Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - January 31, 2024

B AY S I D E & P O R T P H I L L I P

J A N U A RY 3 1 , 2 0 2 4

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

F E AT U R E

Wacky Ideas Serious Design Dowel Jones furniture is on the rise, and it's all made in Australia.

PROPERTY Along the Glittering Golden Mile — Page 8

CONTENTS

Domain Group is a leading property marketplace made-up of a portfolio of brands. We are united in our purpose to inspire confidence in life’s property decisions. Our brands offer products and solutions to consumers and agents interested in property across every step of their property journey. We are motivated to innovate in our industry and leverage our unique data, products, and technology to deliver solutions to our customers that are found only on Domain.

Broadsheet is Australia’s leading independent publisher. Online and in print, we aim to keep you in the loop with the best Melbourne has to offer and enrich your life in the city.

We won’t waste your time with anything you don’t need to know about – just the essentials in home & lifestyle, art & design, fashion & style, food & drink, entertainment and travel.

Broadsheet also has a presence in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Domain National magazine editor: Natalie Mortimer Editorial producer: Hailey Coules Group picture editor: Kylie Thomson Senior designer: Colleen Chin Quan Graphic designer: Emma Drake Group content director: Mark Roppolo Chief marketing officer: Rebecca Darley Chief executive officer: Jason Pellegrino

Broadsheet Founder and publisher: Nick Shelton General manager: Sian Whitaker Editorial director: Katya Wachtel Publications director: Nick Connellan National editor: Michael Harry Melbourne food & drink editor: Audrey Payne Studio and strategy director: Roya Lines Media partnerships manager: Jessica Kirsopp

Residential sales: Ray van Veenendaal, 1300 799 109, support@domain.com.au

distribution@domainreview.com.au

Editor: Jo Walker Assistant editor: Gitika Garg Design lead: Ben Siero Designer: Ella Witchell Sub editors: Adeline Teoh, Annie Toller Writers: Emma Do, Sanam Goodman, Alice Freer, Ruby Harris, Rosie Herdman, Grace MacKenzie, Shannon Valentine Photographers: Jamie Alexander, Jasmine Blom, Pablo Diaz, Amy Hemmings, Kaede James Takamoto, Arianna Leggiero, Jessica Prince, Hilary Walker

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made

Cover credits: Adam Lynch and Dale

to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, it is all subject to change.

Hardiman shot by Hilary Walker

New development sales: Andrew O’Brien,

0408 855 903 Contact: editorial@domain.com.au Distribution enquiries:

This publication is published by Domain Holdings Australia Limited and Broadsheet Media Pty. Ltd. and is printed by IVE, 25-33 Fourth Avenue, Sunshine VIC 3020

Welcome to our first issue for 2024.

We’re starting the year with a look at Dowel Jones – a Melbourne furniture and fit-out company that manufactures right here in Victoria.

It’s an endeavour co-founders and designers Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman take seriously, but still have fun with. And it’s something special to have stuff for our homes made so close to home.

Jo Walker Broadsheet Editor

Broadsheet

The Interview with Yasmine Ghoniem PAG E 5

Home Of The Week PAG E 8

Broadsheet Media acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to lands, waters and communities. We pay respect to Elders past and present and honour more than 60,000 years of storytelling, art and culture.

Feature: Dowel Jones PAG E 1 1

Neighbourhoods Melbourne: Level 4, 600 Church Street,

Melbourne: Level 1, 231 Smith Street

Cremorne 3121, VIC Instagram: @domain.com.au Facebook.com/domain.com.au/

Fitzroy 3065, VIC Instagram: @broadsheet_melb Facebook.com/broadsheet.melbourne

Sydney: 100 Harris Street,

Sydney: 258A Crown Street,

Pyrmont 2009, NSW Instagram: @domain.com.au Facebook.com/domain.com.au/

Surry Hills 2010, NSW Instagram: @broadsheet_syd Facebook.com/broadsheet.sydney

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PAG E 1 4

Property Listings PAG E 1 9

FOR STARTERS

N OW OPEN

ADD TO CART

Petites Pommes classic pool ring Want to splash about in style and still look slightly grown-up? These retro striped pool rings from Danish outfit Petites Pommes are inspired by classic holiday destinations and come in a sophisticated range of pastel and neutral colourways. Hand-printed and made to last using materials free of BPA and phthalates, they’re just the thing for lazing in the pool, creek or local billabong. Find them in Australia via Poolside’s collection of mid-century-influenced outdoor furniture and accessories. — JW $99 / poolsidestore.com.au

Pony

IN THE DIARY

14 Beatty Avenue, Armadale

Emily Stribley and Michael Valentine opened Armadale’s beloved Neighbourhood Pizza in 2019. Now, the couple has opened a second restaurant, in the former Sonny Chiba space.

Pony is a casual spot with a name inspired by the horseshoe Stribley’s mum spotted at the top of the building. The duo is joined here by chef Mark Jennings, who has 10 years of Melbourne cafe experience.

Highlights on Jennings’s menu include the classic beef cheeseburger (a dish the chef has included on every menu he’s designed), and the whole chargrilled chicken, butterflied and served with salsa verde.

