Urban Life September 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL.2, ED.5

C H A R L IE A L B O N E LIVING (ROOM) ON A BUDGET • TARA DENNIS • INNER HEALTH INDUSTRY NEWS • DISPLAY HOME & LAND ESTATE DIRECTORY

BEST DISPLAY HOMES

2017

MELBOURNE’S UP-AND-COMING SUBURBS

Pressed for time and the chance to see some fantastic new display homes?

Get ready to explore greater Melbourne’s display villages from the comfort of your home via a free eBook.

Urban Life staff are producing an eBook of the best display homes they have seen in Melbourne and Geelong, and you’ll soon be able to download it for free from urbanlifemag.com.au.

It’s expected to feature at least 80 homes from builders big and small, as well as informative articles on how to make your new-home dream a reality.

Watch this space!

MORE THAN

80 REVIEWS

contents SEPTEMBER // 2017

FEATURES 8-9 PICK OF THE LOT Josie Heppell is given $5000 and free rein to decorate her living room 12-14 QUALITY TIME Tara Dennis offers timely advice on how to improve your new home with less

16.

16-20 A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS Selling Houses Australia host Charlie Albone talks gardens and family joy 26-27 GUT INSTINCT The health benefits of fermented drinks can be yours with a little patience

REGULARS 4, 29

INSIDERS

5

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

7, 28

DISPLAY HOME REVIEWS

22-23

PRACTICAL MAGIC

30-32

INDUSTRY NEWS

34-37

AND ESTATES, DISPLAY HOMES L DIRECTORY

8.

12.

WELCOME W

HAT would you buy if given $5000 to furnish your living room?

Many people would likely opt for a wall-hung TV, designer chair or chic lighting in a bid to make a statement. We challenged our work experience student Josie to choose her look, and she responded with terrific results.

At a time of year when many home owners opt to freshen the look in their home, we also speak to decorating guru Tara Dennis about what works wonders in her abode and her philosophy of ‘Buy better, buy less’.

With the blooming of spring comes the increased activity at land sales offices and display villages, where buyers gain inspiration from the fantastic designs, decor and trends.

To help you on your dream home journey, we’re compiling an eBook of the year’s best display homes from builders large and small.

It will feature more than 90 homes that you can visit. Rest assured, we’ll let you know when it’s available as a free download from our website.

Keeping the spirit of spring alive, we turn to award-winning landscape designer Charlie Albone to unlock some of his secrets about creating something special outdoors.

We also hear the thoughts of new Victorian Planning Authority chief Stuart Moseley about creating better communities.

As always, enjoy the read.

Ross McGravie EDITOR

SCAN ME! For a unique interactive experience, download the Urban Life app and scan with a mobile device when you see this phone icon.

Available at the App Store and Google Play.

26.

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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INSIDER

What attracted you to the industry (and when)?

The opportunity to shape urban environments and help deliver better places for people to live, work and play. The industry works at the intersection between the economy, communities and the environment – it’s all about getting the balance right, putting the pieces together and creating memorable built environments. I love that combination. I have worked in the industry since leaving university (too long ago to be specific) and have enjoyed the diversity and immediacy of the industry across five state and territory jurisdictions, all spheres of government and the private sector.

What do you love most about the industry?

The urban development sector builds the suburbs and neighbourhoods that we need in order to prosper and thrive. It’s a proactive industry that finds solutions and gets on with the job. It’s diverse, pragmatic and outcomes-oriented, with plenty of challenges.

Best change?

The best change is the strengthening emphasis on design quality in new developments – on the urban fringe and in our renewal precincts. More and more, the industry is recognising that good design adds value – it’s not an afterthought that costs money, it’s a precondition that delivers value.

If you had the power, how would you improve the process?

I would find a magic formula to shorten and improve our processes so they deliver better outcomes sooner. There is no doubt that planning laws are too complex and processes are too opaque. While much good work is being done to redress this, we need to think through the role of regulation and stop ourselves being dragged too far along the curve of diminishing returns.

Stuart Moseley

What’s the biggest misconception people have about planning and building?

I think people overestimate how much control planners have, and underestimate the influence of other urban professions, particularly engineering. When people see an outcome they don’t like or don’t understand, they too often say “planners are to blame”, when in fact it’s the decisions of a whole lot of players that have delivered the result. Planners are important, but they don’t rule the world.

VICTORIAN PLANNING AUTHORITY

What do you consider your greatest challenge (in the industry)?

Delivering great results requires that all stakeholders own the process and the outcomes – this takes real effort, but is essential if we want to change our cities for the better. For example, how do we get all agencies and service providers on the same page? How do we bring the community with us on a journey of change?

How do we balance competing interests across the economy, community and environment sectors? The industry deals with these challenges every day, and must work through them to get an outcome every time.

If building tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

Smart building technology, especially music streaming to every room.

Biggest regret?

Historically, not being able to persuade the engineers at a particular (unnamed) South Australian council to allow trees to be planted in the parking lane of streets in a new estate – meaning that the opportunity to create shade and green the streets was lost. It’s something that has been done quite often (think of the avenue of plane trees on the way into Bendigo) but seems to be all too hard these days.

What tips would you give for future-proofing a home?

Make sure the rooms are a functional size and there is ample storage space. A lot of things can be adjusted over time. But if the spaces are wrong to start with, then your options are very limited. Think about what your priorities are for the space you can afford – don’t opt for that third bathroom and the cinema room unless you can afford them without giving up something else more important.

Worst trend?

Planning has spent a long time designing cities around the motor car rather than around people – a trend thankfully being reversed in our new suburbs as we build for cycling, walking and public transport as well as cars.

What do you think building a home will be like in 2030?

I think there will be many more choices in many more areas than we have now, in terms of land size, dwelling type and construction technology – the ageing of the baby boomer generation will make sure of that.

Chief executive Victorian Planning Authority 4 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

Inside story

By Nicole Bittar Warmth, style and rusticity combine to equal ultimate interior charm.

With floors to adore in natural finishes that are the epitome of durability, you’ll be assured of always putting your best foot forward.

These easy pieces of French designer chic are as artful to behold as they are functional upon which to perch, serve, delight or alight.

With a few key additions to your clean-lined spaces, being beautiful on the inside is never in doubt and forever within reach.

1. La Chance Swan Light in white Designed by: Guillaume Delvigne RRP: $1440.

Living Edge 1300 132 154 livingedge.com.au 2. La Chance Salute side table Designed by: Sebastian Herkner RRP: $2745.

Living Edge 1300 132 154 livingedge.com.au 3. La Chance Bolt Stool in natural Beech wood with orange lacquered ring Designed by: Note Design Studio RRP: $990.

Living Edge 1300 132 154 livingedge.com.au 4. HW3190 oak willow rustic-grade pre-assembled Chevron engineered timber flooring planks Range: Design from Havwoods RRP: $114.50 per square metre Havwoods 1300 428 966 havwoods.com.au 5. RECM2124 genuine reclaimed oak rill engineered timber flooring Range: Relik RRP: $184.50 per square metre Havwoods 1300 428 966 www.havwoods.com.au

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 5

udiavic.com.au

VIC

CE

DE IN L I HO VE R US IN IN G G EX EN CE

LL

D I S P L AY H O M E

Porter Davis - Hoffman Villa 37 (Lonsdale facade) WE LOVE

DOUBLE STOREY

ü Multifunctional island bench ü Understairs laundry ü Split-level option for sloping blocks

URBAN LIFE SAYS: “Step inside

for a whole new level of easy living.”

THE

4

HOFFMAN VILLA 37

3

2

Land Min. Lot Width#: Min. Lot Depth#:

WITH BALMAIN FAÇADE

BED 4 FAMILY

KITCHEN

2

12.5m+ | 41ft+ 30.0m+ | 98ft 42in+

BED 4

BED 3

GALLEY

GALLEY

DINING

PTRY

STUDY

BATH

WC BATH

WC

WIL

WIL

BED 2

BED 2

PTRY

VOID PDR

BED 3

KITCHEN

DINING

STUDY

1

DESIGNED TO SUIT

STANDARD FLOORPLAN

FAMILY

1

House (width x length): 11.50m x 19.50m

VOID

PDR MUD

FOYER MUD

FOYER

LAUNDRY

GAMES

LAUNDRY

GAMES MWIR 2

ENTRY

HOME THEATRE ENTRY

MWIR 1

HOME THEATRE

GARAGE

ENSUITE WC

GARAGE

PORCH

Room Sizes

MWIR 1 MASTER BEDROOM

ENSUITE

MWIR 2

WC

PORCH

MASTER BEDROOM

C

LEVER design touches add panache and practicality to the 36.83 squares of easy living that is the Hoffman Villa 37.

The front sitting room provides a quiet space complemented by its Heat ‘N’ Glo fireplace with marble surround.

Designed to overcome the issue of lower garage heights with sloping blocks, the split-level additions of a powder room, linen press and mudroom cleverly link the garage with the rest of the home.

Equally memorable is the L-shaped laundry under the stairs.

But the informal living domain is where the design shines brightest.

Complete with a study nook to one side, the light-filled family living and dining zone opens to the chic al fresco via the living room.

However, it’s the multifunctional island bench (breakfast bar, open shelving and storage) in the kitchen that catches the eye. Complemented by a picture window and bench placement that creates a boxed bay window effect, the kitchen is equipped with Fisher & Paykel appliances (integrated double fridge and freezer, fiveburner gas cooktop, canopy rangehood, twin ovens), and adjoining butler’s pantry with another five-burner gas cooktop and open shelving.

The open-tread timber staircase with glass balustrade ascends to a rumpus room and the full-width main suite at the front. The latter includes two sets of walk-in robe with hangings space and drawers, and the ensuite with twinbasin vanity, bath and separate toilet.

The three secondary bedrooms, each with built-in robes, share a bathroom featuring a large shower with twin showerheads, single vanity and bath.

A popular option for Knockdown Rebuilds, the Hoffman Villa 37 is suitable for a 12.5m x 30m block. It is displayed at Tullamore Estate,at Doncaster.

5 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHROOMS, 3 LIVING AREAS, STUDY, DOUBLE GARAGE // PRICE: FROM $341,900 // PORTERDAVIS.COM.AU Available Sizes Specifications

Master Bedroom

4.5 x 5.0m

Dining

2.2 x 3.8m

Ground Floor

142.21m2

15.42sq

Hoffman Villa 37

Hoffman 34

Bedroom 2

3.5 x 3.9m

Games

3.7 x 4.8m

First Floor

155.86m2

16.78sq

Hoffman 28

Hoffman 34B

Bedroom 3

3.5 x 3.9m

Home Theatre

3.6 x 5.9m

Garage

37.86m

4.08sq

Hoffman 29

Hoffman 39

Bedroom 4

3.6 x 3.9m

Study

3.4 x 2.4m

Porch

5.24m2

0.56sq

Family

4.3 x 6.0m

Total

342.17m2

36.83sq*

2

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 7

Design Options • Alfresco Option

• Extended Home Theatre Option

• Rumpus Option

INSPO

Family value Moving into a new house means creating a home within four walls, and especially in the living area.

