HOME-GROWN Summer Edition 2023

HOME-GROWN ALBURY/WODONGA & SURROUNDS

SUMMER//EDITION

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IN THIS ISSUE WELLNESS BY DESIGN

Welcome to our SUMMER 2023 issue of HOME-GROWN. An Albury-Wodonga based Real Estate Magazine, keeping you up-todate with the latest listings and information as well as current local market statistics. In this summer edition, we have a great article on our very own local restaurant Yardbird

YARDBIRD GAINS ONE HAT

receiving one hat from The Good Food Guide as well as some handy information on how the design of your home can contribute to your wellness. We also have our most recent results and social snaps. We hope you enjoy reading our nineteenth issue of HomeGrown as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you. Here’s to a fantastic summer! Have a wonderful festive season!

EMOTIVE STYLING THAT SELLS

PICTURED ON FRONT - 16 ELDERSLIE RISE, ALBURY (CAPTURED SPACE)

RECENT RESULTS NEW LISTING LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

TENANT OF THE MONTH DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE SOCIAL SNAPS

WELLNESS BY DESIGN

16 ELDERSLIE RISE, ALBURY

WELLNESS BY DESIGN

Imagine a home that actively contributes to your health: walls that purify the air, lighting that aligns with your circadian rhythms, and spaces dedicated to meditation and mindfulness. Welcome to the forefront of ‘home wellness,’ a holistic approach to interior design where homes are transformed into sanctuaries of mental and physical health. This evolution is redefining our homes as integral components of our well-being, designed to rejuvenate, inspire, and protect.

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At the heart of home wellness lies the understanding that our environments profoundly influence our health. Design choices are now being made through the lens of comfort and care, ensuring that homes are havens of tranquillity and nourishment for the body and soul. Air purification systems have become a standard in this new age of design, transcending their utilitarian roots to become seamlessly integrated features that safeguard respiratory health and enhance overall air quality.

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But the commitment to wellness extends beyond the air we breathe. It’s in the adoption of circadian lighting systems that mimic the natural progression of daylight, reducing the harsh impact of artificial light on our sleep-wake cycles. It’s in the materials we choose, where preference is given to natural, non-toxic fabrics and finishes that contribute not just to the environment’s health, but also to our own.

Biophilic design principles have also become key factors in the home wellness movement, integrating aspects of nature into home design to create a deeper connection with the natural world.

This might manifest as indoor gardens, living walls, or simply the incorporation of plant life throughout the home, enriching the space with their calming presence and air-purifying qualities.

Space allocation within homes is also evolving. Yoga and meditation rooms are emerging as dedicated areas for mindfulness and reflection, signalling a departure from the traditional home gym. These spaces are designed to be sanctuaries of peace, with elements like soft lighting, minimal decor, and soundproofing to create an insulated bubble away from the hustle of daily life. Comfortable nooks, strategically placed away from high-traffic areas, are being carved out for reading or meditating, offering a quiet retreat for mental rejuvenation.

Wellness, however, is not solely about what is added to a space but also about embracing minimalism. Decluttered environments are known to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and order. The thoughtful use of space and storage solutions that hide away the chaos of daily life can transform a home into a restorative and orderly sanctuary.

WELLNESS BY DESIGN

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The kitchen, too, plays a critical role in home wellness. It is evolving into a space that supports healthy eating habits, with designs that feature herb gardens, vegetable storage, and appliances that help preserve the nutritional value of foods, such as steam ovens.

The shift towards home wellness reflects a broader societal trend that places well-being at the forefront of how we live. It is a recognition that our homes are not just places to eat and sleep but spaces where every element conspires to support and uplift us, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. As this direction continues to evolve, As we move forward, technology will continue to we can expect to see homes that are not just smart intertwine with wellness in the home. Smart homes or beautiful, but also deeply nurturing, promoting can now regulate everything from temperature to wellness as a way of life. humidity, creating environments that not only add comfort but actively contribute to our health.