Bloodlines by The Huxleys

Bar manager Dylan Field (ex-Gimlet) also joins the team, bringing with him a commitment to up the cocktail offering in Armadale. Sip on concoctions like the Spicy Lynette (tequila, cucumber, lime and cayenne pepper) and the Johnny O’Moore (Irish whiskey, Cocchi di Torino vermouth, chinotto and angostura) downstairs in the cocktail bar, which is sun-filled during the day and dark and moody at night. — RH

Melbourne-based duo The Huxleys bring their multidisciplinary exhibition Bloodlines to Midsumma Festival, the city’s annual celebration of queer arts and culture. The project pays homage to legendary artists – including Australian icons like Leigh Bowery and Peter Tully – lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the ’80s and ’90s. The flamboyant visual and performance artists present photography, video art, costume design and performance. Entry is free. — GG Until Feb 11 / Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford / midsumma.org.au

Photo: Pablo Diaz

Klaus, The Huxleys, 2022

January 31, 2024

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FOR STARTERS

SNACK BAR

by Audrey Payne

in atest The l e ourn Melb news food

STREET STYLE Chadstone Shopping Centre, Chadstone

Name: Hannah Srinivasan Age: 20 Occupation: Retail store manager Tell us about your outfit today. I’m usually in full black and I like girly dadcore. But the weather is nice, the sun’s out and so I thought, orange it is!

I really like bright colours. How does your style fit in with your lifestyle?

I’m a comfy type of girl. I’m on my feet working for nine hours a day so my style is very functional, but I still want to look cute because I work in retail.

UGO Burrata Bar, a stall dedicated to the creamy photogenic cheese, has opened at South Melbourne Market. Stop by for burrata from That’s Amore Cheese served in 10 different ways.

UGO Burrata Bar, South Melbourne Market Deli Aisle, 322–326 326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne (York Street Entrance) / ugo.com.au Hawthorn’s Kori Ice-Cream – the Japaneseinspired scoop shop from former Luxbite pastry chef Bernard Chu and ex-Tonka pastry chef Joanne Yeoh – has opened a tiny new store in a CBD car park. Try flavours like nashi pear, tofu vanilla and Hokkaido cheesecake. Kori CBD, 392 Bourke Street, Melbourne / kori-icecream.com.au Melbourne-based social enterprise Free to Feed is back with a new instalment of its much-loved Summer Feast series. Celebrate the flavours of Persian, Levantine, Afghan and African cuisines at special ticketed events until March 1. freetofeed.org.au Celebrity chef and cookbook author Karen Martini is about to launch St Kilda Diner Saint George (at the former Saint Hotel) with Sydney’s Public Hospitality Group. Saint George will feature two distinct offerings: the Grill and the Tavern. Saint George open soon at 54 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda A new outpost of South Yarra cake shop Le Yeahllow is open in the CBD. You’ll find Jeff Koons balloon dog cakes, surrealist mandarin entremet and more playful desserts.

Le Yeahllow CBD, 366 Little Collins Street, Melbourne / shop.leyeahllow.com.au

es Takamoto

Photo: Kaede Jam

Photo: Arianna Leggiero

TRANQUIL CHADSTONE

Carlton’s newly revamped rooftop bar Johnny’s Green Room is open with a refit from Dion Hall (Music Room, Her Bar), Italian snacks by Karen Martini (Saint George) and “spritzy and smashable” cocktails from Matt Bax of Bar Americano fame. Johnny’s Green Room, Level 2, 293–297 297 Lygon Street, Carlton / johnnysgreenroom.com Read the full story for each dot point: broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/series/snack-bar 4

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Best known for its iconic shopping centre, Chadstone holds more than just retail therapy. With serene parks, a friendly atmosphere and diverse housing options, Chadstone offers a wellrounded lifestyle for residents.

Photo: Jamie Alexander

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICES CHADSTONE

2 bed unit, $485k 3 bed house, $1.13m 4 bed house, $1.253m Source: Data based on sales within the last 12 months

FOR STARTERS

TH E INTERVIEW

Boundary-Pushing Interiors Expert Yasmine Ghoniem Has Grand Designs Words by Rosie Herdman

When asked how she describes herself and Behind the scenes, Ghoniem is across each what she does, interior designer Yasmine individual project – but as she also runs a busy Ghoniem easily captures how a living space practice day-to-day, she enjoyed stepping back can affect your mental and emotional state. and watching them evolve. “I’m sort of like “I’m a mood maker,” the founding director the prober, the devil’s advocate. I ask them of award-winning multidisciplinary prac- questions to expand their thoughts or contice YSG tells Broadsheet. “Our spaces really firm why they’re doing things, so at the out outtalk about emotions as much as aesthetics … come they’ve really thought about it.”

And of course, there’s the human narrait’s about how you feel in a space.”

Ghoniem started YSG in 2020 but has tive behind each design. “I think that’s what been a respected presence in the industry Grand Designs does really well: the stories are for over a decade, launching design collec- always really interesting, and you’ve got such tive Amber Road with her sister Katy Svalbe, great characters.” a landscape architect, in 2013.

We’re always curious about the homes of those whose job it is to design houses YSG specialises in high-end projects that require thinking outside the box. Some are for other people. Ghoniem moved into also high profile – like Zoë Foster Blake her warehouse-like space a year and a half and Hamish Blake’s colourful (and much- ago, with its beautiful bones, spiral stair stairpublicised) family home. cases, concrete floors and internal courtyard.