JOSIE HAPPELL works her magic with a $5000 budget

MEDIA UNIT I

RUG I

SOFAI

CUSHIONSI

MUUTO STACKED SHELF UNITS

DANTE DENIM/BLACK FLATWEAVE RUG

COSMO 2.5 SEATER IN SENSE BONE

BLOCK METALLIC PANEL CUSHION, FENDER CUSHION, ZULU CUSHION

TOP3 BY DESIGN BASE $408, UNITS FROM $178 The system allows you to combine separate blocks to make a shelving unit totally personal to your space. The simple, modern aesthetic the shelves bring pair well with the coffee table. Each block comes with a white clip, allowing you to connect the shelves as you please.

The most intriguing part of the concept is building shelves to suit your already existing items. The individual components mean you don’t have to commit to a design because they are easily changed.

The price of the shelving units is different for everyone depending on what size, type and how many shelves you buy.

8 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

$434 UPCYCLE STUDIO 190CM x 290CM (OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE)

This hand-woven rug from Upcycle Studio is 100 per cent eco-friendly. It is upcycled from all natural and reclaimed materials being a combination of denim, cotton and Italian leather. It is a feature piece in the room as it creates a relaxed and casual look. The colours combined in the flat weave rug complement the furniture in the space by using the blue tones of the armchair and soft grey of the sofa. It also offers another textural element to the space while flattering the wooden legs of the furniture that would sit on it.

ON SALE AT $1399 FROM $1799 OZ DESIGN FURNITURE This comfy, clean-cut sofa from OZDesign Furniture can fit its way into any living room. The soft grey colour blends with the organic aesthetic of the room. The wooden legs of the sofa also pair well with the layers of wood through the space. It acts as the perfect base off which to build textures and colours. Additionally, the retro shape and pinned back helps give character and a sense of fun. Better still, the sofa is on sale from its original price of $1799 to $1399.

$32.95, $34.95, $37.95 ZANUI

These sleek cushions from Zanui help highlight the modern style in the space.

The pops of gold metallic add texture, colour and fun to the room while also complementing the dusty blue of the armchair. The Fender cushion helps to balance out the gold with its dramatic black and white contrast. The Cosmo couch is the perfect base to emphasise the bright cushions.

COFFEE TABLEI

ARMCHAIR I

SIDE TABLEI

LIGHTINGI

MIFFY COFFEE TABLE

SLICE VELVET ARMCHAIR, DUSTY BLUE

WOODROW HOURGLASS STUMP

ZANA TABLE LAMP

This high-quality velvet armchair from Zanui adds texture and colour to the space. The Art Deco style is highlighted by the ribbed stitching and flared back.

The dusty blue offers a touch of fun and colour without overpowering the room. The solid timber legs act as a natural finish so the armchair can tie in with the room while also being a sturdy foundation. This armchair gives the room charm while also bringing out the blue tones in the rug.

A new product to the fenton&fenton range, the stump is crafted with charm and character from white cedar. It is the perfect addition to any living room not only because of its versatility from a stool to side table, but also because of its elegant character. This feature ties in the wood furnishes of the room and its hand-crafted nature ensures the piece is truly unique to your home. I love its modesty and simplicity.

$950 GREEN CATHEDRAL

Green Cathedral Furniture is based in Noosa, where they design and create pieces influenced by their surroundings to create truly Australian furniture. The coffee table includes the Green Cathedral signature curves and X detail, which set it apart from the classic cross-base, roundtop table. This is where the inspiration came for the name of the table, Miffy, being a Dutch cartoon rabbit in the 1950s.

The wood aspects of the table match the organic pieces in the space and the white top also abides by the clean look of the storage unit. This bespoke table is the perfect centre to the living room.

$599 ZANUI

$350 FENTON&FENTON

$44.95 EMPORIUM

This exquisite table lamp from Emporium is a welcome feature to any living room space. Its wood base works well with the coffee table, stump and storage unit. It is an extremely elegant and unique design giving the space character and charm.

- Josie Happell is a work experience student

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 9

75 Wellington Street

Discover designed apartments for Collingwood.

Materials & spaces that work

Visit the display suite Wednesday–Friday 4–7pm, Saturday–Sunday, 10–1pm 51 Langridge Street, Collingwood

Register at PaceofCollingwood.com.au

Artist impression

What are the key decorating trends for new-home buyers?

I’m all about starting with good classic pieces. Buy the best you can afford at the time. If that’s Ikea, then that’s OK. Just make sure you go for good neutral colours that you can key up or down, according to the seasons. Go for comfort and size. A lot of people forget to measure before they go into a place. I’ve seen a few disasters where people can’t get a sofa through the door. Working out a wish list and budget, room by room, is a really good thing. I’m about not spending all your money just on a television; get yourself a decent sofa that’s comfortable. And also spend your money on a decent bed and good pillows. So buy the best mattress you can afford, because you’re hopefully going to be spending a lot of time there.

Buy better, buy less

12 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Images: MARTYN RUSHBY

NICOLE BITTAR talks to decorating guru and homewares store owner Tara Dennis about her top tips for decorating, maintenance, lifestyle choices and craft projects for the whole family

How can home owners achieve the luxe look on a budget?

Everyone perceives luxury in different ways. On some things you think you have to spend a lot of money, but it’s not always like that.

It’s about being tasteful with your design and not garish. And I think scale is important. I suggest to people when they have small homes to scale things up, which sounds contradictory. You think ‘small rooms, fill them with lots of little pieces’, but it doesn’t look very luxurious when you do that.

Sometimes luxury is in a big piece that’s like a lovely big modular sofa with a couple of great cushions and a good, big artwork and maybe a small, round coffee table with a lovely vase on it. That to me is luxury because there’s not a lot of clutter, things are over-scaled, and your eye can move around the room.

Have a couple of good things in there, like it could be one good rug: that’s your splurge. It could be one good artwork: that’s your splurge. That has a perception of luxury; touch me-feel me things are always luxurious.

What are your top tips to time-poor working couples and young parents for keeping a home pristine, inviting, warm and fresh?

No clutter, if you can help it. Less is more. I constantly say to people: ‘tidal’.

If something comes in, something must go. I’ve got a basket at home for clothes or whatever in the house; it could be stuff for in the kitchen. And it goes to

INTERIORS

the charity shop. So I’ve always got that basket there. If I come in with a new blouse, I take something out and pop it in there. You have to be ruthless.

In this day and age, we live in a very material society, and things are so affordable now. It is the curse of the times: having too much stuff.

We tend to think we need all this stuff, but we actually don’t, and I think when you’re time poor, you need the basics, not a lot of stuff. ‘Buy better, buy less’ is a good mantra to have. People think: ‘I need a hundred cushions on my bed’. You don’t. Spend your money on a couple of good ones. Also have good systems and storage; things like storage tubs in your cupboards and pantry. Get yourself set up by having some good plastic tubs and square stackable tubs, so you open your pantry and everything is neat and tidy; you can see things at a glance. That applies to your bathroom cabinets for all your toiletries; it applies to your wardrobe.

The same principles apply from room to room. It’s about setting up systems from the get-go and maintaining those systems. The minute they get out of control, then you’ve got to spend a whole weekend tidying up and getting things back in order, and you don’t want to be doing that. You want to be out, going for a walk or having dinner. So if you’re starting from a blank slate, spend a bit of money on storage and organisation.

You can go to Bunnings or Kmart and get some really good things like that, and baskets with lids for the lounge room for magazines. Hide the clutter and have

less of it. It’s a good way to save time and also helps your head stay clear.

How can beautiful interiors be maintained, given the wear and tear, the thrills and spills, of family living?

A lot of them aren’t, and I can say that from first-hand experience! It’s about encouraging good behaviour from a young age. You can’t expect your child to keep their bedroom tidy if they don’t have a system. Set up a system for them to maintain: a box for the Lego with a lid on it; good drawers, and sort their clothes. Kids grow so fast … they’re churning through the clothes. So as they’re going through different sizes, that ‘basket by the door’ mentality is good … and get to the op shop at a later stage. So I think it’s setting up each room … and it’s about encouraging your family. If you’re going into your room, take your shoes with you. Don’t leave your footy boots by the door; put them away. It’s a little bit military, but I think if you’re a busy family, you need to be that way. I live in a relaxed house, honestly, but you have to delegate because you end up being a stresshead.

It’s like on the weekends: ‘Well I’m here cleaning up the whole house and you lot are out there having a great time and I’m cleaning up your mess.’ It just causes angst in the family and you don’t want that.

‘Pick up your towels, hang them back up; why do I sound like a nag all the time?’ I’ve got a nine-year-old boy and he just rolls his eyes. And it’s not easy. I don’t stand up here like Mother Teresa.

It’s as hard for me as anyone else, but I do think the amount of stuff you have in your house doesn’t help. Don’t have a linen cupboard full of towels; have three good towels. Have less and stay on top of it. I try to encourage everyone to do their bit. If I’ve got some time on a Sunday afternoon, I will spend two or three hours getting ready for the week, knowing that we have sport on this day, so I’ll make sure the washing’s laid out so we don’t have that the night before ‘Where are my socks? That kind of business, because that’s stressful for getting out the door and I’m usually never there when it’s happening, so I don’t want it to fall on them. I don’t plan meals as such, but that is something I aspire to do. I go to some people’s houses and they have a note on their fridge door with all the meals for the week, such as ‘Shepherd’s pie on Tuesday’ and I think that’s actually really good because then I’d know what to shop for. I haven’t got to that yet, but I think: plan it and be organised as much as you can. And nagging always works.

If money were no object, what products or items would you install in a new home, and why?

I live quite simply. I don’t perceive lovely homes as spending millions of dollars.

We live in a little cabin on the river and I’m so happy with that. I think smaller for me is better as it’s less to maintain.

I’d prefer spending a bit more money on better fabrics, a good sound system or a couple of really nice lamps: not much.

I always say that when I’m a really old lady, I don’t want to hand my kids my

Delightful, spring-like touches in these gorgeous homewares from the Tara Dennis range freshen your interior accents.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 13

INTERIORS

Tara Dennis (above) is an ambassador for Reed Gift Fairs, which typically feature rustically appealing wares, such as these offerings from Indigo Love Collectors.

thimble collection. (Instead I want it to be) a good piece of art, a great chair (like a Hans Wegner) and a box of photos. That’s it. It’s all I want to give to my kids, rather than inherit all of my rubbish.

So I’m paring down. I used to be like why, when people get older, do they start to live in these really modern houses, such as the ones you see on Grand Designs. You see a really old couple who’ve lived in this amazing little cottage all their lives and they’ve gone from having all the Beatrix Potter characters to having just surfaces and really great art and sofa and, I’m like: ‘OK, I get that now’. As you get older, you want to streamline, you want less, but better.

