Domain Review Bayside & Port Phillip - February 07, 2024

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

F E B R U A RY 7, 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

Renting a Robin Boyd Jorja Brown’s 1960s home is a mini architectural icon.

PROPERTY The Suave ′70s Are Calling — Page 10

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.

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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

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

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: Sanam Goodman, Rosie Herdman, Grace MacKenzie, Quincy Malesovas, Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, Vivian Tang, Annie Toller, Shannon Valentine Photographers: Jessie Brinkman Evans, Amy Hemmings, Maclay Heriot, Kaede James Takamoto, Natalie Jeffcott, Nathan Kaso, Arianna Leggiero, Ben Moynihan, Ash St George, Glen Yeo

New development sales: Andrew O’Brien,

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

distribution@domainreview.com.au Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, it is all subject to change.

Broadsheet

Cover credits: Jorja Brown shot by Natalie

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DOMAIN

BROADSHEET

There must have been some kismet at work when Jorja Brown stumbled upon an iconic Robin Boyd flat to rent in 2020. As she tells us in this week’s cover story, fitting out the mid-century architectural gem prompted her to create a vintage furniture and decor business.

Now she lives and works in a stylish space of 1960s inspiration.

Jo Walker Broadsheet Editor

CONTENTS

The Interview with Kate Berry PAG E 7

Home Of The Week PAG E 1 0

Home Feature: Jorja Brown PAG E 1 3

Neighbourhoods: Canterbury

“I’m a big advocate for trying new things and having new experiences, and just ploughing through any difficulties we come across.”

Studio Visit with Narrow Window

PAG E 1 6

PAG E 1 8

Studio Visit with Narrow Window PAG E 1 8

Property Listings PAG E 2 1

F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

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FOR STARTERS

NOW OPEN

THREE OF A KIND

Cucumber hard seltzers We’re in something like our fifth Summer of Hard Seltzer right now, and it’s time for some Australian-made alcoholic sparkling water with the crispest of summer flavours: cucumber. Wonki’s iteration is made with funny-looking produce saved from becoming food waste, and a new batch is coming soon.

Mode’s sophisticated drop is called No More Elevator Music. And Framer’s collab with Sydney artist Kane Lehanneur is brewed for layered flavour. — JW

e

Wonki cucumber & lim wonki.com.au

Zita’s Focaccia & Drinks

Mode yuzu, cucumber

& basil drinkmode.com

16 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Fluffy focaccia served in thick slabs has become a fixture on menus around Melbourne. But at new South Yarra focacceria Zita’s, owners Sara Pestarino and Riccardo Guglietti offer a version that’s less common in Australia.

At Zita’s, you’ll find Genovese-style olive focaccia served by the slice, alongside a simpler version with no toppings and another laced with squacquerone (a soft crumbly cheese from the Emilia-Romagna region).

The filled focaccias follow a different recipe, one built on a high-hydration dough that’s fermented for 36 to 38 hours.

Sandwiches include Nonna’s Favourite – a classically Italian combo of capers, roast sauce and vitello tonnato (thinly sliced veal) – and the Roman Empire, a rich number piled with stracciatella, artichoke sauce, mortadella and pistachios. — QM

Photo: Jessie Brinkman Evans

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BROADSHEET

er Framer lime & cucumb om s.c framerdrink

FOR STARTERS

ADD TO CA RT

READ ME

IN THE DIARY

Aletheia & Phos’s Il Dolce Far Niente Collection

Ho Jiak: A Taste of Malaysia

The Linden Postcard Show

Melbourne-based jewellery designer Alicia Millan dreams up pieces with gold, silver, stones and diamonds for her label Aletheia & Phos. Her most recent collection, Il Dolce Far Niente – an Italian phrase translating to “the art of doing nothing” – is inspired by the sweetness of slowing down and noticing the beauty in the little things. We’re eyeing the mooncrested Piccolomini necklace, referencing the tiles inside Siena Cathedral’s library, and the statement Palermo Quattro Canti earrings featuring a green onyx centre cornered by freshwater pearls. — GG

In his debut cookbook, chef Junda Khoo tells a story of family and flavour. Teenage memories of his amah (grandma) visiting his new home in Sydney before farewelling him with a fridge full of sambal; street vendors in Kuala Lumpur dishing out fluffy coffee buns and crisp golden roti; a punchy laksa lemak, perfected for his dad. These 100 recipes are as vibrant as they are love-filled – all of them “good eats”, living up to their namesake restaurant. — GM

Big news in the world of little art: this year’s Linden Postcard Show is busting out of its traditional 8-by-10-inch format to embrace larger 2D and 3D works, and most forms of AV. Now in its 33rd year, catch the last few days of this longstanding exhibition-cross-competition showcasing mini masterpieces from both hobbyists and established artists. And if you can envisage any of them on your own wall, you’re in luck – they’re all up for sale. — JW

From $179 / aletheiaphos.com

$55 55 / hardiegrant.com

Until Feb 11 / Linden New Art, 26 Acland Street, St Kilda / lindenarts.org

HOME MAKER Maho Sensory For Joshua Tong, burning incense is far more than making your home smell great.

