communities to brainstorm what they want for their futures and create pathways to reach those goals, he believes. tobias has always been drawn to creative endeavours. “i think people are wired in particular ways and i was always wired to do something creative, to produce something tangible,” he says. architecture combines his desire for creativity with the drive to produce something physical: “it’s coming up with ideas, going from sketches to seeing the crane bringing it out of the ground. it’s like lego on steroids.” tobias partners has close to 20 years’ experience designing and delivering architectural projects, ranging from bespoke residential commissions to high-end hospitality, retail and commercial work. it has won awards and commendations from the australian institute of architects and interior design awards australia. tobias is proud of the core team of people and the ethos that has evolved within tobias partners. “it has evolved slowly and organically,” he says, “but the focus has always been on quality of design.” He sees parallels between the work of artists and architects, and thrives on the conversations and the collaboration typical of his profession. “i enjoy being part of a community and creative problem solving.” tobias believes society is undergoing an education revolution, from being data centred and process oriented to being creatively driven. this is the competitive edge that humans offer over the increasingly pervasive realm of technology, he says. art is a defining passion for the architect, in both his personal and professional life. Having worked with sydney’s museum of contemporary art for a decade, in march this year he joined its board of directors. He is proud of the education and communitybuilding projects the museum undertakes. “the mca is so much more than art on the walls,” says tobias. “it is the largest employer of artists in the country.” through its range of community projects and mca learning, the museum provides creative education to people of all ages and backgrounds: from early learning to school children through to adults and the corporate sphere. its GEnEXt program, for young people aged 12 to 18, has had 29,000 participants since it began in 2005, while its bella program is designed for people of all ages with disability or access requirements. whether it’s inspiring a community to protect its rivers or engaging culturally and linguistically diverse migrants in sydney’s western suburbs, the mca has worked in community development for decades. this ability to engage and empower diverse communities is now appealing to the business sector. “corporations are starting to understand the importance of soft skills: how to listen; how to engage with an audience; the skills of compassion and empathy,” tobias says. “all this leads to a better organisational culture and improved staff retention and productivity.”

He believes art is the confluence of all these ideals. “it teaches people creative problem solving for a better world. the social impact is profound.”

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20 TROPICANA RISE

C A S TA W AY S B E A C H 4

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A perfect north-east aspect and uninterrupted widescreen views of the Coral Sea accompany you throughout this remarkable front-row residence.

With surf checks from the master suite, seaside entertaining on the terrace and whale watching from the glass lined lounge, you will be captivated by the splendour of this second to none location on the Sunshine Coast.

Auction Saturday 9 November 11am Agent Rebekah Offermann 0413 044 241

NOOSA’S HOME OF PRESTIGE PROPERTY

Canberra

The award-winning Concrete House in Deakin, ACT, was designed to withstand the pressures of climate change

jonat H a n c H a nc El l or

Built to last

An innovative home in the national capital marries looks with sustainability the concrete House in canberra’s deakin was built with a sustainable approach from the outset. the project’s architect, rob Henry of rob Henry architects, says planning started with overlays of sustainable principles and aesthetics.

Henry’s brief was to create a contemporary family home that could withstand the pressures of climate change, “both with annual [temperature] fluctuation and long-term rises, while also ensuring the aesthetic was not compromised by the implementation of thermal performance systems”. winner of the malcolm moir and Heather sutherland award for residential architecture for new houses at the australian institute of architects act chapter in 2019, the concrete House has an 8.5 energy rating and doesn’t rely fully on mains service for water and electricity. it is completely disconnected from mains gas.

“Each space needed to optimise solar orientation, and thus the u-shaped planning with central courtyard was developed,” Henry says. the u-shaped courtyard maximises solar orientation and cross ventilation and can be viewed from each of the residence’s three wings, allowing maximum light into as many rooms as possible. the three wings comprise a north-easterly bedroom wing, a south-westerly circulation spine/services wing, and a northerly 30

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living and study wing. they open to the courtyard, which anchors the home and has a solar-heated swimming pool. the concrete House will be showcased at dEsiGn canberra 2019, a festival held every november to celebrate local architecture.

Henry says that, much as in the rest of australia, canberra’s adoption of innovative solutions for building sustainability has been relatively slow – a fact he puts down in part to the lack of architect involvement on new builds. “the residential new build market has been busy in recent years, but only a small percentage [5 per cent] of projects are being designed by architects,” he says. “there has been a trend to value quantity over quality, with the size of dwellings continuing to rise and designs lacking consideration for sustainability and longevity. too many homes are not being designed for their site and for local climate conditions.”

Henry says the lifespan of concrete is double or triple that of other common building projects. “concrete is very durable and withstands all weather conditions as it does not rust, rot or burn.” the project took longer than is standard, partly due to the use of concrete, but also because of the level of detailing and the implementation of thermal performance systems. sinking in to the sloping site, from street level the house has a

one-and-a-half storey front facade with semi-inset basement parking and a guest wing below. the entrance is at mid-level and the main house is above. charcoal zinc cladding wraps the main structure to create a recessive quality. the interior reflects the exterior, with concrete flooring, stairs and blade walls that extend through the circulation spine. the windows are charcoal framed, and the door hardware and joinery details are inset into crisp white surfaces.

Henry says the form of the concrete House takes its cues from its context. “situated close to the national capital’s parliamentary triangle, where there is a prominence of concrete cubic forms, the house distils this language into a residential scale,” he says. “the materiality speaks to a desire for a building of endurance.”

He hopes the house will be as enduring as the benjamin House, also in deakin and designed by alex jelinek for Professor bruce benjamin and his wife in the mid-1950s. the czechoslovakian-educated architect, who migrated to australia in 1950 to work on the snowy mountains scheme, built the home with concrete blockwork, reinforced concrete walls and suspended slabs, timber-framed floors, and steel and timber roof framing with a membrane roof. “benjamin House is architecturally striking yet understated in its landscape context, which is something we worked on for the concrete House,” Henry says.

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Airlie Beach

Clockwise from left: The Forest Lane home and its kitchen (below); three aspects of Sunset View House

joEl robinson

Tropical trophies

Prestige properties in the popular town on the doorstep of the Whitsundays are in big demand airlie beach, the gateway to the whitsundays, has many trophy homes overlooking the coral sea. the coastal Queensland town is the biggest, and most popular, access point for the whitsundays, which attracts some 500,000-plus annual visitors. sunset View House, described as one of the finest residences in airlie beach, was recently sold for $3.55 million. it was designed by local architect chris beckingham, the name behind many of Hamilton island’s top trophy homes as well as the luxury hotel Qualia. sunset View House is on 3.8ha within the gated chesapeake Estate. the main homestead has five bedrooms, a kwila timber finished kitchen and an outdoor entertaining deck that meets the infinity-edge heated swimming pool with built-in jacuzzi. there’s also a two-bedroom guesthouse with a lower-level selfcontained apartment. ray white whitsundays agent adam webster sold the home. the most sought-after residential area in airlie beach is the exclusive mandalay Point pocket, which comprises just a handful of homes overlooking Pioneer bay. late last year another chris beckingham-designed home in mandalay Point sold quietly for $3.4 million. the area hit the headlines in 2016 when mandalay House, considered one of australia’s finest waterfront properties, sold for $14 million. the home, right on the tip of mandalay Point, was voted the best in the world in 2016 in Mansion Global’s Property of the Year, competing with 59 other properties across the globe. mandalay House, spread over a 4200sq m block, took three and a half years to build. the 2649sq m residence has seven king-sized bedrooms, nine bathrooms, formal living and dining rooms, and a kitchen with casual dining, butler’s pantry and a walk-in coolroom. an oceanfront pavilion can seat 14 for dining. the home includes an office with secretarial space, cellar with dining for 12, a cinema, gym, pool room, and caretaker’s cottage.

