Domain Prestige - May 19, 2021

19 MAY / 2021

PRESTIGE THE BEST IN AUSTRALIAN PROPERTY

GREEN IS GOOD Appeal of the Southern Highlands

B y K ATE FARRE LLY

Bundanoon Southern Highlands 35 Quarry Road $4.1 million-$4.5 million J E N M E LO CCO

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For sale by negotiation Agent: Warburton Estate Agents, Sandy Warburton 0418 411316 As the temperature drops, those places that offer an even cooler climate

Handcrafted over many years using sandstone

become rather inviting. The Southern Highlands in NSW is just such a place,

from the local quarry, Quarry House is an elegant

with its crisp days and nightly temperature falls that demand a home with

country home on about two manicured hectares.

an open fire. And while the area has long been popular as a place for a

The expansive living room has soaring, sky-lit

weekender, there is even greater demand today with the option of working

ceilings, a combustion fireplace and blue gum

from home more widely on offer. In this edition, we speak to the creator of a

floors, and there’s an adjoining indoor heated

sustainable and luxurious Burradoo home in our feature story. We also head

pool with a poolside lounge. There’s also a media

to the highlands town of Moss Vale and look at its transformation. “If you

room and a home office with views.

came here 10 years ago Moss Vale was a ghost town on weekends, now it’s just packed,” says resident and landscape architect Nicholas Bray. Today the inviting town offers a burgeoning food and wine scene along with boutique shopping.

Editor: Jen Melocco Jen.Melocco@domain. com.au Editorial producer: Paige Tonna Group picture editor: Vashti Newcomb Senior designer: Colleen Chin Quan Graphic designer: Emma Staughton National managing editor: Alice Stolz Group director, Consumer: Jason Chuck Chief executive officer: Jason Pellegrino

HOT PROPERTY

DESIGN DIGEST All that jazz

Residential sales: Queensland Brad McLeod 0429 571 826 New South Wales Belinda Sinclair 0414 580 903 Victoria & Tasmania Ray van Veenendaal 0438 279 870 Western Australia, South Australia & Northern Territory Jeroen van de Peppel 0427 292 797

FEATURE STORY A sustainable dream home

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Digital edition Visit domain.com.au/ digitaledition

O U R COVE R 48c Burradoo Road, Burradoo

LIVING IN Moss Vale

Listed by Drew Lindsay Real Estate PAG E 8

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THE PROPERTY INVESTOR Long terms plans

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Sunshine Beach Sunshine Coast 52 Seaview Terrace $15 million

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For sale Agent: Tom Offermann Real Estate, Eric Seetoo 0419 757 770 See the sun rise over the ocean from your vast rooftop terrace, take a dip in the north-facing pool and enjoy prepping dinner for friends in the marble kitchen: this three-level residence adjoins beachfront reserve and boasts sensational views stretching from Lions Head to Point Cartwright.

Mornington

Mosman

Mornington Peninsula 27 Beleura Hill Road

Sydney 6a Fairfax Road

$5.25 million-$5.75 million

$6.8 million-$7.4 million

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For sale by negotiation

Auction: May 29

Agent: McEwing Partners, Dean Phillips 0402 833 865

Agent: Belle Property Mosman,

Featuring interiors by Kate Walker Design and built by Cahill Building Group,

Tim Foote 0416 090 191

this home is a divinely up-market interpretation of a European farmhouse.

The timber-lined, vaulted ceilings are a highlight

Set on 1239 square metres close to Mills Beach, it comes with a great room,

at this resort-style abode a walk away from

a hidden cellar and an outdoor fireplace, pool, spa and sauna.

Chinamans and Balmoral beaches.

