O pen
Coast & Country Edition
In Conversation with Boffi
Studio
42 Wattle Grove, Portsea Coastal Pinnacle
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.
42 Wattle Grove, Portsea
Coastal Pinnacle
The attention to detail is unsurpassed in this new masterpiece, reflecting a relaxed Portsea coastal sophistication that exceeds expectations on every level. The ideal blend of indoor/outdoor living with total privacy.
Geoff Hall, Marshall White Sales Executive
This newly completed architect-designed residence in a prestigious Portsea enclave exemplifies masterful design and meticulous attention to detail. Spanning two lift-connected levels, it merges refined sophistication with poolside serenity.
The bold exterior opens to reveal a light-filled living domain with full-height glass, towering voids, and high-end finishes.
Engineered oak floors lead to an open-plan living and dining area featuring a cocktail bar, gas fireplace, and custom reading nook. The exquisite marble kitchen features Gaggenau appliances, dual dishwashers, and a butler's pantry.
Expansive sliding doors connect to a sophisticated outdoor entertaining space with a self-cleaning heated pool and spa, deck with overhead heating, and landscaped lawns.
The home includes multiple living areas, a dedicated office, and four bedrooms, including a sumptuous main suite with fitted walk-in robes and a lavish ensuite.
Additional features include a private internal lift, powder room, zoned climate control, remote external blinds, abundant storage, and a remote double garage. Situated near Shelley Beach, Portsea’s amenities, and minutes from Sorrento Village and golf courses, this stunning family residence offers unrivalled elegance and convenience. ■
For enquiries contact
Andrew Hayne 0418 395 349
Geoff Hall 0419 006 488
Ben Everist 0402 250 457 VIEW LISTING
In Conversation with
Boffi Studio
Photo Credit Timothy Kaye
In this exclusive interview, we spoke to Edwina Withers, Director of Boffi Studio Sydney and Boffi Studio Melbourne. Below, she shares insights on her journey, the evolution of the Australian design landscape, and the impact of Boffi’s presence in the local market.
What most inspired you to bring the iconic Boffi brand to Australia?
My inspiration to bring Boffi to Australia stems from a long-standing admiration for the brand. As a designer, Boffi has always represented the pinnacle of high-end design and craftsmanship. From the early days of my career, I revered Boffi’s commitment to innovation and quality. When the opportunity arose to establish Boffi Studio in Sydney, it felt like a natural progression to introduce this iconic Italian brand to the Australian market. With over 30 years in design, including running my own practice, I saw a growing demand in Australia for sophisticated, high-quality design solutions. By launching Boffi Studio, we aimed to enrich Australia’s design landscape with Italian design excellence and craftsmanship.
How does Boffi Studio in Melbourne’s approach reflect your view on interior design’s role in connecting people with spaces?
At Boffi Studio Melbourne, our approach aims to create emotional connections between clients and their spaces, which for me is the role of Interior Design. By presenting Boffi’s offerings in a space that feels both aspirational and approachable, we foster a stronger connection between our clients and their environments. This ensures our designs are not only functional but also resonate personally with users, ultimately improving their quality of life and their relationship with their spaces.
How has your background in Fine Arts and Architecture influenced your curation of Boffi’s offerings for the Australian market?
My background in fine arts and architecture has significantly influenced how I curate Boffi’s offerings for the Australian market. Fine arts has deepened my appreciation for visual aesthetics, while my architectural experience has honed my understanding of spatial dynamics and functionality. This dual perspective enables me to communicate effectively with my fellow peers in the architecture community and understand their design intentions, ensuring our offerings meet and exceed Australian design expectations. This approach helps create design solutions that resonate with the unique preferences of our market.
Over the past decade, how have you seen the Australian design landscape evolve in its reception to Italian luxury brands?
In the past decade, the Australian design landscape has certainly progressed and become more receptive to Italian luxury brands. Increased global travel and exposure have led Australians to value the craftsmanship and heritage of brands like Boffi. The industry has evolved to appreciate the sophisticated design that Italian brands represent, and Boffi has played a key role in this shift by educating Australians about the nuances of Italian design.
What is the most rewarding part of bringing an off-the-plan development, such as First Light, to life, from concept to completion?
