O pen
205 Kooyong Road, Toorak
Metropolitan Edition
Rare Opulence
In Conversation with
205 Kooyong Road, Toorak
Rare Opulence
Exceptional in scale and execution, this home leaves nothing to chance. Every element has been considered, crafted, and delivered to the highest standard.
Marcus Chiminello, Marshall White Director
An undeniable expression of architectural excellence, this landmark property is a masterclass in contemporary grandeur. Designed with meticulous intent by Christopher Doyle and constructed to perfection by Royale Constructions, its 2,085 sqm (approx.) grounds are complete with a championship tennis court, heated pool, and lush landscaped gardens.
Inside, the interiors by award-winning Sarah Townson unfold across three expansive levels, defined by their uncompromising quality and lifestyle focus. Every element serves a purposefrom the grand marble foyer and private theatre to the gym, sauna, steam room, and eight-car garage. Two Gaggenauequipped Calacatta marble kitchens - including a hidden caterer’s space - anchor the home’s formal and informal zones, flowing seamlessly to a heated al fresco terrace with a full outdoor kitchen.
Six exceptional bedroom suites are complemented by a selfcontained apartment and executive home office, with the primary wing offering a private terrace, twin marble ensuite, and dressing room. Every detail - bespoke lighting, Versailles parquet, underfloor heating, advanced automation - is carefully chosen and flawlessly executed.
Set in a private cul-de-sac, moments from Melbourne’s best schools and amenities, this is a residence of rare significance. ■
For enquiries contact Marcus Chiminello 0411 411 271
Mandy Zhu 0411 893 168
In collaboration with Kay & Burton VIEW LISTING
In Conversation with
R achel D onath
We sat down with furniture designer and collector Rachel Donath to discuss the creative journey behind her brand, her passion for timeless design, and what’s next for her growing business.
What was the catalyst that led you to launch your own business in 2020?
Covid! With so much downtime at home during the lockdowns, I finally had time to slow down and reflect on what I wanted from my career. I had been working in the corporate world since I was 20 years old and had always felt a strong pull towards the creative—but it didn’t seem ‘practical,’ so I kept my creative pursuits as hobbies rather than a career. In 2020, I decided that life is too short to do anything but what makes me happy. Collecting and sourcing furniture and homewares has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I decided to go all in, quit my job, and start doing this full-time instead. The rest is history.
What role does Australian culture play in shaping your aesthetic?
Australian culture, to me, is a beautiful blend of international influences. There’s also the ‘island’ mindset, which translates into a real confidence in design—a willingness to do things differently. I would say my aesthetic is heavily influenced by vintage and antique European pieces, but it’s also bold and individual, a reflection of living so far from the rest of the world and feeling free to carve my own path, my own way.
How do you select which artisans to collaborate with globally?
A great question, as I’ve just returned from a sourcing trip in Vietnam. First and foremost, how a manufacturer treats its staff—their working conditions and overall team wellbeing— is critical to my decision to work with them. Equally important is the quality of craft, skill level, and material expertise these artisan communities bring to their work, which is so creatively
energising and inspiring. We partner with artisans who care deeply for their people, love their craft, and are masters at what they do.
Can you describe your creative process when curating pieces for your collections?
The initial idea can come from anywhere—an architectural detail, a pattern on a footpath, or even landscaping. From there, I start sketching and developing a concept, turning that inspiration into a functional piece of furniture. Next, I begin collecting materials and building out the overall look and feel. Then we move to technical drawings, sampling, and finally, production. It takes roughly 12 months to bring a piece to life from concept to completion.
How do you envision the evolution of your brand in the next five years?
Oh, I love this question! There’s so much in the works at the moment, including a collaboration later this year with an iconic Australian retailer. We’re working hard on global expansion, with some exciting projects in the pipeline. We’re also moving into omnichannel, with a unique retail concept on the horizon. While we’re experiencing a lot of growth, I hope that five years from now, we remain true to our mission: to create a curated edit of beautiful homewares that lift our customers' spirits and bring optimism and beauty into their world. ■
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Tomato Salad from Omnia
This vibrant Tomato Salad celebrates the season’s best tomatoes, paired with buffalo mozzarella and layered textures, all elevated by Omnia’s signature attention to detail.