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there’s also a five-car garage, a private 22.5m marina berth surrounded by a rock wall, two jet-ski docks and a boat shed.

Property developer neil murray built the mediterranean-style trophy home with a blank cheque book alongside total Project Group architect andrew simpson. it was bought by sydney businessman tony tartak, the patriarch of the family behind the waste management and recycling company bingo industries.

Queensland sotheby’s agent carol carter sold the home in conjunction with ray white whitsundays. carter has one of airlie beach’s latest listings, set to be the biggest in the picturesque locality in two years. she is asking for offers over $3.995 million for a 2015 home nestled into the foothills of mount whitsunday. set high above the whitsunday township overlooking the Port of airlie, the Forest lane home was designed

by PusH architects principal Paul curran to maximise the natural features of the north-facing site. it has been planned around modern open-plan living. a domus lift services the three levels up from the entry-level garage floor to the middle level, which has three of the four bedrooms and the lower-level living, kitchen and dining space. the living area opens to a covered terrace with a barbecue kitchen that meets a heated Enviro swim pool. the 8725sq m grounds include an extensive tropical orchard. in 2017 there was another trophy home sale at airlie beach when a modern ocean View avenue home sold for $7.5 million. it was bought by the mining entrepreneur Paul darrouzet, who owns the airlie beach abell Point marina next door. the five-bedroom glass mansion was offloaded by australian racing car driver tony longhurst, who owns a 19m $2.5 million luxury catamaran. His father john longhurst, the Gold coast property developer who co-founded dreamworld, bought the holding in 2006.

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1A Michele Crescent, Forster, NSW

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Holiday Perfection in the Mid North Coast Region! Don’t dream about it Just do it!

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254.8m2

Price: $1.395m

Lifestyle: Situated in one of the most popular lake & ocean systems on the coast where you can have the lifestyle you have always dreamed of. Spectacular sunrises from the balcony or enjoy water sports, fishing, surfing, golfing, hiking & dining. Home of the “Famous Wallis Lake Oysters”.

Karen Hoswell

Features: Brand new four bedroom luxury home capturing panoramic coastal views of One Mile Beach, Cape Hawke National Park & Forster Golf Course. Downstairs boast ample storage plus third W.C. in double garage.

Estimated maximum holiday rental potential $4,500.00 pw.

karen@jklrealestate.com

0408 078 606 (02) 6554 8717

Lift access to easy level living flowing onto a covered balcony with ocean views.

Location: Where is Forster? Only a 3.5 hour drive north of Sydney and 1.5 hour drive north of Newcastle & Hunter Valley. This will make the perfect holiday home or retirement home with views!

View: By Appointment or attend our VIP Open on Saturday 19th October & Saturday 26th October 2pm.

www.jklrealestate.com karen@jklrealestate.com

02 6554 8717

St St Ives Ives jjoonnaattHHaann ccHHaannccEElllloorr

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Clockwise Clockwisefrom fromleft: left:Front Frontliving livingroom, room,atrium atriumand andentry; entry; lobby; lobby;street streetview; view;kitchen; kitchen;living livingand anddining diningroom; room; rear rearofofthe thehouse houseleading leadingtotothe thebedrooms bedroomsand andgarden garden

T

True original Successive Successive owners owners of of aa sixties sixties home home in in Sydney’s Sydney’s north north have have preserved preserved its its design design integrity integrity

he hewelch welchHouse Houseatatststives ivesisisone oneofofthe themost mostintact intactexamples examples ofofmid-century mid-centurymodern modernarchitecture architectureininsydney. sydney.“not “notmany manyhomes homescan canclaim claimsuch such an anintact intactprovenance,” provenance,”modern modernHouse Houselisting listingagent agentmarcus marcuslloyd-jones lloyd-jonessays. says.

the theproperty propertydates datesfrom fromthe theearly early1960s, 1960s,when whenthe thewelch welchfamily, family,well well known knownin inthe theconstruction constructionindustry, industry,commissioned commissionedarchitect architectPeter Peterswan swanto to design designtheir theirhome. home.on onaa990sq 990sqm mholding holdingon ontowri towriclose, close,ititwas wassold soldby by rhoderic rhodericand andmarjorie marjoriewelch welchin in1971 1971for for$19,000. $19,000. north northamerica americahad hadled ledthe theworld worldin inthe themid-century mid-centurymodern modernmovement, movement, channelling channelling elements elements from from the the international international and and bauhaus bauhaus movements. movements. many manyofofsydney’s sydney’smid-century mid-centurymodern modernhomes homeshave havebeen beenaltered alteredbeyond beyond recognition recognitionor oreven evendemolished, demolished,but butthe thewelch welchHouse, House,with withits itsfloating floatingroof roof planes planesand andmonumental monumentalstone stonefireplace, fireplace,has hasbeen beenretained retainedin inits itsoriginal original condition conditionby byits itsthree threeowners. owners. ititwas waslast lastsold soldin in1974, 1974,1111years yearsafter afterititwas wascompleted. completed.the thelate latejohn john Payton Payton snr snr and and his his wife wife Gladys Gladys bought bought the the property property for for $106,500, $106,500, having havingemigrated emigratedfrom fromthe theuk ukaafew fewyears yearsbefore. before.the thefamily familyhave havebeen beenin in the themusical musicalinstrument instrumentcrafting craftingbusiness businessfor formore morethan than120 120years, years,running running F.F.Payton Payton&&son. son.ititisisnow nowrun runby byfourth-generation fourth-generationsiblings siblingsand andtheir theirkids. kids. architectural architecturalheritage heritageconsultant consultantand andmodern modernhouse houseenthusiast enthusiastjyoti jyoti somerville somervilledescribes describesthe thewelch welchHouse Houseas as“organic “organicand andromantic romantic––from fromthe the school schoolofofFrank Franklloyd lloydwright wrightvia viawalter walterburley burleyGriffin”, Griffin”,and andaligning aligningto to the themore morenatural naturalapproach approachofofthe thesydney sydneyschool, school,found foundin inthe theearly earlyworks works ofofarchitects architectssuch suchas asbruce brucerickard, rickard,neville nevilleGruzman Gruzmanand andken kenwoolley. woolley. “this “thisisisaavery verygood goodrepresentative representativeofofmany manythemes themesthat thatwere werearound aroundatat the thetime time––spatial spatialthemes, themes,architectural architecturalthemes, themes,environmental environmentalthemes,” themes,” somerville somervillesays. says.“it’s “it’sgot gotintactness, intactness,it’s it’sgot gotcareful carefuldetails, details,it’s it’swell welldesigned. designed. this thiswas wasaaperiod periodwhere wherethere therewas wasaareal realmove moveto tomake makethe thehouses housessit sitin in their theirsites, sites,and andoften oftenwith withcourtyards. courtyards. “a “alot lotofofthese thesesixties sixtieshouses houseswere wereabout aboutgetting gettingshade shadeand andcool cooland and breezes, breezes,and andabout aboutsheltering. sheltering.the thehouse househas hasaasimplicity simplicityand andconsistency consistency that’s that’scarried carriedall allthe theway waythrough.” through.” the thewelch welchHouse Househas hasbeen beenhardly hardlyaltered alteredsince sinceititwas wasbuilt. built.all allofofthe the family familyliving livingspaces spaceswere weredesigned designedto toopen opento tothe thenorth northterrace, terrace,which whichhas has aa saltwater saltwater swimming swimming pool. pool. there there are are five five bedrooms bedrooms in in the the u-shaped u-shaped bedroom bedroomwing, wing,which whichisisset setapart apartpast pastthe thefamily familyroom. room.ititwas wasbuilt builtaround around an anindoor indoorcourtyard courtyardplanted plantedwith withpalms. palms.the themain mainbedroom bedroomhas hasan anensuite ensuite and anddressing dressingroom roomand andopens opensto toaadeck. deck.the thesingle-level single-levelhome homefeatures featuresaa den denin inthe thebasement basementbeneath beneaththe thebedroom bedroomwing. wing. john johnPayton, Payton,son sonofofjohn johnand andGladys, Gladys,remembers remembershis hisfather fatherbeing beingblown blown away awaywhen whenthe thefamily familyfirst firstsaw sawit.it.“dad “dadwas wasaakeen keenamateur amateurartist artistand andthe the natural naturallight lightthroughout throughoutthe thehouse housewould wouldhave havebeen beenan anattraction attractionfor forhim,” him,” he hesays. says.