At the moment, I would love a Martine Emdur. I love her stuff. I’m a blue girl.

I love blues and she does these great water paintings. Larry’s a friend of mine, her brother, and he’s got a piece that I’ve always coveted and every time I go to his house, I’m like: ‘I love that piece’.

You just get lost in her water, so I’d have a really great Martine Emdur painting and not much else. It would be nice to have a really great house overlooking the ocean with a patch of grass. That would be aspirational. I’d rather what’s going on outside than inside. And good natural light is always important.

14 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

What craft projects do you expect will be popular over summer?

I just did a great day workshop with an artist called Jacqui Fink from Little Dandelion. She knits with these needles that are like plumbing pipes, huge, and she gets this wool that is crafted in

they say: ‘Oh my God, that’s an awesome rug. Where did you get that?’ When I say ‘I actually made that’, they reply ‘Get out of here’.

Harry, my son, teaches me craft. He wants to be a pilot and he gets pieces of paper and sticky tape and builds

“Buy better , buy less is such a good mantra - you don’t need it all. Really think about what you need because you don’t need as much as you think.”

New Zealand, the thickest wool ever.

She does these big chunky oversized throws: amazing. And she does a lot of corporate installations; she’s just done the Dubai Opera House. Again, graphic, large, and I love that she’s been able to take a very traditional Nanna craft and make it super cool. A couple of years ago, I got a massive crochet hook and I did this circular rug for my bedroom floor out of cotton sash cord that I got from Bunnings and I love it, because again it’s that same overscale traditional craft. When you say ‘I crochet’, people go (rolls eyes) … but when they see my rug,

aeroplanes. I say ‘Harry, you’re going to have to have to stop building this stuff because I’ve got nowhere to put it’. We’re mooting the idea of getting a kiln, because I want to do ceramics like little bowls and Christmas decorations, so I’m thinking that might be my new craft and Harry would be pretty keen on doing that. We’ll do air-dried clay; he loves moulding. So I think summer craft will be all about aeroplanes, predominantly for Harry, and things for the house for me. Nice things. I love having things that we’ve made at home together.

Final words of advice?

I think a lot of people get caught up with the trends of worrying about what’s in season and ‘Will I be on trend?’ I don’t worry about that. I say to be happy: just live simply so your family is comfortable.

‘Buy better, buy less’ is such a good mantra; you don’t need it all. Really think about what you need because you don’t need as much as you think you do. It can add a lot of stress. If you don’t know where to go in a room, I say: pull it all out. Put everything outside, if it’s a sunny day, on a drop sheet and only put back in the room what you think you really need and love. With the rest of it, think: can you change it, adapt it, give it away, do you need it? A home has to be lived in; it’s not this place that causes you stress. If you want to be a trendsetter, just add a few little accents. You don’t need much to keep it fresh and current. Most of all, make it a comfortable place for your family and make it who you are, rather than what you see in the magazines.

Tara Dennis was a guest at the Reed Gift Fair, which was held at the Melbourne Convention and the Exhibition Centre in August, For more tips, visit taradennis.com.au

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Open the app and then hold your phone over the advertisement or editorial page (those marked with the Urban Life app Icon).

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COVER

The

seasoned

professional

Winning isn’t everything to landscape design star Charlie Albone, but it has laid the foundation for a blossoming career, NICOLE BITTAR discovers

16 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

I

F you thought gardening was a relaxing pursuit, you haven’t met Charlie Albone.

Contrary to the practice of patience, trial and error in embracing the seasons and their natural elements, the multiawarded Chelsea Flower and Garden Show recipient, LifeStyle Channel’s landscape design expert and television host of Selling Houses Australia, Chelsea’s Greatest Garden 2013, Charlie And The Flower Show and The Party Garden, Charlie also juggles a thriving landscaping business and young family.

“I got in last night at 10’o’clock after finishing a TV makeover in Brisbane and I’m in Sydney now. I’ve been at work all day and it’s my birthday today.”

Many happy returns to the constant gardener in his pursuit of botanicus perfectus.

“The way I balance it (career and personal life) is that I love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like work,” he says.

“I think my kids understand that and I try to involve them as much as I can, as well; and when I travel internationally for work, I always take them with me. You find a way.”

Being driven has its rewards.

“It’s funny. I said at the beginning of our interview that gardening is not competitive, and (Chelsea) is trying to make gardening somewhat competitive,” he laughs.

“I wanted to go to the Chelsea Flower and Garden Show, the pinnacle of landscape design, I guess. I first started going because I wanted to win gold medals, but I quickly realised that it’s much more enjoyable if you just go and enjoy the experience of going to the other side of the world, building a garden, focusing on that,” he says, “and also inspiring other people who come to see the show and being inspired by all the press that goes around, much more than winning medals.”

The first year Charlie entered at the Chelsea Flower and Garden Show in 2015, he won a silver-gilt medal for “The Time In Between”, a garden designed as a tribute for his late father, whom Charlie lost when was 17.

“It was really a celebration of life, that garden,” he says. “I wanted to create a space where I could meet with him and tell him about my life.”

More than 18 months in the planning and implementation, the tri-sectional design features an entry space of beautiful, romantic plantings, in

celebration of life; a water feature in the second part, which can empty in seconds, reflects on emotions attached to loss; and the rear of the garden is an intimate area to ponder deeper meanings, yet ultimately connect and communicate with loved ones.

“Sandstone pillars represented the important people in my life and a sunken firepit, which represented my wife, was where I could sit and talk with my father,” Charlie says.

He broke records for Australia the following year, also scooping a silvergilt medal for a garden designed for a corporate Melbourne couple. It was inspired by the architectural angles of Federation Square and featured a sunken lawn, Acacia and emu bush.

That same year, a Melbourne design duo created a red sea of 30,000 handcrafted poppies, which were provided by 50,000 volunteers, in homage to their fathers, who were World War II veterans.

Appearing to a full house at his World of Style Masterclass in August, Charlie was not only fresh faced and impeccably attired in a silver-blue blazer, crisp white shirt, navy trousers and pocket kerchief, but a seasoned professional.

A PowerPoint slide presentation displayed his landscape designs and awarded Chelsea Flower and Garden Show entries to winning effect.

“One of the terrible things about my job is having to go to Europe to source plants,” he quips. More than 3500 varieties featured in his first entry and 3000 in the second. The feeling that he yearns to return in his quest for glory is palpable.

“People ask if I’m going to enter again at Chelsea and I always say: ‘Have you got some money for me? I only need about $800,000’.”

He also jokes about being on a firstname basis with royals Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, becoming acquainted at the Chelsea Flower and Garden Show.

Charlie says when the Prince asked the name of Buxus hedge in the second silver-gilt entry, he turned to the Duchess and exclaimed: “Babe, we’ve got loads of these in the garden”.

Being born in Hong Kong and raised in England from age 12 before moving to Australia at age 18 has not only given Charlie a range and abundance of botanical inspirations, but also proud antipodean roots (“I call Australia

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 17

CHARLIE’S TOP GARDENING TIPS

1

“The first one: work out what style of garden you want. Find inspiration from a variety of sources. Don’t just jump in and start doing it “because you will end up with a higgledy-piggledy finished product”.

2 3

“ Don’t overlook your soil, particularly in Australian gardens because it gives plants everything they need, so it’s important to get that right.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask others for advice: gardening is one of those great things where people are more than happy to impart knowledge. It’s not competitive and people want to see everybody do well and enjoy it as much as they do.”

4

“Budget has to come into it early on in the piece. You have to think how much you are willing to invest. You have to make sure your aims are realistic, but also to achieve the desired goal.”

5

“There has to be an overriding theme of what you want to get out of the garden and that may mean focusing on some areas more than others if the budget isn’t there to do it all.”

18 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

home”). A beautifully spoken English accent belies but also gives rise to his adopted country.

“Everyone thinks of Hong Kong as being high rise everywhere, but we lived in the countryside, outside of Hong Kong, and that obviously influenced me,” Charlie says.

“When we moved to the UK, I had horses, so being outside is something I’ve always loved.”

Home is a five-acre (2.02ha) block on the NSW Central Coast, although he and his family (Charlie’s wife, interior designer and television host Juliet Love, and their two sons, aged four and two) are based in Sydney during the week.

A love of gardening is a family affair.

“The kids are out in the garden with me whenever they can,” he says.

“They love it as well; they enjoy the planting and watching it grow. We do certain things for them and certain things for me and it keeps them entertained.”

Charlie’s creative vision extends to unlimited scope in his perception of landscape designs.

“I love all sorts of gardens. That’s what inspires me because everything is different and has its individual beauty and I love seeing different garden styles and the way people have done things,” he says.

Although he works less outside and more in the office, Charlie relishes the industry’s possibilities of what can be imagined, achieved in a set space and accomplished through the design process.

His company is called Inspired Exteriors, but the landscape designer is a firm believer in blending outdoors with the interior for maximum effect.

“The way that people are living these days is totally different to the way it has been in the past, and it’s so important to have that inside/outside connection,” he says.

“We are blessed in this country to have such a fantastic climate, so it makes perfect sense to combine the two.”

Keeping the greenery inside alive and thriving is anathema to outdoor gardening, Charlie suggests.

COVER

“Indoor planting is tricky,” he says.

“Unlike planting in the garden, you must get the right plant in the right spot for it to succeed.”

Inside planting, however, requires greater delicacy and forethought.

outside planting, with its layered appearance.

Despite the increasing uptake of vertical gardens, Charlie advises caution because, while they can look spectacular upon installation, he counters that they

in the industry all our lives and I want to be enjoying this. That’s why I’m doing landscaping’,” he says. “I’m not doing it for the money because there is no money in landscaping. I’m doing it because it’s a career I want to enjoy, so

“I love all sorts of gardens. That’s what inspires me because everything is different and has its individual beauty.”

–– Charlie Albone “You need plants that don’t need much natural sunlight; something that can withstand drought, unless you’re an avid waterer,” he says.

For the H2O averse, Charlie recommends Zanzibar Gem. “The label says it thrives on neglect and it really does.”

He also advocates the use of lady palms to imbue a similar effect to

require “huge amounts of maintenance”.

A thriving business, Inspired Exteriors was ultimately born from frustration.

While studying horticulture and landscape design at TAFE, Charlie was labouring for a landscaper who forbade verbal communication on the job.

“He was very strict on working as hard as you could and I thought, ‘This isn’t what I want to be doing. We work

I started my own business to work the way that I wanted to work.”

His plan bore fruit. The company is based in Sydney, but also conducts work in Melbourne, Brisbane and throughout the world, according to demand and to suit varying budgets.

Inspired Exteriors recently completed a large-scale project in Hong Kong and Singapore for the Shangri-La Hotel.