When she was younger, Ghoniem lived She was keen to live in the place for a while between Australia, the Middle East and to determine the renovation needs. “I think America, eventually settling in Sydney – a number one take home, for anybody who’s if you could call her on-the-go lifestyle set- thinking about designing their own house, tled. “I’ve lived in lots of different countries is give yourself a brief.” my whole life, so I feel my travels have defiWhile Ghoniem usually works with gener genernitely permeated my interiors.” ous budgets and plenty of custom elements, A variety of design novices benefit from she has a tip for those with less to spend: her hefty experience and global point of view embrace colour. “I feel it’s underrated because as part of her latest project: co-hosting the people are scared of colour and don’t apprenew ABC television series Grand Designs ciate that paints are the easiest way to transTransformations. form a space,” she says.

Updating the format we all know and love, You could also take a note from one of the show focuses on renovations of existing YSG’s signatures: the statement ceiling. homes rather than building from scratch. “Ceilings are underutilised areas of colour and It was a great experience, says Ghoniem, patterns. If you’re one of those people who who – like many – was already a fan of Grand don’t like a lot of colour, applying it to a plane Designs. “I couldn’t say no … I loved the idea like the ceiling, where it’s not as visible as the of modernising it slightly and bringing some- floor but still is very much in your peripheral, thing different.” is a great way to explore and have fun.”

January 31, 2024

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OPEN DAY

NEX T WEEKEND

ART & LIVING An

exhibition

of

Saturday 10 February, 12–3pm 2 1 4 B ay R o a d , S a n d r i n g h a m

Join us to celebrate the completion of Sea & Sky as we unveil two new furnished apartments and the exclusive new collection of stunning artworks

by Antoinette Ferwerda.

Explore the newly completed apartments, luxe amenity spaces and landscaped outdoor areas, followed by an intimate viewing of Antoinette Ferwerda’s latest works.

2 3

bedro om bedro om

MOVE

IN

from from

$655k $1.375m

T O D AY

V I E W T H E A PA RT M E N TS AT O U R O P E N D AY O R BY P R I VAT E A P P O I N T M E N T 214 Bay Road, Sandringham Leone Steele Edwina Smith

0422 299 202 0497 126 202

R E S I D E N T ’ S

A R T W O R K

S e a a n d s k y. c o m . a u

D I N I N G Completed

B Y K I T C H E N Completed Residence

HOME & LIFESTYLE

THE FIT- OUT

Six Reusable On-the-Go Homewares To Feel Good About

By Alice Freer

JOYROLL A CART – $369 A twist on the classic shopping trolley, Aussie label Joyrolla’s cart will help you carry more, further. Made from lightweight aluminium and recycled poly polyester canvas with water-resistant coating, each part can be easily ordered and replaced if worn or damaged. Choose between retro colours like ochre and violet or classic black. joyrolla.com

PAN AFTER DAY-TO-DAY BAG – $45 Collingwood homewares store Pan After offers its range of Day-to-Day nylon bags in myriad vibrant colours and practical sizes. Strong, durable and made for everyday use, this traditional market utility bag can double as a beach tote, an overnight bag or per perhaps eye-catching storage around the house. panafter.com.au

EVERVESSEL GL ASS MULTI BOTTLE – $49 Whether you’re at your desk or in the great outdoors, enjoy a perfectly brewed tea with Evervessel’s nifty double-layered borosilicate glass bottle. Designed to be thermal-shock resistant and not retain or impart unwanted flavours, it’s available in 11 colours.

Plus, get personalised laser engraving on the lid. evervessel.com

S M A S H R EUSA B L E C E R A M I C S M O OT H I E C U P – $45 Enjoy your morning smoothie in style with Aussie label Smash’s stainless steel and ceramic cup. Featuring a collapsible straw and leakproof design, it’s great for mess-free convenience and homemade brekkie on the go. It comes in three colours, from minimalist white to the more adventurous saffron or platinum lilac. smashproducts.com

SEED & SPROUT LUNCHBOX – $45 Perfect for those heading back to the office or preparing the kids for the new school year, The Lunchbox by Seed & Sprout is a 100 per cent leakproof container for long days outside the house.

Made from food-grade stainless steel, it’s dishwasher-and oven-safe, and comes in two classic colours – oat milk and juniper. seedandsprout.com.au

KANWAX LUNCH BAG – $39.95 A tougher, more durable spin on the old-school brown paper bag, Kanwax’s lunch bag is ideal for carrying office lunches, drinks or toiletries and other small items. Made with water-resistant waxed canvas and a leather strap to secure contents in place (you can even attach it to your bike), it’s designed to age beautifully.

Available in tan and grey. banish.com.au January 31, 2024

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DOMAIN PROPERTY

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DOMaIn PrOPErTy

W H AT T H E A G E N T S AY S

Sam Inan Belle Property Brighton

HOME OF THE WEEK

Rare shot at striking bay gold

“A 15-second beach-path walk leads to a tranquil park, and the house – with abundant morning light, high ceilings, and spacious rooms – provides a delightful living experience, complemented by beautiful balcony sunsets.”

Words by Joanne Brookfield

While Brighton ranks as one of Melbourne’s most expensive suburbs, to really impress, you need to reside within the golden mile.

This tightly held stretch of shoreline is bordered by St Kilda Street, Head Street and the Royal Brighton Yacht Club and is desired for the fact there’s no road between the trophy homes and beach.

