O pen
Modern Haven
2 / 102 Mather Road, Mount Eliza
In conversation with
Andrew Laidlaw
P repare to sell in 2024
Now is the prime opportunity to prepare your home for a successful 2024 sale.
Begin by discovering your home’s true worth with an updated appraisal, revealing its current market value and providing valuable insights to maximise your sale’s potential.
Arrange a specialist appraisal with the Marshall White team today.
Modern Haven
Offering a contemporary design inspired by mid-century architecture, this four-bedroom-plus-study residence has everything that new homebuyers will enjoy. Thoughtfully landscaped, the pool is beautifully positioned for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining.
Dominic Salvato, Marshall White Director
2 / 102 Mather Road, Mount Eliza
This near-new architectural creation seamlessly integrates with its sanctuary-like surroundings, offering grand-scale living across a 57.12 square single-level residence. Situated on a private 2005sqm (approx) allotment, “Grevillia”, designed and built by Beachstone Homes, artfully fuses interior and exterior spaces through soaring ceilings and generous glazing.
The striking façade introduces a thoughtfully zoned layout bathed in natural light. Four bedrooms, each with adjoining bathrooms, complement a dramatic family domain featuring spacious living areas and a state-of-the-art kitchen equipped with premium appliances.
Outdoor entertaining is elevated by a covered alfresco area, expansive deck, and built-in kitchen, anchored by a mineralpurified swimming pool. Landscaping highlights include a Bluestone amphitheatre and detached workshop.
Luxury permeates every detail, from double-glazed windows and timber flooring to a sophisticated home automation system controlling climate, lighting, and irrigation. Currently a finalist in the HIA Custom-Built Home of the Year awards, this residence exemplifies refined living.
Conveniently located near local amenities, prestigious schools, Mount Eliza village, beaches, and Peninsula Link, this home offers an unparalleled living experience. ■
For enquiries contact
Dominic Salvato 0400 335 700
Cass Salvato 0408 744 362 VIEW LISTING
In conversation with
Andrew Laidlaw
Photo Credit Robyn Lea
Landscape designer Andrew Laidlaw, known for his work with the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and his recent contribution to the NGVWA Garden Day, spoke to us about his journey in landscape architecture. With decades of experience in public and private projects, Andrew shares insights on creating meaningful spaces, the importance of patience in design, and his vision for future landscape trends.
What inspired you to pursue landscape architecture, and what were some key moments or influences that shaped your career path?
I started studying horticulture, and within this discipline, I was immediately drawn to landscape design and shaping the landscape. An English lecturer, John Patrick, had joined the college. He initially inspired me in this area and encouraged me to study Landscape Architecture. I learned many important lessons from him about planting design and basic landscape design.
Landscape Architecture at Melbourne University was both exciting and, at times, terrifying! I also started teaching at Burnley at the ripe old age of 21. John Patrick was desperate for a graphics teacher, and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. This proved to be enormously helpful; I am still teaching at the same place!
Teaching was one night a week, but in preparing for this, I learned an enormous amount and met many great students from whom I also learned. I became interested in many international designers, such as James van Sweden, Martha Schwartz, and Roberto Burle Marx, as well as a number of contemporary designers, like Bernard Trainor and Andrea Cochran.
I was also appointed as the Landscape Architect for the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in 1997, which was a huge turning point. Under Richard Barley and Phil Moors, I was heavily involved in master planning and setting landscape direction for the next 25 years. This journey continues, but I've been privileged to be the lead designer on the Children's Garden, Guilfoyle's Volcano, the Fern Gully, and the recent Arid Garden, along with many other projects.
The Hawthorn garden you designed for this year’s NGVWA (National Gallery of Victoria Women's Association) Garden Day features whimsy and non-traditional elements. Can you share some specific features that embody this brief?
This garden was interesting to me because of the clients and their brief. They were inspired by the Children’s garden and wanted a family garden that could be a special place for their children to grow up in. They wanted a non-traditional Hawthorn garden that was all about plants, nature, and design.
With extensive experience in designing public spaces and gardens, what is your primary motivation and focus when creating new landscapes?
What drives and interests me is creating places for families to live in, to experience beauty, the seasons, and change.
What advice would you give to homeowners about patience and long-term vision in landscape design?
Landscape design requires patience: it starts with nurturing the soil and choosing the right plants, then allowing time for growth and maturation.
You have mentioned the importance of gardens for wellbeing and healing. Can you elaborate on how you incorporate these principles into your designs?
Once functional requirements are met, this is what drives most of my designs: creating plant-rich spaces that allow outdoor living to flow seamlessly between house and garden.
What do you foresee as the next big movement in landscape design for luxury properties?
Bringing biodiversity to our gardens is paramount, and I think this is a trend: the rewilding of our living spaces. ■
LEARN MORE
N G V W A
GardenDay Hidden Hawthorn
This October, the suburb of Hawthorn will reveal some of its most beautiful secrets. As part of the annual NGVWA (National Gallery of Victoria Women’s Association) Garden Day, seven private garden owners will open their gates to the public, offering a rare glimpse into their hidden horticultural havens.