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DESIGN DIGEST

All that jazz The rich colours, bold geometry and decadent details of the art deco period continue to influence. C o m p i l e d b y PAU LIN E M O RRIS SE Y UNDER THE LENS Inspired by telescopic lenses, the Lee Broom-designed Lens Flair Pendant Light features a cross-cut lens – which emits a soft light – juxtaposed with a striking, solid casing in a brushed-brass or matt-black finish. spacefurniture.com.au

TIME TO RECLINE Designed by Studiopepe in collaboration with Tacchini, the Five to Nine Daybed features a sequence of leather or fabric-upholstered roll cushions on a timber structure. Additional features include a backrest, a headrest and a round coffee table. stylecraft.com.au

GETTING AHEAD

TOP FINDS Striking and bold, the collection of Lustre Tables designed by

Featuring an intriguing

Bethan Gray comprises a round or oval dining table, a coffee table and a

shape akin to the

side table, each crafted with a brass pedestal and marble top, with the

stepped forms

option to add an inlaid brass pattern. livingedge.com.au

found atop art deco buildings, the Medina Bedhead by Heatherly Design comes as a custom-made bedhead or full-bed design, available in a multitude of fabrics. heatherlydesign. com.au

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COVER STORY

A highlands marriage of old and new Escaping Sydney allowed home designer, Alice Martin, to build the perfect home for her family and the location. B y J E N M E LO CCO

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hink of a home in the Southern Highlands of NSW and one typically conjures up the idea of a heritage or traditional abode that nestles into its green hills and cold-climate gardens.

However, what is on offer in the home that Alice Martin designed for her family – husband Hamish Diver, three daughters Imogen, 12, Clare, 10, and Emilia, 7, and seven-year-old cavoodle Silvie – is really quite different.

“The house isn’t normal looking,” Martin says of the contemporary, four-bedroom, silvertop ash-clad home which sits on 0.2 hectares in the prime Highlands location of Burradoo. “It’s born out of the process.”

That process started when the family moved

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from Sydney’s Darling Point to the Southern Highlands town in 2015.

“We were living in Darling Point in a heritagelisted home that we had renovated. However, I had a sense of emptiness and that I wasn’t living my true values,” says Martin.

Transferring to the area a 90-minute drive from Sydney, Martin and her family first rented a Federation home in Bowral, before buying a challenging block in Burradoo.

Martin – who now runs her own home design business, STUDIOAM – says the final design was born from the complexities of the site and a desire to create a home that worked for family living and was suited to cooler climes.

“I wanted to be able to see the [family] but not

necessarily hear them,” she says. “I also wanted an open-plan design but wanted to be able to have the kitchen concealed from guests.”

The solution is a floor plan that has clear sight lines from the kitchen, living and dining area but also has an enclosed deck that provides a buffer between the different zones.

The TV room, meanwhile, sits separately on the third side of the deck and can be closed off completely from the other ground-floor living zones. “In the highlands, a home also needs a sense of intimacy and that’s what this area does,” Martin says.

Likewise, the three bedrooms on the ground floor are positioned away from the main living area. The main bedroom is on the first floor, along with an en suite, a home office and a hallway that provides a transition from the public areas of the house to the private zones.

A key factor in the design was to create a home that could be kept warm in an area that can require heating almost year-round.

“Our heritage-listed house in Sydney was beautiful but functionally hopeless,” Martin says. “Then, when we first came here, we rented a Californian bungalow in Bowral and discovered how cold it can be.”

YOUR AGENT Corina Nesci, Drew Lindsay Real Estate

“The best feature of the home is its complete response to the senses while easing the conscience.”

She says the property is coming onto the market at a time when the profile of buyers in the area has significantly changed.

While the area has long been popular as a second-home location for Sydneysiders, today there is further interest in permanent homes, including among expats looking for space and a community with good schools.

Burradoo Southern Highlands 48c Burradoo Road

$3.6 million

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For Sale Agent: Drew Lindsay Real Estate, Corina Nesci 0416 523155

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

SARAH CALVERT

Today the home is a pleasant 19 degrees to 20 degrees year-round due to a heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system, windows that are triple-glazed and have tilt-and-turn opening for airtight thermal efficiency, thermal massefficient concrete floors and a design that encourages cross ventilation.