Ingredients
Caponata 1 litre extra virgin olive oil
100 ml Noilly Prat
50 ml quality white balsamic
3 g espelette pepper
5 sprigs lemon thyme
250 g small shallots, quartered
250 g cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 punnet gooseberries, halved
200 g tomatillos, quartered
1 jalapeño, sliced
5 torn basil leaves (for infusion)
Pickled Green Tomatoes Green tomatoes, peeled and pressed White balsamic pickling liquid
Demi-Sec Tomatoes Black Russian tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and pressed
Truss tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and pressed
Espelette pepper
Sugar Salt Olive oil
Panzanella Croutons
100 ml cabernet sauvignon vinegar
200 ml extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, micro planed Sourdough baguette planks
Method
1. Warm olive oil.
2. Add espelette pepper, Noilly Prat and white balsamic and stir.
3. Add shallots and lemon thyme.
4. Lower heat.
5. Add tomatillos, jalapeño, gooseberries, and cherry tomatoes.
6. Season.
7. Remove from heat and add torn basil.
8. Infuse for 30 minutes, then refrigerate.
1. Compress tomatoes with white balsamic pickling liquid.
2. Store in a vacuum bag until needed.
1. In a bowl, lightly season tomatoes with espelette pepper, sugar, salt, and olive oil.
2. Mix well, then dehydrate at 57°C for 4 hours.
3. Cool, wrap, and store in the fridge.
1. Combine all ingredients except the baguettes.
2. Soak baguettes in the caponata mixture for 15 minutes.
3. Remove, season with salt, and grill gently.
4. Finish toasting in the oven.
5. Cool, punch, and set aside.
Ingredients for Assembly Black Russian tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and pressed
Truss tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and pressed
Orange, yellow, and brown heirloom cherry tomatoes, sliced into thirds
Small purple basil leaves
Small green basil leaves
Espelette pepper
Aged balsamic vinegar
Mount Zero olive oil
Sliced That’s Amore buffalo mozzarella
Poached caponata cherry tomatoes
Panzanella toasts
Demi-sec tomatoes
Pickled green tomatoes
To Serve
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Dress with cabernet vinaigrette, salt, and espelette pepper.
2. Place slices of buffalo mozzarella on the base of a serving bowl.
3. Arrange the tomato salad mixture over and around the mozzarella. Scatter croutons throughout for texture.
4. Finish with a drizzle of aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil.
Omnia
625 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Hope HighforTea
Mark your calendars for an inspiring afternoon at the ‘High Tea for Hope 2025,’ hosted by the charity organisation You Matter. Scheduled for May 25, 2025, this event aims to raise awareness and funds to support women and children impacted by family violence. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from special guest speaker Jelena Dokic, whose personal journey of finding one’s voice and thriving against all odds embodies resilience and hope.
You Matter is a dedicated organisation committed to creating ‘Havens of Hope’ for vulnerable women and their children. By fully equipping and furnishing these havens, You Matter empowers these families to re-establish stability, independence, and a sense of community connection. Their vision is for women and children to live safe and happy lives in their own homes and communities.
The ‘High Tea for Hope 2025’ promises an afternoon of delicious treats, engaging conversation, and the chance to contribute to a meaningful cause. Funds raised will directly support You Matter’s initiatives, helping to transform houses into nurturing homes for those in need.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference. Save the date and book your ticket to join You Matter and Jelena Dokic in championing hope and change. For more details and to book your place, please scan the QR code below. ■
DATE TIME LOCATION
Sunday 25 May, 2025
2pm – 5:30pm The Westin Melbourne
LEARN MORE
Proudly supported by
Selective Supply Steady Demand Meets
Last weekend, Marshall White auctions continued to deliver strong results, with success rates sitting well above the broader Melbourne average. This reflects a healthy level of buyer engagement, even as property supply begins to tighten in the lead-up to Easter and the school holidays.
The number of properties available for sale is starting to taper, which naturally impacts buyer choice. With fewer homes on the market, we are seeing increased competition, particularly at well-located, well-presented properties. For sellers, this is a timely opportunity to capitalise on current demand. For buyers, it means acting decisively is key when the right home becomes available.
