Urban Life June 2017

JUNE 2017 VOL.2, ED.2

ART OF COOKING • FIRST-HOME BUYER BOOST • HOT STUFF INDUSTRY NEWS • DISPLAY HOME & LAND ESTATE DIRECTORY

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JUNE // 2017

WELCOME I FEATURES 6–8 WARM WELCOME Your choice of heater, inside and out, can usher in a year-round comfort zone

26.

12–17 ALL SYSTEMS POH Celebrated TV cook enjoys sharing her culinary tips but would love more time to focus on art and family 20–21 COAST IS CLEAR Taste knows no boundaries when it comes to French, Spanish and Italian cuisines 26–27 BUDGET BRIEFS First-home buyers weren’t the only winners in the recent state and federal Budgets 28–29 NEW TO MARKET Porter Davis townhouses at Marriott Waters, Dennis Family Homes’ Indian influence and big plans for Eynesbury

REGULARS

20.

5

INSIDERS

9

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

19

DISPLAY HOME REVIEW

4, 24-25

PRACTICAL MAGIC

30-31

INDUSTRY NEWS

34-37

AND ESTATES, DISPLAY HOMES L DIRECTORY

T’S said that art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time, so it seems natural to surround yourself with it in your new home.

One who would agree is Poh Ling Yeow, who was an acclaimed artist before finding fame with her cooking on MasterChef.

In our cover story, Nicole Bittar discovers how the Malaysian-born TV cook yearns for the time to tap into her artistic side. And Poh also provides us with a delicious dessert recipe after her entertaining presentation at Porter Davis World of Style.

There’s another masterclass on One Bedroom, Four Ways - different ways to dress up your bedroom coming up on June 17. Interiors guru Julia Green has all the hot tips on the subject, so make sure you book soon.

With the chill of winter upon us, it’s time to stay comfortable. We hope the advice from our heating story keep you warm.

We also speak to a couple of authors whose cookbook on Mediterranean coastal cuisine will send your tastebuds into overdrive.

As always, we bring you the latest industry news, including what’s new to market and how first-home buyers can make the most of the Budget changes from July 1.

Hope you enjoy the read.

Ross McGravie EDITOR

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28.

PUBLISHER Ross Copeland // MANAGING EDITOR Ross McGravie // DIGITAL EDITOR Manveen Maan ART DIRECTOR Kylie Mibus // SOCIAL MEDIA Tiffany Copeland // NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Steve Kunesevic // ADMINISTRATION Gina Copeland

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FIRST HOME BUYERS

DON’T WAIT UNTIL JULY 1

We’ll pay your stamp duty!

*

You don’t need to put the great Australian Dream of owning your own home on hold until July 1.

Porter Davis will pay the stamp duty on your land contract valued up to 350K. Even if you have already purchased your land as far back as October 2016, if you build with Porter Davis, we’ll refund your stamp duty on land contracts valued up to 350K (inc gst).

* Applies to land contracts up to $350,000 including GST. Offer expires June 30, 2017. Exclusions and limitations apply. For full terms and conditions visit www.porterdavis.com.au

Porter Davis first home buyer House and Land packages NIXON 16

BERMUDA 23

3

4

1

2

2

Lot: 2316 Ritchie Drive, CLYDE NORTH

FIRST HOME BUYERS PRICE FROM

1

2

2

Griffith façade

Riva façade

$387,945

$403,982

$377.945

#

FIRST HOME BUYERS PRICE FROM

$393,982

#

L A MONT 19 3

2

Lot: 303 Riverside Concourse, MELTON

FIRST HOME BUYERS PRICE FROM

2

Lot: 179 Greenfield Boulevard, ROMSEY

NIXON 17 3

2

2

2

1

2

Lot: 1120 Lancers Drive, MELTON WEST

Ferndale façade

Riva façade

$334,258

$372,128

$324,258

#

FIRST HOME BUYERS PRICE FROM

$362,128

#

# Package prices based on standard house, facade & builder’s preferred siting. Pricing may vary due to land availability. Porter Davis reserves the right to change prices without notice. Fixed price house & land packages subject to developers design approval/approved town planning. Developer approval/town planning permits which may be required by the relevant authorities, including any associated costs remains the responsibility of the client. First Home Buyer price less first home owner Grant subject to SRO eligibility criteria. Photos for illustration purposes only & include examples of upgrades, such as render. Guaranteed site start subject to land title & finance availability. Rent relief max $250.00 per week. Geographic zones apply. BAL cost inclusion is subject to a 12.5 rating & is based on the standard house & specification. Should client variations alter the requirements, to achieve compliance Porter Davis will debit or credit the client at the contract appointment. Refer to Advantage+ (Nixon) and Advantage (Bermuda & Lamont) brochures for full terms and details. Package pricing and availability correct at time of printing.

PRACTICAL MAGIC Jardine mirror ozdesignfurniture.com.au RRP: $149.95

LEDlux Reflextion dimmable round LED light and mirror beaconlighting.com.au RRP: $495

Mirror,

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mirror Forever wall clock zanui.com.au RRP: $99.95

Geo-side table dovetaileddoublestitched.com.au RRP: $759

Amalfi Clover mirror/tray amalfihomewares.com.au RRP: $129.95

Hector mirror side table amalfihomewares.com.au RRP: $249.95

Reflekta round mirror highgrovebathrooms.com.au RRP: $79

4 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

If you’d like to feature a product in Practical Magic, email urbanlife@publicitypress.com.au

INSIDER What attracted you to the industry (and when)?

For the longest time, I worked in management and corporate training for a large telecommunications company, before moving over to management in the energy sector. From there, I met someone who kept saying that I’d do very well in the real estate industry. He kept telling me that I had great people skills. If you’re reading this, Jared, it looks like you were right!

construction contractors and saying “OK, folks, bring in your tools and trucks, we’re starting tomorrow”. There is so much more that people aren’t aware of. All it takes is a small delay in one aspect of it, and everything in front of it tumbles down like dominoes. I work with the best contractors and property minds in Australia through Intrapac Property, so I’m fortunate to have smart decision-making behind what I’m selling.

What do you love most about the industry?

The people. Understandably, because of the expense of buying real estate, people are very cautious. I find it very rewarding to guide them in the right direction so they can achieve their dream home or first investment property purchase.

If buying a new home tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home and in your new estate?

Soundproofing. As an ex-muso, I love my music and I like it loud And also maybe a room to store my guitars and snowboards.

What do you consider your proudest industry moment?

Climbing from a cadet to estate manager within two months of being in the industry was a great achievement. But I can’t take all the credit. I was lucky enough to be mentored very well by someone who has been in the industry for a long time.

Biggest regret?

No regrets. As long as I learn from the experience, good or bad, I’m happy going through the journey of business life.

Worst trend?

I don’t think there’s such a thing as a “bad” trend, but more just a process or concept that may not have been explained or understood in the full context.

I believe processes help to get things done, but only if understood by all the parties involved, otherwise you get bogged down by it.

What tips would you give for future-proofing the decision to buy in a certain estate?

Look across eco-saving options for your home (solar, energyfriendly appliances etc) as this will translate into long-term savings. Also, buy in a relatively eco-friendly estate – did I mention that Alwood achieved five out of six elements in EnviroDevelopment certification? This is a first in the Werribee catchment area.

Andy Soetedja RED23

Best change?

For me, it’s popping out of the corporate sector into this industry. I haven’t looked back since.

If you had the power, how would you improve the process of buying a home in a new residential housing development?

Having everyone involved in this process (including the customer), so there’s a full understanding of how it is end to end. It would be good for customers to understand how their decisions affect the entire process. I believe if we’re able to achieve this, we can start to show big improvements for the customer in the end-to-end process.

What’s the biggest misconception people have when building a home in a new residential housing development?

They mistakenly think developing land is as easy as calling the

What should prospective buyers look for when choosing a development?

Pricing aside, look for what would suit their lifestyle. Ask questions and see the pros and cons. I’ve had clients mention they love an estate with larger blocks as it does not make the area as dense, but I have had customers mention they prefer a more “crowded” estate as it makes them feel safe. Certain features may not suit where you are in your life cycle right now but will in the future, so think ahead.

What do you think new developments will be like in 2030?

I believe new developments will be similar to what we have in terms of structure and how they’re made. We’ve got a pretty good plan in Victoria in terms of access and amenities and it’s spread out better than we’d like to believe. I travel to North America often as my partner is working there, and they build everything around their CBD. This typically means less amenities outside of the CBD district, and the further you go the less access you have. Here, you have what I consider “satellite business districts” which emulate Melbourne’s CBD in areas such as Geelong and the future East Werribee Precinct. This will help in reducing the gridlock and travel time to the CBD, as businesses will have options in where they house their base of operations.

Estate Manager Alwood Estate, Werribee URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 5

H E AT I N G

As the cooler months envelop us all, MANVEEN MAAN warms to the challenge of helping keep your home comfortable inside and out

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TEXT: XXX / IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A matter of

W

INTER is well and truly here, so keeping your home toasty on the inside is often at the top of everyone’s priority list.

Fortunately, most new homes have a minimum six-star energy rating.

Yet, complaints about temperatures in confined spaces are very common - it is either too hot or too cold; the temperature varies drastically through the day; the draughts are terrible; and so on.

It’s not only the temperature that affects how people feel, but also the humidity levels and air movement. If you’re having trouble setting a temperature that is enjoyed by all, you’re not alone.

Generally speaking, the optimal temperature for women is three degrees Celsius warmer than men.

Solving the battle of the sexes is another issue altogether, but there are many methods to maintain warmth indoor to the satisfaction of both parties.

Proper insulation is the first and most obvious step as a well-insulated home provides comfort and significantly lowers heating bills.

It’s always easier to insulate your

Practically, this means making sure your doors and windows are sealed to prevent air leaks. Up to 40 per cent of heat can be lost through windows, so it’s important to seal them properly.

Choice.com.au has a few handy methods for staying warm in winter.

Sealing gaps and cracks is a convenient tip. If you add up all the cracks and gaps in an average home, it would be the equivalent of having a 1m x 1.5m window open all the time – which accounts for up to 15-20 per cent of heat loss.

Chances are that you’ll be wearing layers in winter, and so should your windows. Replace thin curtains with heavier wool or fleece drapes, although remember to open them on sunny days for free heat.

Windows aren’t the only draught culprits, as doors can also be guilty of this icy-cold crime. A simple door snake or a rolled-up towel can really help.

Covering the floor with rugs also plays a role as they act as insulation between your feet and the cold, hard floor.

Believe it or not, reverse ceiling fans can also combat cool indoor

I

F you want to take the party outdoors, there are countless options to keep you and your posse just as toasty as you are when indoors.

There is a tendency to shun the great outdoors in cooler temperatures, but research shows that there are many benefits to being outside over winter – even if the temperatures are low.

There’s something inherently healing about spending time outdoors. Part of it has to do with exposure to natural light. Spending time outdoors is a recommended treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is sometimes called “winter depression.”