OPPOSITE PAGE Charlie Albone charmed the Porter Davis World of Style Masterclass last month Image: NERIDA PHELAN ABOVE The second award-winning garden by Charlie from the Chelsea Flower and Garden Show There’s never a dull moment when toiling outside for the Hong Kong-born Charlie, who is working the way he wants to work

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 19

COVER

The dapper Charlie Albone believes a garden should reflect its owner’s personality and highlight what they enjoy Image: NERIDA PHELAN

20 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

“But we’re also doing a small courtyard, four metres by four metres, in Sydney, an eight-acre (3.2ha) project that we’re designing in the Gold Coast and everything in between,” he says.

Silvers, blues and green hues feature to artistic effect in many of Charlie’s striking designs.

His rock’n’roll reference: “deeppurple plants sing on a hot summer’s day, given the UV factor in this country” was music to the ears of green thumbs in attendance at the World of Style Masterclass.

Charlie also says his family mainly entertains at night, so it’s important to get the garden lighting right.

“Look at what you want to show off and illuminate them so that they’re not in your face,” he says.

A young master with nature as his palette, he has even dyed water black to reflect foliage at its dazzling best.

Speaking of leading lights, he cites influences such as British gardening great Alan Titchmarsh, whom Charlie refers to as “the Graham Ross of the UK”.

“He’s a huge inspiration, just because he was the first one to do a

garden renovation show (on television) and inspire people” in all matters horticultural.

Charlie says he was lucky enough to participate as a volunteer in the creation of a garden dedicated to Titchmarsh several years ago at the Chelsea Flower and Garden Show.

“I went there to gain hands-on experience and worked for a month for free. I got to meet him and work beside him, which was really interesting and fascinating.”

Diarmuid Gavin, an Irish landscape designer of surrealist proportions, is also inspirational in that his work was unlike anything Charlie had seen.

“Not that I particularly would want to do his style for any of my clients,” Charlie counters. “Yes, let’s put a crane somewhere and have a hanging Garden of Babylon!

“The garden he (Diarmuid) built at Chelsea when I was there last time encompassed a roof that was going up and down, topiary spinning around, mad music playing, and it was totally out there. And I think that’s fantastic.”

Trend-setting in the extreme.

Yet harking back to the art of patience

and cyclical traditions, slavish attention to fads is a notion that Charlie shuns.

“Gardening should never be about trends, but always about the person who owns the garden: what do they like and get enjoyment from? That’s what a garden should be,” he says. “Trends just come and go too quickly.”

Charlie’s idealised Garden of Eden would encompass absolute seclusion.

“If money were no object, I’d become a recluse and never leave the garden,” he laughs.

Leaning towards a formal layout, albeit with rustic elements that inspire relaxation, would bring to the fore every aspect that Charlie loves about landscape design.

“I’d also complete all the jobs that I’ve started in my own garden and be halfway there.”

Visit inspiredexteriors.com.au

Go to worldofstyle.com/events for details of the next masterclass

FA S T FA C T S

When buying a home,

45

%

of Australians consider an outdoor space to be very important

82% of HOME OWNERS said sustainability is very important when considering products for the home

62% of AustralianS like to garden at their home

Australian

s

7

hour

Source: Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard Survey 2016

Almost a quarter of Australians spend more than 7 hours a week in their outdoor space

Outdoor Spaces

of HOME OWNERS mostly use their outdoor space for relaxing in particular relaxing with friends and family, followed by listening to music and reading books

The Top 5 outdoor projects to deliver most value to the home

Patio

garden landscaping

driveway restoration

garden beds

POOLS

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 21

PRACTICAL MAGIC

Tufts droplet ingridtufts.com RRP: $35

Aquastar watering can top3.com.au RRP: $70

Good to

grow

Emporium Soho herb house emporiumhome.com.au RRP: $19.95

Lanna garden column utedesign.com.au RRP: $575

Rogue bush mixHampton bowl roguehome.com.au RRP: $159.95 Rogue Staghorn-Dansk pot roguehome.com.au RRP: $229.95

22 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Bags of potential gyrofish.com.au RRP: $24.95 each

Planter box timber 40cm hamptonsstyle.com.au RRP: $290

Kogan galvanised raised garden bed kogan.com RRP: $69

Orchid pot white top3.com.au RRP: $140

Sagaform herb pot yellowoctopus.com.au RRP: $36.99

Greenbo yellowoctopus.com.au RRP: $64.50

Mica wicker double planter zanui.com.au RRP: $149.95

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

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 23

D AY B R E A K

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POWERS LOOKOUT PARADISE FALLS LAKE WILLIAM HOVELL

Fit for a

King

By Manveen Maan

24 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

OUTED as Melbourne’s bestkept secret, the King Valley is the epitome of #getawaygoals. Only a two-hour drive from Melbourne’s northern suburbs, the lush greenery, crystal-clear rivers and jaw-dropping landscape is enough to transport you to a world far away from the big smoke of city living. I set off on my journey armed with a vague geographical direction and images of wineries in mind. What I found was much more than that.

Once a tobacco hub, the King Valley is now home to award-winning wineries, pubs and fine dining restaurants. When the tobacco industry slowed, the Italian immigrant tobacco farmers turned to wine and food from their homeland, and helped propel the valley into the thriving gourmet destination that is it today.

1. KING VALLEY DAIRY Founded in 2010, King Valley Dairy began in an old butter factory in the Victorian Alpine town of Myrtleford.

The dairy soon outgrew its capacity and founder Naomi Ingleton moved it to the nearby town of Moyhu. Set on a 6.5-acre permaculture farm, King Valley Dairy has a restaurant, extensive food gardens and a tasting area. Naomi does tours, gourmet butter tastings (that are as delicious as they sound), and has an array of other homemade products including chutneys and jams, spice mixes and soaps. My recommendation?

Take home a slab of the garlic confit butter – made with homegrown garlic, of course.

2. DAL ZOTTO WINES The first on the winery hit list, Dal Zotto is the region’s prosecco leader.

Patriarch Otto Dal Zotto was born in the Veneto region of Italy, the home of prosecco, so it comes as no surprise that the clever folk at Dal Zotto would help pioneer the prosecco grape in Australia. Otto’s son Michael takes me through a prosecco tasting, highlighting the fresh, fruity flavours of the Col Fondo 2016, and the award-winning Pucino Vintage Prosecco 2016. Besides prosecco, Dal Zotto also produces a range of Italian varieties, including pinot grigio, barbera and sangiovese.

If you’re feeling peckish after all that bubbly, Dal Zotto’s trattoria is next door and offers an Italian-inspired menu featuring seasonal produce.

3. CHRISMONT WINES Set on an architecturally awarded site, with 360-degree views of the King Valley region, lunch at Chrismont is an experience that cannot be missed.

Owner Arnie Pizzini and his wife Jo dish out a Sicilian-inspired menu, inspired by Jo’s southern roots. With an emphasis on fresh produce and homestyle cooking techniques, the fare at Chrismont is set to impress. You can’t go past the sardines beccafico, cured kalamata olives, oven-baked quail with cauliflower mash, pinenuts and raisins, and orecchiette with mushrooms. Wash it all down with a glass of Chrismont’s own King Valley Riesling 2016 and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a king (all puns intended).

4. PIZZINI WINES Like their vino-inspired cousins, the Pizzini family started out in the tobacco industry. When that didn’t work out, Pizzini Wines was born out of the need to diversify – and we’re glad they did.

Alfredo ‘Fred’ Pizzini is now the patriarch of the family, while his wife Katrina runs the excellent cooking classes, and children Natalie, Joel, Nicole and Carlos handle the day-to-day running of this quintessential ‘do it all’ winery. Cellar door manager Rob Wellard rattles off wine varieties like he’s reciting his ABCs. “Nebbiolo, chianti, rubacuori, these are all the wines we’re famous for,” he says. I taste some divine reds that leave me wondering why I took so long to discover Italian wines before I’m distracted by the smorgasbord of homemade products that Katrina has whipped up in-house, like her fabulous salted caramel popcorn, passata sauce, and prosecco and raspberry jam.

Luckily, the neighbouring Mountain View Hotel provides accommodation within easy reach of the winery, and I make a pit stop at the adjoining gastropub to sample some gourmet pub fare and sensational wines.

4. A TAVOLA COOKING SCHOOL (PIZZINI WINES) Next to the Pizzini cellar door, is the A Tavola cooking school. As a 17-year-old bride, Katrina Pizzini learned age-old Italian recipes from her mother-in-law Rosa Pizzini, who shared her secrets to home-style Italian food. “Time is key,” Katrina explains. “You have to give your food time, so the flavours can emerge.”

I note that it’s a good metaphor for the

FAST FACTS:

KING VALLEY, VICTORIA POPULATION

1771 BUDGET:

$$$$$ GREAT FOR:

FAMILIES, COUPLES, GIRLS WEEKEND Chrismont Wines

HIGHLIGHTS:

King Valley Dairy

kingvalleydairy.com.au

Dal Zotto Wines dalzotto.com.au

Chrismont Wines chrismont.com.au

Pizzini Wines

pizzini.com.au

Brookfield Maze

brookfieldmaze.com.au Brookfield Maze

harried lives we normally lead. Her other tip is using a healthy dose of oil and butter. “My kids used to always tell me that Nonna’s bolognese tasted better than mine and I was always confused because we used the same ingredients,” she recalls.

We knead the dough and roll out lasagne sheets and manoeuvre the levels on the pasta maker to make tagliatelle and spaghetti.

Katrina takes us through the basics of making bolognese and pepperonata sauces, filling the air with a mouth-watering mix of garlic, onion, herbs and spices. Naturally, wine plays an important role in home cooking, with an “Italian splash” (equating to about two cups) being an essential part of the recipes. Risotto with pork sausages is up next, and we discover another cooking secret. “Fill the pan up with the stock until it sits just above the rice,” Katrina

A Tavola Cooking School

says. “Put it on a low fire and let it cook slowly.” Which leaves us just enough time to start working on the gnocchi.

Potatoes are the base, and we knead them into little doughy balls before lightly flicking them onto a gnocchi board. Katrina whizzes about the kitchen like a pro, noting everyone’s progress. We finally sit down to enjoy the fruits of our labour, with some Pizzini wines of course.

5. POWERS LOOKOUT After all that pasta and wine, a little exercise is a good idea so we head out to Powers Lookout for some fresh air and epic scenery. Powers Lookout is well worth the drive just to experience the spectacular views across the King Valley. Named after one of Victoria’s most infamous bushrangers, Harry Power (a mentor of that other bushranger,

Chrismont Wines

Ned Kelly), this location provides a comprehensive view of the valley and landscape. We head up some steps to Lookout Point 2 that’s easily accessible for most and only metres from the car park and are greeted with jaw-dropping views of the lush, green landscape.

A word of advice: don’t drop your cameras as there’s no way of ever getting them back.

