Inspired Living Magazine │ WINTER 2024 EDITION

Fresh snow under clear skies – Mount Hotham, Victoria

Welcome

Welcome to the Winter 2024 issue of the Inspired Living Magazine. Brought to our community by Blackshaw to showcase and provide readers with the current trends and topics related to homes, from the nation’s capital to the south coast region of Batemans Bay.

Inspired Living is all about discovering possibilities. Being inspired in life and in your home, and gaining insights into local causes and topics that matter. Providing our readers with a unique perspective from property enthusiasts and local talents. We are always on the lookout to showcase collections from local designers, artists and more.

Our Winter issue is packed with exciting ideas and inspiration for your home this winter. Delve into the joy of celebrating Christmas in July and explore how to master the art of hosting cosy gatherings in the comfort of your own abode. Enjoy our expert insights offering invaluable guidance on fostering tenant relationships, ensuring harmony throughout the season. Stay ahead of the curve with our curated selection of winter fashion trends designed to keep you both stylish and snug. Embark on a journey through the Snowy Mountains as we unveil our pick of premier destinations for exhilarating slopes and breathtaking vistas. Finally, for those seeking to make the most of the winter season, we offer our most effective tips and tricks to keep you at your best!

Enjoy this complimentary magazine, continue to feel inspired to find endless possibilities to enhance your own living.

Belinda Chamberlain, Corporate Director Blackshaw Real Estate

Maintaining warm rental property relations this winter

The role of a Property Manager is crucial to the relationship between the property owner and tenant to ensure they both feel understood, supported and valued.

Both relationships are important to the ongoing property maintenance. This is particularly important during winter when the possibilities of repair and remediation are heightened.

Photography by Gabrielle Henderson

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, it’s important to address maintenance issues as and when they arise, not just at routine inspections. Equally, inspections offer an opportunity for tenants to raise issues that are not their responsibility or for problems that need addressing before they get worse and cause further damage. When tenants prepare for a routine inspection, they should take extra time to go through every inch of the property and make a list of anything that may need looking into – visibly worn electrical wiring, ongoing water leaks, a regularly blocked sink or signs of mould and rising damp. While it’s a tenant’s responsibility to ensure the property is clean, tidy and undamaged, it is the landlord’s responsibility to address and rectify structural, plumbing or electrical issues. Tenants play an important role in raising issues in a timely manner to ensure the property stays in the best possible condition. Likewise, property managers have strict procedures to ensure maintenance issues and repair requests are raised with the landlord, and are provided with solutions for rectification. Landlords will always be contacted first to obtain approval before proceeding with any maintenance, and it’s important that issues are rectified as soon as possible.

CONDENSATION AND DAMP

Preventing and managing condensation during winter can be challenging – the cause of this is the clash of cold and warm air and the lack of ventilation creating the perfect breeding ground for mould to grow and moisture to reside – it is an issue taken seriously, particularly during winter.

Prevention tips :

- Ensure the fans are working effectively to reduce the circulation of moisture; it is vital to advise your Property Manager at the earliest possible time if they are ineffective.

- Leaving windows slightly ajar on warmer days will help airflow and reduce mould growth ; a dehumidifier can be especially helpful in these situations.

- When tenants identify a mould or damp issue, they should contact the Property Manager to avoid a potential health risk for people and their pets as well as damage to furniture and the property itself.

Your Property Manager is there to look out for you, the property you live in or the property you own.

Photography by Towfiqu Barbhuiya

Photography by Patrick Hendry

HEATING AND HOT WATER

As the temperature begins to fall, it’s time for tenants to test that their heating is working efficiently and their home will be warm and cosy before the frosts begin.

Turn all systems on, check if they are heating up or circulating hot air ; all systems should also be checked for faulty, cracked or damaged cords and outlets. If there is anything that doesn’t work properly or doesn’t look right let your Property Manager know, they are there to help. The same approach applies to hot water – any irregularities to flow, pressure and temperature should be mentioned.

Using rugs to cover tiled or wooden flooring will help to keep the home warm, and where possible, try draft blockers to reduce air flow around doors and windows. If there are any large or problematic gaps and cracks that require repair or remediation, call your Property Manager for prompt and friendly assistance.

Landlords want to maintain the property in a reasonable condition and this includes everything being in working order as well as adhering to correct safety standards. Property Managers and landlords should monitor and organise the regular service of heating and hot water systems to ensure they are operating safely and effectively for tenants. Ongoing maintenance of these systems can not only prevent unnecessary and costly repairs and replacement, but can prolong the life of the hot water system too – and keep for happy tenants not just in winter, but all year long.

