Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - May 22, 2024

FEATURE

Warm Hearts

Creative couple

Sandra Seah and Jordana Adams bring the heat with Six-Eyed Scorpion chilli oil

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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

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.

Broadsheet  Founder and publisher: Nick Shelton   General manager: Sian Whitaker  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

Broadsheet  Editor: Jo Walker   Assistant editor: Gitika Garg   Design lead: Ben Siero   Designer: Ella Witchell   Sub editors: Miriam Kauppi, Barnaby Smith, Adeline Teoh, Annie Toller   Writers: Evie Baker, Ruby Harris, Emma Joyce, Quincy Malesovas, Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Sarah Savage, James Williams   Photographers: Jamie Alexander, Hugh Davison, Pete Dillon, Bryce Golder, Casey Horsfield, Kaede James Takamoto, Lexi Laphor, Arianna Leggiero, Ashley Ludkin, Ben Moynihan, Kristoffer Paulsen, Tobias Titz, Anna Varendorff

Cover credits: Sandra Seah and Jordana Adams shot by Kaede James Takamoto

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.

For this week’s cover feature, we talk to Sandra Seah and Jordana Adams about the life they’ve built together – and the much-loved handmade chilli oil brand they both help produce. The couple also share with us their favourite ways to enjoy hot sauce in the kitchen – including some tasty ideas for soft cheese, and a tip for spicing up your next Bloody Mary.

Jo Walker Broadsheet Editor

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NOW OPEN

Rombe

T38–39/70 Middleborough Road, Burwood East

The rooftop of a shopping centre in suburban Melbourne is not the most obvious site for an edible garden and cafe, but that’s what makes Burwood Brickworks’ 2500-square-metre urban farm and eatery all the more special.

The rooftop is split into three sections – new all-day eatery Rombe led by head chef Jerry Yi (ex-Shihuishi at Hotel Sorrento), The Glass House (previously an actual greenhouse that will now operate as an events space) and a lush garden.

Though not all food is sourced on-site, there is a strong emphasis on provenance and seasonality. On the all-day breakfast menu there’s Vadouvan eggs (poached eggs with labneh, smoked carrots and an Indo-French spice called vadouvan). And pastrami-style cured salmon with soft-boiled egg, pickled fennel and rosti.

Lunch ranges from braised beef short rib to raw marinated yellowfin tuna spaghetti. Drinks also reflect the produce-driven ethos, with lemon myrtle and lime cold brew, cold-pressed juices and Victorian wine. — QM

ADD TO CART

Asoke x Co Bake Space

Alice Bennett and Alisha Henderson are the bakers, cake artists and Aussie Instagram baking stars behind Richmond’s Co Bake Space – a shared kitchen and place to host creative pop-ups. Experts in deliciously stylish things, the duo have teamed up with Melbourne homewares label Asoke to create a limited edition resin cake stand and vase, riffing off Co Bake Space’s peachy fit-out and playful curvatures. Pick between cotton or peach colourways for your next bake and a bunch of blooms – the essentials, really. — GG

From $139 / cookdinehost.com

IN THE DIARY

Melbourne Art Book Fair

The annual celebration brings together the world’s top art publishers, artists and designers. Alongside book launches, talks and exhibitions, the program once again features the popular Stallholder Fair taking place at the NGV International’s Great Hall. There’ll be more than 100 stallholders, including publishers from more than 15 countries. Plus, come along to keynote conversations with esteemed British author and art historian Katy Hessel and UK art critic Alice Rawsthorn. — SS

From May 23–Jun 2 / NGV, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne / artbookfair.melbourne

Photo: Pete Dillon

Photo: Tobias Titz

SNACK BAR STREET STYLE

By Audrey Payne

Superstar Melbourne chef and James Beard Award-winning Chinese-Ish cookbook author Rosheen Kaul has left her post as head chef at Brunswick East restaurant Etta after three years. New head chef Lorcán Kan has been appointed; his first menu will launch Tuesday July 2 60 Lygon Street, Brunswick East / @etta_melbourne

Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas will open Carlotta, a new restaurant in Canberra, later this year. The 120-seat Mediterraneanstyle restaurant in the Scotts Crossing precinct marks the Chin Chin, Society, Yakimono and Grill Americano CEO’s capital debut. @lucasrestaurants