Outdoor light exposure may help your mood, even if it’s cold and cloudy. And if the temperatures dip too low, there’s always adequate heating to support your outdoor adventures in the colder months.

Luckily for us, outdoor heating allows people to stay substantially warm in unenclosed spaces, and there are a variety of outdoor heating appliances – from gas patio heaters, quartz or ceramic electric lamps, to wood-burning chimenea and fire pits.

Image: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

“Generally speaking, the optimal temperature for women is three degrees Celsius warmer than men ... there are many methods to maintain warmth indoor to the satisfaction of both sexes.” home before you move in, so make sure you identify the possible gaps in various areas of your home (heat can escape through the ceiling, walls, windows and floor) and seal them.

If you need to tackle this after you have moved in, it is recommended that you first determine where you need insulation, along with the recommended R-values of the areas you would like to insulate. An R-value measures the resistance to heat flow - the higher the R-value, the higher the level of insulation.

Once you have your product, check for details such as the R-value and whether it requires professional installation — some types of insulation require the use of masks and protective clothing. Ensure that it suits your particular application and fits within the space available.

Blocking wind is another important step to staying warm, as winter drafts can significantly drop indoor temperatures.

temperatures. Warm air rises, so if you’re able to flick the reverse switch, the fan blades will turn anti-clockwise and push the warmth from your heating system back down so your room maintains the heat.

In the longer term, maintaining and servicing your heaters professionally at least every two years will help keep them running more efficiently, and thus save on bills. If there are any rooms in the house that aren’t being used, close the doors and turn off the heating in that area.

It might feel great to have your favourite seat in front of the heater, but that particular position absorbs heat that could be warming your home. By moving it away from the radiator, hot air can circulate freely. The same goes for curtains or where you dry your clothes indoors – keep them away from the radiator so that you can get the most out of your heat source.

GAS HEATERS Outdoor gas heaters are probably the easiest way to add warmth to your al fresco. The heaters are portable and affordable, and because they use radiant heat, there is a steady stream of warmth that is easy to control. They’re clean burning (i.e. leave little contamination while consuming fuel) and practically odourless.

There are plenty of outdoor gas heaters in styles and sizes to suit any al fresco space. Table-top heaters are great if you’re working with a smaller space, while patio heaters are best for warming more expansive areas, such as the patio, deck, or around the pool.

Some gas heaters can be connected to your natural gas line, but for portable heaters you’ll need to get a propane gas bottle to connect it to the heater. In either case, gas heaters are an energy-efficient and economical way to keep warm.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 7

H E AT I N G

WOOD HEATERS

ELECTRIC HEATERS

Wood heaters, or chimeneas as they are sometimes known as, come in a range of styles and shapes. Just like a potbelly stove, they work by burning wood but with wood heaters, you can use anything from newspapers to garden waste. It is akin to having a portable fireplace on your patio.

The chimeneas have an advantage over other heaters and this is that the fire within it is contained. This way, any wind or breeze won’t affect the flames and those sitting around the fire won’t get ash or smoke blown into their faces – always handy in a social situation! Wood heaters also retain heat well. They are a good option for contained and covered outdoor spaces. Beautifully designed and environmentally friendly, these heaters look great and offer reliable radiant heat with low emissions. Plus, they’re safe and can warm up larger areas quickly.

Heat strips are a stylish and energyefficient heating option for covered outdoor areas. They’re ceiling mounted and provide radiant heat, which is more effective than convection heating and provides targeted warmth.

With their low-key style, electric heaters fit in with any decor. They don’t emit any light or glow either so you will hardly notice them. For smaller spaces you’ll probably only need to install one heat strip, but it’s possible to line them up in larger spaces. They’re also easy to use and don’t require much maintenance.

Running costs are low and you can install timer controllers to save on energy.

FIRE PITS

IMAGES (clockwise, from left) The various styles and shapes of chimeneas make them a popular option outside; portable gas heaters make the most of radiant heat; the versatility of fire pits mean they are a popular option in child-free households; and, a well-placed heater can bring indoor-outdoor living to life throughout the year

8 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Alternatively, fire pits offer an open fire, which you can keep building with as much wood as the pit will hold. They come in a variety of bowl shapes and sizes and make great centrepieces.

The best thing is you get 360-degree heat that people can gather around. The downside is your fire is more vulnerable to other elements and can get smoky.

HEATING 101 Before you buy an outdoor heater, it’s important to consider the size and function of your area. If you have a large space, then a radiant heater is going to keep everyone warm at the same time, while portable heaters create a bit more ambience and are ideal for smaller gatherings.

Fuel is another aspect to think about.

Electricity may be more expensive than gas, but there are still energy-efficient electric outdoor heaters around. If you go down the wood heater path, you’ll need a steady supply of firewood.

BOTTLE IT USING a hot water bottle is an oldie, but a goodie. Emanating warmth and comfort, hot water bottles provide quick and easy relief from the cold, and are kind on your wallet. It’s important to remember to always use a cover or wrap a towel around the bottle to prevent contact burns, and to also only use a hot water bottle to warm the bed. Once it’s time to sleep, remove the bottle before you get into bed and empty it or place it out of reach. Choosing a hot water bottle with a large opening can also reduce the risk of water spilling on to you while filling the bottle.

It might also be a good idea to light some candles in your home.

Not only do they provide light and heat, candles add ambience to your home with a variety of shapes, colours, and aromas. Just be sure to keep an eye on the flame!

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

1. Cocoon Fires Aeris stainless steel fireplace Designer: Federico Otero Diameter: 60cm. Height: 38cm 1.5-litre capacity RRP: $4190 Cocolea cocolea.com.au (03) 9363 6798

Heat

seekers

By Nicole Bittar The onset of grey days rarely radiated such interior vibrancy.

A feature fireplace in curvaceous stainless-steel looks and feels as fine crackling and aglow as it does packed with ice and vintage bubbles, just beckoning to be popped.

Designer rugs, blankets and throws in hues and weaves to warm the coldest soul are tactile, textural and hand-stitched to perfection.

The wearer and bearer of such heat-seeking succour will be rapt to have winter wrapped up in scintillating style.

2. Vitra colour-block blanket (from top to bottom: blue/Bordeaux, pink/beige and black/blue) Designed by: Hella Jongerius RRP: $445 Living Edge livingedge.com.au 1300 132 154 3. Muuto Ripple throw in red RRP: $175 Living Edge livingedge.com.au 1300 132 154 4. Danskina Merger 771 rug (80 per cent New Zealand wool and 20 per cent cotton).

Designed by: Hella Jongerius RRP: POA (maximum size: 400cm Ă— 1000cm) Kvadrat Maharam kvadratmaharam.com (02) 9212 4277 5. Danskina Reap rug (wool and felt). Designed by: Hella Jongerius RRP: POA Kvadrat Maharam kvadratmaharam.com (02) 9212 4277 6. Danskina Merger 111 rug Designed by: Hella Jongerius RRP: POA (maximum size: 400cm Ă— 1000 cm) Kvadrat Maharam kvadratmaharam.com (02) 9212 4277

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 9

CUSTOM LIGHTING E

CUSTOM LIGHTING E

CUSTOM LIGHTING E

CUSTOM LIGHTING E

CUSTOM LIGHTING E

COVER

The

Creating art on a plate or canvas is a necessity for Poh Ling Yeow. She tells NICOLE BITTAR that a balanced palette primes the delighted palate 12 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Image: TEXT: NERIDA XXX PHELAN / IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

show

F

or someone who appears so prominently in the public eye, chef and TV personality Poh Ling Yeow is, first and foremost, an artist who craves “large slabs of alone time”. Not that she ever, if rarely, achieves it.

After six years as a professional illustrator and painter, the artist describes her career switch as “an idiot thing within me that needs to conquer new lands”.

Initially harbouring a creative interest in recipe writing and food styling, Poh put theory into practice in a more handson approach.

Enter the kitchen.

With her Malaysian background steeped in a vibrant street-food culture, where the next meal is always on the menu, creating edible art was a natural transition.

Since her runner-up status on MasterChef in 2009, cooking show series Beat the Chef and the exceedingly catchy Poh’s Kitchen on ABC-TV and Poh & Co. on SBS, café Jamface at Adelaide Central Market in her adopted hometown, a raft of cookbook releases, including the latest receiving the finishing touches, her adoring public won’t let her rest.

“I have this child called Jamface and it is taking up a lot of my time.”

Not that Poh is complaining.

Gratitude defines her dynamic persona and gives rise to her success.

“I appreciate everything,” she says. “I always walk through life with gratitude.

I think that’s why things fall my way, because I always see the bright side.”

She likens life to a pendulum, which provides a contrast between the good and bad and thus the inherent appreciation of the other. But a little family time would be welcomed with open arms.

“The years are flying by and I could count on two hands the number of times I’ve seen my family in a year,” she says.

“It’s literally that crazy.”

This is an area she is intent on rectifying. Similarly, Poh is bemused whenever people praise her good fortune.

“I’m so lucky because I work 16-hour days all the time and make lots of sacrifices because I have no friends any more,” she laughs, good-naturedly, but in all sincerity.

She credits Adelaide with being sympathetic to an artistic lifestyle and a refuge of quietude to a creative soul.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 13

COVER

Image: NERIDA PHELAN

“Everyone thinks I make these amazing dinners all the time at home, but I don’t. Just ask my husband.”

POH’S FAVOURITE FOODS

“For dessert: definitely crème caramel.”

“I love comfort food, so mountains of noodles, any variety, pasta and more pasta.”

POH’S PANTRY STAPLES

“Anything French, especially beef bourguignon.”

“I always have tons of herbs growing in my garden. They’re my favourite staple.

Of all the things I grow, they’re the most reliable. If you’ve got herbs, you can inject life into things that otherwise might be quite boring. I love thyme and parsley; they’re my favourites. I have chives, spring onions, oregano, sage and tons of mint - chocolate and regular - and oregano. I also love passionfruit daisy, which can be infused in teas without losing their intense flavour.

“I use black salt, as it leaves a seasoning trail.

“I also have really nice parmesan cheese, pasta, rice (brown and jasmine) and always your basics: eggs, butter and cream, because I love to bake.”

14 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

“For that reason, I will always be loyal to it,” she says.

“I like the friendly vibe of it and all the things that I love are there (family and friends).”

Balance is a commodity that Poh is continually tweaking in her personal life and culinary realm.

Appearing at the Porter Davis World of Style Masterclass series in late April to a packed house of eager-eyed home cooks and professionals, Poh reassures her culinary fan base that “everything is rescue-able”.

“Patience is the best ingredient a chef can possess,” Poh says. “There is no right or wrong.”

As she mixes, dices (“brunoise” in French), thinly slices raw fish (“try not to saw”), espouses the French and Chinese duality for culinary precision, yet almost forgets the sweetly perfumed Szechuan pepper in the garnish for her tuna carpaccio, and exclaims of the accompanying dressing, “I’m sorry, this looks so gross” (she is wrong), her audience is transfixed on her every word and energetic move.