Payton, Payton,who wholived livedin inthe thehome homeas asaateenager, teenager,says saysititwas wasvery veryfunctional. functional. “it “itwas wasbig bigenough enoughfor foreveryone everyoneto tofind findtheir theirown ownplace,” place,”he hesays, says,adding adding that thathis hismother motherGladys, Gladys,now nowin inher hernineties, nineties,found foundititaagood goodplace placeto tolive. live. “it’s “it’sthe thekind kindofofhouse housethat thatworks workswell wellfor forall alldifferent differentages,” ages,”he hesays. says.

Payton Paytonhighlights highlightsthe thestructure structureofofthe thehome, home,with withits itsoverhang overhangand andthe the high highwindows windowsletting lettingin inthe thewinter wintersun sunbut butkeeping keepingout outthe theheat heatofofthe the summer. summer.“it “itwas wasalways alwaysaacool coolhouse housein insummer,” summer,”he herecalls. recalls. wrapped wrapped in in floor-to-ceilings floor-to-ceilings windows, windows, the the living living room room with with floating floating timber timberbeams, beams,stone stonewalls wallsand andoversized oversizedfireplace fireplacemeets meetsthe thekitchen, kitchen,which which Payton Paytonsays sayswas wasthe thefocal focalpoint pointofofthe thehouse. house. “as “asaafamily, family,we weused usedto toeat eatatatthe thebar. bar.at atthe thetime timewe wehad hadsome somebright bright orange orangestools, stools,in inkeeping keepingwith withthe thelairiness lairinessofofthat thatera.” era.” born born in in 1917, 1917, architect architect Peter Peter swan swan isis credited credited with with homes homes in in nearby nearby castlecrag, castlecrag,including includingaahouse houseon onthe thebarbette barbettebuilt builtin in1965.

1965.best bestknown knownfor for his his work work with with the the architectural architectural practice practice Peter Peter swan swan && Holt, Holt, he he also also designed designedthe theEs&a Es&abank bankatatburwood burwoodin inthe thelate late1950s.

1950s.

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I

Perfect package

New New luxury luxury developments developments in in holiday holiday locations locations are are catering catering for for well-heeled well-heeled owner-occupiers owner-occupiers keen keen to to downsize downsize in in style style

t’ll t’llbe beatatleast leastanother anotheryear yearuntil untilrichard richard and andali alithomas thomascan canmove moveinto intotheir theirnew newapartment apartmentininnoosa noosaHeads, Heads,and andthey theycan’t can’t wait. wait.ititwill willbe besmaller smallerthan thantheir theirarchitect-designed architect-designedhouse houseininElysium, Elysium,2km 2kmaway, away,but but then thenthat’s that’sthe thepoint. point. “we “wewill willhave haveless lessmaintenance, maintenance,less lesswork workand andaasingle singlestorey,” storey,”ali alisays. says. semi-retired semi-retiredchromium chromiumtrader traderrich, rich,63, 63,isisan anavid avidocean oceanswimmer swimmerand andali, ali,54, 54,an an enthusiastic enthusiasticcyclist. cyclist.the themove moveinto intolumina luminaresidences residenceswill willgive givethem themmore moretime timetoto indulge indulgeinintheir theirpassions passionsfor fortraining trainingand andtravelling, travelling,but butthe theboutique boutiquenature natureofofthe the block blockand andits itspremium premiumfinishes finisheswill willallow allowthem themtotomaintain maintainprivacy privacyand andspace. space. it’s it’sjust justone oneexample exampleofofthe thenew newupmarket, upmarket,luxury luxuryresident-only resident-onlybuildings buildingsthat thathave have been been launched launched inin the the sunshine sunshine coast coast market, market, reflecting reflecting the the changing changing buyer buyer demographic demographicofofthe theregion. region. “lumina “luminaisisaahouse housealternative,” alternative,”cape capeBouvard Bouvarddevelopments’ developments’sales salesand andmarketing marketing manager managerdane danelarcombe larcombesays saysofofthe theapartments, apartments,which whichare arepriced pricedfrom from$1.8 $1.8million. million. “it’s “it’sresident-only resident-onlyliving livingdesigned designedwith withspace spaceand andsize sizeininmind. mind. “resident-only “resident-onlyliving livingwas wassomething somethingwe wefelt feltwas waslacking lackingininthe thenoosa noosamarket, market, because becauseeverything everythingisisdesigned designedfor forholiday holidayletting. letting.we’ve we’vefelt feltfor foraalong longtime timethat that having havingaamix mixofofinvestors investorsand andowner-occupiers owner-occupiersdidn’t didn’twork workthat thatwell wellwith withthis thisset-up.” set-up.”

Each Eachapartment apartmentininlumina luminahas hasthree threebedrooms bedroomsand andthey theyrange rangeininsize sizeinternally, internally, starting startingatat216sq 216sqm. m.add addtotothat thatgenerous generousterraces, terraces,exclusive exclusiveresort-style resort-styleamenities amenities such suchas asaapool, pool,gym, gym,and andoutdoor outdoorbarbecue, barbecue,and andby-laws by-lawsthat thatrestrict restrictrental rentalperiods periodstoto aaminimum minimumofofthree threemonths monthsare areaabig bigpart partofofthe theappeal. appeal. “we “welooked lookedatatanother anotherdevelopment developmentbut butlumina luminawon wonhands handsdown downbecause becauseit’ll it’llbe be very veryquiet quietand andit’s it’snot notaayoung youngperson’s person’sstyle styleofofliving,” living,”ali alithomas thomassays. says.“we “weare areaware aware ofofthe theby-laws by-lawsrestricting restrictingholiday holidayletting lettingand andwe welove loveititbecause becausewe wewon’t won’thave havenoisy noisy people peoplecoming comingand andgoing.” going.” while while preparing preparing his his twice-yearly twice-yearly sunshine sunshine coast coast apartment apartment report, report, Place Place Property Propertydirector directorsyd sydwalker walkerhas hasestimated estimatedthat thatabout about40 40per percent centofofnew newapartments apartments on onthe themarket marketor orrecently recentlycompleted completedininthe theregion regionare areininaathree-bedroom three-bedroomconfiguration configuration ––aaproportion proportion“substantially “substantiallyhigher” higher”than thanisisthe thecase caseininBrisbane.