The garden also contributes to making the home energy efficient and sustainable.

Deciduous trees stand on the west-facing side of the home, while drought-tolerant species dominate the surrounding landscape.

Inside, the home is functional and modern but does not compromise on quality and comfort.

Having previously lived in an older home, Martin says she wanted the design to have the weight of age that old homes have.

That comes through in the use of robust materials that proudly display their history.

“We used recycled bricks inside, and I wanted the ones with the biggest holes and the most texture, which is something the builder did not understand initially,” Martin says. “However, I love the mix of the old and the new.”

Listing agent Corina Nesci of Drew Lindsay Real Estate says while the home is energy efficient it does not compromise on quality.

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Iconic Paradise Waters Luxury on the Main River

59 Commodore Drive, Surfers Paradise

Architecture as spectacular as the views spread out before it, this

6 Bed | 6+ Bath | 5 Parking

north facing property with 360-degree views offers the ultimate

For Sale

Gold Coast lifestyle in a magnificent Main River setting.

Inspect Saturday 12:00-12:45pm

Wrapped within meticulously maintained resort inspired

coleresidential.com.au

grounds, this home seemingly floats above a vista of panoramic

Nicole Bricknell 0407 162 534

views from the Hinterland to the Main River & City skylines.

5531 5555

LIVING IN

34.5480° S, 150.3037° E

MOSS VALE

Stepping out of Bowral’s shadow, Moss Vale is a town that’s blooming and showing off its true colours. B y K ATE FARRE LLY Landscape architect Nicholas Bray has been

sorts through the combined effects of improved

lucky enough to see and create beautiful gardens

amenity and a rush of COVID tree-changers.

around the world.

Yet after returning to Australia in the mid-1990s

he says. Visitors come for the bucolic scenery but also for the burgeoning food and wine scene

an easy decision to return home to the Southern

and the boutique shopping. design store Made by Others to Suzie Anderson’s

of Arts building in Moss Vale, and Bray shares an

eponymous homewares store, and the Nest &

office space there with other creatives who draw

Burrow guest shop. He’s a fan of the Highlands

inspiration from the surrounding countryside.

Merchant cafe, the American-style Bernie’s Diner

you have this contrast of seasons means you can

$3.2 million

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Bray has a long list of favourites, from art and

His parents own the historical former School

“From a landscaper’s perspective, the fact that

Southern Highlands 434 Nowra Road

a ghost town on weekends, now it’s just packed,”

Canada, Britain, Italy, Spain and Singapore, it was

Four seasons

Moss Vale

“If you came here 10 years ago Moss Vale was

following several years studying and working in

Highlands and set up an office.

YOU MAY LIKE ...

and the enticing menu at a la carte restaurant Birch. And when it comes to a beer with friends, he recommends Taphouse.

get a really distinct difference between spring,

Retreat from the city

summer, autumn and winter,” says Bray.

McGrath Bowral agent Anne Stone says Moss

For sale

“You get the autumn colours, then you’ve got

Vale now holds its own against the larger town

Agent: McGrath Bowral, Anne Stone 0414 457 868

deciduous planting which means there are very

of Bowral, and its retailers and eateries attract

The new owners of this hip Highlands home

few leaves on the trees in winter. The flowering

patrons from across the Southern Highlands.

should expect plenty of out-of-town visitors: the

When it comes to property, 95 per cent of

property comes with a gorgeous, self-contained

bulbs and other plants explode in the spring and you really feel like the landscape is waking up.”