MW LIFESTYLE - Kerry Allen

ALBURY RESTAURANT YA R D B I R D G A I N S THE AGE GOOD FOOD GUIDE ONE HAT STATUS

ALBURY RESTAURANT YARDBIRD GAINS THE AGE GOOD FOOD GUIDE ONE HAT STATUS Yardbird co-owners Simon Arkless and Cait Mitchelhill have scored a chef’s hat in The Age Good Food Guide; the first for an Albury restaurant for over a decade.

“It’s about making sure staff are invested in what you’re selling in the food and drinks and the whole experience the moment diners walk through the door to when they’re leaving,” she says.

“We’re lucky we have retained a lot of our staff from the beginning.”

“It helps with loyalty and being invested in the Together with wife and business partner Cait product and feeling like a team.”

Mitchelhill, Simon Arkless opened Yardbird in Townsend Street two years ago. They joined Having started work in London more than 30 Melbourne restaurateur Denis Lucey (Bottega) to years ago (Bibendum, Fifth Floor - Harvey Nichols Restaurant and OXO Tower Restaurant), Arkless offer a European-influenced menu. scored his first chef’s hat working at Comme in Yardbird employs 20 staff - including casuals - with Melbourne. most of them part of the original team.

A tree-change to Albury saw Arkless appointed Having worked in high-end London restaurants, head chef at All Saints Estate’s Terrace Restaurant Cait Mitchelhill and Simon Arkless returned to at Wahgunyah and Thousand Pound at Rutherglen, Australia in 2002 when they established themselves while Mitchelhill transferred her skills to front of house. in Melbourne before moving to the Border.

Having worked in fine dining venues in London and Melbourne, Albury-raised Mitchelhill says in terms of service consistency is key.

More chef’s hats followed at The Terrace in subsequent years.

“We’ve always worked side by side but not always in the same kitchen,” Mitchelhill says.

“It’s nice to bring a hat back to Albury.”

Albury native Dana Hutchins did the redesign for Yardbird, which was in the former Hog’s Breath Cafe premises.

The large industrial space was reinvigorated thanks to award-winning interior designer, Dana Hutchins, who along with local artisans Liv Designs, Engage Electrics and ITL painting services were able to breathe fresh life into the former mechanic’s workshop. A mix of seating, layered textures and rich colour choices all adds up to a warm and inviting environment.

D e n i s L u c e y, C a i t M i t c h e l h i l l a n d S i m o n A r k l e s s

Now operating Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, “We are so thrilled to announce that Yardbird has Yardbird introduced a lunch service on Thursday been awarded a prestigious chef’s hat in The Age Good Food Guide! Our seasonal produce driven and Friday about six months ago. menu utilising as many local ingredients as possible With the tagline ‘good food, fine wine and friends’ has been crafted into an exciting menu by our Executive Chef Simon Arkless. With front of house the only question left is when are you going? manager Cait Mitchelhill and Director Denis Lucey, the Yardbird team have been able to show the best of what Albury has to offer. It’s a testament to our dedication and passion for crafting exceptional dining experiences for you to enjoy and we thank you for your support on this incredible culinary journey!”

RECENT RESULTS

$347,500

$1,200,000

$930,000

$650,000

$921,000

$555,000

$830,000

$1,400,000

$1,130,000

RECENT RESULTS

$940,000

$1,050,000

$1,035,888

$655,000

$1,005,000

$702,500

$900,000

$280,000

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NEW LISTINGS 5

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9 8 K O O K A B U R R A W AY, E A S T A L B U R Y

Monumental Ice Creamery has been making Albury’s freshest Ice Creams & Sorbets since 2012.

Now in our 11th year, our family owned & operated business is expanding to a new site in Diamond Drive Thurgoona. This is a really exciting expansion for us into Albury’s growth corridor, where we hope Thurgoona’s residents will enjoy the opportunity to enjoy our ice cream on their doorstep.