Chef Joel Alderdice (ex-Bar Liberty) recently opened Emerald City, a four-seat Healesville restaurant named for the fantastical destination in The Wizard of Oz. It’s hidden at the back of Cavanagh’s Whisky & Alehouse and has a daily-changing menu that includes between 12 and 16 courses for $175 a head. 207 Maroondah Highway, Healesville / emeraldcityhealesville.com

Thelatestin Melbourne foodnews

Lola Belle, a new Fitzroy bar from the Union Electric team, has an old-school feel and a drinks list focused on rum and Daiquiris. 233 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy / lolabelle.com.au

Randy Dhamanhuri and Valerie Fong, the duo behind much-loved CBD cafes Operator 25 and Operator Diner, have opened a third Operator venue. Operator San has an allday menu that combines nostalgic Japanese flavours with Melbourne brunch classics. Find breakfast ramen, katsu curry Benedict made with house-made spam and Japanese curry hollandaise, as well as strawberry mochi waffles with seasonal fruits and salted caramel sauce. 121 Therry Street, Melbourne / operatorsan.com.au

Name: Katie Tong Age: 31 Occupation: Florist Tell us about your outfit today. My dress was a gift from my husband for Christmas. My boots are Dr Martens. The bag is Nim – it’s an Australian brand. I got it as a baby bag that was less ugly – you can wash it out and wipe it down. And my jewellery is from a Melbourne brand called Lott Studio. How does your style fit in with your lifestyle? I have two kids, three and six, and I’m trying to find my groove and get back into wearing stuff that’s not boring. I feel like I didn’t have the brain space to, like, get dressed for a while so it’s nice to feel I can actually try.

VILLAGE LIFE

With a unique feel and an increasingly rare village atmosphere, Yarraville is a city fringe suburb not to be overlooked. It’s home to several notable landmarks, including the historic Sun Theatre, and offers a vibrant and lively community with a great mix of urban convenience and relaxed charm.

Photo: Jamie Alexander

Photo: Ashley Ludkin

Photo: Hugh Davison

Photo: Kristoffer Paulsen

Anderson Street, Yarraville

Photo: Kaede James Takamoto

THE INTERVIEW

Chunky Move’s Antony Hamilton Pushes Boundaries

Words by Gitika Garg

Photo by Bryce Golder

“My first memories of dance are probably the trauma of watching Thriller when it came out,” Antony Hamilton laughs. “It’s well documented that it was one of Michael Jackson’s great regrets as an artist that he scared millions of children around the world who tuned in.”

The artistic director of top Melbourne contemporary dance company Chunky Move also cites popular ’80s breakdancing movies like Breakin’ and Beat Street as pivotal moments.

It’s what Hamilton refers to as his “pre-formal training” at the age of six, trying to copy dancers he saw on VHS tapes, before starting classical ballet at the age of 10; studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts post-high school; and a brief stint in New York.

(Manhattan is where Hamilton recalls running into legendary contemporary dancer Merce Cunningham in an elevator – another moment to add to a series of formative events.)

The two-time Helpmann Award-winning choreographer’s resume speaks for itself. Before landing the role of artistic director at Chunky Move in 2019, Hamilton created national and international commissions for the Sydney Dance Company and the Lyon Opera Ballet, just to name a few.

But it was the years he spent cutting his teeth as an ensemble dancer at Aussie contemporary dance companies, including Lucy Guerin and Chunky Move, that taught him how to collaborate and coordinate a show. “I felt like I was doing undercover work on my future while I was in the performer seat.”

These days, Hamilton’s time is a balancing act between artistic creation and strategic vision. It’s a big and complex part to play – one with plenty of logistical gymnastics involved. “On one hand you’re charged with the role of experimenting, testing boundaries and taking risks with creative works in the studio,” he explains. “On the flip side, I’m working with the backof-house team, producing team, marketing, and have to have a clear purpose that reflects an understanding

of the landscape that you’re in and who your stakeholders are, from audiences all the way through to major funders and the federal and state government.”

Much of Hamilton’s experimental and hybrid choreography is a melding of those early influences and a child-like sense of play. “I’m not a traditionalist. I’m not trying to uphold some legacy of a particular dance style,” he says. “I find the passing of time really interesting in how it leaves a deep impression on your body and that becomes your style.”

Aside from his personal experience, Hamilton draws from science fiction cinema, retro toys, religion, mythology and dialogues around technology’s relationship to the natural world, which have all become recurring themes.