Instead, there’s wide open green space for kids and dogs to play in, the Bay Trail for walking, riding or running and, of course, the glittering bay. There’s also Middle Brighton Pier, where bobbing yachts are moored. An amble along here and the breakwater provides panoramic views of the city skyline, as a reminder that you’re still conveniently within a 30-minute drive of the CBD. It’s an exclusive neighbourhood where the multilevel homes are secluded behind high walls and mature trees, and Fourwinds, as this five-bedroom 1950s-era brick residence is known, is no different.

The home effectively rises over three levels, with the lower-level and first floor having direct access to the in-ground pool and multiple al fresco entertaining zones in the

backyard (which includes a trampoline), while the top level has a substantial balcony to keep an eye on the summertime fun below or enjoy the vista of the bay beyond.

Inside, the home has been updated over the years, creating a modern family home with the potential for further modifications while retaining original touches such as the wrought-iron entrance gate and decorative cornices. There are five bedrooms, each with walk-in or built-in wardrobes, while the main bedroom suite has an en suite plus bay-view terrace access. A second bedroom also has access to this terrace, while another bedroom has its own balcony and a built-in desk.

For busy family life, there are plenty of areas for everyone to carve out their own zone, with separate family, living and dining rooms, plus a study. Adjacent to the gleaming white kitchen is an informal meals area with banquette seating, while the elevated deck outside provides further dining options.

The lower ground area offers the flexibility of use as a poolside teen retreat, a gym or even storage. There’s also a cellar with racks tucked away down here as well.

Set on approximately 611 square metres, Fourwinds is a private sanctuary brimming with lifestyle and design potential in a location that is hard to beat but not always easy to buy into.

With a beach-access laneway running alongside the property, the water is literally seconds away.

Within a matter of moments, you’ ll emerge from the path into the sun and sea breeze and know exactly why this prized pocket came to be called the golden mile.

Brighton 21 St Ninians Road $5.899 million

NEED TO KNOW It is 20 years since this property was last on the market, when it sold for an undisclosed amount in 2004. The highest recorded house price for Brighton (past 12 months) was $15.3 million for 17 St Ninians Road in June 2023.

C O M PA R A B L E SA L E S

$3 million

2

99 Cochrane Street, July 2023

Private sale Agent: Belle Property Brighton, Sam Inan 0433 076 999

63 Bay Street, June 2023

5

2

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Brighton

$4.95 million $3.3 million 142 Head Street, March 2022

January 31, 2024

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FEATURE

FUNNY BUSINESS Words by Emma Do · Photos by Hilary Walker Dowel Jones co-founders Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman design seriously good furniture that’s made in Australia and built to last.

In 10 years of operation, they’ve never lost their sense of play.

FEATURE

D

owel Jones is the punny alias of furniture designers Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman. The pair launched their venture as fresh-faced graduates in 2014, having first met in university where they studied industrial and furniture design together. In Hardiman’s words, the duo were “naive enough to start a business without caring about falling flat”.

From the outside, Dowel Jones can look like a boutique consumer brand (and you will certainly find its furniture in well-decorated homes), but the small business’s bread and butter is in supplying hospitality and commercial spaces with colourful, minimalist designs. If you’re reading this from a Melbourne cafe, you might even be perched on a Dowel Jones chair right now.

Lynch and Hardiman always wanted to make contemporary furniture in Australia, and make it affordable – not just for regular customers, but for venues, too. Their first big break came in 2015 when a version of the duo’s Hurdle chairs were requested for the Broadsheet Restaurant’s pop-up dining events. “That was really our origin story for the first few projects,” Hardiman says. “From that, we were approached by hundreds of cafes and venues saying, ‘We would love to buy your furniture.’”

The two get a bit misty-eyed over the Hurdle range (still in production today), describing it as the thing that truly “grew the business”. It was Hurdle, too, that made them passionate about manufacturing locally.

“We were 23- and 21-years-old. I’m sure any student would understand: if you email a manufacturer and ask for a quote, they have very little interest in speaking with you,” Hardiman explains. “Only this company spoke to us and agreed to take on prototyping and manufacturing.”

Two years later, over an emotional phone call, the duo learnt that the owner of the business had been on the verge of bankruptcy.

“It’s why they’d taken on our furniture. Now, it’s been 10 years and we’ve sold enough Australian-made product for that business to continue, which I think is indicative of what design can do for local manufacturing,” Hardiman says.

Making in Australia comes with higher labour costs than overseas production, so to keep their furniture affordable, Lynch and Hardiman built a design ethos centred on collaboration. Rather than dream up Dowel Jones concepts from thin air, they first ask their factory – a steel fabricator, for example – about how to produce 12

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a cost-effective product. In the case of the Hurdle chair – a simple, moulded plywood seat with a tubular steel frame – it meant coming up with a design that had the fewest number of welds. According to Hardiman, the resulting design turned out like “nothing else on the market” at the time, simply because it was specific to one factory.

It’s no surprise that the pair believe good design comes from constraints. “A lot of time we don’t go seeking inspiration,” Hardiman says. “We go and visit factories and talk with them about what they’re working on.”

The company now employs six staff and has two factories across Geelong. Timber production is done in-house, while other components like steel fabrication, wire bending and upholstering are outsourced to local businesses – though, as more workshops close down, the goal is to eventually bring everything under the same roof. Most pieces are made to order and offer extensive customisation – a boon for commercial clients. Hardiman likens their way of working to that of graphic designers.

