Make the Move - Cobram. Spring 2022

make the move

Why we’re in love with decking

Creating a petfriendly backyard We profile some inspiring local homes Planning your dream kitchen

WARMING INTO SPRING

Welcome

to the first edition of Make the Move and we’re excited.

Brought to you by the Cobram Courier, the property lifestyle quarterly showcases the best local homes as well as the latest trends in home improvement.

Cold mornings and grey days are behind us, we’re spending more time outside, the trees have leaves and flowers are blooming.

Overall, the market is cooling as borrowers adjust to stricter lending environments.

However, regional Victoria is holdingup well compared to metro markets.

Driven by affordability and lifestyle considerations as city slickers seek a change of pace, the resilience of regional markets looks set to continue.

When is the best time to sell your home is one of the biggest questions that plagues would-be sellers.

The weather is nicer and homes look their best, so we decided to run you through the pros and cons of going to auction.

In this edition, we also look at ways you can balance owning a pet while still maintaining the garden you want.

How do you get the most out of your kitchen design and why are we so in love with outdoor decks.

Hope you enjoy Make the Move.

Regional markets holding-up 3

Exquisite lifestyle retreat 5

River-end family escape 6

Supersized family entertainer 7

Idyllic country hideaway 9

Fun-loving horse property 10

Acreage living at its finest 11

Enjoying your backyard and your pets 14

What goes into the best kitchens 18-19

Why we love outdoor decking 21-22

To advertise in the next Make the Move, please contact Paul Mole on (03) 5872 1144

Resilient outlook FOR REGIONAL MARKETS

Higher borrowing costs and downward pressure on wages are impacting house prices across Victoria.

However, the fundamentals of regional property markets are sound.

The Australian economy is bubbling along, with unemployment at historically low levels.

Supply chain issues are continuing to impact all levels of new home construction, but the outlook for markets such as Cobram remains positive.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s (REIV) June Quarterly Median Report showed that Cobram experienced house price growth of 0.0 per cent compared to the previous quarter.

Regional Victoria enjoyed 1.3 per cent growth during the same period.

In the wake of pandemic lockdowns, according to REIV, outer Melbourne has also joined regional Victoria in seeing strong price growth as city-slickers opt for a new beginning, including smaller mortgage repayments, bigger homes and more space.

The total Melbourne metropolitan median house price dipped 2.9 per cent over the June quarter to $1.081 million.

As expected, Mr Simpson said there was a slight decrease in metro Melbourne as the market adapts to rising interest rates.

Overall, regional house prices are still on the up, rising 1.3 per cent in the

June quarter to a median of $625,000, while units and apartments grew 2.8 per cent to $435,500.

Annually, regional Victorian prices jumped by 21.6 per cent from $500,000 to $608,000.

Units peaked at a new record of $418,000 in the June quarter, up 14.5 per cent year on year.

The current median house price in Cobram is $398,000.

Recent sales in the area include 32 Rio Vista Court, Cobram (pictured left) that sold for $745,000 in August and 34 Campbell Road, Cobram (pictured right) that sold for $511,000 in June.

REIV president, Richard Simpson, said the market remains strong especially across regional areas.

Andrew Jenkins Real Estate operating in Cobram, Barooga and surrounds for more than 30 years has grown to become the largest independent agency in Cobram. Our experienced team delivers outstanding sales and property management services.

are progressive and committed to delivering the highest possible levels of service with integrity, loyalty and accountability.

office is located at 33 High Street, Cobram, which ensures more buyers, investors and renters coming through our doors.

Brendan

Come home to THE GOOD LIFE

Thisbeautifully presented country retreat is perfect for the horse enthusiast.

Ideally located a short drive to the Murray River tourist towns of Cobram and Tocumwal, the appealing, well-constructed three-bedroom sandstone residence provides a very comfortable living environment.

Featuring a spacious open living area with leadlight French doors that open onto a 2 m wide veranda that wraps around three sides of the house.

From here you overlook the impressive established surrounds boasting superb Murray River red gums.

There’s a well-appointed country-style kitchen, large main bedroom with a walk-in robe and a big ensuite, including shower recess and bath.

Other highlights include ducted evaporative cooling and a cosy solid fuel heater.

Externally, the property has a 10 m x 11 m Colorbond shed with concrete floor, toilet and shower, horse stables, steel round-yard and dog enclosures.