His latest Chunky Move work, You, Beauty, premieres as part of Melbourne’s new art festival Rising. A shift from the choreographer’s typical dystopian tropes, the show explores the intimate dream-like experience of first love through a duet between two dancers. And it’s set inside a giant inflatable that expands and contracts.

“It’s basically a room that dances and has its own body. It breathes and rolls and … it’s fun for us to play with its rhythm and timing,” Hamilton says. On a practical level, dancing inside a ginormous sculpture is a technical exercise in physics as much as it is about pushing the creative boundaries of movement.

Paradoxically, Hamilton’s knack for finding new modes and material for dance comes from “not thinking about dance”, he says. “I’m thinking more about imaginative space and what’s possible in controlling an experience for people.”

There’s also another common thread looping through his shining credentials: steering away from the “celebrity” of it all. It’s a grounding quality that quietly speaks volumes through his work.

“I’ve always been quite hesitant about being too forward-facing. The work is really important and it involves many people, many faces … so it feels more collective than it feels driven individually.”

Thoughtful, Practical and Oh-So-Cute Baby Shower Gifts

By Emma Joyce

JNR LIFE BOOM BOOM PLAYMAT – $175 They’re not called rugrats for nothing. Little bubs need tummy time to help them build muscle strength to sit independently and crawl. These soft, slightly cushioned circular mats come in deep rust, marine blue, stone-grey and darker grey. They’re designed by Melbourne mums Nicole Davis and Ashleigh Pyke, and the mats are easy to wash. Bring on the crumbs from mat snacks and wet patches from chaotic floor-based nappy changes. jnrlife.com

IZIMINI BABY CHAIR – $85 Eating solid food gets very messy, and no doubt the parents you’re buying for will need a highchair for dining indoors, but there are so many other places baby will eat – at the beach, in the park, on holiday. This lightweight baby chair is so much fun for setting up a safe eating space on the go. It comes in many cute designs – from terrazzo and checks to shell shapes and floral – all thought up by local artists. izimini.com

GRO-TO BABY BATH AND MASSAGE SET – $45

Little babies don’t need to be bathed often, and they don’t really need products, but once bub is eating solids and crawling around in the dirt – it happens quickly – bath time becomes a fun and necessary part of the day. Zoë Foster Blake’s coveted brand Go-To has a baby range, adorably named Gro-To. There’s hypoallergenic wash, body oil, shampoo and lotion. Just look at those funny faces on the packaging. gotoskincare.com

KOALA KOOKABURRA COT – $800 Going in on a big gift with friends, family or colleagues? Cots range from $150 to $2000, and if the parents you’re buying for are after a mid-range version the Kookaburra cot from Koala can be assembled without a toolkit. Its solid beechwood panels slot together to create a sturdy base that can be adjusted to two heights – lower when the baby is pulling themselves up into a standing position. Plus, it meets Red Nose Australia’s Safer Sleep criteria. koala.com/en-au

PUREBABY DUCK JUMPER & DOWN RIVER BEANIE – $99.90 If you’re itching to buy an adorable outfit for the new bub, Purebaby has an extensive collection of organic cotton clothing for babies and older children. Its super-soft wool and organic cotton blend Duck Jumper comes in a neutral biscuit colour with a sweet little ducky pattern. It’s available in sizes 000 to 2, and there are matching knitted pants and a pom pom-topped beanie to complete the look. purebaby.com.au

HOME OF THE WEEK Designed for the bayside life

Words by Kay Keighery

Architectural ingenuity, such as popping the pool on the north-facing side of the first floor so dippers don’t miss out on sunshine and bay vistas, complements the good life on offer in this exceptional residence.

Extras including a cellar, lift, gym and sauna further that proud purpose.

Prominently positioned on a corner block, with a fetching facade flaunting curved expanses of glass and cantilevered thrusts creating canopies over outdoor areas, the Grollo-built abode pairs its remarkably roomy interior with attractive outdoor spaces.

Owner Annie describes living here for the past decade as a privilege and a joy.

“Who needs a Portsea retreat when you’ve got this? And with a lift to future-proof it all,” she says.

Flexibility and lock-up-and-leave allure played key roles in the initial appeal for the travel-inclined couple. While the first floor has everything necessary for sophisticated couple occupation, the ground level caters admirably for family and/or guests. Add them up, and you’ve got great multigenerational accommodation.

The basement level comprises a massive garage with a workshop, storage areas and a cellar.