6. BROOKFIELD MAZE My final stop is the Brookfield Maze, one of the largest hedge mazes in Australia. Established in 2010, the maze’s challenge factor is to find its central viewing platform. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for hidden koalas and four number clues that add up to the number of trees used to plant the maze. Owner Eryl Neil shows me around Brookfield’s extensive landscaped gardens that also include an ancient labyrinth, bocce, giant chess and checkers board, and a creek walk.

“There’s something for the whole family to enjoy,” she says.

Paradise Falls, Powers Lookout & LAKE WILLIAM HOVELL visitkingvalley.com.au UPCOMING EVENTS: The Victorian Salami Festival (Dal Zotto Wines) October 7 victoriansalamifestival.com.au La Dolce Vita Wine & Food Festival (including Gnocchi Carnevale by Pizzini Wines and Primavera del Prosecco by Dal Zotto Wines) November 18 &19 winesofthekingvalley. com.au/events/la-dolce-vita

HOW TO GET THERE

The King Valley is a two-hour drive from the northern estates (Kalkallo, Wollert, Roxburgh Park, Donnybrook, Mernda).

It is a three-hour train ride from Southern Cross to Wangaratta station, which is a 35-minute drive to Whitfield in the heart of the King Valley.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 25

That Gut Feeling Felicity Evans stumbled upon the benefits of probiotic drinks quite by accident, and has become a renowned name in the field of gut health. MANVEEN MAAN find out why the alchemist queen swears by the magic of these bubbly elixirs How did you discover probiotic drinks?

I had a health crisis and needed to heal myself. My research brought me to the importance of gut health and probiotics in overall wellness. So, with a baby strapped to my chest and another at my heels, I started to ferment drinks in the hope of them improving my health - and they worked.

Why did you decide to write this book?

I wanted fermentation and probiotics to be more accessible to people and presented in a way that was beautiful, fresh, concise and easy to follow. I’m happy to say, we succeeded on every front.

What role do probiotics play in gut health? Why is gut health important?

Your gut is one of the most important and undervalued parts of your body. The gut is responsible for so many varied roles: hormone production and storage, digestion and absorption of nutrients from food, elimination, immunity, and glowing skin. Seriously, life starts in your gut. Probiotics translates to “for life” and they are the good bacteria that we all need to help us look and feel our best.

How do you come up with the different recipes?

It was actually one of the most fun parts of writing the book. I loved tastetesting with my daughters, friends and family, and coming up with the perfect amount of fizz, flavour and health. It was sometimes frustrating, but fun most of the time. I actually start by thinking about the superfoods and benefits I want the drink to impart (e.g.

26 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

drinks for detox, freshness, digestion or calming qualities) and then work backwards from that.

What was writing this book like for you?

Take me through the whole process, from start to finish.

First, I submitted a concept, which consisted of all my ideas for the book.

I had zero pre-conceived ideas, and my thinking was more along the lines of “What would have been useful to me, when I first started making these drinks?” I was already making all the recipes at home, and had a commercial line of drinks, called Imbibe Living (selling water kefirs).

The work was really in breaking down the process of fermentation into bite-sized pieces, so that it was relatable, easy to follow and, most importantly, interesting. Things like, what it should smell like, what a good kombucha tastes like, what it would look like, what sounds would there be, were all considered. This was tricky to be super detailed, but not overwhelming. The photo shoot took three days, and we were blessed in that there was space to create a very image-rich recipe book. Every single recipe is photographed, so the book is gorgeous. We used a lot of plants and vines, most of which were from my garden. In fact, the passionfruit vine and fruit on the front cover was from a vine that I planted and grew from a pip in my garden.

What was the most rewarding part about writing this book?

Just knowing that every single drink in

the book is going to help others look and feel their best is fantastic.

What was the most challenging?

Blending being a wife, mother, CEO and writer, all at the same time certainly required a lot of grit and tenacity to get it all done.

What are the most common misconceptions about making probiotic drinks?

It has to be that making probiotic drinks is easy to mess up. The cultures and methods have been made for thousands of years – we just need to have the patience to incorporate them into our modern lifestyles. Most of the cultures are very resilient and can cope with some neglect.

What is it about making probiotic drinks that you love the most?

I love to witness the transformation of a flat collection of ingredients turn into fizzy, delicious probiotic elixirs. It’s a special kind of magic.

What are the main differences between the various cultures (kefir/kombucha/ jun)?

Each culture is unique, with different methods of fermenting, outcomes and completely contrasting tastes.

Some newbies might not know where to buy some of the ingredients in your book. Where would you recommend they pick them up?

All the cultures are available from my website imbibeliving.com. In terms of the ingredients, I made it all very

accessible, so everything can be bought from your major supermarkets, or found in your local community garden.

What are your favourite recipes from your book and why?

I love the Lovers Honey Mead, because it’s so sensual. I love the watermelon and mint water kefir, as it’s perfect for a hot summer day and so incredibly cooling on the body. I also love the Roots Beet Kvass, because it is so purifying and liver cleansing.

What three easy recipes would you recommend for those who have never made a probiotic drink?

I would start with the Earl Grey Kombucha, Vanilla and Honey Milk Kefir and Basic Water Kefir.

What do you hope readers will get out of this book?

I hope all they need is a pinch of patience and a spoonful of curiosity to get started.

What advice do you have for aspiring health and wellness writers?

Write about what you love and the rest will follow. I would also say to release clinging hope to an outcome, and just love the journey as it unfolds.

Recipe & image from Probiotic Drinks at Home by Felicity Evans (Murdoch Books) RRP $27.99

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Wintry beet kvass with orange and cloves Preparation time: 15 minutes Fermentation time: 5–8 days Difficulty: Easy Shelf life: Refrigerate for up to 2 months Makes: About 750ml (3 cups) INGREDIENTS 2 medium or 1 large beetroot (beet), skin intact 1/2 teaspoon pure sea salt 750ml (3 cups) filtered water or springwater 1–2 cloves 1 drop edible pure orange essential oil or 2 thin strips orange zest

PRIMARY FERMENTATION Wash the beetroot and cut it into 1–2 cm pieces. Put the beetroot in a 1 litre (4 cup) wide-mouth glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and add the salt. Pour in the filtered water, leaving a 2cm gap between the liquid and the lid.

Stir to dissolve the salt. Add 1 clove and 1 strip orange zest, if using, to the jar. Tightly seal the jar and place out of direct sunlight in a cool spot. Leave the liquid to ferment for 3–5 days, stirring or shaking daily. After around 3 days, taste the kvass. When it is as dark and sour as you like it, the kvass is ready to bottle.

SECONDARY FERMENTATION Taste the kvass and add the remaining clove, if needed, and a drop of orange oil or the remaining orange zest to the bottle. Tightly seal the bottle lid and leave the bottle on the bench to build carbonation. This could take 2–3 days, depending on the temperature.

BOTTLING Put a funnel in the opening of a 750ml (3 cup) glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and put a strainer on top of the funnel. Pour the kvass into the bottle through the strainer. Discard the beetroot left in the strainer.

Tip: Use the fermented beetroot in a salad or to make borscht, or roast and mash it with some ground cumin to make a probiotic dip.

DRINK UP When the kvass is as fizzy as you like (beet kvass only produces a mild fizz), store it in the fridge to slow the fermentation process, and enjoy cold.

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 27

INSIDER

What attracted you to the industry (and when)?

I’ve always been interested in residential property, construction and numbers. From an early age I was forever pulling things apart to find out how they went together again. I was also interested in finance. I was either going to become an accountant or a builder and I’ve landed somewhere in between.

After leaving high school and having already accepted a university placement to study Commerce/Accounting, a contact of mine involved in medium-density construction set me up with a job interview for a cadet estimator position. I literally had no idea what an estimator was and I had a day to figure it out.

Thankfully, I aced the interview and started work the very next day. A few weeks in, I was in love with the role and I dropped my university placement. Since then I’ve set out to learn all that I can about estimating, procurement, construction costing and the residential construction industry and market as a whole, and have found my ideal role here at Arden Homes.

What do you love most about the industry?

I love the diversity and the very fast pace of the industry. Something is always changing and it’s a challenge to continue learning new methods and to keep up with innovation.

What do you consider your greatest challenge (in the industry)?

Keeping the cost under control.

I love providing clients with a customised, beautifully finished, highly specified home with a great client experience, at a rate comparable to that of a volume builder. But this comes with a major challenge of keeping costs under control.

Best change?

Those who are looking to build a new home are increasingly aware of and concerned about energy efficiency and the cost of running their new home. I believe this increase in awareness is a terrific change and is resulting in many people looking to builders who can incorporate energy efficiency into their designs and into their inclusions, such as the use of Hebel cladding and solar power systems with Tesla batteries that we are including as standard at Arden Homes.

If you could, how would you improve the planning process?

Release more land and fund councils to employ more planners to speed up the turnaround times for planning permits, which is relevant to the increase in knockdown-rebuild projects.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about building?

‘All builders are the same’. The downside of thinking that way is that buyers may make their decision purely based on price and fail to consider other critical aspects, such as quality of construction, fixtures and fittings, a well-considered design and the service experience. Buyers should consider the value being offered.

Rick McKay

If building tomorrow, what feature would you most like incorporated in your home?

I just built and moved in to my dream (for now!) home and I made sure I focused on incorporating energy efficiency, light and open space. Large, lightfilled open-plan living, insulation in the walls and ceiling, six star-rated hot water system, LED lighting and a solar power system with Tesla battery storage.

ARDEN HOMES

Biggest regret?

In a way I regret becoming career focused early in life and missing out on the carefree lifestyle with travel and entertainment in my 20s. However, I am extremely happy with how my career has progressed and how I’ve been able to contribute. I can travel and be carefree when I’m old.

Worst trend?

Ballot land sales. Developers are increasingly only releasing a small number of lots at a time and selling them by ballot, delaying the release of land and creating a fear of missing out.

We have a housing shortage in Melbourne. The construction industry accounts for a major portion of the economy and we need land to build on.

What tips would you give for future-proofing a home?

Ensure you focus on energy efficiency, which is becoming more and more important as we continue to learn more about global warming, and as the cost of electricity continues to rise.

I’d also suggest including plenty of data cabling and smart wiring. It’s amazing how many devices around the home are connected to the internet and I’m sure this will only increase.

What do you think building a home will be like in 2030?

I’m looking forward to finding out. The year 2030 is only 13 years away, but I’m sure we’ll be amazed at the advances in construction methods, cost efficiencies and new eco-friendly materials and appliances that will be available..

Development & Procurement Manager 28 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

A PA R T M E N T S

Pace of Carnegie

T

HE best of inner-city living is coming to suburbia with the landmark Pace of Carnegie development.

A collaboration between Pace Development Group and Centraland, Pace of Carnegie is a development of 152 apartments across 12 levels, including a spectacular rooftop terrace complete with residents’ gym and pool.

The mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are priced from $345,000 to $895,000 and range in size from 45sq m to 107sq m.