We will continue to make our small batch home made ice cream & sorbets at our David St site using the freshest local ingredients we can source. As summer approaches look out for the huge range of sorbets using fruit from our friends at Beechworth Berries, Dall’ Orto, Arnolds, Tintaldra Orchards & Gunnadoo Berries.

We look forward to many more years of supporting our local community.

4/462 Dean St, Albury, NSW 2640

(Shop entrance on David Street)

T: Shop (02) 60411482

monumentalicecreamery.com.au

EMOTIVE STYLING THAT SELLS

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EMOTIVE STYLING THAT SELLS

While savvy investors may contend that property purchases are driven by numbers and logic, the element of emotion inevitably plays a role.

Whether you’re looking to raise a family, build a legacy, care for elderly parents, assimilate into a new community, or simply enjoy life with your family and pets, the ability to visualise yourself in a space is integral in property presentation.

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Light: While styling teams may not alter fixed lighting or window dressings, we can skilfully use portable lamps, mirrors, and colour schemes to enhance a space’s light and ambience. This approach is especially valuable during late-day inspections, where the warm glow of lamps contributes to a cosy, inviting atmosphere.

Subtle personal touches: Professional stylists often recommend removing overly personal items such as distinctive artwork, sculptures, family photos, sporting posters, and vividly coloured furniture. Such items can distract buyers from the property’s key features and potentially create discomfort during viewings. By Professional stylists know that several key elements starting with a neutral base or selecting a furniture can create an emotional connection, which may package anew, stylists can introduce tasteful even spark a bidding war. statement pieces, quality textiles, and subtle decor. These elements work together to eliminate Flow: any sense of an impersonal display home, instead Flow is crucial. It dictates how a space feels cultivating a refined and inviting atmosphere. and functions, particularly in terms of furniture placement and room proportions, allowing for movement with ease and harmony. A lack of flow can leave a space feeling cluttered and chaotic, or empty and lifeless, neither of which appeals to potential buyers.

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EMOTIVE STYLING THAT SELLS

Quality: To create an emotional connection, the selection of furniture, artwork, and accessories must align with the property’s calibre and the buyer’s investment level. Homes attract specific demographics, and often, neighbourhoods have their distinct cultural styles. For example, a cluster of framed posters might complement the eclectic ambience of one area but could appear mismatched in another.

It’s this attention to detail—ensuring the design quality matches the buyer’s perception of home— that distinguishes the work of seasoned styling professionals.

The case for space: It’s important in home presentation to consider the role of space. An uncluttered approach, with less emphasis on filling every area, from hall tables to bookcases, can actually enhance the home’s appeal. This thoughtful restraint can suggest greater value to buyers, creating a canvas for them to imagine their own lives unfolding within the space, particularly during the busy atmosphere of an open house.

If a buyer feels compelled to stay in a space and Freshness and life: chat with ease, revisit for further inspections, Where budget and property value align, the casually stroll through the home with a coffee in presence of fresh flowers, updated throughout the hand, or invite friends and family for a second look, campaign, introduces a fragrance and vitality that we know we have created a sense of home. can enhance the emotional appeal during opens and auctions. Complementary touches like live To appreciate the impact of emotions is to unlock plants, quality candles, and ambient music can be the hidden value in an asset. Stylists who possess used to create a serene atmosphere, enveloping a nuanced understanding of the market and a vast buyers in the experience of living in the space. We array of resources do far more than just stage a don’t advocate baking cookies in the oven; home; they create environments that resonate however, a neatly trimmed lawn serves as the final emotionally with buyers, resulting in a sense of touch, offering a clean, inviting scent that subtly attachment that transcends the physical space. enhances the home’s appeal.

