O pen
Metropolitan Edition
Penthouse Perfection
In Conversation with
MCM House
Penthouse, 11 Struan Street, Toorak
P repare to sell in 2025
Now is the prime opportunity to prepare your home for a successful 2025 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.
Penthouse, 11 Struan Street, Toorak
Penthouse Perfection
This award-winning penthouse, curated by Mim Design, epitomises contemporary luxury with exquisite attention to detail. Located in one of Toorak’s finest pockets, this prestigious residence offers effortless living and lock-up-and-leave convenience, with an emphasis on privacy and enhanced security.
Alan Crawford, Marshall White Sales Executive
Impressively combining contemporary sophistication with peerless luxury, this award-winning penthouse, envisioned by Mim Design, sets a new standard in Toorak’s most coveted Pin Oak-lined pocket. Recognised by the 2024 Master Builder Association and HIA awards and featured on Australia’s Best House, the residence is framed by breathtaking Jack Merlodesigned landscaping.
Every detail has been meticulously considered, from bespoke joinery and oak flooring to exotic marbles, Venetian plaster walls, and high-recessed ceilings. The elegant grey marble reception hall flows into a generous lounge or executive study and the palatial living and dining space, featuring a striking marble wall, gas log fire, and built-in bar. The premium kitchen is appointed with marble benches, top-tier Miele appliances, integrated Liebherr fridge/freezers, wine fridge, and a full butler’s pantry. Sliding glass doors connect the living/dining
area to a private balcony with a built-in BBQ, offering a tranquil treetop outlook.
The opulent main bedroom suite features custom cabinetry, a walk-in robe, and a stunning Desert Silver marble ensuite, while two additional bedrooms, each with built-in robes and marble ensuites, provide exceptional comfort. This exclusive enclave of just four luxury apartments includes three secure car spaces and easy access to Toorak Village, Como Park, and Melbourne’s best schools. Comprehensive features include home automation, video intercom, key-pad entry, double glazing, and fully irrigated gardens. ■
For enquiries contact
Alan Crawford 0423 747 155
Marcus Chiminello 0411 411 271 VIEW LISTING
In Conversation with
MCM House
Founded in 2010 by Charles Hinckfuss, furniture brand MCM House was born from a desire to create high-quality indoor and outdoor furniture that embodies the relaxed Australian lifestyle. We spoke with Charles to learn more about his journey, the inspiration behind MCM House, and how the brand continues to define timeless, effortless style for modern living.
What inspired you to start MCM House, and what gap in the market did you see that the brand set out to fill?
Coming from a decorative arts background, I envisioned a lifestyle brand that married timeless design with artistic integrity— something I felt was missing in the Australian market when I began. MCM House was born from the desire to create pieces that felt as enduring as they were inspiring.
How did your experience with antiques shape the vision and design philosophy of MCM House?
Working with antiques taught me to appreciate the harmony of contrast and timelessness. Great period pieces evoke a mood and a sense of history that can transform a space. That philosophy of mood-changing design informs everything we create at MCM House, resulting in modern classics with soul.
What roles do proportions, textures, and textiles play in creating the signature MCM House look?
Proportions, textures, and textiles are the foundation of the MCM House aesthetic. I draw inspiration from natural elements—rock, sand, salt, sky, and sun—and translate those into materials and textures that feel organic yet elevated. These are the essential building blocks for our signature look.
What do you hope customers feel or experience when they bring MCM House pieces into their homes?
I hope our pieces evoke a sense of worldly sophistication—design that feels curated yet approachable. It’s about offering elegance without pretension, creating spaces that invite personal creativity and expression.
What drove the expansion into your new Armadale store, and how does it reflect your vision for MCM House’s future?
When a space with unique potential becomes available, it’s an opportunity to inspire growth and evolve the brand. The Armadale store represents a pivotal moment for us—a stepping stone toward the MCM House we aspire to be. It’s a physical manifestation of our vision, blending ambition with authenticity. ■
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The Peninsula’s Culinary Gem
Located within the Continental Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, Audrey’s is the brainchild of renowned chef Scott Pickett. This stunning fine diner brings an elevated yet authentic dining experience to the region, merging sophistication with the ambience of relaxed coastal living.
While renowned for its exquisite seafood, Audrey’s has expanded its horizons, offering a contemporary menu showcasing the best of land and sea. From blue-eye cod to Wagyu short ribs, each dish is crafted using premium ingredients sourced from top local producers. This culinary evolution has earned Audrey’s the title of Best Pub Restaurant (metro) at the 2024 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Awards. This prestigious accolade recognises not just the exceptional cuisine but the overall dining experience, cementing Audrey’s position among Victoria’s finest establishments.