One standout garden, designed by renowned landscape architect Andrew Laidlaw, promises to captivate visitors with its blend of whimsy and expert design. Laidlaw, known for his work on Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens and international projects, brings his philosophy of nature's healing power to this private residence.
“Gardens are essential to our wellbeing, not just in public spaces, but in our homes, too,” Laidlaw explains. This belief is evident in the Hawthorn garden, where every element is designed to spark imagination and break free from conventional garden norms.
The garden’s owners, a family with three children, wanted a non-traditional space to delight all ages. Laidlaw delivered, creating a landscape that contrasts playfully with the property's heritage Federation home.
Visitors will notice unexpected plant choices that stand out from typical Hawthorn gardens. Instead of formal hedges and English-style flower beds, there are striking bottle trees, swaying grasses, and colourful succulents. The garden features aloe trees around a pool, large pots of herbs and citrus near the kitchen, and curved pathways that encourage exploration. A highlight is the children's garden, where oversized bamboo and animal sculptures create a magical play area.
The event, a fundraiser for the National Gallery of Victoria, allows visitors to explore some of Hawthorn's finest private
gardens, offering a unique peek behind the facades of this historic suburb.
Marshall White, a proud sponsor of the event, recognises the importance of outdoor spaces in creating desirable homes and nurturing community connections.
Scheduled for October 24th, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the NGVWA Garden Day offers garden inspiration, community engagement, and support for the arts. It's a chance to see how innovative design can transform a backyard into a haven of creativity and natural beauty.
For garden lovers, this event will again be a highlight of Melbourne's spring calendar.
The National Gallery of Victoria Women’s Association (NGVWA), established in 1961, supports the NGV through fundraising events like lectures, gallery visits, and their annual Garden Day, contributing to art acquisitions and curator scholarships. ■
LEARN MORE
For enquiries, email: ngvenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au
D irty Martini
from Apollo Inn
Apollo Inn, a cocktail bar by Gimlet and the first bar venture by Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann unveils its signature Dirty Martini recipe, a classic for the ages.
Makes 4 drinks
Ingredients
180ml Tried & True Vodka
60ml Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin
60ml Olive Brine
100ml Water
To serve the drinks, combine all the ingredients in a glass bottle. Secure the lid and then store in the freezer (ideally at -18 degrees) for 2 hours.
Serve directly from the freezer into frozen martini glasses and garnish each drink with an olive.
Apollo Inn
The Market Springs to Life
The Melbourne property market is showing strong signs of life this spring. Buyers are actively embracing the market, dispelling any concerns about potential buyer hesitation.
As Marshall White Director Daniel Wheeler observes, “What’s truly unfolding in the real estate market? Spring momentum has kicked off with a significant increase in auction participation; remarkably, 88% of our 43 auctions last weekend saw competitive bidding. Savvy buyers recognising this as a ‘safe window’ for purchasing are likely to reap benefits once others follow suit in greater strengths and numbers.”
Marshall White auctions achieved a success rate of 75% last weekend, which was a substantial contrast to the Melbournewide auction success rate of 65.9%. This outperformance indicates a positive response to the properties we represent and our approach to the market.
Attendance at open inspections has significantly increased, reminiscent of levels last seen in June. This rise in interest suggests a competitive buying environment ahead.
The spring market outlook is positive, with high bidder participation at auctions and strong inspection numbers.
Well-priced properties in desirable locations are expected to perform well.
This creates an opportune time for sellers to showcase their properties to an engaged audience, while buyers should be prepared for increased competition but ample opportunities.
Marshall White anticipates a continued solid performance in the auction market as we progress through the season, with buyer interest remaining high across our operational areas. ■
Architecture by Gardens by Developed by Interiors by
Tapware
3 A B C 3 2
From $3,500,000
Some of the world’s best residences embrace iconic gardens in their respective cities, from Central Park in New York City to Hyde Park in London. The Address will deliver a new legacy for Melbourne, fronting one of its most beloved gardens, connected to the city in just a heartbeat.
380 Albert Street, East Melbourne
3 A B C 3 2
From $3,500,000
Some of the world’s best residences embrace iconic gardens in their respective cities, from Central Park in New York City to Hyde Park in London. The Address will deliver a new legacy for Melbourne, fronting one of its most beloved gardens, connected to the city in just a heartbeat. 380 Albert Street, East Melbourne
Developed by Design by
Contact your local team to experience the Marshall White difference.
801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999 Our Locations
Brighton
225 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999
Sandringham
22 Bay Road, Sandringham VIC 3191 (03) 9822 9999
Balwyn
Level 2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999
Hawthorn
Doncaster
908 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East VIC 3109 (03) 9822 9999
Flinders
10/33 Cook Street, Flinders VIC 3929 (03) 8564 2464
Mt Eliza
98 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza VIC 3930 (03) 9787 6650
Sorrento
60 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento VIC 3943 (03) 5981 3000
Albert Park
110 Bridport Street, Albert Park (03) 9822 9999
Armadale
1111 High Street, Armadale VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999