Designed by acclaimed architectural design practice, The Buchan Group, the vision of Pace Development Group is to bring to Carnegie the same level of design consideration and construction quality typically associated with its award-winning inner-city projects.

The expansive 480sq m rooftop on level 10 showcases the unrivalled panoramic views towards the city skyline, providing residents with additional entertaining and barbecue facilities, as well as a 20m infinity pool and 60sq m gymnasium

fitted with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

Pace of Carnegie will deliver an elevated level of architectural consideration and amenity to the burgeoning south eastern suburb.

Enhanced by six dynamic retail spaces that will front a contemporary new transport hub at Carnegie railway station, the 2771sq m site is bound by Woorayl St to the south, and vibrant Koornang Rd to the west, allowing the building’s tiered outdoor terraces to engage with the surrounding streetscape.

Pace Development Group planning manager Michael Holah said the development would complete the area’s major rejuvenation in recent years.

“By investing in state-ofthe-art design and contributing a dynamic retail offer to the precinct, Pace of Carnegie is set to become a contemporary landmark in the area,” Holah said.

Designed to be viewed from all perspectives with a modulated, stepped form, the development’s distinct architectural style will make its mark.

Each apartment has been carefully designed to emphasise

natural light, while oversized hanging balconies interact with the site’s unique location opposite parkland to provide residents with an additional outdoor space.

“The apartment interiors are textured and inviting with a natural palette of timber and stone that encourage residents to live within the landscape.

Spacious, light-filled interiors are easily personalised with two colour decor palettes to accommodate a light or cool scheme,” The Buchan Group principal Harvey Male said.

“Richly appointed interiors come standard with engineered stone benchtops, Smeg appliances, luxurious wool carpets, and a choice between elegant brass or black tapware.”

Upgrades include a bespoke feature pendant light above kitchen benchtops, and the option of an integrated fridge for a seamless look to cabinetry.

All apartments come with at least one dedicated car space and basement storage areas.

Construction is scheduled to start in 2018, with completion expected in late 2019.

1BR, 2BR AND 3BR // DISPLAY SUITE: WOORAYL ST. WED 3-7PM THU-SUN NOON-4PM // PRICE: FROM $345,000 // PACEOFCARNEGIE.COM.AU URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 29

INDUSTRY NEWS

Minister unveils grand plans for Mt Atkinson

A NEW suburb to house more than 20,000 residents south-west of Caroline Springs has been approved.

Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved the 1500ha precinct structure plan for Mt Atkinson, which will feature more than 8000 dwellings and become home to more than 22,000 people over the next 15 years.

In a ground-breaking move, the arrangements for delivery of two government schools, community facilities and land acquisition for a future train station have been agreed in principle with the developer Stockland and Mount Atkinson Holdings before rezoning.

The community will be a hive of jobs, with up to 19,000 long-term jobs in retail, commercial, industrial, office, education and home-based businesses to be created in Mt Atkinson and the adjacent Tarneit Plains precinct.

A Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution of more than $100 million paid by the developers will also cover a CFA station and early delivery of a new bus service connecting to Rockbank station.

Sports grounds, a conservation reserve, community centres and kindergartens are also funded under a separate agreement with the Melton Council.

“Mt Atkinson is going to be a great place to live and to raise a family, with jobs for locals on their doorstep and affordable housing so that young Victorians can achieve their dream of home ownership,” Wynne said. “We’re making it easier for all Victorians to buy their own home in a great location close to jobs and schools.”

30 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Affordability increases

Signalling upgrade boosts improved train services

AFFORDABILITY in Melbourne improved marginally in the June quarter, even though it was six per cent less affordable than 12 months earlier.

Noting that the national median dwelling price rose 9.1 per cent to $540,200, the HIA Affordability Index reports that the growth in Melbourne wages outstripped house price rises.

But affordability in the rest of the state declined to its lowest level in 18 months due to house prices increasing (4.8 per cent) more than wages.

Digital upgrades to link schools SCHOOLS across the Geelong and Surf Coast regions are in line for digital upgrades to provide better IT support.

Education Minister James Merlino said 63 government schools would be the first in Victoria to have new virtual conferencing systems installed.

In addition, nine schools will have their internet bandwidth doubled as part of a $16.4 million state-wide investment to improve regional connectivity.

It will give students faster and more reliable access to online resources to support learning programs and an extended choice of subjects.

Monaco rises to HIA national president WEST Australian Pino Monaco has been elected national president of the Housing Industry Association.

Monaco has served on HIA committees and task forces at a state and national level as a committeeman, vice chair and chair for 30 years.

He succeeds Ross Lang, who completed his term on May 25.

“It is a great honour to be elected national president,” Monaco said.

“We have some challenging times ahead. Not the least of which are rising to the industry challenges of training our industry, making some sense of a nearly broken planning system, and confronting the continuing issues of deteriorating housing affordability and a lack of appropriate housing supply.”

MORE than 55km of next-generation, high-capacity signalling will be installed to run more trains, more often, as part of the $11 billion Metro Tunnel project.

HCS allows trains to safely run closer together, meaning they can run more often. The technology enables trains to operate every two to three minutes – creating a true ‘turn-up-andgo’ train network for Melbourne.

The signalling will operate the 65 high-capacity trains being built in Victoria, which will run on the Sunbury to Cranbourne-Pakenham line via the Metro Tunnel.

Dedicated control centres will be built in Dandenong and Sunshine to support the technology.

CPB Contractors and Bombardier Transportation will deliver the $1 billion Rail Systems Alliance, which includes the first roll-out of a high-capacity signalling and communications system on an existing rail network anywhere in Australia.

Also, expressions of interest have opened for a $1 billion contract to design and construct the tunnel entrances at South Yarra and Kensington, and associated works across the Sunbury to Cranbourne-Pakenham corridor, including upgrading track power and conventional signalling.

“This is the next major piece of the puzzle – hi-tech signalling to run bigger trains,” Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.

$50m boost for Carrum promenade A NEW beach promenade and parkland and picnic areas will revitalise the bayside suburb of Carrum with a $50 million upgrade made possible by level-crossing removal works.

Beyond the promenade, Carrum village will be transformed when the existing train storage facility is relocated near Kananook station, creating more open space around the new Carrum station.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority said consultation would continue with residents to provide feedback about the promenade design.

In the next few months, a Community

Revitalisation Reference Group led by specialist urban designers will be established to work with the winning contractor to transform the community’s ideas into reality.

Five properties will be acquired on the Nepean Hwy to make way for the promenade.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Portrait of a property investor

THE average Australian investor in 2009 was 42, male, self-employed, married and with a net annual income of $103,200.

That’s the profile created by data from a major mortgage provider between 2003 and 2009 and reported at theconversation.com.

Most investors don’t rely on their property for income, and about 83 per cent of all investment properties are owned by small-scale investors who invested after buying their home.

The probability of becoming a residential investor tends to increase with age and homeowner status, but declines after the age of 65.

Most residential investment is centred around rent or resale; yet only a small proportion goes on construction of new homes.

The long-term, secure, “bricks and mortar” investment is made because of potential capital gains, income and wealth accumulation.

Academics have also argued that the Australian taxation system motivates – rather than facilitates – housing investment, as investors are able to access 50 per cent deduction on capital gains and negative gearing. Another motivator to invest in real estate may be more mortgage finance access; for example, between 2003 and 2009 the average 12-month housing credit growth has been 14.6 per cent.

Rentvesting eases affordability woes MANY young Australians hit by the affordability crisis are using their first property purchase as an investment.

Yourinvestmentproperty.com.au reports that “rentvesting” involves buying a rental property as an investment while renting another property in which to live.

Rentvestors now make up three per cent of first-home buyers nationally, but up to one in five Victorians are following this path to home ownership.

“Rentvesting is a smart property acquisition strategy that’s giving potential first-home buyers the opportunity to buy sooner rather than later,” Metropole Property Strategists chief executive Michael Yardney said.

“It’s a lifeline for those who are trying to gain a foothold in a property market that’s essentially a moving target – that is, growing in value faster than many home buyers can save a deposit.”

Yardney said rentvesting moved away from the notion people should buy a home before investing.

“It works because even though you’re renting, the property you buy is an asset that’s growing in value (assuming you choose a smart location) and is being paid off by your tenant,” Yardney said.

“Not only that, but you’re gaining equity that can launch you into other property purchases down the track, including (when the time is right) a home to call your own.”

Win-win scenarios in UDIA achievements

AN Advocacy Agenda (in English and Mandarin) to articulate major issues, influencing key changes to Better Apartment design standards, and securing a five-business-day turnaround commitment from Land Use Victoria for registrations of subdivisions of 10 or more lots were among the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Victoria division 2016-17 highlights.

The UDIA also negotiated a reduction to standard levies for greenfield development as part of the Infrastructure Contribution Plan system, influenced the release of more land in Melbourne’s growth areas after an undersupply and recent price increases, and gained funding for the Streamline for Growth program, which seeks to reduce the approval process for development.

UDIA chief executive officer Danni Addison said the apartment changes “strike a better balance between affordability and liveability” and were an example of the collaboration between government, and the development and finance industries.

This includes contributing to Infrastructure Victoria’s 30-year strategy to support infrastructure investment in growth areas and increased density in areas with access to jobs and services.

Chinese investment to top $100 billion CHINESE investment in global real estate will still top more than $100 billion this year despite moves to limit foreign investment.

Yourinvestmentproperty.com.au reports that Chinese-language international property website, Juwai.com, estimates that it will fall from $133.7 billion to $104.5 billion – which ranks among the top three years on record.

Juwai.com’s chief of operations Sue Jong said the 2016 total represented a 25.4 per cent increase over 2015 and an 845 per cent increase over five years.

“Capital controls, bank lending standards and foreign buyer taxes have combined to wind back the clock to 2015,” Jong said.

Australia rated second to United States for Chinese investment by dollar value, ahead of Hong Kong, Canada and the United Kingdom.

$12m college to meet Epping North demand WORK has begun on the Edgars Creek Secondary College at Epping North.

The $12 million project will include a state-of-the art science, technology, engineering and maths building with science labs, flexible breakout areas and digital technology learning spaces.

Designed to accommodate 1800 students from Year 7-12, the school will be located in a community precinct that includes a primary school, community activity centre and a council reserve.

The college will also feature an AFLgrade oval with training lights, coach’s boxes and a cricket pitch. Funded through the $50 million Shared Facilities Fund, it will be used by local clubs so that the entire community benefits.

Edgars Creek Secondary College will open in two stages from term one, 2018.

Year 7 students will be taught at Mernda Central P-12 College for term one and two, and will then transition to the new college in term three.

Women peddling Great Ocean Road Race

MORE of the best women’s teams and riders are set to pedal their way to Victoria for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in January.

An increased ranking for next year’s Deakin University Elite Women’s Race means the top-10 women’s teams in the world can now compete in Geelong, with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) providing in-principle support to upgrade the women’s race to a UCI1.1 classification.