Well fenced paddocks and a domestic bore provides ample water supply.

Spacious entertainer will EXCITE AND INSPIRE

Thisimmaculate four-bedroom home occupies a low maintenance 502sqm in a popular new estate.

Close to parkland plus a short walk to school and shops, the large open-plan living/meals area features a streamlined kitchen with stone benchtops, high-end appliances and an oversized walk-in pantry.

The generous main bedroom has an ensuite and a walk-in robe, while the additional bedrooms are spacious

and contain built-in robes and ceiling fans.

There’s a family-sized bathroom, separate laundry and toilet.

Other features include ducted gas heating, ducted evaporative cooling and direct house access from the double garage.

There’s also an under-the-roofline alfresco, garden shed, easy caravan side access and low-maintenance surrounds.

Perfect for retirees, first homebuyers and investors.

717

Tightly-held location FOR LARGE FAMILY HOME

This four-bedroom, twobathroom craftsman-built home occupies a superb riverend location.

The generous main bedroom boasts a stylish ensuite and walk-in robe, while the additional bedrooms contain builtin robes and ceiling fans.

There’s a spacious laundry, ducted gas heating and direct house access from the double garage.

Other features include a living room and games room and a

large kitchen that leads directly out to the outdoor alfresco for entertaining.

Low maintenance gardens are serviced by pop-up sprinklers plus a 6m x 6m Colorbond shed for storage, with direct off-street access.

On the doorstep of the Murray River with walking tracks to Quinn Island and the Beach Café.

Where else would you want to live.

9 Bisogni

Brendan Mustica 0418 349 752

Welcome to Peter Wilson Livestock and Real Estate

With more than 40 years of experience in the livestock industry, Peter Wilson has successfully established a company to provide a diverse range of services throughout the Murray and Goulburn Valleys.

Peter Wilson

and Real Estate

and friendly staff

Murray

dream

RURAL LIFESTYLE AWAITS

an ideal rural escape from the hustle and bustle of town, this impressive family home is full of warmth and charm and enjoys picturesque views over farmland.

Providing

Four spacious bedrooms all come with large built-in robes, including a walk-in robe and ensuite to the main bedroom.

The thoughtfully designed kitchen comprises Caesarstone benchtops, dishwasher and a 900 mm gas cooktop with an electric fan-forced oven.

The residence has polished concrete floors throughout all the bedrooms and living areas, including the wet areas.

Multiple living zones include a formal front loungeroom and an open living area with an irresistible wood fireplace off the kitchen.

There’s also a third living area that could double as a home office or theatre room.

The main bathroom comes with a shower, bath, single vanity and a separate toilet, with an adjoining

powder room plus a generous laundry, with a walk-in linen closet.

Comforted by solid fuel heating and split-system air conditioning, the home is well-equipped to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.

There’s also a family-sized backyard with plenty of space for kids and pets to play.

Other highlights include multiple sheds such as a 20 m x 8 m powered shed with concrete floor incorporating a generous double carport (also with power and ample lighting).

There’s a secondary 8 m x 8 m hay shed and two large paddocks that are suited to farm animals (one paddock contains a dam and a motocross track).

Occupying approximately 5.5 acres, the location is a short drive from the tourist mecca and highly sought-after township of Yarrawonga.

Family-friendly horse property IN PRIVATE LOCATION

Thecurrent owner has happily resided here for some years.

Putting their own stamp on the property, including equine facilities, low-maintenance gardens and home renovations.

Now it’s time to downsize and move on to greener pastures, as if the pastures recently sown to lucerne, ryegrass/subclover and oats aren’t green enough.

Property features include laneways for stress-free farm management, outstanding horse arena (would suit cutting and reining), stables, vet room, steel cattle yards, wash bay, day yards, excellent shedding such as an openfront machinery shed (7m x 11m) and a shed/workshop (16m x 8m).

Situated in the tranquil hamlet of Lancaster, a short 30.8km commute

from Shepparton and 7.4km to Kyabram, the well-appointed, threebedroom homestead is centrally positioned amongst fenced paddocks that are privately distanced from main roads via a tree-lined gravel driveway.

Boasting three spacious bedrooms and two main living areas, the large modern kitchen comprises a dishwasher, breakfast bar and abundant cupboard and bench space.

The renovated bathroom features a washstand, clawfoot bath and a separate shower.