“We design a language, a silhouette. It’s up to the interior designer and architect to change the colours, patterns and fabrics.”

Now, it’s been 10 years and we’ve sold enough Australian-made product for that business to continue, which I think is indicative of what design can do for local manufacturing.

The duo split tasks according to their strengths – Lynch is the more hands-on and technically minded of the two, and oversees the brand’s day-to-day production in Geelong, while Hardiman, based in Melbourne, considers himself the lateral thinker. “We have always been able to challenge each other’s thinking,” Lynch notes. “We actually have quite different approaches, which has proven to be fruitful.”

Of course, there are always hiccups in the process. Last year they excitedly sent off a new sofa design, only for the prototype to return comically small. “It was just terribly wrong,” Hardiman laughs. “Because I don’t work in the physical most of the time, I sometimes get carried away with the aesthetic side, so it was the size of a kid’s sofa.”

If the pair’s design process is a bit unorthodox, it’s only natural that their brand image and marketing follow suit. There’s a cheeky sense of humour imbued in Dowel Jones, from product names – a stool with thick steel legs is deemed Sir Burly; another with a circular frame is Bradley Hooper – to a penchant for costuming, to the brand’s social media presence, where Hardiman likes to let loose his silliest and most absurd ideas. On the Dowel Jones Instagram page, for example, you can watch the team hose down a chair at the car wash to show off the product’s sturdiness, use a floor lamp as a ramen bowl, or turn a scalloped side table into a cake (there are no discernible reasons for the latter hijinks, just your viewing pleasure perhaps).

When Covid rolled around, the brand also launched a competition called Design From Home, inviting anyone, regardless of experience, to submit a design for the chance to win prize money and to potentially see their creation realised. It’s how the Big Friendly couch, a voluminous lounge with invitingly puffy arms, came to be. “We aim to be very approachable,” Lynch says, noting his pride for the community they’ve created, both online and in person.

Neither he nor Hardiman have aspirations for Dowel Jones to be a “behemoth business”, especially if doing so compromises their values. In 2018, an American company approached the pair to start exporting the brand’s designs. They started sending 40-foot -foot containers of Australian-made fur furniture to the US, but Lynch and Hardiman soon felt concerned about the carbon mileage they were racking up. In the end, they signed a partnership to manufacture the designs stateside, despite the cut in revenue.

The design duo’s primary interest lies in making furniture that stands the test of time, both physically and aesthetically. They like to test the former by literally throwing and smashing their designs (which also makes for fun viewing on social media). “It has to be able to be sat on at an airport 1000 times a day and never break,” Hardiman says.

Aesthetic durability is trickier. In general, Dowel Jones pieces shy away from trends, and if a piece eventually does feel dated, it has at least been made in a way that makes reupholstering and repair an easy task. The pair even track Dowel Jones furniture on the second-hand market to see if their designs still resonate. Hardiman says, “The point isn’t for us to try to sell more furniture – we don’t want people to get rid of it.”

When they look back at the last decade, Lynch and Hardiman are most proud of supporting businesses around them. The partnerships and collaborations, whether with manufacturers and fabricators, local artists or their online audience, have all contributed to Dowel Jones’s success. The brand’s next collaboration is characteristically unexpected.

To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, Lynch and Hardiman will produce 10 different projects, one of which involves working with kids at Geelong’s Museum of Play and Art. “It’ll be a few hundred children creating this work,” Hardiman says with a smile. “They’re going to be the artists and we’ll be the manufacturers.” Stay tuned for the oddball creations – one may just end up in a lounge room near you.

NEIGHBOURHOODS

LIKE A LOCAL

Brighton

NEED TO KNOW One of the most exclusive suburbs in Melbourne, Brighton is renowned for its upscale boutiques, schools and vibrant cultural scene.

Seaside elegance creates an unparalleled lifestyle for residents.

By Ruby Harris

Average Age

48

Median Weekly income

$2,710

B

righton (or, as it’s often referred to, Braaaahton) is the absolute heart of bayside Melbourne. A trip to the upscale suburb isn’t complete without a walk along the beach to see the famous Brighton bathing boxes.

Originally built more than 100 years ago, these vibrant structures are an iconic landmark, and worth a visit.

For food, you’re spoiled for choice. A juice from Bright’n’Fresh (inside a fruit shop of the same name) is always a good idea. So is a DIY acai bowl or smoothie from Blitz Bar’s newly opened second outpost.

As for cafes, The Little Ox has been around for 15 years, serving up consistently good coffee in a former milk bar. Stop by for breakfast or lunch and don’t skip out on the Mexican eggs. Brighton Schoolhouse is another local favourite, housed in an 1840s building that was once a (you guessed it) schoolhouse. There’s also Sons of Mary – owned by two brothers and named after their mum – for classic brunch fare or dinner.

And don’t miss out on a seat outside at The Pantry – you’ll feel like a local when you’re sipping your coffee in the sun.

Brighton has a great shopping scene, with most of it conveniently located on the same street. Big-name favourites, high-end designers and chain stores like Mecca, Scanlan Theodore, Assembly Label and Stylerunner, among others, have outposts on Church Street, as do boutiques such as Elka Collective and The New Trend. And if you’re in need of a mid-shopping snack, stop at Kokoro Sushi – there’s often a line waiting to order.

For dinner, head to The Royale Brothers for what might be the south side’s best burger. Or go to Ichika (conveniently next door to dessert hotspot Yo-Chi) for a Japanese feast.