The most rewarding aspect of bringing a development like First Light to life is having Boffi play a pivotal role in the project’s success. It’s truly an honour to see Boffi, the world’s number one kitchen brand featured in Australian developments. The opportunity to showcase Boffi’s products, especially in their most refined form like the Combine range, is incredibly fulfilling. What stands out most is how Boffi’s involvement can enhance the overall sales campaign and enrich the end user’s experience. Seeing our high-quality joinery become an integral part of these projects and contribute to their success is deeply gratifying. ■
LEARN MORE
Citrus Trifle with Coconut and Verjus Sorbet from Paringa Estate
Paringa Estate’s glass-walled restaurant, where wood-fired warmth meets vineyard vistas, sets the stage for Chef Nick McGonigal’s Modern Australian mastery. Here, he unveils his signature Citrus Trifle with Coconut and Verjus Sorbet recipe.
Method Ingredients
2 oranges (can substitute with mandarins)
Citrus Gel
100g blood orange purée (or any other citrus purée available)
50g sugar
2g agar agar powder
Coconut Soil
2L coconut cream
50g brown sugar
Oat Milk Curd
1L oat milk
100g sugar
15g vanilla paste
40g corn flour
16g gelatin
Whipped Coconut Cream
200g coconut cream
25g icing sugar
Verjus Sorbet (optional)
360ml Sally's Verjuice (or another brand)
610ml sugar syrup (equal parts of sugar and water, brought to boil then allowed to cool)
Serves: 8 portions
Preparation time: 4 hours
Citrus Gel
1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan, mix well and bring to a boil.
2. Pour into a container and set aside in the fridge for 30 minutes or until set.
3. Blitz set mass in a food processor or with a handheld mixer until it becomes a smooth and glossy gel.
Coconut Soil
1. Bring coconut cream to a boil and allow mixture to split.
2. Continue cooking until the milk starts to caramelise to a light brown.
3. Add brown sugar and boil for a further 30 seconds.
4. Strain liquid, then lay out the caramelised coconut soil on paper towels.
Oat Milk Curd
1. Combine oat milk, sugar, vanilla paste, and corn flour in a large saucepan. Add bloomed gelatin at this stage.
2. Bring oat milk mixture to around 85°C, whisking continuously during the cooking process to prevent the corn flour from settling and burning.
3. Remove from heat when the mixture reaches temperature and has thickened slightly.
4. Let mixture cool to 60°C, then add gelatin.
5. Set in the fridge for 4 hours.
Whipped Coconut Cream
1. Chill coconut cream in advance.
2. Weigh chilled coconut cream and sugar, then whip them with a whisk until stiff peaks form.
3. Fill the mixture into a piping bag.
Verjus Sorbet
1. Combine verjus and sugar syrup in an ice cream machine.
2. Churn until the mixture freezes to sorbet texture.
Assembly
1. Start with blood orange gel at the bottom of a glass or bowl, filling approximately 1cm layer.
2. Put diced segmented orange on top of the gel.
3. Break up oat milk curd with a spoon for easier fitting in the chosen vessel. Fill to 2/3 full.
4. Cover the oat milk curd with coconut soil.
5. Pipe whipped coconut cream around the edge to garnish.
6. Serve with verjus sorbet.
You Matter
Change Makers Deborah de Rossi
For this month’s Change Makers feature, we spoke to Deborah de Rossi, the recently appointed CEO of one of our wonderful charity partners, You Matter. Deborah shared insights into her new role, the organisation’s vision for supporting women and children recovering from family violence, and her aspirations for the future of You Matter.
You Matter is a small, for-purpose organisation that creates Havens of Hope: fully functional homes designed and created based on the individual needs of women and children so they can lead safe and happy lives.
What drew you to the role of CEO at You Matter, and what aspects of the organisation inspired you to join?
My extensive career in community services, particularly in executive roles focused on specialist family violence services, drew me to the CEO position at You Matter. I am passionate about creating the best outcomes for women and children impacted by family violence and the need for collective, community-wide approaches to address this systemic issue.
My own lived experience of homelessness as a child and witnessing my mother navigate a nearly impossible service system as a single woman facing significant barriers has always driven me, especially in my role with You Matter.
Reflecting on the legacy of the organisation, how do you plan to build upon the existing foundation to lead You Matter into a new era?
Eight years after the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence, despite significant progress, current statistics and headlines show there’s still a long way to go in addressing family violence meaningfully. You Matter plays a vital role in assisting women and children in recovery and healing. As a new organisation, it’s important to be bold, articulate our contribution, gather evidence supporting our impact, and highlight the role of healing in long-term recovery. Securing adequate funding and building strong partnerships across sectors is essential for a whole-ofcommunity approach. You Matter’s success lies in the immediate and impactful work we do, creating Havens of Hope and achieving safety and security for over 207 women and 245 children since inception.
What is the process for securing a Haven of Hope for the women and children seeking a fresh start in life?