The single roofline carport extends to a paved, all-weather rear patio for those family barbecues overlooking paddocks and established gardens, including a large water feature and raised vegetable beds.

Fun-loving acreage SUITED TO HORSE LOVERS

Situated

between Cobram and Tocumwal and bordering the majestic Murray River, this 10-acre property is ideally suited to horse enthusiasts.

Externally, the site is made-up of approximately nine paddocks, shelters and shedding, water troughs and a quality water bore plus excellent horse fencing.

The home consists of four spacious bedrooms, with the master boasting an ensuite, while the additional bedrooms contain built-in robes.

The fourth bedroom has an ensuite that’s ideal for guests.

A large open-plan living area has a kitchen with electric cooking, dishwasher and loads of storage. The property comprises reverse-cycle split-system air and wood heating.

There’s also a large paved undercover entertaining area.

Scan here to view our pawsome specials this month!

Scan here to view our pawsome specials this month!

Creating a PET-FRIENDLY BACKYARD

Turningyour backyard into a place both you and your pets can enjoy can be a dilemma.

There’s no reason why you can’t be the owner of animals and have an attractive yard.

If your dogs and cats are going to be allowed to run around outside, you may need to put some thought into what you have on your property and how you intend to maintain it. Not all grasses are the same

Some grasses hold up much better to pets and other forms of traffic. Bermuda grass is one of the toughest varieties and stands up to a lot of punishment. If you’re landscaping and you require a cooler season variety, try fescue grass.

Grass substitute

Unsightly yellow stains or ‘burns’ on grass caused by nitrogen and salts in dog urine can be unsightly. Try using a bed of hard-wearing clover that doesn’t discolour when exposed to urine. But if clover is not an option, there’s always vigilance and a hose to quickly wash away where your dog has urinated.

Some pets, with a lot of dedicated hard work, can be trained to go to the bathroom in a designated area.

Plant toxicity awareness

If your garden contains a high level of plant diversity, you may be growing plants that are poisonous to animals. Even common landscape plants and native vegetation can contain leaves and berries that can be harmful to pets.

Dog fencing

Keep curious dogs away from fragile plants and flowers by building fences around them. Fenced-in gardens can look super-cool, highly arranged and create a wonderful courtyard feel. You can also use fencing to create a specific area for your pet to roam, which is away from the rest of the garden.

Wire cages

Again, use wire cages around trees and plants you want to prevent your dog from digging up or urinating on. However, cages can look unsightly, so be very selective about what type of wiring you use and how prevalent.

Location of pathways

If you can, avoid plating vegetation alongside boundary fences. Dogs are territorial animals and will walk up and down a fence line, which can very quickly ruin expensive garden beds. Install dog pathways such as stone walkways, while simultaneously creating a more sophisticated and desirable yard.

Take the heat off

Animals are just like us and need shade and protection when it gets hot. If staying indoors is not an option during the day when everyone is at work, consider a range of broadleaf shade trees for animals to find relief.

The beating

HEART OF EVERY HOME

Designing

a kitchen starts with inspiration. But a modern layout must provide the basics such as adequate storage, sufficient bench space and fit all the necessary appliances, while making food preparation enjoyable and uncomplicated. A successfully executed kitchen will balance what looks good with what works well.

Beauty is subjective

How your kitchen presents visually is important. Kitchen walls heavy with cabinetry can appear uninteresting, but they can be broken-up with display shelving, wine racks or windows.

Light and bright colour schemes

Dark colours can be imposing and make a small kitchen look and feel even smaller, but this can be balanced using abundant natural light. Today, people are going for lighter shades to visually open-up a kitchen space. Whatever you decide, it has to appeal to your tastes, but you also need to consider resale value. When it comes time to sell your home, the kitchen will be scrutinised by buyers.

What catches your eye

Choose a dramatic focal point for your dream kitchen. Something that makes a bold statement such as a daring splashback, oversized rangehood, patterned tiling or striking tapware. Once you’ve chosen your attentiongrabbing showpiece complement it with other smaller quality items.

Ease of movement

Ensure your kitchen

floorplan includes plenty of room between the island counter, cabinetry and sinks. Pathways should allow the occupants to move freely from station to station and permit multiple persons at one time to use the kitchen without bumping into each other. An island bench is a must-have and a great way to separate the working area of a kitchen from its social function. Also, ensure the refrigerator is accessible for everyone, but its location doesn’t interfere with those people doing the cooking.