On the ground level, double oak doors create a dramatic pedestrian entry that flows into a huge foyer.

Swanning on polished concrete floors and giving rise to the sculptural staircase, the foyer has a cutaway to a family room opening to a covered terrace. Flow up the hallway for the laundry, a full bathroom, three bedrooms (one with an en suite) – or two plus a sitting room – and access to another gardenensconced terrace.

Ascend by stairs or lift, and the first floor spreads out in welcome. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area summons with bay views through glass walls. Cosied up in the curved-wall embrace, the living zone features a fireplace under a grand mantel. Dining gets a dedicated area, and the kitchen – buffed with Carrara marble surfaces, Italian cabinetry, Miele appliances and a butler’s pantry – incites culinary confidence.

Folding glass doors link the hub with the bay-vista balcony and the pool area.

To the rear, you’ll find a sauna, a gym, a powder room, another minor bedroom and the official main, where the funky en suite showcases three circular basins atop stunning stone vanities, and a free-standing bath in the sleeping chamber.

“Wake up, and you’ve got ships, paddle boarders and the occasional dolphin to greet you,” enthuses Annie. “And the sunsets, from here and the living area, are next level.”

Cross the road to the beach for salty swims, morning jogs and sunset strolls.

Beaumaris

378 Beach Road

$5.3 million-$5.7 million

5 3 6

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, May 28

Agent: Kay & Burton, Jamie Driver 0400 126 612

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

WHAT THE AGENT SAYS

“Homes of this quality are simply not built these days, due to costs being way too prohibitive. Between the location and the views, this home presents an incredible opportunity for the next custodians.”

NEED TO KNOW

This property last sold for $3.7 million in 2014. The median price for a four bedroom house in Beaumaris is $2.2 million, with the high end of the range over $4 million.

RECENT SALES

$1.755 million

96 Scott Street, April $1.815 million 23 Comas Road, March $1.88 million

13 Grandview Avenue, March

Jamie Driver Kay & Burton

FEATURE SLOW BURN

Words by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen · Photos by Kaede James Takamoto

Chef Sandra Seah loves to cook. Designer Jordana Adams loves to eat. It’s a match made in food heaven that’s also produced Six-Eyed Scorpion, a devilishly spicy chilli oil handmade in Melbourne.

All love stories have a beginning – and some aren’t quite love at first sight. For Jordana Adams and Sandra Seah, it was an encounter at a nightclub that didn’t go so well.

“On one side there’s me – I don’t drink –and then on the other side there was Sandra, who was completely smashed,” Adams recalls. “I ended up going home and telling my friends about this chick who we christened Annoying Sandra – but on the lowdown, I thought she was super cute.”

“It was a terrible first impression on my end, that’s for sure,” Seah agrees.

Things went much better when the two bumped into one another again a few weeks later – for one reason in particular, Adams says. “I found out she was a chef who loved vegan food and I am a vegan who loves to eat so I was like, ‘Let’s get this girl on lock!’”

That was more than five years ago. The couple now live in Melbourne’s leafy eastern suburbs with their dog and two cats – and they still love to eat together. “She’s the best chef –I’m not biased!” Adams laughs. “Anything she makes is just delish.”

Food is a big part of their lives, both at home and in business: Seah is the owner of Six-Eyed Scorpion, a small-batch crispy chilli oil business, and Adams takes care of the company branding on top of her full-time job as a graphic designer.

Six-Eyed Scorpion was born almost by accident. Seah – who’s cheffed at venues like Smith & Daughters, Green Man’s Arms and Transformer – started making the chilli oil at home during lockdown with no intention of selling it. She realised it was a viable business idea when she put it on the menu at Riso Diner, the restaurant she was working in at the time, and customers and fellow chefs couldn’t get enough. Seah started selling it herself, and business boomed.

“I wanted to segue out of the kitchen, and I’ve always wanted to start my own business, so it made sense to combine my two passions of business and food,” she says. “I have no hope with regards to technicality or graphic design … [Jordana is] really good at what she does, so I let

her take the reins with the branding, packaging and website. You can have a really amazing product but if your branding and packaging is crap, no one’s gonna buy it.”

Adams has enjoyed the process of developing the brand’s identity. “I love design work, so it was a really nice project to put all of that passion into taking something from nothing and growing it up all the way to fruition,” she says. She also admits the chilli oil helped her build her spice tolerance up from zero. “I was like, ‘This is a little bit out of my comfort zone but it’s so delicious that I’m just gonna keep pushing through’.”