It represents, the Maho Sensory founder says, “emancipation, spiritual connection, family and the hope that it’s never too late to design your own path”. Its minimalist range of Sensory Sticks is available in six core scents, evoking aromas of Bali, Florence and the Mekong River with blends of rose, sandalwood, tropical lychee and frankincense. Or try one of the Melbourne label’s Sensory Teas, ranging from floral green mixes and classic Earl Grey to calming herbals like Puer and oolong. — SV mahosensory.com.au

F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

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FOR STARTERS

SNACK BAR

By Audrey Payne

Kori Ice-Cream is making two ver versions of its Korinetto for Lunar New Year.

There’s Prosperity: a waffle cone coated in caramelised Valrhona white chocolate, filled with genmaicha semifreddo and pineapple compote and topped with a “gold ingot” made from vanilla shortcake. And For Fortune: a dark chocolate-coated waffle cone filled with Jaffa chocolate semifreddo and mandarin compote, topped with chocolate cake and finished off with edible gold. 659 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn and 392 Bourke Street, Melbourne / kori-icecream.com.au Hugo Souchet, chef de cuisine at France’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant Les Prés d’Eugénie, collaborates with chef Jae Bang of Melbourne’s Freyja on a six-course dinner available from Thursday February 8 to Saturday February 10. $350 per person, bookings essential. 477 Collins Street, Melbourne / freyjarestaurant.com

in atest The l e ourn Melb news food

STREET STYLE Bay Trail, Elwood

Name: Malika Kirby Age: 32 Occupation: Scent marketing Tell us about your outfit today. I’ve got pink Converse socks and Quartz Crocs with some Jibbitz charms, and just a simple beach throwover on top of bathers. My friend got me the pink cowboy hat and disco ball Jibbitz and the other one is a pink doughnut because it’s my favourite doughnut. How does your style fit in with your lifestyle?

Comfort is the word. I’m not one to wear something that will restrict me in any sort of way. I’m definitely a girl who will pick a dress with pockets!

Photo: Maclay Heriot

Photo: Glen Yeo

The roll professionals at New Yorkinspired chain Saul’s Sandwiches have opened a sixth store. The new Black Rock location offers classics including a chickenparm hoagie, a fried-fish roll, and a vegan sausage and hash muffin. 592 Balcombe Road, Black Rock / sauls.com.au After closing its five-year-old Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn store in March last year, Supernova Coffee Company has reopened in the CBD. 364 Little Collins Street, Melbourne / @supernovacoffeecompany Superstar chef David Moyle, formerly of Longsong in the CBD and Franklin in Hobart, has opened The Clam in Lorne.

The seaside tavern has an outdoor deck with food vendor pop-ups and wines by Blackhearts & Sparrows. Coming soon: an indoor seafood and pickle bar with room for 200. 82 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne / theclam.au

Read the full story for each dot point: broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/series/snack-bar 6

DOMAIN

BROADSHEET

es Takamoto

Photo: Kaede Jam

Photo: Ben Moynihan

SERENE E LW O O D Eclectic Elwood draws a diverse community with historic homes and modern apartments.

Residents cherish beach living, vibrant cafes, and proximity to the CBD for a dynamic lifestyle.

Photo: Arianna Leggiero

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICES E LW O O D

1 bed unit, $450k 2 bed unit, $692k 3 bed house, $2.008m Source: Data based on sales within the last 12 months

FOR STARTERS

THE INTERVIEW

Kate Berry Connects City and Country With Good Music and Good Times Words by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen Photo by Nathan Kaso

Kate Berry’s career is, in a word, varied. The Geelong-based creative has worn many hats: graphic designer, cafe owner, magazine editor, photographer and now, director of boutique music festival OK Motels. “I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD, so it makes total sense now why my career’s gone from this to that,” she laughs.

At the very beginning of her working life, Berry’s dream was to move to London and work in advertising. After doing just that and realising it was “the most evil job ever” she returned to Melbourne and opened the hole-in-the-wall Switchboard Cafe in 2005. “I thought selling coffee and sandwiches was such an honest way of making money,” she tells Broadsheet.

It was there she met many of the Melbourne creatives who would become her personal and professional community. In fact, you could say community is the common thread in Berry’s CV. “I just like bringing people together, whether that’s through the magazine, the cafe or events,” she says.

After leaving Switchboard – which contin continued its life without her until closing during the pandemic – Berry started a blog called Lunch Lady. It expanded into a print magazine with frankie magazine co-founders Lara Burke and Lou Bannister, but ultimately Berry realised that her work-life balance was out of sync. “Creating this magazine that was about food and family ultimately took me away from both of those in my own life,” she says. “My life was content for a magazine – blurring that line was unhealthy and not good for my kids either.”

A change was, again, in order, and this one came from an existing project. Berry had an Instagram account documenting the vintage motels she encountered on regional road trips.

Nostalgic hues and old-school architecture were key. “No one was afraid of colour, texture

and patterns when these motels were built – they had so much more character, whereas you go to places now and they all just look the same,” she says.

One of those motels was in Charlton, three hours north-west of Melbourne. When Berry saw its function room the idea for OK Motels took form: a boutique festival that’s part rock’n’roll road trip, part nostalgic weekender, with mini golf and pool parties offered alongside the music.

With the help of 3RRR presenter and next-door neighbour Nicole Tadpole, Berry ran her first festival in 2018 with well-known Melbourne acts like Tropical F*ck Storm, Cable Ties and Blake Scott on the bill. OK Motels has since gone from strength to strength. Charlton’s festival happens yearly and other events have run in Geelong and Melbourne.