There are also two Palace Cinemas in the area, so a post-dinner movie is always tempting. But if you’re planning a night at home or you’re entertaining, pop by Keith Homemade Cakes during the day to pick up a chocolate mousse cake – you’ll understand why when you take the first bite.

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Owner

Renter

Family

Single

74%

54%

Clockwise from top: Half Moon on Church Street, photo Amy Hemmings; Sons of Mary, photo Jessica Prince; Greenery and cycling, photo Amy Hemmings; Brighton Schoolhouse, photo Jasmine Blom

26%

46%

NEIGHBOURHOODS

W H AT T H E A G E N T S AY S

Kate Strickland Marshall White “A coveted Melbourne suburb, Brighton boasts city proximity with the coastal charm of Port Phillip Bay (plus iconic bathing boxes), four train stations, three shopping strips and premier schools.”

Clockwise from top: The Baths Middle Brighton, The Little Ox, Bathing boxes, and Summertime sculpture, photos Amy Hemmings

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICES

Median price houses

$3,072,500

Median price units

$1,242,500

Distance from CBD

11km

Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Brighton

January 31, 2024

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HOME & LIFESTYLE

CREATIVE COUPLES

Hyoju Park and Rong Yao Soh Words by Sanam Goodman · Photos by Kaede James Takamoto

The duo met at culinary school, have Michelin-starred backgrounds, and chose to call Melbourne home. Now they’re sharing the love at Madeleine de Proust.

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F

or Hyoju Park and Rong Yao Soh, there seems to be no challenge too big to conquer. The couple survived a long-distance stint in their relationship, moved their lives from the UK to Australia, and lived through Melbourne’s many Covid lockdowns while working in some of the city’s top restaurants. Now they’re the co-owners of Madeleine de Proust, a quaint Lygon Street patisserie specialising in titular dainty French sponge cakes.

“It was tricky to convince Hyoju to start a new business,” Soh tells Broadsheet. “There are so many uncertainties that come with taking a risk and trying something new, but we got through it by supporting each other.

We’ve learnt so many things together.”

The couple met at culinary school in London, bonding over a mutual love of fine dining and the shared, sometimes lonely, experience of being far away from home – South Korea for Park, Malaysia for Soh. During a busy couple of years studying and working in Michelin-starred restaurants, the pair found themselves spending more time with each other – first as friends, and then more.

“He was always so headstrong, with a lot of big goals,” Park says, describing what first attracted her to Soh. “He’s a perfectionist and always wants to be better, which makes me want to be better. Underneath all of that, he’s got a really warm heart.”

Soh’s answer to the same question is simple. “She’s like sunshine to me,” he says.

“She’s always so positive and tries really hard to make people feel relaxed and happy. And she makes really delicious desserts.”

Once the culinary course was done, Park and Soh were tasked with finding a place they could both move to when their time as students in London came to an end. After considering a number of cities across the globe, they landed on Melbourne.

“People in Melbourne really appreciate food,” Soh explains. “Given our background in fine food, we felt like the hospitality culture in Melbourne really suited us.”

Following a brief period working in Seoul’s two-Michelin-starred Mingles, Park landed a position at Melbourne icon Attica. A year later – all the while doing their relationship over long distance – Soh joined her, securing a job at Matilda in early 2020.. “Then lock lockdowns started a week after I got my job, and I unfortunately lost it,” Soh says.

“I was busier than ever, though,” Park adds.

“It was a really stressful time, and I don’t think I would have gotten through it without him. He would cook all my favourite comfort foods and

HOME & LIFESTYLE

give me hand massages at the end of the day.”

The idea to open Madeleine de Proust started as one of those lofty goals of Soh’s – the kind that attracted Park to him in the first place. While the pair both enjoyed their culinary work, Soh found himself wondering how sustainable their careers were, and how much opportunity it offered them to progress.

“We knew we always wanted to do something with pastry, but we didn’t want it to be just

another pastry shop,” Park says. “Madeleines were the first thing I ever baked, so they’re incredibly nostalgic for me.”

After countless hours – and dollars – spent poring over branding, recipe testing, building an online presence and finding stockists in the initial stages of their business, the pair found a charming spot on Lygon Street and launched a bricks-and-mortar bakery late last year.

“The shop has been designed to evoke

feelings of nostalgia, but also be quite futur futuristic,” Soh explains. “The same way that the flavours are all very familiar and important to us, but have been manifested in the madeleines using modern techniques.”

As for how the couple spends their time when they’re not at the shop? Apart from indulging in the cooking and baking of others by visiting Melbourne’s best restaurants and dessert shops, spending time outside and

in nature has proven to be a welcome relief to the often-stressful experience of running a small business.

“We like to go to the beach together, and go for scooter rides,” Park says. “I like gardening and flower arranging, and I occasionally do painting and pottery. Sometimes when you do too much cooking you get tired of it and don’t enjoy it as much, so we’re always trying to clear our minds and make sure work stays fun.”

January 31, 2024

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TRAVEL

It’s Not Just Good Vibes, Byron Bay Has Good Eating Too

by Grace MacKenzie

W

e flock to Byron to holiday; we move there in masses – and our desire to do either hasn’t slowed a lick.