In fact, the motto derived from

her popular guest spot could best be described as ‘let not technical blunder turn charm asunder’.

Making endless jibes about running out of bowls, over-boiling the balsamic syrup for her strawberry and roasted almond-topped pavlova and endless apologies about being a messy cook, Poh counters that “I told you I was a comedy act: nothing goes right for me live”.

Yet nothing could be further from the truth. She had the ravenous crowd, hungry for a slice of the inimitable Poh factor, eating out of the palm of her hand.

As she darted here, there and everywhere in search of culinary equilibrium, she alighted upon the notion that “I feel like Oprah, I’m Poh-prah,” she quipped.

When an audience member retorted: “When do we get our free car?” she replied, “I don’t have any cars, but I do have food samples”.

With a taste-tempting dessert to follow her refreshingly zesty tuna carpaccio starter, this proffered sufficient compensation.

Training her avid onlookers on correct zesting methods, Poh relishes the zing

COVER

of fresh ginger and orange zest. In fact, she has a ‘zest bank’ at Jamface, which when it dips, requires immediate replenishment. Her personality is abundantly loaded with endless supplies.

Despite efforts to the contrary, her Italian-inspired pavlova is proving too popular to remove from her café menu, which features comfort food and baked fare at its rustic best.

“Who’s good at making pav? I’m actually pretty bad at it,” she says, recommending the Coles brand for time-poor home cooks. But the proof is in the pudding: a textural treat, achieving maximum crunch in the outer shell, laced with Poh’s refreshingly tart Greek yoghurt, mascarpone and vanilla beanpaste cream topping. The balsamic syrup provided a luscious, velvety foil and flecks of baby herbs freshened the palate.

Speaking of inspired creativity, she lists her top two favourite celebrity chefs as Nigella Lawson, for not only her obvious culinary appeal but also wordsmith prowess, and Antonio Carluccio for his enduring kitchen creed: mof mof (otherwise known as maximum of flavour, minimum of fuss).

This maxim epitomises Poh’s food philosophy to a tee.

It’s hard to believe her claim of not knowing how to cook properly before appearing on MasterChef.

“Everyone thinks I make these amazing dinners all the time at home, but I don’t,” she insists “Just ask my husband.” Her husband of three years and long-time partner is Jono Bennett, who was a production crewman during her MasterChef tenure.

The MasterChef experience not only thrust the effervescent yet also introverted contestant into the limelight, but it provided a steep learning curve about emerging from one’s shell.

In fact, Poh says she was so shy as a child that she had trouble getting through school. Her legion of fans, swamping her after the World of Style demonstration, may beg to differ. But this is an aspect of public life that was forewarned by the MasterChef hosts and she has trained herself to become used to it.

An enduring work ethic and never-say-die approach was also a legacy of her gruelling grounding in the MasterChef kitchen.

“With any job, it is a craft that you have to hone,” she says.

“And that takes patience, time, falling over and getting back on the horse and lots of self doubt. It’s not just physically hard, but also mentally challenging.”

As the evergreen chef approaches her mid-40s, energy and time are the two ingredients she most fears running out of.

Emigrating from Kuala Lumpur with her parents and brother to Australia at age nine, Poh’s Malaysian-Chinese heritage is exemplified in the art of cooking and her artwork.

Many of her works centre on themes of origin and destination. Thoughtprovoking yet whimsical paintings, mostly acrylic on canvas, subtly and playfully bridge the East-West divide.

She has had solo shows in Sydney and Melbourne and is represented at Hill Smith Gallery in Adelaide.

South-East Asian flavours also feature strongly in her cooking repertoire.

Poh’s favourite regional dish is the fragrantly heady Assam Laksa, which she describes as a vibrant, spice-laden specialty. Traditionally a fish-head

Working 16-hour days is the price Poh pays for the freedom to run her cafe, Jamface, at Adelaide Central Market. She describes the labour of love: “I have this child called Jamface and it is taking up a lot of my time.”

Scottish terriers Rhino and Tim are among Poh’s menagerie, which includes two budgerigars and a beehive Images: SBS PUBLICITY

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 15

COVER

IMAGES (clockwise from top) Poh works on her herb garden in her suburban backyard vegetable garden Visiting fellow MasterChef contestant and successful restaurateur Andre Ursini is all part of the fun of filming Poh & Co Images: SBS PUBLICITY

Poh’s artwork includes Time Traveller 2, 120 x 213cm, acrylic on canvas, 2012 Bird Brain, 120 x 90cm, acrylic on canvas, 2011 Images: HILL SMITH GALLERY

16 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

soup, the base broth is made from fish, tamarind and ginger flower, resulting in a sour, fragrant soup, served with chewy, translucent noodles and garnished with the lively flavours of fresh pineapple, cucumber, red onion, torch ginger and shrimp molasses.

“When I was young and training myself to eat spicy food, it got me over the line and gave me my chilli wings,” Poh laughs. She often erupts into the kind of hearty, full-throated laugh that is at once endearing and disarming.

Poh concedes that the shrimp molasses is “sweet and yummy, but possibly an acquired taste”.

Poh’s infectious personality is anything but acquired and her creative potential also knows no bounds.

In addition to her illustrative and graphic design background, Poh also achieved kudos as a make-up artist, counting L’Oreal, Megan Gale and Lisa Ho among clientele.

Elements of Poh’s Chinese heritage feature not only in her artistic work but also in her kitchen, including the goldfish, a symbol of prosperity and good luck in Chinese culture. She has a Chinese urn filled with fish, which provide endless hours of tranquillity: an ideal foil to her bustling lifestyle.

You can’t hurry love, so to speak.

Similarly, she savours the visual alchemy of watching her cakes rise in the oven as akin to the ultimate viewing pleasure.

A preference for low-key pastimes,

including pottering around the garden and op shopping, provide restoration and inspiration.

She also counts beloved Scottish terriers Rhino and Tim, two budgerigars and a beehive among her menagerie.

Poh loves her home kitchen but concedes that it is definitely not ideal, citing a universal need for extra bench space.

Everything is on show, much like the owner’s personality: what you see is what you get.

“I love everything out; pots and pans hanging everywhere; knives where you can grab them,” she says.

A self-proclaimed maximalist, every square inch is covered with trinkets and objets d’or, which are redolent with slices of interesting history.

“I’m a hoarder, but I’m trying to cull the habit,” she laughs.

The creative process of art and cooking is intertwined and fuels her artistic passions. Poh says she employs both realms “to procrastinate for the other”.

“If I’m painting and I’m having a trouble spot, I’ll run downstairs, bake a cake and think through it,” she says.

Artistic influences and the freeform courage of classic luminaries such as Picasso, Frida Kahlo and personal favourite Joan Miro provide endless inspiration.

Poh says the overriding impression of these artists’ need to create and inherent vitality of their work is an energising force.

“Someone like Picasso was never a victim of his own branding,” she says.

“He went through a period and if he became bored with it, he would move on again. And it was always about pushing the boundaries, remaining inspired and having that insatiable curiosity about things you don’t know yet. All these artists’ work speaks of that, and this is why I love it.”

The “bravery” in this evolutionary approach to art is distinct from her disciplined and methodical background in graphic and illustrative design, which requires more precise replication and less explosive expressions on canvas.

“My work is quite controlled, so I think it’s why I like the work (of the masters) so much, as it is something I feel that I lack,” she adds. “That’s what I am always trying to break out of, and I think I will eventually.”

She traditionally applies design principles of replicating her work on to canvas.

“There’s not much wild splashing of paint,” she says.

“I get frustrated with myself because I want to make that kind of wild work and I know I can and I have, but it’s not natural to my personality.”

Not that Poh is anything less than dynamic in person, creatively and kitchen-command mode.

The so-called ‘idiot thing’ that catapulted her successful culinary career proved a genius move.

RCEOCVIEPRE

Serves 8

1 punnet (350g) fresh strawberries, tops discarded, sliced 2 tbs icing sugar mixture 60ml aged balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped 1 punnet micro basil

175g egg whites pinch of salt 200g caster sugar 2 tbs cornflour

FILLING 250g mascarpone cheese 250g Greek yoghurt 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 60g icing sugar

BITS & PIECES

Preheat oven to 170C fan forced. To make the pavlova, whisk the egg whites with the salt with an electric cake mixer on the highest setting until medium peaks form.

Add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, whisking well between additions, until all the sugar is used up. Reduce to the lowest setting and whisk in the cornflour until combined. Spread the mixture evenly on a lined baking tray, about 33 x 24cm, reduce the heat to 150C and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely before dividing the pavlova into 16 equal pieces.

To make the filling, whisk all the filling ingredients in a medium mixing bowl until just combined. Set aside.

To sweeten the strawberries, combine them with the icing sugar, fold and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

To serve, place a piece of pavlova on each of the eight plates, place a dollop of the filling cream on each piece, then repeat with another layer. Divide the strawberries over the eight plates, drizzle a teaspoon of the aged balsamic over each serve together with a teaspoon full of almonds, then dot the top with a few leaves of the micro basil. Serve immediately.

Image: NERIDA PHELAN

Poh’s Marshmallow Pavlova with Strawberries, Balsamic & Basil

MERINGUE

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 17

FA S T FA C T S

$100

A YEAR

e across Austr g a al ver

ia

On a

O

PT SAVE U

Reverse-cycle air-conditioners are

2 to 2.5 times more efficient

40%

of the energy we use at home is for heating and cooling Use a shower timer to help cut two minutes off your total shower time. It can save a family $100 a year on power bills

than electric bar radiators or fan heaters

Each degree

of extra heating in winter or cooling in summer uses

5-10%

more energy

Heating in the

home Fix leaky taps. A leaking hot water tap could add more than $10 a year to your bill

UP TO 40% can add up to 25% to your heating and cooling bills An open fireplace is highly inefficient with up to 90% of the heat being lost up the chimney

18 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Source: Yourenergysavings.gov.au

Draughts caused by gaps and cracks around doors, windows and skylights

of your home’s heating energy in winter can leak out through windows or skylights

D I S P L AY H O M E

Eight Homes – Senza 4-28 SINGLE STOREY

WE LOVE ü Front main and study for privacy ü Unexpected kids retreat among bedrooms ü Successful integration of a family room and informal living without need for dividing walls

URBAN LIFE SAYS: “The feeling

of luxury and space abounds in this feature-packed delight.”

W

ORK, rest and play in complete comfort in this feature-packed, single-level dwelling.

Formerly known as the s-Seven.1, the Senza 4-28 is 28.41 squares of smart design.

The positioning of the study next to the main bedroom suite at the front provides parents with much-needed peace and quiet when it’s needed. And the kids will be equally impressed by the retreat that complements the three bedrooms and bathroom in that zone.