The popular Towards Zero Race Melbourne will also return in 2018, featuring two races for elite men and

women, while more than 3000 budding cyclists are expected to ride with 2011 Tour De France champion Evans in the Swisse People’s Ride.

Entries open this month.

RACE PROGRAM Thu, Jan 25: Elite men’s and women’s race, Albert Park Fri, Jan 26: Family and Kids Ride, Geelong waterfront Sat, Jan 27: Swisse People’s Ride, Deakin University Elite Women’s Race Sun, Jan 28 – UCI WorldTour elite men’s race

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 31

INDUSTRY NEWS

Construction begins on Club Delaray CONSTRUCTION has begun on the $5million Club Delaray at Clyde North.

City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz, Hayball architects and project builders HDP joined Villawood Properties to reveal the future vision of the club last month.

It will be Villawood’s fifth residents club. Each seeks to deliver healthy, thriving communities that instil a high sense of social connectedness from their inception through to the shared ownership of the communal space.

The clubs are run by residents via the owners’ corporation.

“The belief at Villawood Properties has always been that there’s more to creating a living, breathing community than housing allotments. There must be opportunities for people to get to know their neighbours and build a sense of connection,” executive director Rory Costelloe said.w Casey is a culturally diverse region, with a strong representation of migrants from India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, England and New Zealand. About 42 per cent of Delaray residents are born overseas.

CLOCKWISE The proposed cafe at Club Delaray; Cr Amanda Sanderton, Rory Costelloe, Cr Sam Aziz, Geoff Dart, Tom Jordan and Nancy Bickerton turn the sod; the gym; and the kids pool

The club helps migrants overcome their isolation by fostering inclusivity, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community where everyone feels safe.

“Whether it’s working out in the gym, making use of the parents rooms or function space, taking their kids for a swim or even just meeting up with their neighbours for a coffee in the cafe, the shared sense of ownership of this communal space becomes akin to the sense of belonging,” Costelloe said.

Construction is expected to finish

by July 2018.

CUSTOM CUSTOMLIGHTING LIGHTING CUSTOM CUSTOM LIGHTING E E LIGHTING 32 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

E E

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

DENNIS FAMILY CORPORATION

Westmeadows (N) Valley Park, Cnr Valley Park Blvd & Dimboola Rd.

(Open seven days)

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

Clarinda Park

Armstrong Creek (G) Ashbury sales office: 460 Boundary Rd ashburyestate.com.au

clarindapark.com.au

Open 11am-5pm

HALLMARC

Carrum Downs (S)

Burnside (W) Modeina sales office: 6 Lexington Dr, Burnside modeina.com.au

Lake Nagambie (R) Enter via Vickers Rd, Elloura Estate

Cranbourne (S)

Silverbark, Cnr Wedge & McCormicks Rd silverbark.com.au Clyde North (S)

By appointment

Clydevale, 660 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd (Cnr Hardys Rd) clydevaleliving.com.au

Donnybrook (W) Donnybrae, 875 Donnybrook Rd

The Radius, 291 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd theradius.com.au

BROWN PROPERTY GROUP Open daily, 11am-5pm Clyde North (S) Highgrove, Cnr Berwick-Cranbourne Rd & Newbridge Blvd highgrove.com.au Meridian Clyde, Cnr Thompsons Rd & Stoneleigh Rd meridianclyde.com.au

donnybrae.com.au Manor Lakes (W) Manor Lakes sales office: 2 Eppalock Dr manorlakes.com.au Open 10am-5pm Truganina (W) Westbrook Sales Office: 17 Society Blvd (just off Leakes Rd) westbrookestate.com.au Open 10am-5pm

FRASERS PROPERTY

CUSTODIAN LAND

Burwood East (S) Prospect Park Burwood

Rockbank (W) Cnr Mount Cottrell Rd and Greigs Rd, The Millstone themillstone.com.au

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

prospectpark.com.au

Sunbury (N)

Open daily, 11am-6pm

100 Phillip Dr, Brookhaven Estate brookhaven.com.au

Greenvale (N)

DACLAND

Open Sat-Wed, noon-4pm

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

Open daily, 11am-5pm

Parkville (N)

Cranbourne West (S)

Parkside, 81 Galada Ave

Lochaven, 665 Hall Rd lochaven.com.au Lara (G) Manzeene Village, 5 Manzeene Ave manzeenevillage.com.au

Point Cook (W) Waterhaven Blvd (off Dunnings Rd) Waterhaven Estate

ID LAND Armstrong Creek (G) Watermark Estate, 560 Barwon Heads Rd

Wollert (N) Amber Estate, Cnr Craigieburn Rd East & Vearings Rd amberwollert.com.au

INTRAPAC PROPERTY Keysborough (S) Cnr Perry Rd & Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate somerfield.com.au Torquay (G) Cnr Surf Coast Hwy & Merrigig Dr, Quay2 Estate quay2.com.au Werribee (W) Alfred Rd, Alwood Estate alwood.com.au

Point Cook (W)

322-340 Centre Rd, Alira Estate

Life, Point Cook, Cnr Point Cook Rd & Saltwater Prom

aliraberwick.com.au

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

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

Wyndham Vale (W) Wynbrook Wyndham Vale, Cnr Ballan & Hobbs Rd wynbrook.com.au

Wallan (N) Wallara Waters, 54 Wallara Waters Blvd frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/Wallara-Waters

Sunbury (N)

Open Sat-Thu, 11am-5pm

Open Sat-Thu, 11am-5pm

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

NATIONAL PACIFIC PROP. (Open seven days, 11am-5pm)

eliston.com.au

Berwick (S)

Open Sat-Wed, 11am-5pm

Mickleham (N) Donnybrook Rd, Annadale Estate Mickleham annadale.com.au

Truganina (W) Elements Estate, 778 Dohertys Rd elements.com.au

Open daily, noon-3pm

Rothwell, Dohertys Rd rothwellvillages.com.au

yourkinbrook.com.au

Clyde (S)

MOREMAC PROPERTY GROUP

frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/Point-Cook

Donnybrook (N) Cnr English St & Donnybrook Rd, Kinbrook Estate Donnybrook

watermarkgeelong.com.au

frasersproperty.com.au/VIC/ParksideParkville

Tarneit (W)

34 // URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE

Open Sat-Thu, noon-3pm

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

Clyde North (S) Grices Rd, Clyde North Kilora Park at The Boulevard theboulevardestate.com.au Cranbourne North (S) Bendigo Court Estate Soon to be released Curlewis (G) Cnr Appleby St and Jetty Rd, Curlewis Parks Estate curlewisparks.com.au

Eliston, Discovery Centre: 20 Pattersons Rd 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 Mernda (N) Wellington Rise nationalpacific.com.au

NEWLAND DEVELOPERS Armstrong Creek (G) 6 Anglet Way, Warralily Coast Estate Warralily Promenade, 844 Barwon Heads Rd, Armstrong Creek warralily.com.au Beveridge (N) 450 Mandalay Circuit, Mandalay Estate mandalayliving.com.au Clyde (S) 365 Clyde-Five Ways Rd, Belmond On Clyde belmondonclyde.com.au

PASK GROUP Clyde North (S) 211 Grices Rd, Circa 1886 Estate circaberwick.com.au Greenvale (N) 980 Mickleham Rd, The Maples at Greenvale themaples.com.au

PEET Botanic Ridge (S) Craig Rd, Acacia Botanic Ridge Estate 53-65 Craig Rd, Summerhill Estate Craigieburn (N) 2/8 Valiant Cres, Aston Craigieburn Estate Greenvale (N) Mickleham Rd (cnr Destination Dr & Horizon Blvd), Aspect Greenvale Estate

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

EDGEBROOK (S)

Point Cook (W) 333 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate Tarneit (W) Corner of Sayers and Davis Roads, The Grove Estate Truganina (W)

Livingston (S)

11 Mainview Blvd, Allura Estate

53-65 Craig Road, Cranbourne East Tarneit (W) 830 Leakes Rd, Haven Estate

VILLAWOOD PROPERTIES

Cnr Leakes Rd & Tarneit Rd, Little Green Estate

Barwon Heads (G) Plantation Drive, 18th Fairway Villas

Tarneit Rd, Newhaven Estate Werribee (W) 383 Black Forest Rd, Cornerstone Werribee Estate

RESI VENTURES Beveridge (N) 45 Arrowsmith Rd Gisborne (W) 43 Brooking Rd (cnr Brady Rd), Golden Views Estate goldenviews.com.au Greenvale (N) 1035 Mickleham Rd, Greenvale Orchards Estate

Clyde North (S) Delaray, Delaray Waters, 460 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd delaray.villawoodproperties.com.au Lyndhurst (S) Aquarevo, 28 Boland Dr aquarevo.villawoodproperties.com.au Marriott Waters, Cnr Thompsons Rd & Rymada St marriottwaters.villawoodproperties.com.au Mickleham (N) Waratah, 425 Donnybrook Rd Waratah.villawoodproperties.com.au

Dorrington St, Willows Edge

Mount Duneed (G)

Plumpton (W)

Armstrong, Corner of Unity Drive & Surf Coast Highway

Taylors Rd, Monument Estate Sales office coming soon

armstrong.villawoodproperties.com.au

Rockbank (W)

Plumpton (W)

1220 Leakes Rd, Accolade Rockbank

Aspire, Sales office temporarily closed (Reopening mid 2017)

South Morang (N) 510 Findon Rd, Eucalia Estate

Sunbury (N)

Werribee (W)

Sherwood, Racecourse Rd villawoodproperties.com.au

100 Walls Rd, Bella Rosa

STOCKLAND 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

Redstone Hill, Redstone Hill Rd villawoodproperties.com.au

THERE are many reasons why the first 45 lots at the Edgebrook community at Clyde sold within 48 hours, and its appeal appears to be contagious.

To date, more than 170 blocks have been sold at the 65ha Stockland estate, which will house more than 2000 people in 800 dwellings when complete in 2022.

Designed to blend in with the natural environment and Clyde Creek, which runs through the development, Edgebrook is less than 3km from the company’s Selandra Rise community, which was awarded the best master-planned development in Victoria at the 2016 UDIA awards.

It is also 1.6km from the Clyde Recreation Reserve and a short drive to Casey Fields sporting facilities, Casey Recreation and Aquatic Centre, private and public schools and child care centres, medical and shopping centres and the Cranbourne Racecourse and Recreation Centre.

Stockland’s Victorian general manager Mike Davis said the community appealed to all types of buyers, including those wanting a townhouse.

“Edgebrook is proving very popular with first-home buyers who are attracted by the opportunity to buy an affordable house-and-land package in a highgrowth corridor and is close to outstanding schools, retail facilities, transport and employment,” Davis said.

Davis said buyers also like how the community has a natural setting away from the hustle and bustle, yet with everything they need nearby.