But it’s not just about good times – the bottom line is connection. A doubles pool competition pairs locals with “blow-ins”, the Charlton CWA hosts an afternoon tea, and the town’s Year 10 students run a fundraising dinner for their work experience program, which has led to placements in Melbourne.

“I love that the event has grown into a bit more of a meaningful thing than just bringing music to the town. It’s started to build connections between Melbourne and Charlton.”

She’s grown her own friendships from OK Motels, too. “I cry every time I go there … I get so emotional because of the attachment I never would have imagined to people who live in a town over three hours away from my house.”

Through OK Motels, Berry hopes people feel encouraged to explore the regions and discover hidden gems. “The big thing behind OK is for people to stop at these little places, say hi and have a pot at the pub. The attraction of these places is the people who are there.”

F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

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OPEN DAY

THIS SATURDAY

ART & LIVING An

exhibition

of

This 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

aDVerTISING Fe aTure

The stylish kitchens are by Snaidero.

SEA & SKY

Luxe lifestyle is ready and waiting bayside Words by Liz McLachlan

Sea & Sky Sandringham is hosting an art exhibition from February 8 to 22, together with tours of the newly completed and furnished apartments.

The developer, Auyin, commissioned Antoinette Ferwerda to create a large-format work for Sea & Sky, which now graces its private dining room. Amenities also include a workspace and wine and movie rooms.

Completed in December, Sea & Sky’s 63 two and three-bedroom apartments are set in sanctuary-style gardens by landscaper John Patrick. Designed by CBG Architects, the apartments boast Italian-made kitchens by Snaidero, generous layouts and highend detailing, including entry cabinetry and wardrobe fitouts.

While 70 per cent of the residences have sold, opportunities are available on all levels, some with views of Port Phillip Bay and the CBD. Internal living space ranges from 77 to 193 square metres, and private outdoor space from 10.5 to 80 square metres.

IN ParTNerSHIP WITH

SEA & SKY seaandsky.com.au Sandringham 214 Bay Road 2 from $655,000 3 from $1.375 million Penthouse from $1.87 million Developer: Auyin Architect & interior design: CBG Architects Landscape designer: John Patrick

DESIGN

SHARED AMENITIES

Many of the homes enjoy a northerly aspect and some layouts have dual north and south aspects with terraces. Layout features can include butler’s pantries, separate laundries, walk-through wardrobes, study nooks, baths and fireplaces. The largest penthouse layouts include a second living area ideal as a media room or large study.

Sea & Sky residents are already entertaining in style in the private dining room, with wines from their temperature-controlled cellar, and unwinding in the plush movie room.

After professional meetings in the workspace, they can relax in John Patrick-designed gardens with lush lawns, dining pavilions, seating retreats and fire pits.

Location: Moments from schools and parks; a comfortable walk to Sandringham village, beach and station; convenient highway and freeway access to the CBD. Sales: Leone Steele 0422 299 202

F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

MELBOURNE

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DOMAIN PROPERTY

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DOMAIN

BROADSHEET

DOMaIN PrOPerTy

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

Alex Schiavo Kay & Burton “Positioned in one of the most sought-after streets in Beaumaris, and meticulously restored with lush landscapes, this home offers an iconic family lifestyle near the bay, schools and amenities.”

HOME OF THE WEEK

A modernist reimagined Words by Joanne Brookfield

Combining some suave ’70s streamlining with sympathetic contemporary updates, this family compound, known as Hannan House 2, is really something special.

The home’s first owner was Shirley Hannan, who, after studying interior design and working as an architectural draftsperson, would go on to become a prominent painter, with one of this country’s richest portrait awards named in her honour.

She designed the four-bedroom oasis, which wraps itself around a natural spring pool, with friend and colleague architect Joe Palliser back in 1973.

“This family haven seamlessly blends Australian modernist design with modern living,” says agent Alex Schiavo, referring to internal updates made by interior designer Alexi Robinson.

As part of a full restoration by the current owner, Robinson was commissioned to design a larger kitchen ideal for passionate cooks and entertainers. To centre the kitchen as the home’s heart, she added more joinery and bench space plus an island bench with seating, which enhanced sight lines to the

living room through the original servery, plus views out to the pool and garden, which is the work of Mark Browning Landscape Design.

The result now includes the latest Gaggenau appliances and stunning breccia marble benchtops, plus some of the original materials were lovingly re-used, including handmade Daniel Robertson tiles and bricks. The kitchen, like the rest of the home (in which Robinson also played a part), features exposed brick walls, timber-lined ceilings and copper accents.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing connects each room – there’s also a large living room, separate dining room, and laundry – to the lush greenery outside, which is secluded behind a high wall at the front and established bamboo and palms at the rear.

On almost 900 square metres, there’s space for a forecourt – which pushes the house back from the street, adding to its privacy – a triple garage and separate selfcontained studio, suitable as a home office, living space or guest accommodation.

Luxury touches include the main bedroom, which has a showstopping fully tiled

en suite in metallic mosaics, plus a sunken shower-spa-steam room. The property also features a sauna and a Japanese cedar bath.

This truly impressive home also boasts an enviable bayside location on the edge of Rickets Point. Just 400 metres from the beach, Bay Trail and dog-friendly park, and within proximity of elite schools, shopping villages and public transport, this immaculate mid-century modernist gem offers a winning mix of aesthetics and lifestyle.