She’s not the only one. Six-Eyed Scorpion’s signature product is available at stores across the country, with 150 stockists in Victoria alone – plus an online shop. The couple also sell at food and design markets. (“It was absolute pandemonium,” Adams says about one of their recent ventures.)

The label has become so popular that Seah has been able to move into a dedicated kitchen facility with her team and is currently recruiting more cooks.

Everything is made and filled by hand in small batches. “We don’t take any shortcuts,” Seah says proudly – so the creation of the oil takes time. “It’s a very labour-intensive process, but the end result is reflective of that because you can taste it,” Seah says. “When you pour the oil over the spice mix, the steam and the sizzle and the smell is just next level,” Adams adds.

Right now Seah is in the early stages of developing new products for the brand, also inspired by the Singaporean flavours of her childhood. It’s a process of trial and error, making tweaks until the taste is just right, as was the case with the original chilli oil recipe.

“It’s hard for me to put out something unless I am very, very set on it,” Seah says. Adams laughs and agrees. “You are a very big perfectionist –everything has to be amazing to the nth degree.”

Like any job, work-life balance is essential –even more so when working with your partner, both in terms of asking for help and knowing when to switch off. Adams treats her tasks for

the brand like she would any client. “I am very firm in my boundaries. This is the time that I have my full-time job, and if you need anything from me, brief it in,” she says.

“For bigger jobs, sometimes I’ll take time off work to smash that out. It is very important to have those boundaries so that those expectations are there for both of us – she knows when she can rely on me, and I know when I’m allowed to relax, have downtime and do my own thing.”

Separating work and life has been trickier for Seah, given Six-Eyed Scorpion is her full-time gig and passion. “Up until recently when I got quite sick, I was all work, work, work,” she says.

“As soon as she woke up, she would be on her phone doing work to literally going to bed. The entire day would just be pure work and nothing else,” Adams adds.

“It was pretty bad,” Seah admits. “I’m trying to get better, trying to put more time into us and our family and pets, knowing when to clock off. Everything that was on my mind was just business and it’s not really healthy.”

The health scare put things into perspective for the couple. “It really highlighted the importance of taking time out,” Adams says.

“We’re really trying to get back into yoga and just sitting outside in the sun with our coffees and having that moment to just be. Before getting back on the train that’s going 120 miles per hour.”

As queer people of colour, both Adams and Seah are passionate about putting a spotlight on these aspects of their identities that may have been previously hidden, and celebrating diversity and difference. “We didn’t always necessarily feel accepted or safe, or that we could comfortably be ourselves,” Adams says. “Having a company that highlights how beautiful the food culture is – that’s such a great way to bring people together.”

“Growing up, I was quite whitewashed –you’d never see role models who look like yourself,” Seah adds. “For me, it’s important to bring a bit of that heritage and those flavours into what I do now. Everything that’s happening now just makes sense.”

TASTY USES FOR CRISPY CHILLI OIL:

1

. EGGS

“I make a mean chilli scramble, but it is equally delicious on poached, fried or soft-boiled eggs,” Seah says.

2. HUMMUS

Seah recommends mixing crispy chilli oil with hummus, and enjoying it in a sandwich or as a dip. “Try this combo and thank me later.”

3. NOODLES

For an easy meal, mix peanut butter, crispy chilli oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and mirin with your noodle of choice.

4. PIZZA

Add to slices of your favourite pizza – Seah recommends margherita – for a bit of a kick. “This is my favourite hangover food,” she says.

5. BLOODY MARY

Add a splash for an extra-spicy cocktail. “This is a game changer for me,” Seah reckons.

6. SOFT CHEESE

Crispy chilli oil, fresh basil and your favourite soft cheese is as simple as it is scrumptious. As Adams says, “No cooking skills required!”

7. CRISPY CHILLI BUTTER

Like garlic butter, but even better. Add to bread and pasta for an instant burst of flavour, or take Seah’s advice: “Toss it through hot popcorn for movie nights.”

LIKE A LOCAL

Middle Park

By Jo Walker

Located halfway along the western side of Albert Park Reserve (which explains the name) Middle Park is a pocket-sized suburb that balances elegance with familyfriendly vibes. Grand Victorian architecture and heritage terrace houses overlook a bay on one side and a lake on the other. Down on the beachfront it’s all palm trees and sparkling sand. Plenty of local run clubs meet up here, and there’s an outdoor gym with calisthenics equipment for those who’d rather skip cardio.