The allure is in the low’n’slow wave breaks onto long stretches of sand. The mini city under a salty haze. The sleepy undertones cut with a flash of hot spots to shop and dine. There’s no hype needed for the Bay, but a tight clutch of stops in town shine brighter than the rest.

In the buzzy Arts & Industry Estate, a friendly class in the light-filled Creature Yoga space will stretch you into the barefoot local you’d like to be.

Float to Happy Days for a cuppa (made on beans

Photo courtesy of Destination NSW

roasted just next door), house-made sourdough or a standout breakfast plate before a dip at Belongil Beach. And to stay, check in at Cali-style oasis The Swell.

The waterside kitchens here are captained by some of the best. Bar Heather’s Ollie Wong-Hee is flawlessly pumping out snacky swordfish skew skewers and shiitake-topped potato chips. At Karkalla, Bundjalung woman Mindy Woods is championing native ingredients – via bunya nut miso, akoya oysters and kangaroo meat – on Main Beach; and Katrina and Karl Kanetani, the chef couple at Beach, deliver the Byron experience you

pictured: standout seafood on an oceanfront deck.

If there’s a tourist trap to risk, it’s Jason Saxby’s Raes on Wategos. The whitewashed dining room is coveted for a reason: his deft combo of simple flavour and theatre (the mint slice, a choc-covered river mint mousse, arrives in a vintage Arnott’s bickie tin). At Kouzina, a lively home-style Greek spot, charcoaled fish and fresh dolmades are elevated by BYO and a group to feast with.

Stop at Bay Grocer for the perfect mementos (locally made pantry goods); shop in-store at St Agni, Arcaa and Rowie; then hike to the light lighthouse, like the tourist you are.

DOMaIn PrOPErTy

LUXURY Words by Richard Cornish & Shae Wiedermann

Brighton 194a Esplanade $5.5 million-$6 million 4

4

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Private sale Agent: Marshall White, Ben Vieth 0404 084 793 When the sun sets over Brighton, this three-level seaside home is flooded with rich golden light. The main living area, with its fine marble floors and dark timber-lined walls, looks out over Port Phillip Bay to the city lights. The kitchen is an entertainer’s dream, with a spacious island bench and Wolf and Liebherr appliances. It has a home cinema and three bedrooms with en suites, and the crowning glory of this luxurious home is the rooftop garden with a spa and outdoor kitchen.

Toorak Penthouse, 20 Grange Road $10 million-$11 million 3

3

4

Balwyn 15a Fitzgerald Street $3 million-$3.3 million 4

4

5

Black Rock 22 Central Avenue $2.75 million-$3 million 4

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Expressions of interest Agent: Marshall White, Marcus Chiminello 0411 411 271

Auction: 3pm, February 17 Agent: Jellis Craig, Patrick Dennis 0409 321 159

Auction: Noon, February 17 Agent: Hodges, Michael Cooney 0418 325 052

A masterpiece of design, this exquisite penthouse sits among the green canopy of tree-lined Grange Road. Close to the buzz of Toorak Village, this quiet, tranquil retreat has exceptional flow throughout the open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas, which open to a wraparound balcony. The interiors, from the dark oak flooring, burnished copper double doors, brushed brass and marble in the bathrooms and cellar, are all beautifully finished.

Many treasures lie behind the modest and polished facade of this Balwyn house. It has three thoughtfully designed floors – that are accessible by a lift – a gym, a butler’s pantry and two terraces, one of which has a barbecue kitchen and views towards the Dandenong Ranges. Each of the bedrooms has an en suite. With the added delight of a solar-heated pool within a landscaped garden, this abode takes functional family living to a whole new level.

A block back from the golden sands and banksias of Black Rock Beach sits this modern, spacious four-bedroom home packed with amenities. The lap pool, built by English Channel swimmer Albert Bardoel, sits snugly to the house and leads to the Mediterranean-inspired courtyard. The owners have refurbished the interiors with new fittings, making the most of the three-metre-high ceilings. It’s close to top schools, Beaumaris and Brighton shopping and golf courses.

January 31, 2024

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DOMAIN PROPERTY

OPEN FOR INSPECTION Words by Kay Keighery, Maria Harris & Shae Wiedermann

Malvern 4/11-13 Sorrett Avenue $2.55 million-$2.75 million 3

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Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, February 13 Agent: Kay & Burton, Jamie Driver 0400 126 612 This three-bedroom townhouse in one of Malvern’s most prized tree-lined streets has been completely renovated to create a luxurious and light-filled low-maintenance, singlelevel haven. Just moments from dining, retail, trams and parks, it features formal and informal living areas and highend finishes, including engineered oak floors and Carrara marble. Each bedroom has an en suite, while the sunny, private back garden has a built-in barbecue and a sauna.

Hawthorn East 184 Rathmines Road $2.45 million-$2.6 million 4

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Ashburton 3 Oliver Street $2.1 million-$2.3 million 4

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South Melbourne 204/201 Ferrars Street $1.35 million-$1.45 million 3

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Auction: 12.30pm, February 10 Agent: Marshall White, Nikki Van Gulick 0419 325 911

Auction: 10am, February 10 Agent: Fletchers, Michael Rosano 0419 595 183

Auction: 2.30pm, February 10 Agent: Jellis Craig, Mack Burgoine 0439 464 625

Beautifully elevated in a leafy street, single-level Hereford combines the charm of a c1895 Victorian home with contemporary appeal, including informal living and dining opening to a deck and private back garden. The traditional Victorian floor plan of rooms ranging off a central hall has four bedrooms, two bathrooms – including an en suite – plus high ceilings, cornices and open fireplaces. It is within walking distance of several schools, parks, transport and shops.