Photography by Emmanuel Ikwuegubu

Photography by Towfiqu Barbhuiya

Our ultimate guide to hitting the slopes

The ski season is officially open!

Take advantage of sunny winter days and head to the NSW Snowy Mountains for some skiing, snowboarding and an abundance of fun in the snow. The Kosciuszko National Park, a 2.5 hour drive from the Canberra city centre, offers endless opportunities for a fun-filled day out or a memorable weekend away, so be sure to include a trip in your winter calendar.

Photography by Habbi Helgadottir

THREDBO

Thredbo offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country and there’s truly something here for all ages and abilities. The resort has a purpose built area for beginners, designed to help newcomers progress their skills in a safe environment. Beginners can also access ski and snowboard lessons from the experienced team of instructors. Those more experienced on the slopes will enjoy Australia’s longest runs and the wide variety of terrain on offer, as well as endless on and off piste challenges, powder bowls and natural features. Everything you need to hit the slopes can be hired or purchased at the many shops here, all offering a wide range of quality brands. Single day, multi-day and season lift passes can be purchased in advance or on the day.

Photography by Thredbo

Photography by Visit NSW

Photography by Visit NSW

PERISHER

Did you know Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere? The area is made up of four picturesque ski villages – Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega – where you’ll find 47 lifts and over 1,245 hectares of skiable terrain. Skiers and snowboarders often start at Perisher Valley, then ski across to Smiggin Holes, over to Blue Cow and then on to Guthega. You can also take a ride on the Skitube while you’re here – Australia’s only alpine railway. The Swiss-designed Skitube services Perisher exclusively, transporting guests from Bullocks Flat onto Perisher Valley and to Blue Cow Mountain. The distance is 8.5km, of which 6.3km is underground, making it one of the longest underground train tunnels in Australia and travelling as deep as 550m underground. At Perisher, you’ll also find the Snowsports School, offering ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and abilities. Single day, multi-day and season lift passes can be purchased in advance or on the day.

Photography by Perisher Lodge

Photography by Snowy Mountains Magazine

SELWYN

Selwyn Snow Resort is located in the most northern part of the NSW Snowy Mountains. This family-run resort has 11 chair lifts and offers 45 hectares of skiable terrain, including plenty of gentle slopes suited to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, plus lots of area that’s perfect for tubing and tobogganing. Lessons are available in groups or privately for all ages and abilities. Beginners can also enrol in the Selwyn Snow Sports School and master the basics before hitting the slopes. Single day, multi-day and season lift passes can be purchased in advance or on the day.

Photography by Visit NSW

Photography by Visit NSW

Photography by Mountain Watch

ACCOMMODATION

The NSW Snowy Mountain region is brimming with accommodation to suit every taste and budget. If you want to be close to the slopes, you’ll find plenty of options at Perisher Valley, Guthega, Smiggin Holes, Thredbo and Lake Crackenback, offering a range of chalets, lodges, hotels and selfcontained apartments. If you’re happy to stay a bit further away from the action, then Jindabyne is the perfect base. It’s right at the doorstep of the mountains and has a wider variety of shops and amenities than the other villages, including places to purchase and hire all types of snow equipment.

TRANSPORT

The most common mode of transport used to reach the NSW Snowy Mountains is by car, which typically takes 2.5 hours from the centre of Canberra. As you reach the bottom of the slopes, you’ll enter the Kosciuszko National Park where the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service charges each car a fee to enter the park, which varies depending on how long you stay.

If driving isn’t an option for you, then head online and you’ll find a range of coaches and shuttles from Canberra and Batemans Bay, as well as private transfer options.

Photography by Viator

Photography by Snowy Mountains Magazine

Photography by Booking.com

Warm and cosy : your guide to entertaining at home this winter

As the cool weather settles in for the next few months, entertaining at home turns indoors. Whether it’s a Sunday roast lunch, mid-week dinner party, or casual drinks, create a warm and welcoming space for your friends and loved ones this season.