Then factor in the lounge room and family room in the informal living zone, and it’s easy to see why it has been one of Eight Homes’ most enduring designs.

The appeal starts at the front, where the main bedroom wall deviates from its expected course and creates a visual stimulus between its triptych of slimline windows with whitewashed timber venetians. The suite also features walkin robes and the en suite with black tapware, corner shower, toilet and vanity with cantilevered twin basins.

The shelving in the study adds to the storage options, which include a large linen press and entertainment units.

The central hub of the home is the L-shaped family room, meals area, kitchen and lounge room. The beauty of the space is that it’s easily linked in the open-plan design yet cleverly separated.

The kitchen exemplifies the simplicity, with its island bench gelling sympathetically with its mosaic-tiled splashback, 900mm Omega appliances (underbench oven, canopy rangehood, five-burner gas cooktop, dishwasher and integrated microwave) and pantry.

There is also a galley-style laundry that allows access from the double garage.

The Senza 4-28 is suitable for a 14m-wide block. It is open for inspection at Cranbourne East’s Livingston Estate (Bathgate Crescent) from noon to 5pm on weekdays and 11am-5pm on weekends. It is also on display at Mernda and Rockbank.

4 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, 3 OR 4 LIVING AREAS, STUDY, DOUBLE GARAGE // PRICE: FROM $191,900 // 8HOMES.COM.AU URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 19

COOKING

Coast to coast cuisines grew from the same roots. We love individual dishes from all three branches of the olive tree that was planted by the ancient Greeks around the Mediterranean and fertilised by the Romans and the Arabs.

With a shared love of Mediterranean food binding them, David Dale and Lucio Galletto have teamed up to showcase the true essence of cooking from The Domain of Oil, in their latest cookbook Coastline What made you decide to team up and write this cookbook? What was the inspiration behind it?

We had fun working together before on three books, (the latest one The Art of Pasta) and enjoyed travelling through Italy, so we thought this would be a great excuse for a road trip through the most interesting food and the most spectacular seascapes of the Mediterranean. The inspiration for Coastline was the idea of finding what unites people, at a time when politicians are trying to divide us.

Humans are at their best when they are sharing food, drink and talk around a table. We wanted to encourage that.

The Domain of Oil is the area that you decided to focus on – why did you find this more appealing than the other two domains (Butter and Lard)?

The national borders in Europe make no sense. It would be far better to create national groupings based on people’s preferred cooking medium. Eastern

20 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Spain, southern France and western Italy are all part of one nation we could call The Domain of Oil. Lucio comes from The Domain of Oil, and both of us love to cook with it and dress our meals with it. It’s lighter and healthier than the other two cooking mediums.

What is it that you love most about cooking with seafood?

Lucio grew up in a fishing village, and his family restaurant took daily deliveries from the local fishermen. His favourite food in the world is mussels, for which he has more than 100 recipes, and Coastline would have turned into an all-mussel cookbook if David hadn’t stopped him.

The cooking focuses on three areas – Catalonia, Provence and Liguria. Which one would you say is your favourite and why?

We wouldn’t want to offend two by picking one, and in any case, we are saying in the book that all three

The recipes are very specific to the region. Where would you recommend an Australian shopper get these ingredients?

The core ingredients shared around the western Mediterranean would be olive oil, garlic, anchovies, peppers, figs, fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables. The Catalans use more almonds and chilli, the Ligurians use more basil and pine nuts, the Provencals use more eggplant, zucchini, and saffron. They are all easy to find in Australia. The Mediterranean seafood is somewhat different from Australia’s, but in Coastline we have suggested equivalents.

What are the three easy recipes you would recommend from Coastline for the time-poor cook?

Pesto has only seven ingredients (basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, pine nuts, pecorino, parmesan) and you can make a brilliant pasta sauce in minutes with a blender, or take slightly longer with a pestle and mortar. A spoonful of picada (a Catalan puree of garlic, nuts, saffron, parsley) can be added to any soup or stew for a lovely flavour boost. Tuna tartare only needs very fresh fish (finely chopped) and a tapenade of olives, capers, oregano and thyme. Coastline, however, has many more quick and easy recipes for the home cook.

What have been the highlights of your individual cooking careers thus far?

What have been the most difficult parts?

Lucio grew up in the family restaurant in Italy, starting his own restaurant in 1981. The highlight is having so many return customers time and time again.

Not so much a difficulty, but there have been the challenges of encouraging customers to try new and different things, and instilling into the staff the true meaning of hospitality.

David is a writer who prefers to eat the cooking of others, but a highlight of his own “cooking career” was spending two years, while a student in London, trying to perfect crema catalana (also known as creme brûlée). He’s almost got it, 30 years later.

What are your favourite recipes from Coastline?

David’s favourite recipes are the aioli monstre from Provence (steamed fish and veg with a very garlicky mayonnaise); the paella Valenciana (the original was made with snails, but we’ve made them optional in our recipe); the Catalan pastry called Xuixo (pronounced “shoosho”, and named after a sneeze we explain why in the book); the whole baked fish with olives and potatoes that was originally served to Picasso; and the cheese-stuffed focaccia from Genoa.

Lucio had some difficulty selecting his favourites but Pasta Arrosto con Le Arselle, an old Ligurian recipe is one. He cannot go past the Bouillabaisse and the Catalonian Salpicon de Marisco for its wonderful sapore di mare flavour of the sea.

What are the five ingredients that you cannot cook without?

Lucio: Extra-virgin olive oil (preferably Ligurian), basil, garlic, tomatoes, salt.

David: Olive oil, garlic, fresh thyme, lemons, anchovies.

What is your perfect meal?

It would be lots of share plates in the middle of a big table, surrounded by people drinking, talking and reaching.

If you could cook a meal for anyone, who would it be and why?

It would be for John Olsen in his kitchen.

We share a great love of art and food and conviviality.

What do you hope readers will gain from this cookbook?

A sense of what brings humans together.

It’s a book about the pleasure of sharing, and hopefully it shows how societies that sometimes seem divided are actually united in the details of life that really matter.

Truita de patates (Potato tortilla) GIRONA SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS 3 medium potatoes, peeled 420 ml (1.66 cups) olive oil 1 large white onion 5 eggs sea salt

METHOD Quarter the potatoes lengthways, then slice them thinly crossways.

In a large non-stick frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the potato and cook for about 6 minutes, turning regularly. The slices should cook but not brown.

Chop the onion finely and add it to the potato. Mix and cook for another 15 minutes. Strain the mixture using a colander, reserving the cooking oil, and allow the potato and onion to cool.

Break the eggs into a large bowl, season with salt and whisk. Add the onion and potato mix to the eggs and stir thoroughly.

Pour the reserved cooking oil back into the pan and place it over high heat for 2 minutes. Pour the potato and egg mixture into the oil and shake the pan to spread it evenly.

Cook for 4 minutes, then turn the omelette over and cook for another 4 minutes. (Alternatively, you could cook the omelette in an ovenproof frying pan, by putting the pan in a preheated 180C oven for 15 minutes, or under a hot grill/broiler for 5 minutes) Slide the tortilla onto a plate, let it set for 5 minutes, then slice into wedges and serve.

Recipes and Images from Coastline The food of Mediterranean Spain, France and Italy. Lucio Galletto and David Dale (Murdoch Books). RRP: $59.99

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 21

Lakeside is the new name on everyone’s lips at Manor Lakes.

Excitement is building as the release of the estate’s prestigious lake front neighbourhood draws closer.

PRACTICAL MAGIC Tie-dye 120cm round wool rug, black & natural schots.com.au RRP: $129 Fraumaier pascha pendant - silver tigmitrading.com RRP: $365

Florens PET recycled rug in verdigris habitathomecollection.com.au RRP: $739

Davis & Waddell Sodacreme food cover davisandwaddell.com.au RRP: $22.99

It’s a

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Harper throw rug – grey lorrainelea.com RRP: $99

Poppy quilt cover lorrainelea.com RRP: $159

24 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Sophie Allport labrador ironing board cover sophieallport.com RRP: $39

Shimmer cushion silver black lorrainelea.com RRP: $35

Zebra cushion cover lorrainelea.com RRP: $59

Black+Blum – hot pot plant pot BBQ grill yellowoctopus.com.au RRP: $189

Nola tissue box cover, chrome schots.com.au RRP: $49

Teal weave tablecloth 3.8m x 2.2m bigtablecloths.com.au RRP: $245

Komodo outdoor cantilever umbrella (beige) kogan.com RRP: $75

MarLy kitty litter cover & tray lavishtails.com.au RRP: $288

If you’d like to feature a product in Practical Magic, email urbanlife@publicitypress.com.au

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 25

FINANCE

Budget facts Forget the hype. Here’s the bottom line for buyers and investors, and the industry’s reaction

FIRST-HOME BOOST VIA SUPER

RENTAL DEDUCTION CHANGES

DOWNSIZING DELIGHT

VOLUNTARY superannuation contributions of $15,000 per annum (to a maximum of $30,000) can be withdrawn and used for a deposit for first-home buyers from July 1, 2018. It will be taxed at 30 percentage points below the normal marginal rate. Both members of a couple can take advantage of the first home super saver scheme.

FROM July 1, travel expense deductions related to the owner inspecting, maintaining or collecting rent for a residential rental property will no longer be allowed.

Investors can engage third parties, such as real estate agents, to do these tasks and deduct those expenses.

Depreciation for equipment that can be removed (such as ceiling fans, carpets or a dishwasher) will be limited to those outlays incurred by investors.

A deduction can be claimed for equipment bought after May 9 over the effective life of the asset. But subsequent owners will not be able to claim it.

OLDER people aged 65 and over and wishing to downsize their place of residence (of at least 10 years) can contribute $300,000 from the sale proceeds to their superannuation (for its tax benefits). From July 1, 2018, both members of a couple will be exempt from the existing age, work and $1.6 million balance tests for making non-concessional contributions.

Villawood Properties executive director Rory Costelloe said this salary sacrifice option supports first-time buyers “without taking anything away from the wider market”.

“Victoria currently has 21 days’ worth of supply of land on the market. In a competitive market, it’s more like 90 days. The real answer to affordability is to increase supply - this means reduce planning red tape and third-party appeal rights to allow developers to get sufficient supply to the market.”

26 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

“Investors factor in wear-and-tear costs at the time of purchase to cover the replacement of these plant and equipment items. Given each item claimed is annualised based on age, we don’t understand the government’s concerns around possible additional deductions and double-dipping if the property is later sold.”

Property Investment Professionals of Australia chair Benjamin Kingsley

“The policy regarding retirees being able to make lump-sum contributions to super is sensible and will make it easier for retirees to downsize. This will go a long way towards enabling and empowering retirees to upsize lifestyle while downsizing the family home.”

Stockland managing director Mark Steinert

STATE BUDGET FIRST-HOME BUYERS Stamp duty (land transfer duty) will be abolished for first-time buyers for a house-and-land package up to the value of $600,000. The concession rate continues on a sliding scale for houses up to $750,000, for contracts signed from July 1.