Determine the island’s function

Think carefully about how you will use the island countertop. If you want to cook and eat on your island bench, ensure there’s enough space so the cooktop is separated from the dining

space. The island can also include other features such as a sink or dishwasher.

Clever cabinetry

To ensure cabinet and appliance doors function correctly, plan space for door clearance and swing direction. You don’t won’t doors opening into each other or banging together. And don’t choose handles and knobs that stick out too far and grab the clothes and limbs of occupants walking by.

Find the right microwave height

Often overlooked, the correct height and location for a microwave will depend on personal preference, including child safety. Above the countertop level is a good height. If young children are using the appliance, a below-countertop arrangement might be more practical.

You can never have enough bench space

Adequate bench space next to appliances is important because it provides locations to place hot items coming off cooktops or out of the oven and microwave. It’s also helpful when preparing meals.

Pots/pans and utensils

Don’t get caught short with your design and forget to adequately plan for cookware storage as well as easy access to cooking oils and other everyday condiments. Include deep drawers close to the oven and cooktop, but not next to the sink or refrigerator. You might also want to consider S-hooks to hang pots and pans that can also look incredibly chic.

Be smart when storing knives

Knife blocks are practical, but they can be reached by little hands. If you’re a keen chef and have a range of sharp blades, consider hanging them from a magnetic strip. Place it over that section of countertop you typically use for food preparation. Storage this way can also look aesthetically pleasing and keep dangerous items away from curious children.

Make recycling easy

Kitchens get messy very quickly, so ensure you have designated waste and recycling locations to make rubbish removal and sorting as efficient as possible.

Everyday items in easy reach

What are you going to store in your kitchen? When building your pantry and other cabinetry you need to determine what everyday products will go where because this will determine cupboard size and location and shelf heights. If you’re going to install small appliances in the pantry or selected cupboards, don’t forget to dedicate the required space.

Power up

Sometimes it can come down to the smallest details that ruin a good kitchen design. Ensure your kitchen has plenty of electrical outlets in locations where you plan to use a coffee machine, toaster, microwave and other appliances. And every kitchen should have a charging station for today’s electronic devices.

Decking a great way TO RELAX AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

Anoutdoor deck is a modern must-have. If you like to entertain and hang out on the weekends, a sumptuous decking area provides an instant connection between the outdoors and indoors, while adding capital value to your home.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods such as blackbutt, jarrah, merbau and spotted gum are durable, resilient and traditional looking. Blackbutt is light brown in colour, jarrah a deep brown, merbau red-

brown, while spotted gum can vary from light browns through to redbrown. Today, you can change the colour of your deck by staining or oiling it which will also protect it from sun damage.

Composite decking

Composite decking is environmentally friendly and normally made from a mix of wood fibres, fibre cement and recycled plastic. It comes in a range of contemporary colours and has anti-slip properties that makes it perfect for pool areas, or high rainfall climates.

Treated pine

A cost-effective option, treated pine is lightweight, easy to install and usually treated to withstand termites and fungus. People will generally leave it to turn grey from weathering or stain it to suit a specific look.

Get to work

A deck consists of a frame of posts as well as bearers and joists that support the boards. Treated pine, hardwood or steel can be used for the frame. Plan your deck design carefully, including what the space is going to be used for. Building incorrectly or erecting something too small or too large for the space required can compromise your lifestyle.

You should also check with your local council about what restrictions there are regarding the size and height of your decked area.

Consider the following before starting construction:

• Do you have privacy concerns from the neighbours, which means you might need to invest in privacy screens or certain types of vegetation that act as a natural barrier to prying eyes.

• Where is your furniture going to go and is there a barbecue being installed as well as the position of lighting.

• Do you want free-standing furniture, built-in seating or a combination of both.

• If you’re contemplating an outdoor kitchen where will the plumbing and gas lines go.

• You generally have two options when it comes to the look and feel of your deck, including oil-based or water-based. Oil-based provides greater durability and a more classic look, while water-based coverings are simple to clean and dry quickly. Oiled decks will need recoating every couple of years.

• It’s important to take note of where the sun hits the deck throughout the day to determine cool and hot sections.

How much will my deck cost?

With all decks, you will need to consider the cost of decking materials and the cost of labour if you are having it constructed professionally.

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