Beaumaris 14 Point Avenue $4 million-$4.4 million 4

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Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, February 27 Agent: Kay & Burton, Alex Schiavo 0419 239 549 Hover your camera over the code to see Domain listings in Beaumaris

NEED TO KNOW The property last changed hands in 2016 for $2.2 million.

The median price for a fourbedroom home in Beaumaris is $2.103 million, with the high end of the range over $3 million.

RECENT SALES

$4.5 million 4 Point Avenue, March 2022

$2.35 million 27 Point Avenue, September 2023

$2.175 million 15 Hume Street, June 2023

F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

MELBOURNE

11

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Discover our selection of New, Demonstrator and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and enjoy a one-stop experience for all your Mercedes-Benz needs, with all of our Passenger Car & Van Sales, Finance, Service, Parts and Autobody Panel Repair departments at the one location.

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FEATURE

Jorja Brown Is at Home in an Architectural Icon Words by Rosie Herdman · Photos by Natalie Jeffcott

FEATURE

For Kew-based creative Jorja Brown, a Robin Boyd-designed home serves as an ever-changing furniture showroom as much as it does her place of rest. She collects and curates unique second-hand furniture, and lives among her treasures for sale.

I

ntentionality surrounds Jorja Brown, from the purposeful way she sources for her vintage furniture business to her approach to decorating her home.

The sentiment extends to her career evolution as well. The former marketing lead combines her love for well-designed things with a desire to provide affordable, locally sourced pieces for people to cherish for years.

Based in Kew, Brown lives in one of two flats attached to Lawrence House designed by leading Australian modernist architect Robin Boyd. Her 1960s home doubles as a showroom and storage space – where treasures for sale serve as temporary home fur furnishings. “It’s kind of like a home gallery, but I just share it online,” she tells Broadsheet.

“I get to live with them for a little bit and be part of their journey.”

The week before March 2020’s lockdown, Brown “stumbled upon” her architectural rental and was the only person at the inspection. She knew instantly it was the one for her and ended up writing a kind of cover let letter to become the house’s custodian. “I went into this big spiel saying how I love design and how it made me feel, and I was lucky enough to get it.”

Brown was the marketing lead for Melbourne Fashion Week and Melbourne Music Week for several years, and the move into her Kew flat was pivotal in inspiring her business.

Previously called Slow Studio, she launched her now eponymous company in 2021.

“As I furnished my first home – I’d say 95 per cent is second-hand – I realised that my design eye, cultivated from my background in fashion and creative marketing, transitioned into the realm of interiors.”

Brown started her Instagram account and initially ran it anonymously, selling pieces she found from scouring around Melbourne.

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“It’s a real creative passion and I love doing it,” she says. “I love the hunt. I’d rather be looking for stuff online or in real life than watching TV.” She isn’t limited to an era when she’s looking for furniture, homewares and decor.

Instead she chooses diverse pieces that stand out to her. Brown often restores them her herself before listing them online. “I’m looking for materiality, form, craftsmanship, texture and uniqueness,” she explains.

Seeing pieces already in situ in her home helps customers picture what something might look like in their own place – whether that’s a pink, ’70s La Rochere mushroom table lamp or a circular bronze mirror.

“The house is ever-changing. It never looks the same,” Brown says. Sometimes she wonders in hindsight if she should have kept something, but she loves seeing her pieces in interior design projects featured in publications or online. “It’s nice to see they’ve found different homes.”

Brown is currently working on two products of her own – a shelf and a lamp – which she hopes to release this year. “True to [my business’s former] name, it’s been very slow,” she jokes.

For now, it’s all about pieces that have lived and been loved before. “That’s what I love about sourcing vintage and second-hand.

All those objects have a life and a story to tell.” * Name: Jorja Brown Lives: In a Robin Boyd-designed apartment in Kew Since: 2020 * What made you fall in love with the house when you first saw it? While the house itself is quite small, it feels expansive with great floor-to-ceiling windows.

The external facade is quite striking, with brutalist columns and brickwork. On the inside, these columns serve a dual purpose; they house built-in walnut shelves. I loved the wooden cabinetry throughout, and the lighting placements. The ceiling is just a concrete slab with no lighting [attached to it]. I’d never seen that – but the lights are concealed behind the wardrobes in the rooms. When I first inspected the house before knowing its history, I thought, ‘Whoever designed this house, we’re on the same wavelength.’ Architectural tours run around this area and my house is on a tour – I often invite the groups in to have a look around and I hear people say it looks like a house that could be built now. It seems modern almost. It’s aged well, and that’s great design.

It’s a testament to Boyd and why he’s one of Australia’s most influential architects.

Have you made any (rent-friendly) changes since you moved in? I removed some internal doors, opened up the space and connected the rooms. It gives it more of an expansive feel and is a good rentfriendly change that can be added back easily.

But in houses like this – even if I wasn’t rent renting and did own it – my perception is that it’s about preserving and maintaining what’s been created rather than altering it too much.

How would you describe the vibe of the house? All the elements of the house together create a space that feels wellconsidered. Post-war, materials like concrete and bricks were inexpensive, and the simplicity of the design is functional yet beautiful.

To me, the house feels serene and that’s how I decorate too. I like creating a peaceful and calm space for myself.

What’s your approach to decorating?