FIRST HOME OWNER GRANT CHANGES FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA The First Home Owner Grant will double to $20,000 for regional buyers, including Geelong, for new homes valued up to $750,000. This applies from July 1 until June 30, 2020. Eligible first-home buyers of new homes in metropolitan Melbourne will continue to receive the $10,000 grant.

CHANGES TO OFF-THE-PLAN CONCESSIONS Off-the-plan stamp duty concessions will only apply to buyers who occupy the property as their principal place of residence. This change will apply for contracts entered into from July 1.

KEY POINTS • $75 million allocated for the acquisition of land for nine new school sites in growth areas • Additional $4 billion in transport investment, adding to the $30 billion in new transport projects invested

All changes are expected to be approved by the Victorian Parliament this month

NATIONAL HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITY A $1 BILLION fund has been established to fund deals with local governments “to remove infrastructure blockages” to unlock new housing in greenfield and infill sites.

“The government has adopted UDIA’s recommendation in making under-utilised and surplus Commonwealth land available for housing development.” This includes a 127ha site of surplus Defence land in Maribyrnong for up to 6000 new homes.

UDIA Victoria chief executive Danni Addison

FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS A 50 per cent cap will be put in place on pre-sales to foreign buyers in new developments.

Also, a so-called vacancy tax - an annual charge of $5000 - will apply to foreign owners who leave their properties unoccupied or unavailable for rent for six months or more each year.

“The additional levy (vacancy tax) isn’t likely to act as a major disincentive to foreign investment; however, the policy could be difficult to monitor and enforce.”

CoreLogic RPData research director Tim Lawless

UDIA Victoria chief executive Danni Addison said the Homes for Victorians package was a three-fold flawed policy.

Firstly: “The demand for houses in Melbourne’s growth areas and established suburbs will increase but supply will not, which will drive up house prices rather than making them more affordable.”

Secondly: “A decline in investors purchasing and leasing out new housing will limit rental supply and push up prices for renters.”

And third: “If the number of investors purchasing off-the-plan properties decreases, so will the supply of new housing, pushing up costs for home buyers.”

VERDICT “Taxes on property now represent approximately 45 per cent of the State Government’s taxation revenue and 15.5 per cent of its total revenue … but what is the State Government doing to reinvest that money back into the housing market?”

Addison said. “It’s time the State Government started to take the growth areas seriously by spending the money on key infrastructure items, like roads and public transport, which will unlock opportunities for the people living in Melbourne’s fastest-growing communities.”

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 27

NEW TO MARKET Hyde Property Group advances Eynesbury plans HYDE Property Group has submitted a number of planning applications to Melton City Council across key amenity and residential stages for Eynesbury.

The plans reveal the group’s commitment to bring forward the 3km extension of Mount Mary Rd by two or more years to accommodate the growing master-planned community.

The extension to Ballan Rd will allow an alternative exit and entry point for residents who will have a faster, more direct route to Wyndham Vale train station, Werribee’s town centre and planned employment precinct.

In addition, Hyde Property Group is preparing a planning permit to construct the first stage of the project’s 10ha community amenity and infrastructure precinct, including the extension of a sporting oval and 60bay car park that will be home to the Eynesbury Cricket Club and Eynesbury Eagles Football Club once completed.

More than 2400 residents already live within the area.

In more good news, funding for the land for a future primary school has been approved in the State Budget.

Hyde Property Group CEO Russell Jackson said land had been set aside for the school since 2010.

“This is a big milestone for the residents already living at Eynesbury, and future families to come, and we look forward to working with the State Government for the introduction of this new school in future years,” Jackson said.

Planning applications for part of the new town centre will be submitted in the near future. This includes maternal child health, youth facilities and aged care services.

A planning permit is being prepared to allow a pharmacy and doctor to

28 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

operate from the bluestone cottage opposite the land sales office.

“We are pleased to have submitted plans for a number of new stages at Eynesbury, along with the first component of community infrastructure and the extension of Mount Mary Rd to connect residents with Werribee,” Jackson said.

“In addition, works are continuing across a number of new land stages and we expect to reach civil completion on a further 120 blocks by year’s end.”

On the site of a historic farming homestead, surrounded by a championship golf course and extensive reserves, Eynesbury features a number of heritage-listed buildings.

The proposed plans include moves to refurbish four of them for residential use. Hyde Property Group is working closely with Heritage Victoria to ensure the refurbishment adheres to heritage guidelines.

Jackson said Eynesbury has an average lot size of 510sq m, which is 30 per cent larger than the average lot size in the competitive corridor.

“Our blocks’ average price per square metre, is up to 25 per cent cheaper than the average price of the surrounding estates, which clearly represents fantastic value,” he said.

“Eynesbury is the only established community within the area, with our appealing price point and larger lots a strong drawcard for potential buyers, who are searching for a home in a good quality community that is affordable but also has an attractive lifestyle to raise a family or retire.”

For more information, visit eynesbury.com.au or the sales office at 479 Eynesbury Rd, Eynesbury. It opens daily from 11am to 6pm.

Vastu Shastra principles inspire Dennis Family Homes designs

DENNIS Family Homes has recognised the cultural requirements of its growing Indian client base by introducing the Kalimna 273 design into its Inspirations Series.

The design of the Kalimna 273 floorplan has been guided by the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra, the traditional Hindu system of architecture that is thought to have developed between 6000BC and 3000BC. “Over time we have come to understand that many of our customers of Indian heritage have been looking for a home that incorporated a number of the principles of Vastu Shastra,” Dennis Family Homes design manager Kelvyn Rowley said.

“Previously, we’ve had houses that carried some aspects of Vastu Shastra and many Indian customers have been making the necessary modifications to these homes to suit.

“One such example is the Brookdale, which was the closest home in our range to the desired layout configuration for Vastu Shastra, so it became our starting point in developing the Kalimna.

“We have past experience of incorporating design aspects of the Chinese philosophical system Feng Shui into some of our homes, including the positioning of staircases in some of our double-storey designs, but working with Vastu Shastra was a new concept for us.”

Rowley and his team researched the origins and principles of Vastu Shastra and used feedback from customers and Dennis Family Homes sales consultants, particularly those of Indian descent, to create the Kalimna 273.

The key design aspects are positioning the main bedroom to the rear, living room to the front, kitchen in the south-east corner and backing on to a side wall, toilets in the south-west corner and a study that can be utilised as a Pooja room (prayer room) in the north-east corner.

“There are other homes which satisfy the requirements of Vastu Shastra to varying degrees, but we have designed the Kalimna with everything in the optimal position for maximum compliance,” Rowley said.

“Although the Kalimna has been developed with our Indian customers foremost in mind, it is a contemporary four-bedroom home of 27 squares which should have universal appeal among all new-home buyers.”

More details can be found at dennisfamily.com.au.

NEW TO MARKET Happy Days forever in Marriott Waters townhouses

NINE elegant townhouses designed

by Porter Davis have been released in Villawood Properties’ award-winning Marriott Waters community.

The townhouse lots range from 182sq m to 226sq m and will be priced from $519,900 to $584,900.

The three- and four-bedroom homes have been designed with

elegance in mind, but are full of personality – the four-bedroom option is affectionately called the “Fonzie” in a nod to the iconic Happy Days character who lived above the Cunningham family’s garage.

The release comes 10 years after the community’s launch and as Villawood Properties expands its

offering of medium-density dwellings.

Villawood Properties executive director Rory Costelloe said the sustained success of Marriott Waters had been due to the great care and consideration given to the original masterplan.

“A sustained sense of community is something that runs through all

Villawood projects and Marriott Waters is a prime example of how neighbours have formed bonds through the Residents Club, and through watching their kids grow up together.”

Only a short walk from the town centre, the exclusive townhouses will appeal to owner-occupiers and investors. They are close to a primary school, shopping precinct, three major wetlands, parks and walking trails, and the gym, pool and entertainment area of Club Marriott residents club.

CUSTOM LIGHTING E URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 29

INDUSTRY NEWS

Moseley to guide VPA as chief executive PLANNING expert Stuart Moseley has been chosen to help drive Victoria’s blueprint to cater for population growth and build sustainable and healthy new communities.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne announced Moseley as the new chief executive officer of the Victorian Planning Authority last month.

Most recently Deputy Director General of the Queensland Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Moseley is a former CEO of Adelaide City Council and General Manager of Information and Strategy at the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

He is a registered planner, a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and was national vice-president of the Urban Development Institute of Australia.

Moseley takes over from Peter Seamer.

Watermark reaches 250-sales milestone

WATERMARK is ticking all the boxes with buyers, with sales passing the 250 mark just as titles for Stage 1 and 2 have been achieved to allow the first 106 purchasers to start building.

Stages 3, 4 and 5, as well as the major Wetlands Basin, are all under way at one of Armstrong Creek’s fastest-selling new communities.

Stages 6 and 7 are expected to being in Q3 of 2017.

Developer ID_Land and jointventure partner Frank Costa said about 70 per cent of all sales have been from local buyers, with many attracted by the nearby Marshall train station and its excellent access to Geelong, Surf Coast and Melbourne.

The doubling of the rural first home owners grant to $20,000 will add to its appeal.

“We are happy to see so many stages under construction, the first homes under way and new residents will be moving in soon,” ID_LAND

30 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

director Jeff Garvey said. “Savvy buyers are seeing the value of buying into a new suburb, with major infrastructure projects planned for delivery in the coming years, at entry-level prices.

“The City of Greater Geelong is one of the fastest-growing areas in Australia and its population is expected to swell by over 30 per cent in the next 20 years.”

Upon completion, Watermark will feature 550 lots and a 3.5ha central park and wetlands precinct that will offer space to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscaped surrounds.

Watermark is selling blocks in Stage 6, with land ranging from 236sq m to 512sq m. It starts from $142,000.

More details are available at watermarkgeelong.com.au or call 1300 264 985.

The display suite is open daily from 11am–5pm at the corner of Barwon Heads Rd and Reserve Rd, Armstrong Creek.

Police boost as 300 new officers hit the beat MORE than 300 police officers have gone into service across Melbourne’s fast-growing outer suburbs this month.

More than 100 have been posted to Wyndham, Maribyrnong, Melton and Brimbank areas in the west, 89 for the northern suburbs in the Hume, Moonee Valley and Moreland areas, 50 for the south-eastern suburbs including the Casey and Dandenong areas, 45 for the Whittlesea area, and 10 for Geelong.

They are the first of 3135 police to be delivered over five years as part of the Victorian Budget.

This boost will give a stronger and more visible police presence on the street, staff more proactive patrols, and deliver more resources to stop crime from happening in the first place.

The Community Safety Statement set out five priorities including improving Victoria Police capability, culture and technology, reducing harm, increasing connection to the community, putting victims first and holding offenders to account.