Brisbane. “owner-occupiers “owner-occupiersare arethe thepredominant predominantbuyers buyersininthe themarket marketand andare arelooking lookingatat the theupper upperend endofofthe theapartment apartmentmarket,” market,”walker walkersays. says.“demographics “demographicsalso alsoare areplaying playing aapart, part,where whereolder oldergenerations generationswith withenough enoughequity equityare aredownsizing downsizinginto intoapartments, apartments, 36 36

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Sunshine Sunshine Coast Coast m mi iccHHEEllllEE ssi innggEErr

Left: Left:Botanica BotanicaatatMaroochydore.

Maroochydore.

Above: Above:Lumina Luminahas haslarge largeterraces terraces off offliving livingspaces spacesand andviews views over overthe theNoosa NoosaRiver River

aswell wellas ascashed-up cashed-upinterstate interstatemigrants migrantsand andinvestors, investors,who whohave havethe themoney moneytotobuy buy as thesebetter-style better-styleapartments. apartments.they theylike likethe thespace, space,amenity amenityand andconvenience conveniencewithout without these themaintenance, maintenance,and andsouth southEast EastQueensland Queenslandiningeneral generalisisproviding providingaabetter bettershortshortthe medium-termoutlook outlookfor forproperty.” property.” totomedium-term thechris chrisclout-designed clout-designedinfinity infinitybuilding buildingon ongympie gympieterrace terraceininnoosaville noosavillewill will the beaacollection collectionofofthree threefull-floor full-floorapartments apartmentspriced pricedfrom from$4.7 $4.7million, million,which whichisismore more be thanfive fivetimes timesthe thesuburb’s suburb’smedian medianprice price––$832,500 $832,500––for forthree-bedroom three-bedroomapartments. apartments. than theground groundfloor floorofofinfinity infinityhas hasalready alreadysold, sold,tom tomoffermann offermannreal realEstate Estateagent agent the nicHunter Huntersays, says,with withinterest interestpredominantly predominantlycoming comingfrom froman anolder olderdemographic demographicofof nic buyers,newly newlyretired retiredself-made self-madeentrepreneurs, entrepreneurs,or orprofessionals professionalswhose whosesearch searchfor foraa buyers, house-likeapartment apartmentclose closetotoHastings Hastingsstreet streethas hasbeen beenunsuccessful. unsuccessful. house-like “there’scertainly certainlyaasection sectionofofthe themarket marketthat thatisislooking lookingfor forlow lowmaintenance maintenanceinin “there’s theaction actionbut butalso alsorequire requirethe thequality,” quality,”Hunter Huntersays. says. theheart heart ofofthe the internally, internally,the theapartments apartments––which whichlook looknorth northover overnoosa noosariver river––are areabout about 231sq 231sq mm inin size, size, with with floor-to-ceiling floor-to-ceiling windows, windows, aa lift lift and and miele miele appliances appliances inin European-style European-stylekitchens, kitchens,all alldesigned designedon onaasubtle subtlepalette palettethat thatreflects reflectsthe thetype typeofof grand grandhomes homesbuyers buyersare areexpected expectedtotohave haveleft leftbehind. behind. terraces terraceswith withprivate privateinfinity infinitypools poolsadd addanother another137sq 137sqmmofofspace. space. “it’s “it’s nothing nothing terribly terribly new new but but these these buyers buyers are are not not interested interested inin the the holiday holiday income,” income,”he hesays. says.“they “theydon’t don’twant wanttotofeel feelcramped crampedor orlive liveamong amongholiday-makers. holiday-makers.

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“there’s “there’svery verymuch muchaashortage shortageofofthese theseproperties propertiesininthe thekey keyareas areasand andan anevereverincreasing increasingdemand, demand,yet yetthere thereare areno nooptions optionsout outthere therefor forthem themtotolook lookat.” at.” at atcoolum, coolum,aa30-minute 30-minutedrive drivealong alongthe thecoast coaston ondavid davidlow lowway, way,Brisbane-based Brisbane-based developer developermosaic mosaicProperty Propertygroup grouphas hasjust justcompleted completeddrift driftand andisissoon soontotolaunch launchFirst First Bay, Bay,two twoluxury luxuryapartment apartmentbuildings buildingswithin within200m 200mofofeach eachother. other. owner-occupiers owner-occupiersaccounted accountedfor for85 85per percent centofofdrift’s drift’ssales, sales,ofofwhich which1515per percent cent were weredownsizers. downsizers.the theremaining remaining1515per percent centwere wereinvestors. investors.

First FirstBay Bayhas hasattracted attractedmore morethan than500 500expressions expressionsofofinterest interestfrom fromeager eagerbuyers buyers ahead aheadofofits itsofficial officiallaunch. launch. “we “weare areseeing seeingaastrong strongtrend trendfor forowner-occupier owner-occupierproduct productacross acrossour ourprojects, projects,most most certainly certainlyon onthe thesunshine sunshinecoast,” coast,”mosaic mosaicProperty Propertygroup groupmanaging managingdirector directorBrock Brock monahan monahansays. says.“drift “driftwas wasthe thefirst firstproject projecttotobe bereleased releasedtotothe thelocal localcoolum coolummarket market ininaadecade decade––there therewas wasincredible incrediblepent-up pent-updemand demandfor fornew, new,high-quality high-qualityproduct, product, designed designedfor forthe theowner owneroccupier. occupier. ”this ”thiswas wasone oneofofthe thereasons reasonswe weexpanded expandedtotothe theregion region––we wesaw sawan anopportunity opportunity totomeet meetan anunder-catered under-cateredmarket marketsegment.” segment.” drift drift has has plenty plenty ofof house-like house-like details details and and mosaic’s mosaic’s in-house in-house design design team team has has focused focusedon onupmarket upmarketinclusions, inclusions,with withoak oaktimber timberfloors, floors,custom customjoinery, joinery,large largeprivate private balconies balconiesand andtop-of-the top-of-therange rangeEuropean Europeanappliances. appliances. “this “thisapproach approachappeals appealstotoowner-occupiers, owner-occupiers,particularly particularlydownsizers, downsizers,as asititmakes makes the the idea idea ofof moving moving from from aa house house easier easier toto handle, handle, and and they they also also see see that that these these considerations considerationsadd addvalue valuetototheir theirinvestment,” investment,”monahan monahansays. says. “we “we also also focus focus on on creating creating boutique boutique luxury luxury projects projects rather rather than than large large scale scale –– something somethingthat thatalso alsogreatly greatlyappeals appealstotoowner owneroccupiers.” occupiers.” scale scaleisissomething somethingdeveloper developergrant grantkennedy kennedyand andlaz lazdzufer dzuferare arewell wellaccustomed accustomed to. to.construction constructionisisabout abouttotostart starton onBotanica Botanicariverside riversideresidences, residences,aacollection collectionofof16 16 apartments, apartments,the thesmallest smallestofofwhich whichisis310sq 310sqm, m,on onduporth duporthavenue avenueininmaroochydore. maroochydore. they theyare arepriced pricedfrom from$2.44 $2.44million millionand andoccupy occupy22 22per percent centofofthe the3000sq 3000sqmmsite. site. there therewas wascapacity capacitytotobuild buildaa90-apartment 90-apartmentbuilding, building,but butthe theless-is-more less-is-moreapproach approach was wasaadeliberate deliberatetactic tactictotocapture captureaamarket marketsegment segmentthat thatwas wasnot notbeing beingcatered cateredto. to. “the “the general general profile profile ofof the the buyer buyer isis local local downsizers downsizers coming coming off off properties properties inin Buderim Buderimand andwaterfront waterfrontproperties propertiesininminyama minyamaand andmooloolaba, mooloolaba,where wherethe theprice price point pointisis$2. $2.44million milliontoto$3 $3million,” million,”kennedy kennedysays. says. “they’re “they’relooking lookingfor forsomething somethingatatthe theequivalent equivalentsort sortofoflevel level––ififyou’ve you’velived livedon on the thecoast coastininthat thatprice pricerange rangeyou youdon’t don’twant wanttotogo gototoan an$800,000 $800,000apartment apartmentamong among 40 40or or50 50others. others.