I moved into this house during lockdown in 2020, so it was a very slow curation. As it

was the first house that I was moving into by myself – I’d shared houses with friends or lived with my partner – I only owned a mattress and a bookshelf. I curated pieces one by one online, from garage sales and op shops. I’ve found unique pieces that added character to the space and in doing so I found my love for curating. When I first moved in, the house was full of objects I’d collected, but over the past two years I’ve refined my style – and maybe [that’s] because I’m selling more too and things move often.

What’s the neighbourhood like? I really enjoy it. I’m in a little area of Kew called Studley Park and there’s a high density of mid-century houses here. It’s in a bush set setting and only 10 minutes from the city. The Yarra River is just one street down with winding walking tracks and, even though it’s close to the city, it’s quiet and feels connected to nature – which I love because [I used to live] on Chapel Street. I went from a fast-paced fashion and event lifestyle in South Yarra, to moving here and creating my own space.

I’ve matured and I now relish a slower life.

What’s your favourite room in the house?The bedroom, because of the corner floor-to-ceiling window. The morning light and the fresh air are beautiful. The river’s home to many native bats, and at dusk I get this view of all of them flying over as they awaken. It feels like a cocoon in here, I love it.

Do you have a favourite item in the house? Currently, it’s my 1970s teak queen bed. It’s a floating ’70s design where the bedside tables float with it. I had seen similar many years ago and set out to find one.

I looked every week for about two years and ended up finding it for under $100 – which is a crazy price because they sell for upwards of $4000. I’ve learned that it takes a lot of patience and consistency to find great items.

NEIGHBOURHOODS

LIKE A LOCAL

Canterbury

NEED TO KNOW

By Vivian Tang

Canterbury features a mix of historic mansions and modern residences, offering a diverse range of housing types. Architecturally rich, the suburb exudes charm with spacious gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.

C

anterbury’s appeal lies in its heritage charm. With leafy boulevards and residential areas, the eastern suburb feels largely unhurried.

Maling Road’s quaint shopping village offers a compact yet well-rounded set of cafes, boutiques and services fronted

by Edwardian architecture. Stop by newcomer Extracted for the cafe’s restored heritage style – note the stained-glass windows and white pillar entrance – and you’ll want to stay for the house blend and single-origin coffees too.

Got a sweet tooth to satisfy? Head to Xocolatl. Since opening in 2005 the chocolate store has been a Partsioglou family affair with head chocolatier Christos, wife Jenny and daughters Madelaine and Tina at the helm. Traditionally crafted chocs fill the display cabinet, boasting playful and creative flavours like basil champagne, rose caramel and balsamic strawberry.

The Maling Road strip is not short of substantial brekkie offerings either – visit local favourites Between Us Coffee, Food and Wine; or Chapter Three Espresso and Bar. For something a little more offbeat, pop into Maling Road Antique Centre where you’ll find an emporium of nostalgic artefacts and knick-knacks. If it’s a bespoke alteration service you’re after, head to Celkooh Alteration – owner and professional tailor Giti Ardani has more than 20 years’ experience, expert fashion taste and a keen eye. For fresh and elegant florals, Maison Lifestyle & Florals or Flowers of Canterbury are top destinations.

Adjacent to Canterbury train station and a swift walk from Maling Road sits Canterbury Gardens. Stroll through lush greenery and around the rotunda, or just sit and ponder – the gardens offer pockets of shade under trees perfect for picnicking.

After dark, local favourite Outlaw is the ideal day-to-night spot. Robust coffee and sangas during the day are replaced with a refined menu and cocktail offering on Thursday and Friday nights. For a more casual affair, head to Lennox Wine Bar. A recent addition to the suburb, it offers an exclusively Australian wine list on rotation, with the option of vinos by the glass or bottle in-house, and takeaway. Tuck into a petite menu with curated, tapas-style plates including whipped ricotta with bresaola, grilled peaches with burrata and tasty local charcuterie.

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BROADSHEET

Average Age

34

Median Weekly income

$1,882

Owner

Renter

Family

Single

79%

58% Clockwise from top: Extracted; Plating up at Lennox Wine Bar; Between Us Coffee, Food and Wine; Lennox Wine Bar serving all-Aussie vinos; all photos Amy Hemmings

21%

42%

NEIGHBOURHOODS

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

Rachael Fabbro RT Edgar “Canterbury, a 19th-century suburb, borders Balwyn, Camberwell, and Mont Albert.

Coveted for its parkland, amenities, transport, shopping, and elite schools, it boasts beautifully renovated Edwardian, Victorian, and heritage-protected homes.”

Clockwise from top: Canterbury Gardens, Maling Road street art, Maling Road’s village-like shopping strip, Heritage architectural details, all photos Amy Hemmings

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICES

Median price houses

$3.7m

Median price units

$1.27m

Distance from CBD

9km

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

F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

MeLbOurNe

17

HOME & LIFESTYLE

STUDIO VISIT

Narrow Window Words by Sanam Goodman Photos by Kaede James Takamoto

B

uying a new cushion is no easy task. Between lumpy fillings, scratchy fabric and uninspiring colours, they just don’t make them like they used to. It’s this realisation that led Jimmy Casson and Jane Davidson – first partners in life, now business partners at their interior design label Narrow Window – to create their own range of cushions (the good kind).

“We both struggled with finding good cushions,” Casson tells Broadsheet. “I have this vivid memory of the cushions my mum had when I was growing up – the really sturdy ones that fluff up and hold their shape. So I thought, ‘Hey, we should do cushions.’

And that was the birth of Narrow Window.”