Rise in land prices tops nation again MELBOURNE topped the nation for gains in land prices in 2016, despite sales falling in the second half of the year.

HIA-CoreLogic Residential Land Report found the value of lots had increased 16.3 per cent as sales volumes fell 15.2 per cent in the six months to December 2016.

HIA senior economist Shane Garrett said challenging conditions made it harder to improve affordability.

“We need to make it easier and less costly to deliver additional stocks of shovel-ready residential land to market. This can only be done by tackling planning delays in zoning and subdivision, releasing government-held land and improving funding mechanisms for housing infrastructure,” Garrett said.

CoreLogic commercial research analyst Eliza Owen added: “The continued fall of sales volumes against sustained value increases suggests demand is outstripping the available supply of vacant residential lots”.

The report found the weighted median land lot price rose by 4.8 per cent to $254,406 during the December quarter, which was 9.3 per cent higher than a year earlier.

Wood heater option to ease bill worries THREE in four Victorians have expressed concern about their coming winter energy bill.

Australian Home Heating Association general manager Demi Brown said the sentiment was worrying.

“There is no doubt that rising energy costs are hitting the hip pockets of Victorians, particularly during winter when consumption is at its highest,” Brown said.

“While many choose to reduce their heating use over winter in a bid to reduce costs, a more prudent approach is to investigate different forms of heating which are more cost effective

to operate,” Brown said.

One option was wood heating, with findings by CSIRO revealing that firewood produces less greenhouse gas than all other domestic heating options.

In addition, wood heating products are strictly regulated in Australia to ensure that emission outputs remain low.

“In this day and age of environmental concern, many people are looking into renewable energy sources. Burning wood is an inexpensive and pleasant way to heat your home, and unlike fossil fuels, wood is completely renewable,” Brown said.

INDUSTRY NEWS

$25,000 windfall for Somerfield social club Overpass bonus on South Morang line EVENTS at the volunteer-led Somerfield Community Social Club have received a $25,000 boost from Intrapac Property.

Intrapac COO Maxwell Shifman said the club founded in October 2013 by Rolando Navas had been invaluable in creating special memories for families.

Events have included celebrations of the diverse communities within Somerfield, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Easter, Christmas, a snow trip and Talk Like a Pirate Day. “We’re proud to be able to contribute in this way to the hardworking Somerfield Community Social Club, recognising the importance the events have played in creating a cohesive, vibrant and welcoming

community,” Shifman said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to revitalise the Keysborough area, as well as to watch the neighbourhood come alive for residents.

“Not only has it been a savvy investment to buy into Somerfield, but residents have been able to enjoy and create incredible memories for their families, thanks to the social club.

“The club has brought lots of colour, a real community feel to the area and a place for volunteers get to know each other as they help out at the events.”

Only a handful of lots remain for sale at Somerfield, including limited parkfront lots in premium locations.

Buyers can register their interest at Somerfield.com.au.

Lyndarum North release sells out in 90min LYNDARUM North’s latest offering of 25 blocks has sold out in 90 minutes.

Developer AVJennings said this demand was fuelled by the community’s affordability, with land prices starting at $200,000 – about 20 per cent below the state’s median new land price.

Released in December 2016, the master-planned community has attracted 75 per cent of buyers from established surrounding areas such as Epping, Lalor and Reservoir.

AVJennings general manager Angus Johnson said buyers were increasingly finding themselves priced out of the unshakeable established-home market, turning instead to the more affordable new land offerings on the suburban fringe.

“We’re proud to be creating new communities that offer the very best in amenity, design and lifestyle opportunities,” Johnson said.

“Selling out Stage 4 in such a short period of time highlights the quality of Lyndarum North’s offering, providing buyers with affordable access to leading industry builders and close proximity to local amenities and key transport routes.”

Just 25km from Melbourne’s CBD, Lyndarum North will be a wellconnected, liveable community with easy access to the Hume Freeway, Epping Rd and Craigieburn railway station.

The Lyndarum North Sales and Information Centre is sited on the corner of De Rossi Blvd and Epping Rd, or go to lyndarumnorth.com.au.

A PEDESTRIAN overpass has been added to the design of the Mernda train station that will be built as part of the extension of the South Morang line.

About $7.4 million from the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) fund will go towards a pedestrian overpass, which is being built as part of the Mernda Rail Extension.

The pedestrian overpass will mean commuters can catch their train more quickly and avoid crossing busy Bridge Inn Rd to get to the station. Construction will begin in the

Principal appointed for Geelong special development school AN inaugural principal, Suzanne Armstrong, has been appointed to lead North Geelong Special Development School.

Opening next year, North Geelong Special Development School will provide specialist education services for students with a disability from ages five to 18.

The school, which will have capacity for 168 students, will feature a hydrotherapy pool, games hall and sensory gym area, liberty swing for children in wheelchairs, and dedicated spaces for healthcare professionals.

Armstrong has been principal of Colac Specialist School since July 2006.

coming months, with a site office now established to house up to 150 project staff at 323 McDonalds Rd, Epping.

Three state-of-the-art stations - at Mernda, Hawkstowe and near Marymede Catholic College - will be built as part of the 8km extension of the rail line.

The stations are expected to open in 2019.

The $588 million project will also deliver train stabling north of Bridge Inn Rd, walking and cycling paths between stations, and up to 2000 car parking spaces.

Casey tops state for fast sales FOUR suburbs within the city of Casey were among the state’s fastest-selling suburbs for houses in the year to January.

CoreLogic’s Property Pulse found Tooradin (eight days), Cockatoo (11 days), Narre Warren (12 days) and Hampton Park (12 days) were in the top 10 for shortest median selling time. Diggers Rest (10 days) was also in the mix.

Endeavour Hills, also in Casey, was the state’s quickest suburb in terms of units with an average of only nine days on market.

Research analyst Cameron Kusher said the rising prices in outer regions highlighted “how housing demand has rippled outwards from the capital cities as prices rise”.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 31

KEY FEATURES INCLUDE: • Great value land in a family friendly environment • Educational facilities from Kindergarten to Year 12 • Established walking paths and bike trails • Over 10ha of open space and parklands

DISCOVER THE HERE AND NOW! Life is already sweet at Lollipop Hill and the next exciting stage of this fastgrowing area at Manor Lakes is ready to commence.

Many happy families have made their home at Lollipop Hill since its launch in 2014 and it is poised for considerable expansion in the future, with over 580 lots still to be developed in this new area.

Still to come within the continuation of the Lollipop Hill neighbourhood is the proposed construction of a new government school, complete with kindergarten. This purposebuilt education hub will be adjacent to a fabulous eight-hectare sportsground that will include sporting ovals with lighting, a cricket pitch, practice nets, car parking and associated facilities.

To further support the young families of Lollipop Hill, a brand new park and playground will be built, following on the popularity of the established Lollipop Hill Park. Since its opening in 2016, Lollipop Hill Park has proven to be a family favourite with the local community and has become a busy meeting place. The large playground, flying fox and basketball half-court appeal to children of all ages and the nearby BBQ facilities and tables make entertaining easy.

The future looks bright for Lollipop Hill as a continued focus on community building and affordability makes the precinct the perfect destination and great value for young families.

To find out more please contact our sales team on 9371 0277 or register at manorlakes.com.au

LAND NOW SELLING

• Easy access to existing Manor Lakes Shopping Centre and train station • Fully equipped Community Centre with maternal health and library

LAND ESTATES ABIWOOD Berwick (S) Gera Waters gerawaters.com.au

DENNIS FAMILY CORPORATION

Westmeadows (N)

Curlewis (G)

Valley Park, Cnr Valley Park Blvd & Dimboola Rd.

(Open seven days)

www.frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/Valley-Park/ Contact-Us

Cnr Appleby St and Jetty Rd, Curlewis Parks Estate curlewisparks.com.au

Carrum Downs (S)

Armstrong Creek (G) Ashbury sales office: 55 Myers St

Silverbark, Cnr Wedge & McCormicks Rd silverbark.com.au

Open 11am-5pm

HALLMARC

Burnside (W) Modeina sales office: 6 Lexington Dr, Burnside

Lake Nagambie (R)

Cnr English St & Donnybrook Rd, Kinbrook Estate Donnybrook

Enter via Vickers Rd, Elloura Estate

yourkinbrook.com.au

Point Cook (W)

Mickleham (N)

Waterhaven Blvd (off Dunnings Rd) Waterhaven Estate

Donnybrook Rd, Annadale Estate Mickleham annadale.com.au

ID LAND

Point Lonsdale (G)

manorlakes.com.au

BROWN PROPERTY GROUP

Open 10am-5pm

Armstrong Creek (G)

Thepointpointlonsdale.com.au

Open daily, 11am-5pm

Truganina (W) Westbrook Sales Office: Leakes Rd (near cnr Morris Rd) westbrookestate.com.au

Watermark Estate, 560 Barwon Heads Rd

Clyde North (S) Clydevale, 660 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd (Cnr Hardys Rd) clydevaleliving.com.au The Radius, 291 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd theradius.com.au

Clyde North (S) Highgrove, Cnr Berwick-Cranbourne Rd & Newbridge Blvd highgrove.com.au Meridian Clyde, Cnr Thompsons Rd & Stoneleigh Rd meridianclyde.com.au

CUSTODIAN LAND Melton South (W) 1256-1258 Mount Cottrell Rd, The Millstone

ashburyestate.com.au

www.modeina.com.au By appointment Manor Lakes (W) Manor Lakes sales office: 2 Eppalock Dr

Open 10am-5pm

FRASERS PROPERTY Burwood East (S) Prospect Park Burwood

watermarkgeelong.com.au Truganina (W) Elements Estate, 778 Dohertys Rd Elements.com.au Wollert (N) Amber Estate, Cnr Craigieburn Rd East & Vearings Rd Amberwollert.com.au

prospectpark.com.au

INTRAPAC PROPERTY

Casiana Grove, Cnr Everlasting Blvd & Cranbourne-Frankston Rd

Keysborough (S)

Sunbury (N) 100 Phillip Dr, Brookhaven Estate

Open daily, 11am-6pm

brookhaven.com.au

Greenvale (N)

DACLAND

Greenvale Gardens, 1075 Mickleham Rd frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/Greenvale-Gardens

Open daily, 11am-5pm

Open Sat-Wed, noon-4pm

Cranbourne West (S)

Deanside (W) Neale Rd, Deanside Community (Rockbank) Donnybrook (N)

Lakes Entrance Dr, The Point Point Lonsdale South Morang (N) Bushmans Way, Plenty Gorge Views

NATIONAL PACIFIC PROP. (Open seven days, 11am-5pm) Clyde (S) Eliston, Discovery Centre: 20 Pattersons Rd eliston.com.au

Cranbourne West (S)

Clyde North (S) Berwick Waters, 5 Riverstone Blvd frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/Berwick-Waters

themillstone.com.au

Open Sat-Thu, noon-3pm

Cnr Perry Rd & Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate somerfield.com.au Torquay (G) Cnr Surf Coast Hwy & Merrigig Dr, Quay2 Estate quay2.com.au Truganina (S)