For a more sedate time beside the seaside, head to The Sandbar Beach Cafe, which serves takeaway coffee from 7am daily. It’s dine-in from 8am to 4pm, serving all-day brekkie plus beach-appropriate faves like seafood and burgers.

Head inland along Armstrong Street – the closest thing this quiet neighbourhood has to a main drag. Here you’ll find Ned’s Bake, a spot inspired by the European cafe-bakery ideal. Visit for a quick espresso and morning read by the window, a cosy catch-up over pastries in the exposed brick-walled dining room, or a sun-soaked meal in the al fresco area out the front. Locals take their coffee to go and head over to Albert Park to soak up the sun.

Or head to nearby For Change Cafe, backed by a social enterprise that supports young people experiencing homelessness. Located in a quaint old building right next to the tram station –ideal for the morning commute – it serves Five Senses coffee and tasty plant-based food.

At the top of Armstrong Street sits Middle Park Hotel. Originally built in 1889, there’s plenty of history here – from the relaxed front bar with a polished brass kick-rail to the moody wood-panelled dining room (with English oak originally from the MCC Long Room). The menu’s heavy on British pub classics, and there are 45 beer taps to choose from.

Afterwards, head over the road to Middle Park Bowling Club – a friendly bowlo offering social events and barefoot bowls – and beyond to Albert Park Reserve.

There’s a lot to love about Middle Park. Its laid-back beachside charm, leafy atmosphere, bustling cafe scene and close-knit community make it an inner-city gem – appealing to both young families and retirees.

Average Age 45

Median Weekly income $2,836

Clockwise from top: Local architecture, Armstrong Street, The Sandbar Beach Cafe, Middle Park Hotel, photos Casey Horsfield

“Bordered by the bay and the lake – and with the city just five kilometres away – there are plenty of lifestyle options here. Residents enjoy quiet tree-lined streets, lots of heritage architecture and strong council laws against developers.”

Clockwise from top: Grand architecture, Ned’s Bake pastry, beachfront relaxation, photos Casey Horsfield. A scruffy local at Ned’s Bake, photo Arianna Leggiero

Oliver Bruce Marshall White

Morning Swims, Manta Rays and Modern Aussie Cuisine in Merimbula

By Evie Baker

Located on the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula has a buzzing restaurant scene and beaches to match. A popular destination for campers and holiday-makers, the coastal town offers a laidback lifestyle in the winter months and sun-filled adventures in the summer. Plus, its regional airport means Merimbula is a short flight from Melbourne or Sydney – perfect for a weekend away.

Spend your mornings perched high on the hill at Bar Beach Kiosk, a cafe serving locally roasted coffee and toasties – plus more substantial seasonal offerings – with sweeping views over Merimbula Bay. Watch as swimmers float down the clear blue

channel at Bar Beach (you might also spot a manta ray or two). Or opt for a stroll along the boardwalk that hugs Merimbula Lake, ending at Sunny’s Kiosk for brekkie.

Take your pick of spots to kayak, paddleboard, snorkel and swim around the bay. Watch the locals take to the surf at Main Beach and Short Point (or join in – the mostly small swells are suited for boardsport beginners), then head to Merimbula Aquarium. Boasting 28 tanks filled with marine life of all kinds, it’s located on a rock face with an incredible ocean outlook.

Tathra and Pambula are close by – perfect for day

trips. And between May and September, visit Eden to witness the annual humpback whale migration. At dinnertime head to Valentina, a modern Australian restaurant serving up locally sourced produce. Sitting across from Merimbula Lake and the oyster farms it holds, this is a top place to watch the sunset with a glass of wine. Or try Dulcie’s Cottage for the best burgers in town. The relaxed atmosphere and homey vintage fit-out are major drawcards for tourists and locals. As are the fresh Merimbula oysters. Afterwards, wander to Bar Superette – a cosy natural wine bar with a small kitchen pumping out excellent side plates.

LUXURY

Words by Maria Harris & Shae Wiedermann

Glen Iris

13 Fairview Grove

$5.9 million-$6.49 million

5 4 2

Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, May 28

Agent: Marshall White, Rae Tomlinson 0418 336 234

The garden of this solid brick residence comes with a pool, vegetable patch, sports area, shed and three entertaining decks. On the inside, the ground floor has a formal living and dining room, a relaxed open-plan kitchen and family area, a home theatre, and a study and bedroom – both with fireplaces and access to the front terrace. Upstairs are another four bedrooms. Two have en suites, another two have balconies and all have walk-in wardrobes.