Casson and Davidson spent countless hours designing the signature Narrow Window cushion cut.

Now each piece is handmade in Melbourne in limited runs, and packed with a 100 per cent feather fill “for ultimate fluffability”. Fabric selection is curated from quality suppliers: an array of nostalgic yet contemporary colours and textures, all made to match.

After the textiles are hand-cut, it’s time to wander on down to their local haberdasher and select the per perfect zip for each set. According to Davidson, “Nothing at Narrow Window is ever accidental”.

The duo come to their business with many years of prior creative experience. Originally hailing from South London, Casson has been a multidisciplinary artist for more than 20 years, across music composition, design and furniture restoration. “As long as I’m making something, I’m happy,” he says. Davidson comes from a background in fashion, design and textiles, having worked for well-known brands and textile manufacturers like APC, District and Kvadrat Maharam.

Before launching Narrow Window at the start of 2021, Casson and Davidson spent their early years of dating attending auctions and “buying cool furniture”.

“We knew we wanted to pair up and do something together,” Casson says. “The early incarnation of this was restoring furniture, but the second-hand market is saturated with people just giving the fur furniture a wipe down then reselling it with a higher mark-up, so it wasn’t sustainable for us. That’s kind of how we ended up at cushions.”

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Not wanting to be known as just the cushion people, the duo decided to revisit furniture. They began collecting Mitzi chairs – designed by Australian furniture icon Grant Featherston – and restoring them to a contemporary standard through a process of reupholstering, repainting, attaching new dust covers and polishing. “We wanted to sell brand new pieces of furniture while keeping our footprint minimal, all through repurposing these gorgeous old frames,” Casson explains. “It’s very difficult to reproduce these now.”

Working under an ethos of constant evolution, the pair are already deep into planning their next projects, which will include more original design work, limit limited-edition custom furniture like dining chairs and bar stools, and hopefully some installation jobs. They’re also catching up on a backlog of more than 800 textex tile baubles, which were supposed to be gifts for customers but proved a pretty popular product among their loyal followers on Instagram.

All of Narrow Window’s making is done at Casson and Davidson’s home studio in Sunshine in Melbourne’s west. The duo transformed what was once a run-down shed into a fully functional workshop, complete with custom shelves, a wood stove and enough space for all their tools. “If we didn’t have the oppor opportunity to live and work in the same space, I don’t think we’d be able to work as fast,” Casson says.

“We also manage everything in-house, like graphic design and branding, and Jimmy composes all the music for our Instagram reels,” Davidson adds. “It helps keep our margins low, but it’s mostly because we love a challenge.”

The pair ventured into the world of bricks-andmortar retail in mid-2023, opening a limited-time pop-up shop on St Kilda’s Fitzroy Street. They’ve since closed the shop, but it offered the opportunity for customers to hold their cushions and get a feel of the fabric and craftsmanship. “We’re only a two-per two-person team, so it wasn’t feasible to keep the shop running for any longer,” Casson says. “I’m a big advocate for trying new things and having new experiences, and just ploughing through any difficulties we come across.

That’s what Narrow Window is all about.”

TRAVEL

Canberra’s Suburban Renaissance

By Annie Toller

T

o the outsider’s eye, Canberra can seem like a limited destination. On a weekender, it’s easy to confine yourself to the hulking lakeside institutions in the daytime, then drinking and dining in Civic or nearby Braddon and ignore the suburbs’ radial expanse.

Lately, though, a new generation of neighbourhood venues – with exceptional food and drinks – has been helping to link up this notoriously siloed city.

In Campbell, just off Anzac Parade, a new dining precinct houses Intra – a handsome cafe with stone-grey monochromes, a hip, dubby playlist and great coffee.

A few doors down, Paranormal is a sunny enoteca for natural wines and summery plates like tarama with tomatoes and chilli, or white anchovy and cucumber soldiers.

Over in the Woden Valley, hit young bakery Under specialises in Swedish bullar – sweet, chewy spiced buns – and seasonal pastries: danishes studded with peach, or escargot with greens, Asiago and ricotta. (You’ll also find Under bread at hospo-scene favourites like Braddon’s hole-inthe-wall cafe Barrio, and Sandoochie, an inventive new sandwich spot in the city.)

At the old Kingston shops, an inner-south hub of long standing, favoured local chef Louis Couttoupes (Bar Rochford, Kiosk) is behind neo-bistro Onzieme.

Colourful, charred dishes like haloumi with white peach and purple basil, and lamb rump with butternut and saltbush, are paired with low-intervention wines and mouth-puckering wild ales.

Lamshed’s is a refreshing find in slow-paced Yarralumla, near the lake. Chef Jeff Lamshed – of New Acton’s Mocan & Green Grout, a forerunner in the city’s dining revival – is doing smart, approachable plates like crisp, moreish spatchcock, and kingfish tartare with finger lime.

Likewise Pilot, a high-concept degustation diner, hides in plain sight at Ainslie’s squat mid-century shopping centre.

It’s an artful spot – from the diaphanous curtains to the floral installation, a mass of natives spilling from the rear wall – with a playful, sometimes challenging menu (think dessert with blueberry and briny kombu). Locally focused and not too fussy, it balances convincingly its roles as a dining landmark and a neighbourhood gem.