Bray has had a hand in transforming some of

inquiries are from Sydney buyers, with some keen

guest house. Set on 3.48 hectares, the main

to buy a weekender but many on the path to

residence features open-plan living spaces.

the Highlands’ most prestigious estates and

permanent residency. There is stiff competition

has also worked his magic on his own Moss Vale

for the best of Moss Vale’s character homes.

property, where a 1930s ironbark homestead sits

“A lot of people who were thinking I’m going to

When it comes to making a tree change,

within a garden blending a Spanish aesthetic

[make a tree change] in a couple of years’ time

Moss Vale has the

Hover your camera over the

with Australian flora suited to the cooler climate.

are now saying, ‘Why not do it now?’” Stone says.

setting, the lifestyle

code to see Domain listings

“COVID has encouraged people to act now.”

and the homes.

in Moss Vale

Bray says the town has seen a renaissance of

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N

“Nyrambla” 1885

Grand Estate in the Heart of Ascot on 2,608m2 21 Henry Street, Ascot QLD

Auction

29th May at 11am on-site (if not sold prior)

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Wednesday 6.00pm - 6.45pm Saturday 12.00pm - 12.45pm

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Rachael Spinks 0411 10 10 15 rachael@spinksco.com.au www.spinksco.com.au

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“Nyrambla”, one of Brisbane’s grand Victorian residences, presides over 2,608sqm of private grounds in the heart of Ascot. Magnificently renovated with no expense spared, “Nyrambla” brings together the elegance of a more gracious time with the luxuries of contemporary living.

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Prime Ascot position with elevated aspect, level lawn, pool Bay breezes and sweeping views to Moreton Island 4.2 metre high ceilings, 6 fireplaces, 3 kitchens Solid brick construction, bay windows, French doors Extensive, self-contained guest wing Walk to Ascot State School and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School Approx. 10 mins drive to city

Dwight Ferguson 0412 385 720 dwight.ferguson@raywhite.com www.raywhiteascot.com.au

THE PROPERTY INVESTOR

DESTINATION NSW

The powerful lure of that ‘L’ word Thinking about the best locations for retirement, but not quite ready to move yet? Try regional Australia. B y SU E WILLIAMS

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Beautiful Bowral in the Southern Highlands is retirement expert Jill Weeks’ top pick for retirement-focused investment in NSW.

egional and coastal Australia have never looked so good, with improved infrastructure, more health and education facilities and remote working for that consultancy work that will still, inevitably, come up. Also, before you make the shift, the rents are excellent, so there are good returns on investments.

“I think COVID’s legacy is that we’ve never been so open to moving away from the cities,” says Jill Weeks, the author of Where to Retire in Australia and founder of the retirement planning website where2now.net.

“It’s all about that ‘L’ word – lifestyle – and finding places with all the amenities and also a great sense of community. Rents are so high now in many of those places too, and you can see that right around Australia now.”

Her top pick for NSW is Bowral in the Southern Highlands, for its proximity to Sydney, rail links to Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, medical facilities and cultural events, and the fact it still retains its country charm.

In Victoria, she favours Echuca on the Murray River for its weather, medical facilities,

restaurants and security, while in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba in the Darling Downs take out top honours. Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula is her pick for South Australia, the Margaret River region for Western Australia, and, in Tasmania,

“COVID’s legacy is that we’ve never been so open to moving away from the cities.”

Hillwood near Launceston because it’s close to the city but is quiet, with scenic views and excellent restaurants.

“Bowral’s always been a great place to retire to, with people moving from Sydney, the ACT and even up from Tasmania, and we’re also now getting a lot of younger families moving here so

it is more mixed,” says Kate McCullagh, a partner at Di Jones Southern Highlands.

“If people aren’t ready to move here yet, rental returns are very good as there’s a huge demand for long-term rentals and a very low vacancy rate.”

The average median weekly house rent in Bowral, on the latest Domain Group figures, is $590, up 7.3 per cent on the past year alone, and offering a 5.06 per cent yield. Over the border, in Echuca, the yield is even higher, at 5.45 per cent with rent at $370, up 5.7 per cent on the year.