2 Moralla Road

$8.8 million-$9.5 million

5 4 6

Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, June 4

Agent: Kay & Burton, Rae Mano 0413 768 163

Each room of this Edwardian house comes with a unique perk. Three of the bedrooms have built-in desks (and one has roof access) while the main bedroom has a bay window in the en suite as well as the room. A formal lounge at the front has a feature fireplace and window seats, and to the rear of the house is a rumpus room with a kitchenette and pool access. It’s close to Glenferrie Road, Kooyong Village, Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club and top schools.

St Kilda

3402/14-16 The Esplanade

$7 million-$7.7 million

3 3 3

Expressions of interest: Close 3pm, May 28

Agent: Marshall White, Marcus Chiminello 0411 411 271

Sophisticated, luxurious and beautifully appointed with travertine, oak and marble, this apartment is an entertainer’s dream, with breathtaking bay views to match. Big names like Fender Katsalidis, Koichi Takada, David Hicks and Jack Merlo collaborated to create this spectacular residence in the exclusive Saint Moritz complex on St Kilda’s The Esplanade. The world-class amenities include a golf simulator, a cinema, a 25-metre indoor pool and a wellness centre.

Toorak

GO3/86 Mathoura Road

$4.75 million-$4.95 million

3 3 2

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, May 28

Agent: Kay & Burton, Andrew Sahhar 0417 363 358

This contemporary apartment, with its own entry and street frontage, is gold for buyers wanting inner-city luxury and sophistication on the edge of Toorak Village. The groundfloor residence is the work of architect Rob Mills and SJB Interiors, with Paul Bangay landscaping. The interiors include luxurious finishes and fixtures, such as marble, oak parquetry, and Gaggenau and Liebherr appliances. The entertainment terrace adds even more glamour.

Kooyong

OPEN FOR INSPECTION

Words by Richard Cornish, Maria Harris & Joanne Brookfield

LAST WEEKEND

Clearance Rate of 61%*

WHAT OUR EXPERT SAYS

Dr Nicola Powell Chief of research & economics

“The recent quarterly bump in inflation has likely delayed any rate cuts … Although the high proportion of Australian mortgage holders on variable rates suggests [a cut] might be the best course of action.”

For the latest property insights go to domain.com.au/research

Source: Domain Group $4.06 million

290 Williams Road

$3 million-$3.3 million

3 3 2

Auction: 11am, June 1

Agent: Kay & Burton, Nicole Gleeson 0414 809 221

Albert Park

Greig Street

$3.1 million-$3.4 million

4 2 1

Auction: 11.30am, May 25

Agent: Marshall White, Nicholas Hoo 0435 728 272

This block-fronted Victorian house offers contemporary style without the hassle and cost of doing the renovations yourself. Inside, everything is brand new, thanks to Toebelmann Construction’s recent transformation, which has oak and marble finishes and brands like Miele, Liebherr and Vintec. Glass sliders lead to a courtyard while the upstairs main suite has its own balcony. This turnkey beauty is within walking distance of the buzzing village strip.

Private auction: May 28

Agent: Marshall White, Justin Krongold 0403 163 355

*As reported on May 11, 2024

Oozing the grandeur of Victorian boom-style architecture, this terrace is one of a row of National Trust-classified homes opposite the Como precinct. The 1890 house has been renovated, so it retains the high ceilings and fireplaces but also provides three living rooms, walk-in wardrobes, a main en suite, a study, storage and, outside, an oversized double garage with rear access.

This single-level house by Glenneagles

Homes sits in the sought-after Stonnington Estate. Beneath three-metre ceilings, European oak herringbone parquetry covers the majority of the spacious floor plan, which includes two living areas, a laundry, a powder room, and built-in and walk-in wardrobes in the bedrooms. Bifold doors open to a low-maintenance paved courtyard.

5 4 2

Expressions of interest: Close 6pm, May 29

Agent: Marshall White, Robin Parker 0409 336 282

Families wanting space and style are likely to love this contemporary two-storey home. Even better, for golfers, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club is at the end of the street. The “never before lived-in” home delivers a swimming pool and generous spaces with formal and informal living, a marble kitchen, a retreat, a study and bay views.