“People “Peoplewho whoare arelooking lookingfor forboutique boutiqueapartments apartmentswant wantno nomore morethan thantwo twoper per floor. floor.we wescaled scaledBotanica Botanicaright rightback backand andintegrated integratedaalot lotofofcommon commonfacilities, facilities,such such as asaarecreation recreationpavilion, pavilion,tototry trytotomake makethe themove movefrom fromaahouse housetotoan anapartment apartmentless less daunting.” daunting.”

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This page: The $12 million penthouse on Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba, with its beach views Opposite: Webb Street, Sunshine Beach (main pic and bottom right), and Flinders Bank on Spencer Street in Melbourne’s CBD

weakening australian dollar and global uncertainty in countries such as Hong kong and the uk have given extra incentive to aussie expats to secure safe-haven property investments. it’s been a long-held tradition for australians living and working overseas to buy property in their home country in anticipation of one day returning to raise families or retire. But civil unrest in Hong kong and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, as well as the weak dollar – which has fallen to a 10-year low of around 67c – have brought forward purchasing decisions for many expats, according to real estate agents. traditional blue-chip suburbs that are perennial favourites among expat buyers – such as melbourne’s leafy eastern suburbs, sydney’s north shore, and northern beaches and coastal hot spots on the gold and sunshine coasts in Queensland – are receiving the lion’s share of the increased inquiry. rEa group chief economist nerida conisbee said big jumps in online searches from overseas-based buyers continued to occur from Hong kong, the uk, new Zealand and the us. “singapore has seen a bit of a jump, which is new in august, while china continues to fall – it is now at its lowest level since we started tracking this data,” she said.

Figures from realestate.com.au showed searches from Hong kong-based buyers are at an all-time high, increasing more than 30 per cent in august compared to a year ago. there’s been a similar increase in searches from uk-based buyers. the most popular australian properties searched for by uk buyers in august included a penthouse apartment at 1101/87 mooloolaba Esplanade, mooloolaba, which has 180-degree beach views and a price tag of $12 million through g1 Property group. in the same month, Hong kong-based buyers were most interested in apartments within Flinders Bank, a new luxury apartment tower that will incorporate australia’s first st regis Hotel at 7 spencer street in melbourne’s cBd. there was also significant interest in large family homes in Epping, in sydney’s north-west. the agency Hawthorn agent robert ding is dealing with several Hong kongbased buyers with australian residency with $1.3 million to $2 million to spend. “many expat buyers are purchasing homes that are in a comfortable condition, not quite land value but a property they can rent out, and over time, should things escalate overseas, they can migrate back to australian shores and build a new home,” he says. “i believe this is because they are investing back into australia due to the uncertainty in Hong kong.” ding was dealing with a Hong kong-based expat who was flying in before the auction of an original blonde brick home at 16 sylvander street, Balwyn north, in melbourne’s eastern suburbs to make an offer. while he says expats aren’t rushing to make offers, if they find the right property they are prepared to make offers before auction.

PropertyBuyer.com.au buyer’s agent and chief executive officer rich Harvey says there’s anecdotal evidence that sydney is attracting expats looking for substantial harbourfront holdings. He says in these cases it’s less about uncertainty and more about the australian dollar and how attractive prestige property has become. “it’s very attractive to be overseas, earning higher wages, paying lower taxes and saving a bit more,” he says. “But it’s still challenging to secure finance; they’ve still got to jump through lots of hoops and the banks are scrutinising them to a much larger extent. Having said that, it’s not a dramatically significant pool; there’s not a wave of expats buying – it’s just another group of buyers who are showing considerable interest in buying back home. the dollar and the way the market has rebounded since the election is making it more attractive.” in noosa on the sunshine coast, tom offermann real Estate principal tom offermann says the region has historically attracted a number of expat buyers and that trend is starting to increase. in 2018, a singapore-based australian paid a record price of $18 million for a seven-bedroom beachfront house on webb street, sunshine Beach, and the level of enquiry being made by Hong kong-based expats has increased in 2019. “we’ve been showing Hong kong expat buyers with sizeable spending budgets through several homes in the area this month,” he says. “they have been communicating with us for some years ahead of their eventual plans to move back to australia. However they have brought forward their plans to move as a result of the Hong kong protest marches.”

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Home base

In a volatile world, Australians working overseas are even more keen to secure safe-haven real estate

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Polo

The Sydney Polo Club, top, and Yaloak Polo Club, bottom

jonat H a n c H a nc El l or

Open field Two prestigious east coast listings are set to attract keen interest from a range of potential buyers, including the polo elite wealthy polo players tend to be passionate about property too. that has been highlighted with two recent east coast listings. melbourne’s premier privately held polo facility, Yaloak Polo club, is on the market. located on the 5057ha Yaloak Estate at Fiskville, outside ballarat and north-west of melbourne, it has been listed with $50 million price hopes by lawyer and winery owner Peter Yunghanns. He keeps about 1000 horses stabled on the property and has owned it for more than five decades. the Yaloak Polo club, founded in 1980, has long been the go-to polo venue for melbourne’s social and business elite. it has a wider use, with more than 2000ha currently operating as a highly productive mixed-farming enterprise and a wind farm. there are eight buildings in the grounds, the grandest being an 1890s bluestone homestead. there has been $50 million-plus speculation. colliers international’s duncan mcculloch and james beer are marketing the property, along with kidder williams’ david williams 40

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and tim Faulkner. they’re expecting keen interest from developers, domestic and international land bankers, and high net worth individuals. “this represents the biggest land-banking opportunity to come to the market in recent years,” mcculloch says. “However, it is also a highly productive agricultural enterprise and we anticipate an influx of interest from a wide range of buyer groups.” outside sydney, owner Peter Higgins is stepping away from the sydney Polo club to reignite his passion for sailing. the club, on the banks of the Hawkesbury river north of sydney, garnered international attention when it hosted the Xi FiP world Polo championship in 2017. it was only the second time australia had hosted the event, with the grounds of the werribee Park mansion outside melbourne having been used in 2001.

Polo has been a passion of the Higgins family for the past three decades. some 17 years ago, Higgins started creating what is now the home of one of the oldest polo clubs in the southern hemisphere.