Hartleigh, 100 Pattersons Rd hartleighclyde.com.au Curlewis (G) Bayview, Centennial Blvd bvbellarine.com.au Donnybrook (N) Kallo, Cnr Donnybrook Rd & Langley Park Dr kallo.com.au

Parkville (N)

Woods Rd, Ellarook Estate ellarook.com.au

NATIONAL PROPERTY BUYERS

Lochaven, 665 Hall Rd lochaven.com.au

Parkside, 81 Galada Ave

Werribee (W)

Mernda (N) 25 Regent St, Regent Views Estate

Lara (G)

Open daily, noon-3pm

Alfred Rd, Alwood Estate alwood.com.au

Manzeene Village, 5 Manzeene Ave manzeenevillage.com.au

Point Cook (W) Life, Point Cook, Cnr Point Cook Rd & Saltwater Prom

MOREMAC PROPERTY GROUP

NEWLAND DEVELOPERS

frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/Point-Cook

Berwick (S)

6 Anglet Way, Warralily Coast Estate

Open Sat-Wed, 11am-5pm

322-340 Centre Rd, Alira Estate Aliraberwick.com.au

Warralily Promenade, 844 Barwon Heads Rd, Armstrong Creek

Clyde North (S)

warralily.com.au

Grices Rd, Clyde North Kilora Park at The Boulevard

Beveridge (N)

Theboulevardestate.com.au

mandalayliving.com.au

Tarneit (W) Rothwell, Dohertys Rd rothwellvillages.com.au

frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/ParksideParkville

Sunbury (N)

regentviews.com.au

Armstrong Creek (G)

Werribee (W) King’sleigh, 46 Alfred Rd kingsleigh.com.au

Sunbury Fields, 275 Racecourse Rd frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/Sunbury

Wyndham Vale (W)

Wallan (N)

Wynbrook Wyndham Vale, Cnr Ballan & Hobbs Rd

Wallara Waters, 54 Wallara Waters Blvd frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/Wallara-Waters

Cranbourne North (S)

Clyde (S)

Bendigo Court Estate

365 Clyde-Five Ways Rd, Belmond On Clyde

wynbrook.com.au

Open Sat-Thu, 11am-5pm

Soon to be released

belmondonclyde.com.au

34 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Open Sat-Thu, 11am-5pm

450 Mandalay Circuit, Mandalay Estate

PASK GROUP Clyde North (S) 211 Grices Rd, Circa 1886 Estate

Mernda (N) Cnr Bridge Inn Rd & Galloway Dr, Mernda Villages Estate

circaberwick.com.au

Point Cook (W)

PEET

Tarneit (W)

Craigieburn (N)

534 Hogans Rd, The Grove Estate

2/8 Valiant Cres, Aston Craigieburn Estate

Truganina (W)

Cranbourne (S)

11 Mainview Blvd, Allura Estate

CLOVERTON (N)

333 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate

Craig Rd, Acacia Botanic Ridge Estate 53-65 Craig Rd, Summerhill Estate

VILLAWOOD PROPERTIES

Greenvale (N)

Clyde North (S)

Mickleham Rd (cnr Destination Dr & Horizon Blvd), Aspect Greenvale Estate Livingston (S) Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East Tarneit (W) 830 Leakes Rd, Haven Estate Cnr Leakes Rd & Tarneit Rd, Little Green Estate

Delaray, Delaray Waters, 460 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd delaray.villawoodproperties.com.au Leopold (G) Estuary, Melaluka Rd estuary.villawoodproperties.com.au Open by appointment only

Tarneit Rd, Newhaven Estate

Lyndhurst (S)

Werribee (W)

Aquarevo, 28 Boland Dr

383 Black Forest Rd, Cornerstone Werribee Estate

aquarevo.villawoodproperties.com.au

RESI VENTURES Beveridge (N) 45 Arrowsmith Rd

Marriott Waters, Cnr Thompsons Rd & Rymada St marriottwaters.villawoodproperties.com.au Mickleham (N) Waratah, 425 Donnybrook Rd

Gisborne (W)

Waratah.villawoodproperties.com.au

43 Brooking Rd (cnr Brady Rd), Golden Views Estate goldenviews.com.au

Mount Duneed (G)

Greenvale (N) 1035 Mickleham Rd, Greenvale Orchards Estate

Armstrong, 7-21 Armstrong Blvd armstrong.villawoodproperties.com.au Plumpton (W)

Dorrington St, Willows Edge

Aspire, Sales office temporarily closed (Reopening mid 2017)

Plumpton (W)

Refer to aspire.villawoodproperties.com.au

Taylors Rd, Monument Estate Sales office coming soon Rockbank (W) 1220 Leakes Rd, Accolade Rockbank South Morang (N)

Point Cook (W) Alamanda, 2 Paradise Pde villawoodproperties.com.au Sunbury (N)

510 Findon Rd, Eucalia Estate

Sherwood, Racecourse Rd villawoodproperties.com.au

STOCKLAND

Redstone Hill, Redstone Hill Rd villawoodproperties.com.au

Clyde (S) 125 Tuckers Rd, Edgebrook Estate Craigieburn Highlands (N) 1 North Shore Dr, Highlands Estate Kalkallo (N) Cnr Dwyer St & Design Way, Cloverton Estate

Truganina (W) Albright, 755 Dohertys Rd albright.villawoodproperties.com.au Wollert (N) Rathdowne, Craigieburn Rd East villawoodproperties.com.au

BIG in size and appeal, Cloverton is the largest master-planned community ever undertaken in Victoria.

Destined to stretch across 1141ha in an area equivalent to spanning from Albert Park to Brunswick, the Stockland community at Kalkallo is expected to have 30,000 residents when complete. It already has more than 150 residents.

Branded as ‘One City, Many Places’, the $3.6 billion development will also feature a 52ha city centre with a regional retail precinct and medium-density living options (including apartments), an education precinct, medical precinct, transport hub and a retirement village.

Cloverton will have four town centres, each with a school and shops. They will link with one another and the city centre through an extensive network of bike and walking paths.

Stockland’s Victorian general manager Mike Davis said the community would become a city in its own right.

More than 750 home sites have already been sold, with more than 11,000 affordable and stylish new homes to be created over the next three decades.

“It has been a busy 12 months for Cloverton, which is going ahead in leaps and bounds. The first roads have been constructed and the first facilities have opened,” Davis said. “These include a state-of-the-art Sales and Information Centre, a new cafe and an inclusive playground. In addition, more than 90 residences have been built and scores more are under construction.”

Recently awarded the Green Building Council of Australia’s 6 Star Green Star – Community rating, Cloverton will ultimately have 17 parks and five sports precincts totalling 46ha of sporting fields.

Stockland will also play its part to restore the ecological health of Merri Creek, retaining 80ha of conservation open space around the creek.

The inclusive playground features slides from an 8m tower, a water play area, a flying fox, and a sculpture garden - with the play elements telling the story of the Wurundjeri people, the traditional owners of the land.

Already connected to the city via the nearby Donnybrook train station in the east and Hume Fwy to the west, Cloverton is 38km from Melbourne’s central business district.

Community spirit is already soaring, with a Backyard Picnic Party attracting residents to take part in tug-o-war, egg and spoon races and cricket. A meeting space is being created within the Vision Centre, a free Live Life Get Active fitness program has begun, and a Cloverton community page has started at facebook. com/clovertonvic Website: stockland.com.au/cloverton Block sizes: 221sq m–576sq m Price: $170,000-$335,000 Address: Cnr Dwyer St & Design Way, Kalkallo Open: Daily, 10am-5pm

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 35

MERRIFIELD ESTATE (N)

CLEVERLY combining open-plan living and privacy, Fairhaven Homes’ Newport 361 is perfect for the blended family.

The 36.31-square home has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a theatre room, three living areas, study and a double garage. The family room has a built-in fireplace, and a support beam with shelving that separates it from the kitchen and dining areas. The L-shaped kitchen is stacked with Westinghouse appliances, including a five-burner gas cooktop and rangehood, oven, integrated microwave and Dishlex dishwasher.

Upstairs are a study, rumpus room and bedrooms. The main suite has a mirrored walk-through robe, and en suite with a double shower (including rain shower), double vanity and toilet. All four bedrooms have double wardrobes, and share a large bathroom, with a shower, tub and vanity, and separate powder room.

Price: From $275,500 8 Hawksburn Pl, Mickleham

DISPLAY HOMES

DIRECTORY ARDEN HOMES

BURBANK HOMES

(Open seven days, 11am-5pm)

(Open seven days, 11am-5pm)

Botanic Ridge (S) 6-8 Gumleaf Pl, Acacia Estate

Armstrong Creek (G) Maroubra St, Warralily DV3 Estate

Clyde North (S) Cnr Tallrush St & Littleshore Cres, Berwick Waters Estate

Botanic Ridge (S) Gumleaf Pl, Acacia Estate

Keysborough (S) Cnr Westwood Blvd & Alderberry Rd, Somerfield Estate Point Cook (W) Cnr Gramercy Blvd & Flagstaff Cres, The Address Estate Roxburgh Park (N) Cnr Dawnview Cres & Topiary Way, True North Estate Wollert (N) Cnr Bloom Cres & Dundee Rd, Lyndarum Estate

BENTLEY HOMES (Open weekdays noon-5pm, 11am-5pm weekends) Craigieburn (N) 11-13 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Kalkallo (N) 12-14 McInerney Rd, Cloverton Estate Mernda (N) 22-26 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Tarneit (W) 3-5 Isdell St, The Grove Estate 36 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Burnside (W) 1 Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate Clyde North (S) Sedge St, Berwick Waters Estate 6 Murphy St, Clydevale Estate Craigieburn (N) 18 Dashing Rd, Aston Estate 3 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate

Melton (W) 1 Willandra Blvd, Willandra Estate

Craigieburn (N) Dashing Rd, Aston Estate

Melton South (W) 10 Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate

Highlander Dr, Highlands Estate

Mernda (N) 18 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Mickleham (N) 48 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Officer (S) 20 Hardwick Pl, Timbertop Estate Point Cook (W) 24 Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate 12 Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Rockbank (W) 5 Rush St, Woodlea Estate Roxburgh Park (N) Dawnview Cres, True North Estate Sunbury (N) 10 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate Tarneit (W) 56 Heartlands Blvd, Heartlands Estate Isdell St, The Grove Estate Truganina (W) Bolte Dr, Elements Estate Wantirna South (S) 2B Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate

Cranbourne East (S) 23 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate

Werribee (W) 5 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

Cranbourne North (S) 5 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate

Wollert (N) 24 Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate

Cranbourne West (S) 3 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate Doreen (N) 1 Mensa Circuit, Plenty River Estate Fyansford (G) 4 Casey Blvd, Gen Fyansford Estate Greenvale (N) 20 Destination Dr, Aspect Estate