MW INSIGHTS

TENANT OF THE MONTH

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Avenue Bridal Level 1, Suite 110 T&G building AMP Lane Albury NSW 2640 Australia avenuebridal@outlook.com www.avenuebridal.com.au Instagram: @_avenuebridal OPEN: by appointment only For Rachel and Chloe the need for a contemporary and luxury bridal boutique in the Albury/Wodonga region was evident from their own experiences finding their dream wedding dresses. With the luxury of travel taken away in the Covid 19 pandemic and the lack of quality Australian labels available in our regional area, the girl’s took it upon themselves to create something special. Combining a private, luxury bridal experience with Australian made and owned labels Avenue Bridal over the last two years has given regional brides the opportunity to have a service that was once exclusive to metropolitan areas.

Tucked away in the privacy of the iconic T&G building Avenue Bridal allows clients to experience both luxe and micro appointments with access to exclusive Australian labels. Bride’s to be can enjoy a comfortable appointment whilst sipping prosecco and truly immersing themselves in all things bridal.

No longer is there the need to travel out of town to find that dream dress, the experience alone gives brides the confidence to choose something truly unique to them.

By appointment only, on both Thursday nights and Sunday’s, we offer flexibility with appointments including after hours. With a range of made to order and ex sample gowns available Rachel and Chloe pride themselves on a positive bridal experience and expertise guidance in finding the right dress. Sample sizes range from AU10-16 with made to order gowns offering an extended size range. Avenue Bridal stocks Anna Campbell, Oui the label, Georgia Young Couture, Karen Willis Homes and Alca Line Bridal.

Bookings can be made via the website.

DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

Happy Holidays

As we approach the end of the year, there have been Driving Forces: Several factors contribute to the buoyancy some exciting developments and insights that paint a of our market. The scarcity of available housing, a surge in vibrant picture of the Albury real estate market. immigration, and a notable lifestyle shift towards regional living over city environments are key drivers. The Federal Interest Rate Outlook: The financial landscape is ever- Government’s endorsement of our region’s potential for changing, and we are keeping a close eye on the exponential growth is particularly noteworthy. With a forecasted interest rate movements. There’s speculation lower cost of living, excellent healthcare facilities, and of one more interest rate rise, possibly in December or a plethora of leisure activities, our region is poised for February next year. However, reassuringly, projections significant expansion. suggest a period of stability after this point. With interest rates either tipped to remain on hold, or decrease in the Long-Term Perspective: In light of these developments, second half of 2024.

I encourage you to consider a long-term view when contemplating property decisions. Rather than attempting Impressive Growth Despite Challenges: In the last 12 to time the market based on the current cycle, now months, despite a succession of interest rate rises, the might be the opportune moment to secure a foothold Albury market has demonstrated remarkable growth, in a region destined for untapped future expansion. The boasting a 13.8% increase. The median house price sale Federal Government’s confidence in the region’s growth now stands at an impressive $885,000. The rental market further supports the potential for long-term value. has also seen substantial growth, with a 10% increase in median rent return, reaching almost $500 per week. On behalf of the team at Stean Nicholls we wish you a These figures underscore the robust nature of our local joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. market.

Nicholas Clark 0439 215 293 nicholas@steannicholls.com.au

Lachlan Hutchins 0457 888 212 lachlan@steannicholls.com.au

Jack Stean 0434 588 664 jack@steannicholls.com.au

Geoff Stean 0413 888 788 geoff@steannicholls.com.au

SOCIAL SNAPS

Jess and Nick both competed in their first ever marathon.

The team had a great time at their annual Christmas photos - this years theme was A Very Vintage Christmas.

We wish Caitlin the best as she heads off on an epic adventure.

Another successful auction.

Congratulations on your new home!

Who doesn’t love cake day.

Home-Grown is a Stean Nicholls publication. All opinions are our own. Compilation of statistical data relies on information from a number of external sources.

Copyright ©

Suite 1, Unit 19, 669 Dean Street, Albury 02 6021 5233 www.steannicholls.com.au

/steannicholls @steannicholls