Higgins, who started playing polo in the early 1990s and played alongside the princes in the uk, began buying property in richmond in 2002. He has amassed some 116ha, which are home to three professional-grade polo fields, an equine centre with two indoor arenas and stables, a club house and a garden pavilion. the grounds were also used for a scene in baz luhrmann’s 2013 film The Great Gatsby. christie’s international listing agent ken jacobs says there have been enquiries for the property from ultrahigh net worth parties from the uk, the us, the middle East and china. the asking price is $75 million. “there is a finite world market for such a specialised property,” he says, adding that most of the interest is coming from buyers with a passion for polo and equestrian pursuits. jacobs also suggests that, apart from world-class equestrian facilities, buyers are attracted by the intrinsic value of land-banking 109ha of fertile land within 60 minutes of a major international city such as sydney.

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84 Watson Street Camp Hill

Auction Thu 7 Nov

5 BED 5 BATH 8 CAR +STUDY +WINE CELL AR +POOL

View Sat 10:30 – 11:15pm Thu 6:30 – 7:00pm

Retaining a true sense of 19th century sophistication, Federation-style home ‘Residence Croyde’ will enamour with its rich history, impeccable finishes and decadent character charm. Having passed hands only four times since its original build in 1909, the 2,025m2 estate presents an unheard-of

Agents Joanna Gianniotis 0433 168 761

opportunity for buyers to step into a world long since forgotten. Most recently purchased in 2015, the current owners have flawlessly demonstrated a tact for tasteful renovation, elevating the residence to all new heights.

eplace.com.au

1587 Nudgee Road

Tullamore House 3.5 acres of private beachfront Peninsula.

An iconic Queenslander overlooking Moreton Bay.

BRISBANE $ 4 - 5 Million Final offers by October 31

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The ultimate reclusive privacy, a safe family retreat, land of this size 19km from Brisbane City can’t be replicated ever again. “That’s what makes this place special” Alex Phillis 0411 600 300 Zack Tanti 0468 547 267 Watch the video at Alex Phillis Luxury Real Estate Youtube channel

sales@byronbayfn.com 02 6685 8466

234 BROKEN HEAD ROAD, SUFFOLK PARK The Entertainer’ - Where Byron’s Beaches Merge To Lush Ecology 5

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6041 M2

35 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 www. byronbayfn.com.au

• Luxurious and functional architecturally design home

Inspect:

By Appointment

Price Guide:

$2.375m to $2.495m

Enquiries:

Helen Huntly-Barratt - 0412 332 232

• Flexible layout and high end finishes • 3.1m ceilings, fireplace, wine cellar, 10KW solar energy system • Stunning outdoor entertaining area and lap pool • 6041m2 block surrounded by native bushland & walking trails • Moments to Byron Bay’s schools, shops, cafes and iconic beaches

Originally published on mansionglobal.com

IreLAnd

Ancestral home

SIngApore dUpLex pentHoUSe

the duplex penthouse atop the taller of the two concourse Skyline residential towers in Singapore comes with its own pool and rooftop garden. the 1034sq m apartment on the 39th and 40th floors of the 40-storey beach road building is being sold fully furnished with decor from more than 20 luxury brands, including Zegna, de’Longhi and Leica. the artwork can be purchased separately. the 360-unit concourse Skyline was completed in 2014 but developer Hong Fok only recently released this penthouse for sale at S$48 million ($51.4 million). It has a “stunning, almost 360-degree panoramic view” of the Singapore skyline, says Leong boon Hoe of List Sotheby’s International realty. the 1034-sq m apartment has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. bI L L c A rY

Forty-eight kilometres south of dublin, in the wicklow mountains, stands the ancestral home of the guinness brewing dynasty. reportedly sold to an overseas buyer by Ireland Sotheby’s International realty for less than the asking price of €28 million ($45.3 million), it became the family’s home in 1912 when it was rented to Arthur ernest guinness. He purchased it and passed it onto his youngest daughter, oonagh, in 1937. A socialite and one of the so-called golden guinness girls, she threw glamorous parties and turned it into a hub of Irish social life. writers such as brendan behan, robert Lowell, Seamus Heaney and robert graves and Hollywood types John Hurt, dennis Hopper and John boorman have spent time there, as have michael Jackson, mick Jagger, marianne Faithfull and U2’s bono. the main house, a neo-gothic former hunting lodge built in 1787, resembles a castle in miniature, with white stucco walls and small battlements. the grounds include 18th-century landscaped gardens, two Irish oak woodlands and two lakes. the main property has seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, three reception rooms, a library, storage rooms and an indoor pool. there is also a coach house apartment, a gate lodge, three other houses and two cottages, Luggala’s 2023ha grounds served as the backdrop for such films as Braveheart and Animal Farm, and the television series The Tudors.

president donald trump’s childhood home in Queens, new York, is up for auction again. bidding is open until november 14. the Jamaica estates home listed earlier this year for $US2.9 million ($4.29 million) – well over the median price for the area. “the value is not in the bricks and mortar, it is in the association with the president,” says misha Haghani, principal of paramount realty USA. the modest 232sq m home last sold in 2017 for $2.14 million ($3.17 million). president trump’s father, Fred trump, built the five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom house in 1940 and the family lived there until donald trump was four years old. Haghani expects the buyer to be either someone who loves trump or someone who opposes him.

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Compound interest the camp at rosedale on the far south coast of nsw last traded more than three decades ago. the de la Vega family initially camped on the 20ha estate and then were content with temporary huts relocated from dapto.

For 12 years the sheds sat amid the surrounding spotted gum forest, south of batemans bay and north of Guerilla bay, until Eurobodalla shire sought permanent structures. “we really didn’t ever want to build a house,” artist Jane de la Vega said. she’d been camping on the pristine coast since the mid-1950s, with her father, an eye surgeon, her mother, and other canberra academics and public servants, including Professor c.P. “Possum” FitzGerald, the noted china historian. James wightman davidson, Professor of Pacific History at the australian national university from 1950 to the 1970s, was another owner. their students, including the late writer Peter corris, recalled sybaritic summer weeks there.

“Guerilla bay had golden sands, limpid waters, a rocky coastline in a bush setting – paradise.”

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many of the properties around Guerilla bay have been owned by the same families for two generations. the upcoming third generation is as proactive in protecting the pristine jewel of the south coast as their grandparents were before them, mirabel FitzGerald, Possum’s daughter, recently noted. the local tourism marketing touts Eurobodalla as “the australia of our childhood, relaxed and uncomplicated.” “it was always about being in the bush, boiling billies, collecting shells, catching fish, reading by lamplight,” de la Vega recalls. the camp has been a collection of six contemporary steel-framed pavilions since 2003, after the family commissioned architect Julius bokor to design permanent dwellings. He created what he describes as “a small village in the forest rather than a large house”. combining zinc roofs, steel structural walls that are are bushfire and white ant resistant, and terrazzo flooring, bokor avoided using applied finishes.

de la Vega says she had known the architect since university. “there was never a question of anyone else other than Julius designing the house,” she says. “the house was never to be showy, pretentious or a statement of wealth.” the influence of kingo compound housing on the project has been noted, and it has been featured in such architectural magazines as Australian Architectural Review and Habitus. bokor had previously visited Jørn utzon’s late-1950s kingo Husene estate in denmark, described by critics as the finest scandinavian example of humane housing as each apartment has views of the landscape within an urban community. architect Philip drew, after staying at the camp, described it as a “radical example of architects inventing new ways to put people in nature. [it’s] less about taking the landscape inside than about taking living outside.” “it moves people out, so they engaged with australia,” drew said.

there are three pavilions in the east and three in the west. surrounded by burrawang ferns, the pavilions are arranged around a number of outdoor courtyards and alfresco dining spaces, accessed via concrete pavers inset with beach pebbles. two of the three eastern pavilions comprise two bedrooms each and are accompanied by a separate bathroom in their own private gardens. the third pavilion has an artist’s studio. it was all conceptualised over three years and built over two years at a cost of $2.5 million. christie’s international agent ken Jacobs, along with david matthew of nirvana Property specialists, have a price guide of $8 million, . rosedale was in the international spotlight in 2004 when actor nicole kidman bought a beachfront holding for $4 million. Her then brother-in-law, angus Hawley, swooped into town by helicopter to secure the offering. it was sold by the knowlman farming family from Goulburn, who had paid £35 for the property in 1929.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Why it’s time to rethink apartment design The cities of tomorrow are introducing a new level of apartment design that brings together a five-star lifestyle, the finest materials and sustainability.