Wyndham Vale (W) 11 Memory Cres, Jubilee Estate

DENNIS FAMILY HOMES (Open 11am-5pm daily. Ph: 1800 336 647) Armstrong Creek (G) Maroubra St, Warralily Coast Estate

Keysborough (S) 3 Olivetree Dr, Somerfield Estate

Burnside (W) Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate By appointment

Lucas (Regional) 18 Eleanor Dr, Lucas. Open Mon-Wed 11am5pm, weekends 11am-5pm

Clyde North (S) Littleshore Cres, Berwick Waters Estate Moxham Dr, Highgrove Estate

Cranbourne East (S) Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Diggers Rest (N) Sully Court, Bloomdale Estate Greenvale (N) Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Estate Manor Lakes (W) Dalrymple Blvd, Manor Lakes Estate Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Estate Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Mount Duneed (G) Native Ave, Armstrong Estate Ocean Grove (G) Sacramento St, Oakdene Estate Officer (S) Penshurst Cres, Timbertop Estate Point Cook (W) Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate Rockbank (W) Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Tarneit (W) Bandicoot Loop, Habitat Estate Wollert (N) Bloom Cres, Lyndarum North Estate Wyndham Vale (W) Congregation Circuit, Jubilee Estate

EIGHT HOMES (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 19-21 Elouera St, Warralily Coast Estate Craigieburn (N) 7-9 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Cranbourne East (S) 13 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate

Cranbourne North (S) 268-270 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate

LONG ISLAND HOMES

Cranbourne West (S) 14-16 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate

Diggers Rest (N) Sully Ct, Bloomdale Estate

(Open daily 11am-5pm)

Clyde North (S) Sedge St, Berwick Waters Estate Callow Ave, Highgrove Estate Craigieburn (N) Valiant Cres, Aston Estate

Kalkallo (N) 7-9 McInerney Rd, Cloverton Estate

Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate

Melton South (W) 14-16 Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate

Mount Duneed (G) Unity Dr, Armstrong Estate

Mernda (N) 19-23 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages

Point Cook (W) Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate

Point Cook (W) 20-22 Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate

Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate

Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages

Rockbank (W) Cross Lane, Woodlea Estate

Officer (S) Upton Dr, Timbertop Estate

Rockbank (W) 14-16 Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Tarneit (W) 36-38 Bandicoop Loop, Habitat Estate Truganina (W) 31 Bolte Dr, Elements Estate Wyndham Vale (W) 4-6 Brookside Dr, Jubilee Estate

HALLMARC (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm)

Tarneit (W) Bandicoot Loop, Habitat Estate

PACE DEVELOPMENTS Pace of Collingwood 75 Wellington St. Display suite at 51 Langridge St, Collingwood. Open Wed-Fri 4pm-7pm, weekends 10am-1pm.

Paceofcollingwood.com.au

Greenvale (N) Destination Drive (off Mickleham Rd), Aspect Estate Keysborough (S) Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate

Point Cook (W) Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate Rockbank (W) Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Romsey (Regional) Melbourne-Lancefield Rd, Lomandra Estate Sunbury (N) Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate

HEARTLANDS ESTATE (W)

Balwyn (S) Austin Apartments, Whitehorse Rd

Cranbourne North (S) 805d Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Tulliallan Estate Fyansford (G) 15 Casey Blvd, Gen Fyansford Estate Lara (G) 121-123 Flinders Ave, Lara Central Estate Mernda (N) 24-26 Merno Dr, Mernda Villages Estate Mount Duneed (G) 465 Surf Coast Hwy, Armstrong Estate 18-20 Coastside Dr, Warralily Coast Estate Point Cook (W) 333 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate

Fyansford (G) 5 Casey Blvd, Gen Fyansford Estate Greenvale (N) 44 Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Estate Grovedale (G) 295-297 Torquay Rd, Grovedale Estate Keysborough (S) Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate Lara (G) 4 Caddys Rd, Lara Central Estate Melton West (W) 3 Willandra Blvd, Willandra Estate Mernda (N) 21 Riberry Cres, Berry Lane Estate Lot 6218 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Mickleham (N) 3-5 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate

Rockbank (W) Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate

JG KING

Cranbourne East (S) 39-41 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate

Drysdale (G) 7 Centennial Blvd, Curlewis Park Estate

Point Cook (W) 9-11 Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate

Point Cook (W) Promenade Apartments, Waterhaven Avington, 50 Saltwater Promenade avingtonliving.com.au

Craigieburn (N) 6-8 Star Way, Aston Estate

Diggers Rest (W) 13 Sully Ct, Bloomdale Estate

Officer (S) 12 Hardwick Pl, Timbertop Estate

Melbourne (S) Arthur Apartments, 14 Queens Rd

Armstrong Creek (G) 15-17 Maroubra St, Warralily Coast Estate

Cranbourne West (S) 12 Fintona Cres, Clarinda Park Estate

Mount Duneed (G) 30 Unity Dr, Armstrong Estate

Highett (S) Vista, Kingston Park Apartments

(Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm)

Cranbourne East (S) Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate

OVERWHELMED with costs and decisions? This four-bedroom Simonds home is a great design to choose for your first home.

With the exception of blinds, airconditioning, al fresco and ceiling height, the fabulous Rathdowne package comes as presented.

Plush carpet and double windows fit out the clean and modern main

bedroom, which is at the quiet front of the house. A walk-in-robe and en suite are included.

Cooking is effortless in the neat kitchen, which has the benefits of a large oven and rangehood, double sink and there’s space for a double fridge.

Romsey (R) 2671 Melbourne-Lancefield Rd, Lomandra Estate Sunbury (N) 233 Gap Rd, Gap Road Estate Tarneit (W) Leakes Rd, Heartlands Estate 60 Bandicoot Loop, Habitat Estate Taylors Hill (W) Belmont Ct, Taylors Hill Estate

Price: From $173,000 Leakes Rd, Tarneit

Werribee (W) 18 Bloom St, Riverwalk Estate Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

Pace of Doncaster East 3-11 Mitchell St. Display suite at 3 Mitchell St, Doncaster East. Open Wed-Sun, 11am-3pm.

Paceofdoncastereast.com.au

Tarneit (W) Bandicoot Loop, Habitat Estate

Williams Landing (W) 21 Palmers Rd, Williams Landing Estate

Truganina (W) Brunswick Dr, Elements Estate

Pace of Northcote 5 Beavers Rd, Northcote.

Open Wed-Fri noon-4pm, weekends 1-4pm.

Paceofnorthcote.com.au

Wantirna South (S) Appledale Way, Harcrest Estate

Wollert (N) 51 Evolve Espl, Summerhill Estate Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate

PORTER DAVIS

Wollert (N) Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate

(Open daily 11am-5pm)

Werribee (W) Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate

SIMONDS HOMES

Rockbank (W) 18-20 Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate

Armstrong Creek (G) Armstrong Blvd, Armstrong Estate Elouera St, Warralily Estate

Romsey (N) Greenfields Blvd, Lomandra Estate

Ballarat (Regional) Eleanor Dr, Lucas Estate

Tarneit (W) 7 Isdell St, The Grove Estate

Botanic Ridge (S) Gumleaf Pl, Acacia Estate

Clyde North (S) 240 Sedge St, Berwick Waters Estate Callow Ave, Highgrove Estate 12-14 Welsh Cres, Clydevale Estate

Werribee (W) 150 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

Brighton East (S) 333 South Rd

Craigieburn (N) 79 Whitfield Cres, Highlands Estate

(Open weekdays noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm)

Wyndham Vale (W) 33 Memory Cres, Jubilee Estate

URBANEDGE (Open Mon-Wed noon-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm) Armstrong Creek (G) 9-11 Decourcy Way, Warralily Coast Estate Cranbourne North (S) 264 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate Greenvale (N) 21-23 Destination Dr, Aspect Greenvale Estate Keysborough (S) 5 Olivetree Blvd, Somerfield Estate Point Cook (W) Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 37

BENDIGO

Maiden Gully

Strathdale

HWY

Golden Square

McIVO

Strathfieldsaye

R HW

21

Y

STRAT HF I

WH ER E TO FI N D EL

DSAYE

cI

M

CALDER

WY N H

White Hills

R VO

RD

HW

Y

CALD ER H WY

PORTER DAVIS

Maldon

HEATH C O TE

A HWY

A HWY

- MALD WATER BRIDGE

- KY NTON RD E

ON RD

10 MIDLAND HWY

Maryborough

Huntly

CAMERONS LN

BEVERIDGE RD

CAMERONS LN

22 BEVERIDGE RD

Eaglehawk

Epsom White Hills

WIMMER

WIMMER

A HWY

HWY

BO

RN

Doreen

Strathfieldsaye

R HW

Greenvale

Y

STRAT HF I

DSAYE

Diamond Creek

CALD

Jerichco

ER H

BAC HUS MA C

13

McIVO

21

RD

9

14 Wollert

Strathdale

Golden Square

LDON RD

Greenvale

11 12

Doreen

BENDIGO

Maiden Gully

EL

13

R S H - G IS

Wollert

Marong

- MA WATER

WY

Diamond Creek Plumpton

Warrandyte

5

Wonga Park

Warrandyte

Park Orchards

Maldon

Wonga Park

17

Mt Rowan

8 Truganina

Cardigan

CANTERBURY RD

23

Invermay Park Nerrina

- KY NTON RD E

15

6

TE

Habitat Tarneit

CANTERBURY RD

HEATH C O

Sulky

Park Orchards Maryborough

Gong Gong

Lake Gardens Soldiers Hill

Alfredton

Williams Landing

7

t Cook

3

4

17

15

KNOCKDOWN & REBUILD D I S P L AY

Delacombe Smythes Creek

Warrenhelp

Canadian Rendan Mt Pleasant

Bonshaw

Dunnstown

Magpie

Point Cook

Cambrian Hill

Mt Helen

Scarsdale

18 19 20

Officer

17 Clyde North

18

Aspendale

19

Edithvale

20

Officer

Glengarry

17

Yallourn North

Clyde North Sulky

23

Trafalgar

Gong Gong

Lake Gardens Soldiers Hill

Delacombe Smythes Creek

Rendan Mt Pleasant

Bonshaw Magpie Cambrian Hill

Traralgon Morwell

Hazelwood North

Alfredton

Canadian

24

BO

1 2

Cardigan

Invermay Park Nerrina

Moe

RN

Yarragon

Mt Rowan

WY

SH

CE

IN PR

E RD

Edithvale

Warrenhelp

Churchill Dunnstown

Mt Helen

R S H - G IS

Aspendale

BAC HUS MA C

11 12

14

E RD

A HWY

BRIDGE

4

WIMMER

WIMMER

CALDER

Marong

Scarsdale

Mirboo North

Map is for illustrative purposes only and is not to scale.

Jeeralang North