The restaurant’s design evokes 1920s glamour with a modern twist. Brass accents, pale green velour banquettes, and large windows overlooking Port Phillip Bay create an atmosphere of understated luxury, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.
This elegant setting serves as a canvas for Audrey’s, a tribute to Pickett’s grandmother, who ignited his passion for cooking. Her influence infuses every aspect of the establishment, from the warm, inviting environment to the carefully curated menu.
Featured dishes reflect this personal touch while showcasing culinary excellence. Diners can savour Aquatir premium caviar, crumpets with cod roe and dill, and Fraser Island spanner crab
with zucchini flower, basil, lemon, and bisque. For dessert, don’t miss Audrey’s Vacherin, a seasonal tribute to Pickett’s grandmother’s lolly jar. This signature dish evolves with the seasons, currently featuring yuzu, blood orange, and yellow kiwi - a summery homage to the restaurant’s namesake.
Audrey’s culinary offerings extend beyond its regular menu. The popular winemaker lunch series runs on the first Saturday of each month, presenting renowned wineries such as Levantine Hill, Portsea Estate, and Penfolds. The restaurant also hosts a variety of unique experiences throughout the year.
Audrey’s balances sophistication with approachability, making it an ideal destination for both special occasions and casual gatherings. The ability to deliver fine dining excellence while maintaining a grounded, authentic approach truly sets Audrey’s apart in Sorrento's dining landscape.
For locals and visitors to the Mornington Peninsula, Audrey’s offers an unforgettable journey through the flavours of the region, served with old-world charm and contemporary flair. The combination of stunning views, elegant surroundings, and world-class cuisine creates a feast for the senses and shines a spotlight on the incredible culinary offerings of the Mornington Peninsula. ■
Audrey’s at The Continental 1-21 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
Paringa Estate Winery 44 Paringa Road, Red Hill South
Photo Credit Jason Loucas
Handmade Tagliatelle with Tarragon, Leek, and Main Ridge Dairy from Paringa Estate
Perched among rolling vineyards, Paringa Estate’s restaurant offers a captivating combination of wood-fired ambience and panoramic views. Chef Nick McGonigal shares his recipe for Handmade Tagliatelle with Tarragon, Leek, and Main Ridge Dairy.
Ingredients
3 leeks
Main Ridge Caprinella cheese
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Paringa Blend olive oil
Egg yolks
Butter
Tagliatelle Pasta
300g 00 flour
100g fine semolina flour
2 whole eggs (100g)
4 egg yolks (70g)
Serves: 8 portions
Method
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a small saucepan, heat to a simmer, stirring regularly.
Once flavour and colour have enhanced, pass through a strainer.
Confit Yolk
Separate egg yolks from the whites.
Cover yolks with olive oil.
Bring to 70°C slowly in a saucepan, then remove from heat (Alternatively, place in a container covered in olive oil and steam on low for 7 minutes.)
Crispy Leeks
Using only the white part of the leek, cut 4cm lengths, then halve lengthwise.
Lay out flat and slice thinly.
Cover with cooking oil and bring to 170°C, stirring regularly.
Once light golden, strain and allow to crisp on paper towel.
Assembly Method
Boil fresh pasta for 2 minutes in salted water.
While pasta is cooking, add 3 tbsp of tarragon sauce and a small piece of butter to a saucepan, gently warm.
Once pasta is cooked, add directly to the pasta sauce. Add olive oil, squeeze lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then add grated Caprinella to pasta.
Spoon 4 tsp of Cashmere on the base of each plate.
Add seasoned pasta and sauce on top of Cashmere.
Strain warmed yolk and place gently in the middle of the pasta.
Add crispy leeks around the yolk and garnish with shards of Caprinella.
The P aloma from Apollo Inn
Perfect for summer, the Paloma is a zesty cocktail that combines tequila, fresh citrus, and a splash of soda for a refreshing twist. Apollo Inn’s Bar Manager, Lachlan Bentley, offers this delicious at-home recipe.
Serves One
Ingredients
45ml Blanco tequila
7.5ml Campari
30ml grapefruit juice
15ml lime juice
15ml citrus cordial
Soda water or tonic (approx. 250ml)
Grapefruit wedge and sea salt to garnish
Method
To Make the Citrus Cordial
For the Citrus Cordial
400g caster sugar
100g lime peel
50g lemon peel
50g grapefruit peel (remove as much pith as possible to avoid bitterness)
2 makrut lime leaves (optional)
Combine all cordial ingredients in a large zip lock bag, remove air, and seal tightly.
Leave at room temperature overnight to ferment.
The next day, transfer to a jug, add 200ml water, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
Strain through a fine sieve and store in the fridge.