Toorak

Malvern

Beaumaris

Hawthorn 14 Wattle Grove

$2.6 million-$2.8 million

4 3 2

Auction: 1pm, May 25

Agent: Jellis Craig, Antony Woodley 0421 286 741

This modern home sits within walking distance of trams, trains and shops, and is close to top schools. It combines classic design with modern amenities. The north-facing upstairs balcony offers a winter suntrap, while the downstairs deck is a secluded green retreat. An ideal family home.

Canterbury 5 Byron Street

$2.5 million-$2.7 million 4 2 1

Auction: Noon, May 25

Agent: Jellis Craig, Geordie Dixon 0418 588 399

You don’t see many extensions of this quality on semi-detached homes in such a prime location. Behind the 1930s clinker brick facade is an expanse of high ceilings, generous living spaces and a tranquil garden retreat. Warm, dark timber floors and marble finishes complete the package.

Brighton 201/54 Black Street

$3.4 million-$3.74 million

3 3 2

Private sale

Agent: Kay & Burton, Will Maxted 0451 105 900

This new three-bedroom (plus study) penthouse by architects Ewert Leaf embraces its elevated position with a generous wraparound balcony offering pleasing vistas and sunny spaces. The kitchen has Gaggenau appliances, each bedroom has an en suite, and high-end finishes are used throughout.

Unlock the freedom of choice

Our retirement communities are here to help bring out your very best. With facilities, amenities and activities that put your wellbeing first – and encourage connection and community, no matter how you choose to spend your time.

Ground Floor Elegance, Beachfront Setting

• Two separate living / dining zones each open onto their own large terraces

• Extensive stone kitchen with walk in pantry and wet bar

• Split – level living with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms upstairs

• Side by side parking plus storage. Ducted AC and hydronic heating

• Opposite the foreshore plus moments to Victoria Avenue, shops and cafes, public transport and parks

• Every inch filled with abundant light as well as a distinctive vista from each of its rooms

• Tightly held block with elevator, pool, sauna & gym

Absolute Beachfront Luxury in Exclusive Aspendale Pocket

2/7 Kara Grove, Aspendale. Auction Saturday 1 June at 12:30pm

At the end of a hidden coastal lane, contemporary luxury and absolute beachfront serenity awaits. Offering an astonishing 20 metres of beach frontage with breathtaking views across the water, this 3 bedroom + study, 2.5 bathroom ground floor coastal haven is situated in one of Aspendale’s most exclusive pockets. Experience an unrivalled lifestyle with outstanding space and superior finishes, an alfresco paradise and direct beach access.

belleproperty.com

Premier Beachfront Block in Vibrant Lifestyle Hotspot

Opposite the spectacular crystal blue waters of Port Phillip Bay and steps from the sand, this substantial 821m2 (approx.) cleared and level beachfront block offers an exceptional opportunity in a popular coastal hotspot. An enviable lifestyle location, create your vision of dream beachside living with a premier family home, or luxury waterfront townhouses (STCA.) Stroll to Mordialloc Village, plus moments to elite independent schools.

Expressions of Interest Closing Monday 27 May at 5:00pm

288 Nepean Highway, Seaford “Stokesay” c.1922 – A Once in a Generation Opportunity a b c

The Penthouse 39 Head Street, Brighton a b c

AUCTION Saturday

St Ki ld a 14 Baker Street

Stunning Family Home in Blue-Ribbon Locale

Expertly designed,renovated forthe very best in modernfamily living,this pictureperfect Edwardian and its poolside garden oasis on 654sqm (approx.) will take you and your loved ones across every stageand phase witheffortless ease. Merely footsteps to the bayand Elwood village, the 4-BR/4-bath home’s timelesslyappealing façade opens to interiorsthatare crowned by spectacularly highceilingsand enhanced by hardwood floors. Among itshighlightsare achoice of living areas,animpressive Gaggenau-equippedkitchen and afirst-floor retreatwithkitchenette/bar. Thetropical garden with sparkling fully-tiled pool andalfresco decking create an idyllic setting for endless family enjoymentwhile alsooffered areaguesthouse/gym/cabana with bathroom, heating/cooling, C-Bus, alarm, irrigation, watertanks,solar andsecure parking fortwo cars with rear access.

auction: Saturday 25th May 12.00pm

Guide: Contact Agent

Contact: Torsten Kasper 0428 454181

Carolyn Clarke 0414 944 933