“Echuca is the most fantastic place to come and live,” says Rowena Ash of Charles L. King First National Echuca. “We’ve got the river, beautiful weather, 15 restaurants, nine pubs and four clubs, and great golfing and bowling.

On top of all that, it’s only a two-and-a-halfhour drive to Melbourne.”

Noosa Heads brings a lower rental yield, at 3.91 per cent, because of the high cost of property, but Toowoomba has a yield of 5.05 per cent. Victor Harbour’s yield is 5.23 per cent, Margaret River’s is 5.08 per cent, and the northern part of Launceston is 4.18 per cent.

“Toowoomba is always worth looking at,” Weeks says. “With three lakes and their surrounds, there’s so much bushwalking, fishing, water-based activities and camping, so there’s always plenty to do for the visiting grandkids!”

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East Melbourne

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16 Berry Street

An elegantly understated Victorian terrace residence, renovated to provide outstanding spaces, in one of Melbourne's most desirable positions just off Yarra Park.

Offering 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 living areas, 2 bathrooms and dual street access.

Recently totally renovated this quality home with lift access across all levels represents the ideal city downsizer with all the options.

Inspections as advertised or by private appointment.

caine.com.au

VIEW AUCTION

Thu 20th May 12 - 12:30pm Sat 22nd May 11 - 11.30am Sat 5th June 11:30am

Paul Caine 0407 393 900 Toby Campbell 0409 965 146

ARMIDALE 525 Cluny Road, ’Cluny’ Set on 3 acres of gardens and improvements is the wonderful ’Cluny’ homestead, accessed via a tree lined driveway off the sealed Cluny Road. 46ha (115 acres) of basalt and granite grazing land in excellent order with body of feed. 5km to Armidale Centre, 1 hour to Tamworth and 10 minutes to Armidale Regional Airport with daily flights. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, expansive internal/external living areas, outdoor areas with rural vistas, 10 paddocks, 8 dams and bore, 8 bay stables used by Cobb and Co with tac room and attic, chicken run, machinery shed with separate apartment with views. ’Cluny’ has been over 100 years in the making and presents an opportunity for those who seek a lifestyle change.

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5 Auction View

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Wednesday, 9th June at 6:00pm Level 1, 29-33 Bay Street, Double Bay Contact Agent David Medina 0419 772 233 James McCowan 0418 800 400

All information contained herein is gathered from sources we deem to be reliable. However we cannot guarantee its accuracy and interested parties should rely on their own enquiries.

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NORTHBRIDGE 41 Neeworra Road

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BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL EXECUTIVE OASIS • Tri-level executive oasis in one of Northbridge’s prime pockets

AUCTION 29th May On Site

• Entertainers’ terrace faces a magical view north to Sailors Bay

VIEW

• Luxe kitchen complete with Ilve gas range and butler’s pantry • Solar-heated pool, climate-controlled wine cellar, 650sqm block • Stroll to Bonds Corner, golf club, primary school and CBD bus

belleproperty.com/

Sat 11:30am - 12:15 pm Wed 11:30am - 12:15 pm

GUIDE Contact agent

David Forrester 0425 334 330 Irene Low 0435 870 916

12A Freyburg Street SORRENTO

Located in a coveted and prestigious enclave with a prized northerly position just off main river, this concrete-construction residence of the highest calibre will no doubt impress even the most fastidious of buyers. Light-filled and with a contemporary palette, this home has been designed with everyday living in mind offering multiple versatile living spaces, all bedrooms ensuite with W.I.R’s, low-maintenance landscaping and picture-perfect vistas; it ticks all the boxes for the modern family.

This Riviera enclave within the sought after prestige suburb of Sorrento is home to some the Gold Coast's finest residences and is the home of the most astute occupiers. The home has been specifically designed for this allotment and sprawls over the substantial 684m2 block and takes advantage of the 16 metre* sandy waterfrontage and stunning main river and city skyline aspect that it so enviously affords.

0487 638 092 0477 000 619