Our primary relationship is with government-funded family violence service providers throughout Metropolitan Melbourne, who refer
women and children transitioning from crisis to recovery stages. These women, having secured long-term accommodation, often face financial stress and risk returning to the perpetrator. You Matter steps in by creating a fully functional home based on their needs, ensuring they are not forced back for economic reasons. We generally deliver a Haven within a week of referral, providing immediate, impactful support that helps women and children start their journey of healing.
What strategies do you envision for engaging the wider community in a collective effort to address family violence recovery and support?
You Matter has commenced a formalised engagement program involving corporate groups volunteering in our warehouse, initiated a broader volunteer recruitment process to engage individuals with much-needed corporate infrastructure skills, and participated in key speaking events to raise awareness. We are blessed with a skilled and engaged Board who support us across a wide range of functions. Men and boys must be engaged to stop using violence, protect women, and hold one another accountable. Recognising children impacted by family violence as victimsurvivors is crucial to address trauma and break intergenerational cycles of abuse.
How would you like to see the future of You Matter evolve?
My vision for You Matter is to continue responding to our community’s needs and build a strong evidence base for the importance of healing and recovery interventions. Even if there is growth in response to demand, it's crucial to never lose the principle of engaging the community in our work. This connects a broad range of people to the solution and gives a message of hope to the women and children we support that they matter ■
A New Height of Luxury
In recent years, Melbourne’s luxury real estate market has seen significant growth, with penthouses becoming increasingly coveted among high-end buyers. This rise in popularity is redefining luxury living in the city.
In recent years, Melbourne’s luxury real estate market has seen significant growth, with penthouses becoming increasingly coveted among high-end buyers. This rise in popularity is redefining luxury living in the city.
The Penthouse Premium
The demand for penthouses is driving both their desirability and value. According to the Financial Review:
“Project marketers and valuers have tipped the average price of a Melbourne penthouse to double to $60,000 per square metre in the next few years as a growing cohort of wealthy downsizers seek secure residences offering the best views and the latest technology.”
Marshall White Sales Executive Jack Nicol also notes, “Penthouses offer the space and comfort of a home but with the added luxury of being in a prime location. They provide enhanced privacy and security, making them a highly desirable option for those seeking both convenience and exclusivity.”
Key Factors Driving the Trend
Amenities: Many penthouses come with luxury amenities such as private pools, gyms, and concierge services.
Investment Potential: High-end penthouses have shown strong capital growth, attracting both local and international investors.
Lifestyle Appeal: The combination of city convenience and resort-style living is particularly attractive to affluent professionals and empty nesters.
Market Snapshot
Marshall White’s penthouse portfolio showcases opulent living in prestigious locations, offering meticulously designed interiors, panoramic city views, and exclusive amenities. Below is one current standout:
The Skyhome, 9 Porter Street, Hawthorn East—Unparalleled indoor and outdoor living areas with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city skyline.
Recently sold:
The Penthouse, 86 Mathoura Road, Toorak - Breathtaking in scope, spectacular in scale, and unbridled in luxury with two remarkable levels of living and entertaining zones.
With Melbourne’s global reputation on the rise, penthouses continue to captivate the luxury real estate market, offering peerless living experiences to the city’s most selective buyers. ■
From $1,495,000
Perched above the verdant canopies of one of Melbourne’s most prized public gardens.
385 Wattletree Road, Malvern East
Developed by Architecture by Gardens by
Managed by
In collaboration with
Luxury VillageLiving
12 / 54 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza A 2 B 2 C 1 $750 pw
This executive two-bedroom luxury apartment in Mount Eliza's heart offers an enviable lifestyle above Manyung Gallery and village boutiques. Features include lift access, remote-controlled basement parking, and high-end finishes throughout. The open-plan living area displays oak flooring, high ceilings, a gas fireplace, and a balcony with bay views. The gourmet kitchen includes Dekton benchtops and Miele appliances. The main bedroom has an ensuite and walk-in robe, while a second bedroom shares a two-way ensuite. Additional amenities include a central study area, ducted climate control, intercom entry, and solar power.
For enquiries contact Kate Morgan 0473 001 022
From $1,495,000
Perched above the verdant canopies of one of Melbourne’s most prized public gardens.
385 Wattletree Road, Malvern East
From $4,295,000 A homage to the rich and deeply textured neighbourhood of Armadale, Mercer presents an exclusive collection of luxurious townhomes curated by one of Australia’s most esteemed design studios, Conrad Architects. 30 Mercer Road, Armadale 3-4 A B C 2-3 2
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