To Make the Paloma
Add tequila, Campari, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and citrus cordial to a cocktail shaker. Add one ice cube and shake vigorously until the ice dissolves.
Pour into a highball glass and top with soda or tonic water.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a pinch of sea salt.
For a non-alcoholic option, top the cordial with soda or tonic.
For more cocktail inspiration, visit apolloinn.bar
Apollo Inn
165 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
From 2024 Stability to 2025 Opportunities
The 2024 property market ended much as it began – ‘normal’ in terms of transactions across all price ranges and segments. Defined by balance, buyers and sellers primarily transacted for typical life events such as upsizing, downsizing, divorce, death, or tax considerations. Picture the market as a set of scalessometimes tipping in favour of buyers, sometimes sellers - but 2024 largely maintained equilibrium.
Key factors supported this stability. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held interest rates steady throughout the year, providing much-needed predictability. Strong immigration strengthened demand, though this failed to offset challenges caused by a shrinking pool of investors. With more investors leaving the market than entering, rental pressures intensified, exacerbating the housing crisis and contributing to inflation.
In Victoria, rising compliance costs and regulatory changes made investment properties increasingly unappealing, with lifestyle markets like the Mornington Peninsula particularly affected. High property taxes and elevated interest rates caused prices to stagnate or decline from their previous highs.
Discussions on property taxes dominated 2024, with little hope for relief given the state’s financial challenges.
Looking to 2025, the first half is likely to mirror 2024. Inflation remains high, cost-of-living pressures persist, and wage growth continues to lag. While interest rates are expected to hold steady, the ripple effects of property taxes and affordability pressures will remain critical areas to watch.
Despite these challenges, opportunities remain for savvy buyers. Those with a long-term view may capitalise on the current market, recognising that property cycles historically rebound over time. History shows that foundations for future growth often emerge in challenging times.
To make the most of these opportunities and navigate the market with confidence, get in touch with your local Marshall White team for expert guidance and tailored advice. ■
John Bongiorno Marshall White Group Sales Director
Guide Dogs Victoria’s Bold New Chapter
Nestled within the leafy heart of Kew – a mere stone’s throw from the iconic Yarra Trail – Guide Dogs Victoria’s historic site has been their home since 1957, marking the establishment of the first Guide Dog school in Australia. Following a transformational redevelopment spanning almost ten years from planning to completion, Guide Dogs Victoria’s brand-new Campus is proudly open to the community.
Not simply a hub for Guide Dog training, the state-of-theart facility was designed collaboratively by individuals with lived experience, their families, staff, and volunteers. It brings together a wide range of services under one roof, including low vision support, mobility training for children and adults, early childhood programs, occupational therapy, assistive technology training, acquired brain injury services, and Guide Dog mobility services, along with peer support to foster community connections – creating a space where independence and opportunity thrive.
To celebrate and encourage the Victorian community to get amongst the enriching spaces, Guide Dogs is hosting what is set to be the feel-good event of 2025 – the Guide Dogs Victoria Community Fair. More than an event, the Community Fair is a vibrant celebration of accessibility and inclusivity, offering attendees the chance to learn about Guide Dogs Victoria’s impact and how to get involved. Whether through donating, volunteering, or attending, the fair showcases how everyone can help empower people with low vision or blindness to live the life of their choosing.
Expect thrilling activities, mouth-watering food stalls, live entertainment, and plenty of surprises. From family-friendly fun to heartwarming moments, there’s something for everyone –including the chance to meet some of Guide Dogs Victoria’s adorable puppies. Plus, enjoy tours of the newly redeveloped Campus, explore the stunning communal spaces – which can also be hired for special events – and learn about the innovative programs that empower people of all ages and vision levels with independence and freedom.
Mark your calendars for a day of excitement, community spirit, and the joy of celebrating the lives touched by the Guide Dog movement. The upcoming Community Fair offers a rare chance to experience the transformation of a pivotal piece of Victorian history and Guide Dogs Victoria’s profound work – all while spending a delightful day in the vibrant centre of Kew. ■
Be part of the celebration!
Saturday 5 April 2025, 10am to 2pm Early bird ticket sales end 15 January 2025
Scan here to buy your early bird tickets and join the fun.
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Wattletree Road, Armadale
Architecture by Gardens by Developed by Interiors by
Tapware
Your investment is our priority.
We offer superior personalised service tailored to elevate both the value and experience of your rental property.
Discover the benefits of our client-focused approach in maximising your investment property’s potential.
Contact Marshall White for a complimentary rental appraisal today.
Our Locations
Contact your local team to experience the Marshall White difference. Boroondara
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
801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999
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