When completed, Melbourne’s newest highrise residential development will stand as an iconic gateway to the western end of the CBD. Due to changes in planning laws, Aspire is one of the last luxury super towers to take shape in the city. So its architects, Elenberg Fraser, have worked hard to deliver a project that will stand the test of time.

From top to bottom, Aspire encapsulates the very best and latest in apartment design while offering world-class amenities worthy of an international five-star hotel.

Across multiple levels, residents will enjoy luxury lounges, elegant dining areas and an expansive wellness space that includes pools, spas, a sauna and gym.

A business hub and library will make working from home infinitely more appealing and outdoor terraces offer a range of landscape and cityscape views when residents want to meet and mingle.

Separate lobby areas with concierge facilities will cater for short stay and longer stay residents.

Callum Fraser, the founder of Elenberg Fraser, says the look and feel of Aspire is driven by the demands of a more diverse

and discerning collection of apartment buyers.

Appeal of apartment living While CBD apartment living was once the domain of students, that demographic has broadened to include the aspirational millennials, families with children and financially comfortable downsizers.

Although they are at different life stages, these buyers all want generouslyproportioned living spaces, high-grade fixtures and finishes, stunning views and a raft of amenities on their doorstep.

“Aspire is the current pinnacle of the trend for residential developments that combines fantastic amenities and facilities, view lines of the city and apartments with the quality of design usually found in super luxury projects,” says Fraser.

Many residents in the CBD’s finest residential developments have lived or travelled overseas and experienced apartment living in Singapore or Hong Kong. So, they bring high expectations when choosing a permanent apartment home in Melbourne.

This has raised the design bar for Aspire.

Natural elegance The elegantly curved and scalloped shape of

the tower that soars above Flagstaff Gardens maximises natural light and ensures apartments have large window walls.

The exterior podium level incorporates rising levels of soft greenery and the focus on greenery and natural materials spills into the look of the shared spaces and private apartments.

Natural stone, leather and timber details flow throughout the building, creating an overarching atmosphere of calm. Aspire is all about offering a place of sanctuary and respite after a busy day.

The apartments are generously proportioned and there have been no shortcuts in the quality of their design.

“The one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments have a study and a full wraparound island kitchen,” says Tim Storey, Managing Director of Colliers International.

He adds that Aspire is one of Australia’s most successful apartment developments in terms of the level of demand from buyers.

“The two-bedroom and two-bathroom apartments have a butler’s pantry and prep area off the kitchen, so the kitchen becomes a place for entertaining. Bedrooms are

carefully separated by the living spaces and the bathrooms include deep storage shelves in the mirrored cabinetry and overhead and hand-shower attachments,” adds Storey.

“One of the criticisms of apartments is that they never have enough storage space but that is not the case in the Aspire homes.

The attention to detail in this design is second to none.”

Looking to the future As one of the last developments of its kind in modern-day Melbourne, Aspire points towards the future direction of CBD apartment living and the demand for high-quality homes that combine the convenience of city living with a carefullydesigned private sanctuary.

“More and more people are realising that it is a wonderful thing to be able to live in the city,” says Fraser.

“People want a rich lifestyle and to be able to walk out their door, drop their kids at school and be at work in five minutes. In essence, they want to have their cake and eat it too, and that’s what Aspire delivers.”

Interiors Mansion AustrAliA

City footprint

A townhouse for the times

Less is more Pared-back pieces in focus

In the round

Hans Wegner’s Circle Chair

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elegant solution

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The Thewest-facing west-facingformal formal living livingroom roomisisscreened screenedby by aarow rowofoflinden lindentrees treesthat that filter filterthe theharsh harshlight light

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or orarchitect architectPaul Paulconrad, conrad,his his“forever “foreverhome” home” didn’t didn’tcome cometotofruition fruitionwhen whenhe hedesigned designedhis hisown ownfamily familyabode. abode. that’s that’sbecause becausehe heenjoyed enjoyedthe theprocess processso somuch muchhe hewants wantstotodo doititall all again again––many manytimes. times. “it “itwas wasgreat greatworking workingfor formyself myselfas asaaclient,” client,”says saysconrad. conrad.“i’m “i’m constantly constantlythinking thinkingabout aboutideas ideasand anddifferent differentways waysofofdoing doingthings, things, so soit’s it’sthe theperfect perfectway waytotoexperiment. experiment.iijust justwish wishiiwas wasaasculptor sculptorand and then thenthose thoseideas ideaswould wouldbe beaalittle littlecheaper cheapertotoexperiment experimentwith.” with.” conrad conrad designed designed two two townhouses townhouses for for the the roughly roughly 600sq 600sq mm block blockininthe themelbourne melbournesuburb suburbofofmalvern malvernwhere wherehe helived livedininan anold old house housethat thatwas wastotobe beknocked knockeddown. down.the theplan planwas wastotosell sellone oneand and live liveininthe theother. other. “the “the traditional traditional townhouse townhouse typology typology has has been been around around for for aa long longtime,” time,”he hesays, says,“whether “whetherititbe betraditional traditionalworkers’ workers’cottages cottagesinin australia australiaor orrow rowhousing housingininlondon. london.it’s it’saahighly highlyefficient efficienttype typeofof housing.” housing.”Part Partofofthe theappeal appealfor forconrad conradwas wasthe thesmaller smallerphysical physical footprint footprintofofaatownhouse townhouseand andthe theuse useofofavailable availablespace. space.“with “withaa significantly significantlygrowing growingpopulation populationneeding needinghousing, housing,we weshould shouldtry trytoto [create [createthat] that] within withinexisting existingsuburbs suburbsrather ratherthan thanjust justhaving havingcities cities grow growendlessly,” endlessly,”he hesays. says. conrad’s conrad’s townhouse, townhouse, Hornsby Hornsby residence, residence, isis aa modern modern interpretation interpretationofofthe thestyle stylewithout withoutthe thenegative negativeaspects aspectstraditionally traditionally associated associatedwith withit:it:lack lackofofnatural naturallight lightand andsmall, small,pokey pokeyrooms. rooms.