“Edgebrook residents will have easy access to ovals, parks, shops and sporting facilities in the area, as well as the Princes Fwy and Cranbourne train station,’’ he said. “Families will also have a choice of 10 existing schools located within 8km of Edgebrook and there are more proposed schools for the area.”

Road upgrade works have begun at the community entrance, at the intersection of Pattersons Rd and Tuckers Rd, while construction work started on Stage 1 late last month.

And there’s no sign of the activity abating. Work on Edgebrook’s display village will begin mid-2018 for an early 2019 opening, with the central park (to incorporate public artwork, play equipment, barbecue areas and walking trails) to start becoming a reality in June 2019.

A range of community events, such as free movie nights and family fun days, will be held in coming months for Edgebrook residents to help create a connected community.

To find out more or register your interest, call 13 LAND (13 5263) or go to www.stockland.com.au/edgebrook or email edgebrook@stockland.com.au

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

Website: stockland.com.au/edgebrook Block sizes: from 350sq m Price: from $283,000 Address: 125 Tuckers Rd, Clyde Open: 10am-5pm, seven days

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 35

WARRALILY ESTATE (G)

VERSATILITY and charm make Sherridon Homes’ Manly 32 stand out from the rest in the family home category.

Suitable for a 12.6m x 26m block, the double-storey delight of 31.66 squares is designed for entertaining – yet it also provides plenty of space for privacy.

It has four upstairs bedrooms (full-width main with ensuite and walk-in robe) serviced by a rumpus room and bathroom.

The downstairs level includes a front sitting room, study, powder room, and vast family living domain with chic kitchen with butler’s pantry.

Maroubra St, Armstrong Creek Price: From $294,200

DISPLAY HOMES

DIRECTORY ARDEN HOMES

BURBANK HOMES

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

Ascot (N) Weeks Road, Top Paddock Estate

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

Armstrong Creek (G) Maroubra St, Warralily DV3 Estate

Keysborough (S) Cnr Westwood Blvd & Alderberry Rd, Somerfield Estate Lyndhurst (S) 15-17 Seachange Parade, Marriott Waters 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 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

Melton (W) 1 Willandra Blvd, Willandra Estate Melton South (W) 10 Ladbroke St, Atherstone 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

Burnside (W) 1 Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate

Strathfieldsaye (N) Yirrilil Way, Imagine Estate Sunbury (N) 10 Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal Estate

Clyde North (S) Sedge St, Berwick Waters Estate 6 Murphy St, Clydevale Estate

Tarneit (W) 56 Heartlands Blvd, Heartlands Estate Isdell St, The Grove Estate

Craigieburn (N) 18 Dashing Rd, Aston Estate 3 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate

Truganina (W) Bolte Dr, Elements Estate

Botanic Ridge (S) Gumleaf Pl, Acacia Estate

Cranbourne East (S) 23 Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate Cranbourne North (S) 5 Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate Cranbourne West (S) 3 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate Fyansford (G) 4 Casey Blvd, Gen Fyansford Estate Greenvale (N) 20 Destination Dr, Aspect Estate

Diggers Rest (N) Sully Court, Bloomdale Estate Greenvale (N) Flourish Circuit, Greenvale Gardens Estate Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Estate Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate Mount Duneed (G) Unity Drive, Armstrong Estate Ocean Grove (G) Sacramento St, Oakdene Estate Officer (S) Penshurst Cres, Timbertop Estate Gatsby Drive, Arcadia Estate Point Cook (W) Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate Rockbank (W) Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Tarneit (W) Bandicoot Loop, Habitat Estate

Wollert (N) 24 Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate

Wollert (N) Bloom Cres, Lyndarum North Estate

Wyndham Vale (W) 11 Memory Cres, Jubilee Estate

Wyndham Vale (W) Congregation Circuit, Jubilee Estate

DENNIS FAMILY HOMES Armstrong Creek (G) Maroubra St, Warralily Coast Estate Botanic Ridge (S) Gumleaf Pl, Botanic Ridge Estate

Keysborough (S) 3 Olivetree Dr, Somerfield Estate

Burnside (W) Lexington Dr, Modeina Estate By appointment

Mount Duneed (W) Unity Drive, Armstrong Estate Estate

Cranbourne East (S) Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate

Werribee (W) 5 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

Kalkallo (N) Design Way, Cloverton Estate

Lucas (Regional) 18 Eleanor Dr, Lucas.

Craigieburn (N) Dashing Rd, Aston Estate Highlander Dr, Highlands Estate

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

EIGHT HOMES Armstrong Creek (G) 19-21 Elouera St, Warralily Coast Estate Clyde North (S) 6-18 Murphy Street, Clydevale Craigieburn (N) 7-9 Montreal Circuit, Highlands Estate Cranbourne North (S) 268-270 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate Cranbourne West (S) 14-16 Erindale St, Clarinda Park Estate

Kalkallo (N) 7-9 McInerney Rd, Cloverton Estate Melton South (W) 14-16 Ladbroke St, Atherstone Estate Mernda (N) 19-23 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages Point Cook (W) 20-22 Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook 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 Highett (S) Vista, Kingston Park Apartments Melbourne (S) Arthur Apartments, 14 Queens Rd

PACE DEVELOPMENTS Pace of Carnegie Display suite at 18 Woorayl Street, Carnegie Wed 3pm-7pm, Thu-Sun 12pm-4pm PaceofCarnegie.com.au Pace of Collingwood 75 Wellington St. Display suite at 51 Langridge St, Collingwood. Open Wed-Fri 4pm-7pm, weekends 10am-1pm.

Paceofcollingwood.com.au

Officer (S) Accord Avenue, Arcadia Estate Upton Dr, Timbertop Estate Point Cook (W) Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate Rockbank (W) Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Sunbury (N) Rosenthal Blvd, Rosenthal 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

Pace of Northcote 5 Beavers Rd, Northcote.

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

Paceofnorthcote.com.au

Werribee (W) Charter Rd, Riverwalk Estate

Truganina (W) Brunswick Dr, Elements Estate

Wollert (N) Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate

BERWICK WATERS (S)

Lara (G) 121-123 Flinders Ave, Lara Central Estate Mount Duneed (G) 35 Unity Drive, Armstrong Estate Officer (s) 8-10 Bronte Boulevard, Arcadia Estate Point Cook (W) 333 Point Cook Rd, The Address Estate Rockbank (W) 18-20 Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate Romsey (N) Greenfields Blvd, Lomandra Estate Tarneit (W) 7 Isdell St, The Grove Estate Werribee (W) 150 Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

DIVIDE your time between work, rest and play in this single-level gem from Henley.

The 28.37-square Carmelle 28 has four bedrooms (front main with ensuite and twin walk-in robes), home theatre, and L-shaped living domain that incorporates the premium kitchen with butler’s pantry, dining room and family room – all of which open to the al fresco through stackable doors.

A small passage behind the kitchen

leads into the galley laundry and another from the living room accesses the sleeping wing with leisure area that could double as a study, powder room and bathroom with corner shower, bath and single vanity.

The Carmelle 28 is suitable for a 14m x 32m block.

Price: From $226,900 15 Springbrook Dr, Clyde North

Kalkallo (N) 3 Design Way, Cloverton Estate Keysborough (S) Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate Lara (G) 4 Caddys Rd, Lara Central Estate Melton West (W) 3 Willandra Blvd, Willandra Estate

Officer (S) 18 & 20 Accord Avenue, Arcadia Estate 12 Hardwick Pl, Timbertop Estate Point Cook (W) 9-11 Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate Rockbank (W) Panning Circuit, Woodlea Estate Roxburgh Park (N) 18 Dawnview Cres, True North Estate Sunbury (N) 233 Gap Rd, Gap Road Estate Tarneit (W) Leakes Rd, Heartlands Estate

SHERRIDON HOMES

60 Bandicoot Loop, Habitat Estate

Armstrong Creek (G) Compass Way, Armstrong Estate Elouera St, Warralily Estate

Armstrong Creek (G) Maroubra St, Warralily Coast Estate

Taylors Hill (W) Belmont Ct, Taylors Hill Estate

Clyde North (S) Murphy St, Clydevale Estate

Werribee (W) 18 Bloom St, Riverwalk Estate

Botanic Ridge (S) Gumleaf Pl, Acacia Estate Brighton East (S) 333 South Rd

Cranbourne North (S) Lucinda Lane, Tulliallan Estate Mount Duneed (G) Unity Dr, Armstrong Estate

Diggers Rest (N) Sully Ct, Bloomdale Estate

Craigieburn (N) Valiant Cres, Aston Estate

Tarneit (W) Leakes Rd, Heartlands Estate

Mickleham (N) Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate

Doncaster (S) Heritage Boulevard, Tullamore Estate

Werribee (W) Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate

Mount Duneed (G) Unity Dr, Armstrong Estate

Greenvale (N) Destination Dr (off Mickleham Rd), Aspect Estate

Wollert (N) Sunfield Dr, Lyndarum Estate

Tarneit (W) Bandicoot Loop, Habitat Estate

Fyansford (G) 5 Casey Blvd, Gen Fyansford Estate

PORTER DAVIS

LONG ISLAND HOMES

Rockbank (W) Cross Lane, Woodlea Estate

Drysdale (G) 7 Centennial Blvd, Curlewis Park Estate

Mount Duneed (G) 30 Unity Dr, Armstrong Estate

Clyde North (S) Sedge St, Berwick Waters Estate Callow Ave, Highgrove Estate

Point Cook (W) Gramercy Blvd, The Address Estate Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate

Diggers Rest (W) 13 Sully Ct, Bloomdale Estate

Mickleham (N) 3-5 Newmarket Pde, Merrifield Estate

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

Fyansford (G) 15 Casey Blvd, Gen Fyansford Estate

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

Lot 6218 Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages

JG KING

Cranbourne North (S) 805d Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Tulliallan Estate

Cranbourne East (S) Bathgate Cres, Livingston Estate

Mernda (N) 21 Riberry Cres, Berry Lane Estate

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

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

Craigieburn (N) 79 Whitfield Cres, Highlands Estate

Kalkallo (N) McInerney Rd, Cloverton Estate Keysborough (S) Westwood Blvd, Somerfield Estate Mernda (N) Stradling Rise, Mernda Villages

Rockbank (W) Woodlea Blvd, Woodlea Estate

Billeroy Way, Harpley Estate Williams Landing (W) 21 Palmers Rd, Williams Landing Estate Wollert (N) 51 Evolve Espl, Summerhill Estate Bloom Cres, Lyndarum Estate Wyndham Vale (W) 33 Memory Cres, Jubilee Estate

URBANEDGE Armstrong Creek (G) 23 Elouera Street, Warralily Coast Estate

SIMONDS HOMES

Cranbourne North (S) 264 Alisma Blvd, Tulliallan Estate

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

Point Cook (W) Liverpool St, Upper Point Cook Estate

Keysborough (S) 5 Olivetree Blvd, Somerfield Estate

URBAN LIFE MAGAZINE // 37