There’s really no cause for an average-sized family to ask for more here. With four bedrooms, a fitted study, a roomy lounge and an open-plan hub adjoining a deck-pool-and-lawn backyard, there is ample space and opportunity for sociable family activity. Rock up to a leafy front yard announcing a carport attached to the single-level pile. Newly painted and admirably appointed, the interior is bright and welcoming. The main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite.

Six Degrees Architecture design meets environmentally sustainable living at this luxurious two-level apartment, an easy walk or bike ride from South Melbourne Market, the CBD and the beach. High ceilings combine with leafy outlooks, city views and a covered terrace. Finishes include granite and stainless steel with V-Zug appliances. Downstairs, three generous bedrooms include the main suite with en suite and treetop views. The rooftop terrace has stunning bay and city views.

20

DOMAIN

BROADSHEET

DOMaIn PrOPErTy

Beaumaris 1a Bonanza Lane $2.29 million 4

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Highett 12b Molong Avenue $1.7 million-$1.79 million 4

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Malvern East 3/1906 Malvern Road $2.1 million-$2.3 million 5

4

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

2

Contact agent Agent: Buxton, Claude Mery 0422 455 848

Auction: 1.30pm, February 17 Agent: Hodges, Angus Graham 0401 505 259

Expressions of interest Agent: RT Edgar, Rachael Fabbro 0412 547 690

Striking architecture by Peter Pontifex and life-easing automation ensure this home is one for those seeking the finest in contemporary family accommodation. Close to the beach, buses and schools, the noteworthy newbie struts space, light and top-end style in impressive doses.

Recently completed, this Highett house offers grand scale in a great location. The house features two main bedrooms (one upstairs and one downstairs), each with a walk-in wardrobe and en suite, plus two large secondary bedrooms with built-in robes and a bathroom between them.

A lift links the three levels of this capacious new townhouse. The ground level comprises a double garage, bedroom and en suite, and open-plan hub. Ascend for a lounge, bathroom and three bedrooms, including one with en suite. Rise again for a retreat and the main bedroom with full trappings.

Hover your camera over the code to view live listings on domain.com.au

EXPERIENCE EXTRAORDINARY RETIREMENT Join us to celebrate the grand opening of Ardency Kennedy Place Delight in glittering entertainment with event MC and Nine newsreader Peter Hitchener, and a special performance by one of Australia’s musical icons. Indulge in all-day refreshments including cocktails on the rooftop terrace, enjoy a wellness treatment, and learn about the television studio history. Plus, take a guided tour of the stunning amenities and designer apartments.

14352 12/23

Thursday 8 February | 11am - 4pm 1 Khartoum St, Richmond 3121

Photographs are illustrative purposes and may depict decorative items not actually provided

by Keyton. Published by Keyton (VIC) Pty Ltd ABN 55 124 646 484.

Scan the QR code to learn more or visit ardencykennedyplace.com.au January 31, 2024

MELBOURNE

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2a

ST KILDA 12/45 Marine Parade BAYSIDE SOPHISTICATION IN A SPACIOUS PENTHOUSE HAVEN • Quality and elegance define this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom bay-facing apartment • Versatile front room adaptable as dining, lounge, or work-from-home office • Spacious living/dining merge to an outdoor terrace with breathtaking views • Gourmet kitchen with stone benchtops and Gaggenau appliances

AUCTION Saturday February 17 at 2:30pm VIEW See website for details

2b

2v

Julian Cannata 0424 717 913 Moses Habib 0450 011 922 Sam Inan 0433 076 999

• Bayside living at its finest, moments from all the area’s attractions

belleproperty.com/222P471950

2a

ST KILDA 5/95 Fitzroy Street WOW-FACTOR WAREHOUSE-STYLE LUXURY WITH LOCK-UP GARAGE. Tucked behind a charming period façade, this warehouse-style townhouse is a hidden gem in the heart of St Kilda. With additional rear access from Jackson Street, it offers a convenient and low-maintenance lifestyle. The interior boasts high ceilings, exposed brick walls and polished timber floors. The layout includes a sleek kitchen, dedicated dining area and living room with bi-fold doors leading to a spacious outdoor deck. The ground floor features two bedrooms, each with built-in storage, and two stylish bathrooms. Complemented by a lock-up garage, air con and just steps away from beaches, cafes and transport, this property offers inner-urban perfection.

belleproperty.com/222P488639

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DOMAIN

BROADSHEET

FOR SALE VIEW See website for details

2b

1v

xx 03 9593 8733 Maria Hunt 0413 187 188 Sam Inan 0433 076 999

11 Neptune Street, St Kilda 3 A

2 B

1 C

Experience the perfect blend of style and functionality in this architect-designed 2-3 bedroom residence. Nestled in a serene St Kilda location, enjoy breathtaking peace and privacy, steps to cosmopolitan dining, the beach and transport.

Auction Saturday 10th February at 2.30pm Viewing Wednesday 12.15-12.45pm & Saturday 1-1.30pm Contact Oliver Bruce 0409 856 599 Louis Kulpa 0401 403 502

marshallwhite.com.au January 31, 2024

MELBOurnE

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EXCLUSIVE TO

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