He Hedrew drewinspiration inspirationfrom fromthe thefamed famedgeorgian georgianarchitecture architectureofof bath bathininthe theuk: uk:tall, tall,elegant, elegant,vertical verticalproportions, proportions,and andthe theassociated associated ideas ideasofofrhythm rhythmand andstructure. structure. “a “alot lotofofthose thosetraditional traditionaltownhouse townhousetypes typesare areheavy heavymasonry masonry buildings,” buildings,” he he says. says. “i“i like like the the real real solidity, solidity, rather rather than than aa lot lot ofof contemporary contemporarybuildings buildingsthat thathave havethin thinwalls wallsand andaamore moreephemeral, ephemeral, flimsy flimsysense sensetotothem.” them.” after aftergraduating graduatingfrom fromuniversity, university,conrad conradworked workedininlondon londonfor for aayear year––an anexperience experiencethat thatproved provedinfluential. influential. “that’s “that’swhen whenclassical classicalconcepts conceptsreally reallycame camehome hometotome,” me,”he he says, says, “their “their importance importance inin design design and and how how they’re they’re still still relevant relevant today. today.it’s it’snot notnecessarily necessarilyabout aboutcreating creatingclassical classicalbuildings, buildings,but butit’s it’s just justlooking lookingatatthose thoseideas ideasand andconcepts conceptsthat thathave havebeen beenaround aroundfor for hundreds hundredsofofyears yearsand andbuilding buildingupon uponthem.” them.” after afterlondon, london,conrad conradreturned returnedtotoaustralia australiaand andworked workedatataabig big architectural architecturalfirm firmfor foraaperiod. period.He Hefounded foundedconrad conradarchitects architectsinin 2008, 2008,having havinggrown grownfrustrated frustratedwith withthe thepolitics. politics.“i“iwanted wantedtotostart startaa boutique boutiquepractice practicethat thatwould wouldstay stayrelatively relativelysmall smalland andjust justfocus focuson on doing doinggreat greatwork,” work,”he hesays. says. designing designing his his own own home home for for the the first first time time with with Hornsby Hornsby residence residenceproved provedliberating. liberating.He Hedesigned designedthe theentire entireground groundfloor floor facade facadeas asaarow rowofoffrench frenchdoors. doors. “it’s “it’salmost almostlike likeaatemple templefloor floorplan, plan,being beingaarow rowofofcolumns columnsand and

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Timber Timberfloors, floors,Carrara Carraramarble marbleand andwhite whitedecor decoraccents, accents, with withart artand andfurniture furniturechosen chosentotolayer layerthe thespace, space, help helpcreate createaahome homeofoforder orderand andelegance elegance

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A light-coloured palette for the interiors sets up an atmosphere of timelessness and calm

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openings,” he says. “i wanted to push that idea to the extreme and have that very rigorous geometry to the facade.” conrad says living in the old house on the site for a decent period before developing the townhouse concepts gave him time to really understand the environment and climate, and the quality of the sunlight – a luxury not usually possible.

His favourite room is the formal living room. it’s west facing – western light is typically considered harsh, but a row of linden trees conrad planted in the front yard responds to the planning of the room and filters the light in just the right way. “it’s just an exceptional spot to sit in that filtered light, particularly in the late afternoon,” he says. conrad prioritised several design elements over maximising the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. the living room has a double height that could otherwise have

accommodated another upstairs bedroom. “with the extra quality of space achieved with that void, we prefer three bedrooms over four,” he says.

For the interiors, conrad says the aim was to create “a sense of timelessness and calm within the house”. a light-coloured palette, timber floors, carrara marble and white decor accents achieve the tranquility conrad sought. against this background, a rich mixture of furniture and art was carefully selected to layer the space, creating a home of order and elegance. it manages to merge modernist values of intelligent planning and strong lines with classic ideals of beauty and detail. “we, like everyone, live busy lives,” conrad says. “we needed our house to have a sense of escape and sanctuary. and so that was really driving a restrained and minimal materials palette.”

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rotating rotatingbookcase, bookcase,quilted quiltedcabinet cabinetand andtwisted twistedmirror, mirror, all allininsolid solidengineered engineeredblackbutt blackbuttdesigned designedby by ross rosslongmuir longmuirfor forPlanet.

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arflex arflexElettra Elettrachair chairwith withblack blacklacquered lacqueredmetal metalframe, frame, upholstered upholsteredininaarange rangeofoffabrics fabricsor orleather. leather. poliformaustralia.com.au poliformaustralia.com.au

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colour colourFlood Flood7// 7//2019 2019by bykate katebanazi banazi wall-hung wall-hungsculpture sculpturewith withblue blueand andgrey greycoloured colouredacrylic acrylic and andhand handsilkscreened silkscreenedpanels. panels.105cm 105cmXX75cm 75cmXX32cm 32cm curatorialandco.com/kate-banazi/ curatorialandco.com/kate-banazi/

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Gebruder Gebruderthonet thonetVienna Viennacollection, collection,designed designedby bynendo. nendo. single-curve single-curvelow lowtable tableaaand andlow lowtable tablebbininsteam-bent steam-bent beech. beech.tops topsavailable availableininglass, glass,marble marble(calacatta (calacattacremo) cremo) or ormatt mattlacquered lacqueredmd. md.the thePromenade Promenadesofa sofafeatures features canaletto canalettowalnut walnutsquare squareoutlines outlinesand andfabric-covered fabric-covered panels. panels.covers coversavailable availableininwoven wovencane canefor forthe theupper upper range. range.spacefurniture.com.au spacefurniture.com.au

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nuura nuurablossi blossitable tablelamp lampfeaturing featuringan anlEd lEddisc discreflected reflected ininthe themouth-blown mouth-blownglass glassshade. shade.the thegolden-finish golden-finish metal metalspreads spreadsaasoft, soft,indirect indirectlight. light.cable cablewith withdimmer, dimmer, 23cm 23cminindiameter. diameter.greatdanefurniture.com greatdanefurniture.com

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ming’s ming’sHeart Heartarmchair armchairby byPoltrona PoltronaFrau Fraufeaturing featuringsteel steel tube tubestructure structurewith withgunmetal gunmetalgrey greygalvanic galvanictreatment. treatment. thin thinsteel steelsheet sheetshell shellupholstered upholsteredininsaddle saddleExtra Extra leather leatherwith withcontrast contraststitching. stitching.cultdesign.com.au cultdesign.com.au

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tallet talletnight nightshadow shadowthrow throwinin100 100per percent centcotton. cotton. sheridan.com.au sheridan.com.au

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Circle chair Hans wEgnEr

Design classics d av i d m E a g H E r

Hans Wegner, far left, and his Circle Chair

H

ans wegner was among the leading designers and architects who contributed to the international popularity of danish furniture design in the mid-20th century. He is perhaps best known for his chairs, including the Peacock chair (1947) and the wishbone chair (1949), which are still in wide use. as a young architect, wegner joined arne Jacobsen and Erik møller in Århus, working on furniture design for the new Århus city hall in 1940, and one of his designs was later acquired by the copehagen museum of art and industry. among danish furniture designers, wegner is considered one of the most creative and innovative – qualities reflected in the design of the circle chair. completed in 1986 when wegner was 72, the circle chair has become a design classic due to its groundbreaking form and is a favourite of architects and designers today. it was based around the simplest of shapes – a circle – but it took wegner years to perfect the design. and then he had to convince a manufacturer to push the limits of what is possible in furniture production in order to make it. despite the chair’s size (it’s 1120mm wide and 970mm high), it is light and transparent due to the use of flag halyard in place of upholstery; and it’s also easy to move around and incredibly comfortable.

Priced from $15,950 depending on the upholstery, the chair is available in an oak frame with an upholstered seat and neck rest from great dane. greatdanefurniture.com 58

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