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Photo: Ash St George

DOMaIN PrOPerTy

LUXURY Words by Joanne Brookfield & Richard Cornish

Canterbury 19 Logan Street $5.3 million-$5.8 million 4

3

3

Expressions of interest: Close 5pm, February 17 Kay & Burton, Sophie Su 0425 270 125 Glass stackers and massive windows were included as part of architect Ian McEwan’s extension and renovation of this century-old Edwardian home to maximise the enjoyment of the Ian Barker-designed leafy gardens. A heated pool, serviced by an outdoor kitchen under automated louvres with heating and speakers, adds to the year-round al fresco amenity of this substantial family home. Inside, period charm combines with high-end contemporary comforts.

Brighton 104 Male Street $6 million-$6.5 million 5

5

3

Glen Iris 1 Victor Road $4.295 million 5

4

Sandringham 78 Vincent Street $4.2 million-$4.5 million 3

5

3

2

Expressions of interest: Close 4pm, February 19 Agent: Marshall White, Stephen Smith 0423 266 231

Private sale Agent: RT Edgar, Chelsie Cargill 0404 561 988

Expressions of interest: Close noon, February 12 Agent: Marshall White, Ben Vieth 0404 084 793

This renovated and extended Victorian-era residence, once home to one of Brighton’s early mayors, sits on almost 1300 square metres, giving it room for multiple living and dining zones both upstairs and down, generously sized private spaces and backyard privacy. A heated pool is secluded by a hedge wall, while bifolds open to a covered outdoor room with a built-in barbecue close to the separate studio. Several top private schools are within walking distance.

A spacious home that seamlessly combines luxury and liveability. Behind the French provincial exterior lies a beautiful, fully renovated home with four bedrooms upstairs and the secluded main bedroom on the ground floor. The fine finishes, from the timber floors to polished stone, extend throughout. Fireplaces in the lounge and living rooms, heating in the al fresco dining area, built-in outdoor lounges and a large upstairs retreat make for many quiet spaces.

This big, new, modern home is in an elevated, tree-lined street close to shops, top schools and the golden sands of Sandringham beach. With oak herringbone parquetry floors, the open-plan living area, overlooking the pool, melds with the dining area and well-appointed kitchen (with butler’s pantry). Greek marble is used throughout, from the kitchen and outdoor kitchen to the bathrooms. With a double garage and ample storage, this home is ideal for the modern lifestyle.

F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

MELBOURNE

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DOMAIN PROPERTY

OPEN FOR INSPECTION Words by Maria Harris, Richard Cornish & Shae Wiedermann

Beaumaris 1 Howell Avenue $2.95 million-$3.2 million 5

4

2

Private sale Agent: Buxton, Emily Whitehead 0420 997 276 Families who love space, contemporary luxury, sophisticated surroundings and proximity to the beach will feel right at home at this striking home. From formal to informal living and a lavish kitchen with stone finishes, to a deck and outdoor “room” suitable for year-round use, this home offers great accommodation and entertaining options. It has a guest bedroom with en suite, and a study or fifth bedroom downstairs. Three bedrooms with en suites are upstairs.

Brighton East 2a Marriage Road $2.7 million-$2.85 million 5

3

2

Hawthorn 30 York Street $2.3 million-$2.5 million 4

2

1

Albert Park 59 Barrett Street $2.3 million-$2.5 million 3

2

1

Auction: 6.30pm, February 15 Agent: Kay & Burton, Matthew Pillios 0408 145 982

Auction: 1.30pm, February 17 Agent: Marshall White, Tori McGregor 0400 633 992

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

With its elegant facade, distinctive roof tiles, clipped hedges and paving, this home is inspired by Tuscan villas but has a distinctly bayside vibe made all the more appealing by luxurious interiors, a deluxe kitchen and a living zone that opens to the swimming pool and outdoor entertainment area. Three upstairs bedrooms include the main suite with a private terrace. The house includes a retreat, study or fifth bedroom and a pool house or gym.

This picture-perfect Victorian home with a contemporary renovation and extension is made for families who want the Hawthorn lifestyle, just moments from Glenferrie Road.

It’s set over two levels, with two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, and two more bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs.

A terrific blend of period features, light-filled living spaces, a Caesarstone and stainless steel kitchen and indoor-outdoor living give this home irresistible appeal.

With a picket fence, terrace and manicured garden, this Victorian residence is brimming with period character. The interior has a more contemporary feel – a result of renovations that gave the house open and light-filled spaces. The first floor makes for a perfect and isolated main bedroom, equipped with an en suite and walk-in wardrobe, while downstairs has two bedrooms that share a sizeable bathroom.

Gasworks Arts Park and the beach are only minutes away.

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DOMaIN PrOPerTy

St Kilda 5/95 Fitzroy Street $1.65 million-$1.75 million 2

2

1

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

4

2

Hawthorn East 4 St Helens Road $1.8 million-$1.98 million 3

1

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME

3

Private sale Agent: Belle Property St Kilda, Maria Hunt 0413 187 188

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

Auction: 11.30am, February 17 Agent: Marshall White, James Tostevin 0417 003 333

A gem in the heart of St Kilda, this attractive townhouse is unique, vibrant and, quite simply, cool. High ceilings, exposed brick walls and polished timber floors give the residence a warehouse vibe. The living room has bifold doors leading to a wraparound balcony surrounded by greenery.

Seamless and elegant, this new townhouse has three levels (connected by a lift), with several retreat and living zones. The five-bedroom layout has been carefully thought out, with an entire floor dedicated to the main bedroom. A butler’s pantry and separate laundry complete the house.