The broader market remains steady and consistent - a pattern we’ve seen since the latter half of 2024 and into the early part of
this year. It is what we would call a ‘balanced’ market: at times leaning slightly in favour of buyers, and at other moments giving sellers the upper hand. That balance is creating a sense of stability that has been welcomed by both sides of the transaction.
This equilibrium has helped build confidence - buyers feel prices aren’t running away from them, while sellers still see solid interest and competitive bidding. It's a good, healthy market that continues to tick along predictably.
As we move further into the year, we expect similar conditions to hold - sustained by steady demand, selective stock, and continued competition at auction. ■
By John Bongiorno
Architecture by Gardens by Developed by Interiors by
Tapware
SkylineSanctuary
4001, 103 South Wharf Drive, Docklands
This 40th-floor sub-penthouse at Voyager, Yarra’s Edge is framed by 270° views, featuring open-plan living, a Miele kitchen with butler’s pantry, two terraces, and three spacious bedrooms - two with ensuites. Premium touches include three-car parking with EV stations and two same-level storage rooms. Enjoy resident-only amenities like a concierge, Skydeck, cinema, and the Wharf Club. Pet-friendly and perfectly placed between the river, city, and bay.
The “Black Shack” at Brankeet Farm
of
secluded
from Mansfield,
Bonnie Doon
to Mt Buller, The “Black Shack”
The Local Edit
Alliance Francaise French Film FestivalUntil 9 th April 2025
Multiple locations across Melbourne
Ashburton Artisan Market - 10 th April 2025
Alamein Learning Centre, 49 Ashburn Grove, Ashburton VIC 3147
Soul Night Market Sorrento Beach - 11th April 2025
Sorrento Beach, Point Nepean Road, Sorrento VIC 3943
The Windsor Ball - 11th April 2025
Malvern Town Hall, 1251 High Street, Malvern VIC 3144
Mornington Racecourse Market - 13 th April 2025
Mornington Racecourse, 320 Racecourse Road, Mornington VIC 3931
My Manningham Fun Run and Walk - 13 th April 2025
Ruffey Lake Park, 99 Victoria Street, Templestowe VIC 3106
Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron Easter Art Show15th April - 18th April 2025
Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, 2900 Point Nepean Road, Blairgowrie VIC 3942
Flinders Electric Vehicle Forum - 19 th April 2025
56 Cook St, Flinders VIC 3929
Point Nepean Portsea Market - 19 th April 2025
Pt Nepean National Park, Ochiltree Road, Portsea VIC 3944
Melbourne Comedy Festival - Until 20 th April 2025
Multiple locations across Melbourne
Beauty and the Beast - Until 20 th April 2025
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Yayoi Kusuma - Until 21st April 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition at Immigration Museum - Until 27th April 2025
Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
A Walk in the Park 2025 - 27th April 2025
Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mercedes Benz Club Victoria Display - 27th April 2025
Queensbridge Square, 3 Queens Bridge Street, Southbank VIC 3006
Run the Tan - 27th April 2025
Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
L'Enoteca's 'Mercoledì Di-Vino' - 30 th April 2025
546 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Live at the Lume - 2nd May 2025
5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
Warrandyte Riverside Market - 3rd May 2025
Stiggant Reserve, 45-55 Yarra Street, Warrandyte VIC 3113
Hill and Ridge Community Market - 3 rd May 2025
184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill VIC 3937
Xavier College Maytime Fair - 3 rd May 2025
135 Barkers Road, Kew VIC 3101
Mornington Running Festival - 4th May 2025
Mornington Park, Esplanade, Mornington VIC 3931
Peninsula Music Society presents Flinders Quartet with Paavali Jumppanen, piano - 10 th May 2025
Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Road, Mornington VIC 3931
Mother's Day Classic- 11th May 2025
Alexandra Gardens, 3 Boathouse Drive, Melbourne VIC 3004
Melbourne Design Week - 15th May - 25th May 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
RSPCA Million Paws Walk - 25th May 2025
Multiple locations across Victoria
You Matter's High Tea for Hope - 25th May 2025
The Westin Hotel, 205 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Van Gogh at the Lume - Until 1st June 2025
5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
Van Gogh High Tea - Until 1st June 2025
Crown Towers Hotel Lobby, TWR, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Top Arts 2025 - Until 20 th July 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Martin Grant Exhibition - Until January 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