This lofty home is surrounded by greenery in a quiet pocket of Hawthorn East. This solid clinker-brick build sits on a deep, landscaped allotment sheltered by a magnificent old oak.

With original 1930s timber floors, the home has been fully refurbished, making the most of high ceilings and spacious dimensions.

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

Whether you need room for guests or more space in your home, our wall beds provide you with a stylish multi-purpose solution.

1300 366 222

creativebydesign.com.au

651 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123

WARDROBES DOORS LIVING SPACES WALL BEDS GARAGES PANTRIES HOME OFFICES LAUNDRIES F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

MELBOURNE

23

222 Esplanade West, Port Melbourne

Auction Wednesday 21st February at 6.30pm

4A 3B 2C

Inspect Thursday 11.30-12noon & Saturday 11-11.30am

This meticulously designed 4-bedroom masterpiece combines architectural innovation and absolute tranquillity, complete with a city-view roof terrace, double remote garage

Contact

and lavish finishes.

Oliver Bruce Sarah Wood

0409 856 599 0408 902 827

Justin Holod

0411 669 161

marshallwhite.com.au 24

DOMAIN

BROADSHEET

10 Gordon Street, Hampton Expressions of Interest

Contact

Close Tuesday 27th February at 5pm

Robin Parker

0409 336 282

Inspect As Advertised

Simone Tindall

0408 330 355

5 A

4 B

2 C

4 A

3 B

3 C

marshallwhite.com.au

501/240 McK�nnon Road, Mck�nnon Expressions of Interest

Contact

Close Tuesday 27th February at 5pm

Robin Parker Nick O'Neill

Inspect As Advertised

0409 336 282 0457 009 636

marshallwhite.com.au F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

MeLbOurNe

25

11 Neptune Street, St K�lda Auction

Contact

Saturday 10th February at 2.30pm

Oliver Bruce Louis Kulpa

Inspect Wednesday 6.15-6.45pm & Saturday 2-2.30pm

marshallwhite.com.au

See demand for your home Download the app

26

3 A

DOMAIN

BROADSHEET

0409 856 599 0401 403 502

2 B

1 C

Port Melbourne 304/147 beach Street

A

B

C

3

2

2

A Beachfront Star with Picture Postcard Views Imagine waking up to this panoramic stretch of sand and sea in this world class 3 bedroom 2 bathroom 3rd floor security apartment. With stunning city skyline outlooks making it a dream package, this beachfront haven showcases a vast entrance foyer, a beautifully spacious living and dining area with sensational undercover balcony, an entertainer’s kitchen, a breathtaking bay-viewing main bedroom suite, 2 north facing robed bedrooms and a sunlit city-viewing balcony. A home where you can soak up the sun, isolate yourself in the beauty or brag to your guests, this premier apartment has ducted heating/cooling, lift access and 2 secure basement car spaces. Step onto the bay trail, stroll to the dog beach, the light rail and Bay Street.

• Amazing sand, bay and city skyline views • North facing balcony • Lift access • Secure basement parking for 2 • Direct bay trail access Auction: Guide: Contact:

Saturday 24th February 12.00pm $2,100,000 - $2,200,000 Jon Kett 0415 853 564 Mel Fredricksen 0497 942 933

Port Melbourne 8/9 beach Street

A

B

C

3

2

1

Bay Viewing Magic with a Historic Edge Capturing beautiful blue waters over the Canary Island Palms of this iconic heritage development and glistening city views, this timeless 3 bedroom 2 bathroom 4th floor security apartment brings a feeling of superior retro quality. In the one family for the past 33 years after its 1980s residential conversion, this refurbished beachside hideaway enjoys a splendid living and dining area, a modernised kitchen (induction cooktop and Miele black glass oven), city views from two bedrooms and French doors to a magnificent bay-viewing balcony. In the Sandridge Bay Towers development dating back to 1891, this luxury abode is complete with plantation shutters, ducted heating/air conditioning, video intercom, lift access and secure undercover parking. Perfect position, seconds to the sand while so close to the cafes and parks.

• Superb views of the city and bay over palm trees • Iconic Port Melbourne development • Ducted heating/air conditioning • Secure undercover parking • A heartbeat to the sand Auction: Guide: Contact:

Saturday 24th February 2.00pm $1,200,000 - $1,275,000 Jon Kett 0415 853 564 Mel Fredricksen 0497 942 933

F E B R U a R y 7, 2 0 2 4

MELBOURNE

27

3 B 2 b 2 c

! " ­

6 B 4 b 3 c1s

­

28

DOMAIN

BROADSHEET

57 York Street, St Kilda West

5A

2B

2C

1E

565 sqm approx. j

Simon Gowling Warwick Gardiner

0422 234 644 0438 308 555

Irresistible Space, Style, Serenity and Setting for Family Living Auction: Saturday 24th February at 12:00pm Inspect: As advertised or by appointment

F e b r u a r y 7, 2 0 2 4

MeLbOurNe

29

70B BEACONSFIELD PARADE ALBERT PARK 4 2.5 1

KAYBURTON.COM.AU 30 DOMAIN BROADSHEET

Expressions of interest Close 27 February at 5pm

Alex Schiavo 0419 239 549

Viewing Thursday 1-1:30pm Saturday 11:30-12pm

Campbell Kilsby 0402 212 093 Shantelle Francis 0422 862 821

*Land size approx

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