Photography by Kraken Images

FOOD

Nothing says winter entertaining more than delicious fare, so focus on some homecooked meals to please your guests and warm up your home on a cold winter’s night. For something savoury, there is nothing quite like a soul-warming soup or stew, a hearty roast, or a delectable pie – think winter vegetables, chicken and leek, rich lamb and rosemary, or beef with red wine. For those with a sweet tooth, bake some chocolate chip cookies, decorate cupcakes, make a warm apple pie, or whip up some soft, fudgy brownies to pair with ice cream. Finish with a delicious homemade hot chocolate; start with milk, cocoa powder and sugar. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk until warm, then add chocolate and whisk until melted. To create an extra indulgent drink, add a splash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of maple syrup or a dash of your favourite liqueur. For extra decadence, garnish with whipped cream, chopped chocolate and marshmallows!

GAMES

During the colder months entertaining options start to turn indoors. Start with a games night in the warmth and comfort of your own home ; pull out old board games and card games and get everyone involved, or turn on your favourite game show and play along with the contestants. Perhaps, try a game of Blackshaw Monopoly!

Try setting up the chess board or pull out a jigsaw puzzle for a fun evening. The internet also offers an endless array of games and entertainment, you could grab the console and choose something that everyone can participate in. You’ll never be without something fun to do with your guests.

FURNISHINGS

On a chilly winter’s day or night, make your home nice and cosy for your guests with warm soft furnishings and furniture. Think of woolly blankets and thick knitted throws draped over your lounge, as well as cushions and pillows made of soft heattrapping fabrics such as wool, velvet, chenille or jacquard. Velvet has seen a resurgence, especially in the living room, so if you are considering a new purchace think of a snuggly velvet armchair or sofa. Another way to ensure your home is warm and comfortable for your guests is with a thick rug over cold tiles or wooden floors.

Photography by Blackshaw RE

Photography by Monika Grabkowska

“Enjoy a game of Blackshaw Monopoly!”

LIGHTING

Create a warm and inviting ambiance at home this winter with the power of smart lighting. Indoors, opt for warm light bulbs instead of the cooler kind for your downlights, pendants and chandeliers, as well as floor and table lamps. Candles are also a fantastic way to add atmosphere and the feeling of warmth in a room, and may save on energy costs too. Outdoors, warm solar-powered lights throughout the garden and along walkways will enhance the outdoor space making it feel warm and welcoming for your guests. In addition, using lanterns and candles outdoors can create a softer and more subtly lit space.

OUTDOORS

Canberra winter days are often sunny so take advantage of them and enjoy the outdoors for your next lunch or afternoon drinks. Consider ways to seamlessly transition from daytime to night while keeping your guests warm; create a cosy winter evening around a gas patio heater, an electric heater mounted to your exterior wall or alfresco ceiling, or a brazier or a fire pit.

A fire pit quickly becomes the place of focus for people to gather around, and with comfortable furniture, thick blankets and warm cushions, this makes for the perfect entertaining space.

Photography by Mike Labrum

Photography by R D Smith

Photography by Jonny Caspari

Stay warm and stylish this winter

Dressing for winter and staying warm doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality or style. A few of our tips to be fashion-ready this winter include smart layering, investing in timeless pieces, savvy accessories and practical footwear to ensure you look great while braving the cold.

Photography by Alin Dragu

LAYERING

Smart layering is the secret weapon to staying warm and looking chic even on the coldest of winter days. For your base, opt for good quality thermals, such as merino wool or fleece, then add your layers – a shirt or blouse, a knitted jumper or cardigan, a vest, a light blazer, and top off with a coat or waterproof jacket. For your layers, opt for materials such as velvet, wool and cashmere – select from the colours on offer, pick some that compliment you and your personal style. Mastering the art of layering is choosing items that fit comfortably over each other.

OUTERWEAR

The trench coat is a timeless piece of outerwear, and one that’s worth investing in as it will last you many years and can be used across all seasons. When you buy a trench, opt for a size up so you can wear multiple layers underneath. Some trench coats are very light but still give good protection from the cold, wind and rain. Some trenches can be slightly padded, offering extra warmth in place of a jacket. Leather jackets are another timeless and varied winter staple, offering trench-style, bomber, motorcycle, oversized or cropped. Thick puffer jackets or wool coats are ideal in the depths of winter.

Photography by Dan Gold

ACCESSORIES

Nothing completes an outfit quite like accessories. This season, opt for woolly hats and oversized scarves to keep you warm and toasty, but also feeling fabulous – and just like layering, they can be added and removed as and when you need depending on the temperature.

Gloves are an underrated essential, whether they are leather or knitted, fingerless or mittens, thay should always be in your wardrobe. Stockings and tights are effective under dresses and skirts while keeping your legs warm - this way you are not limited to only jeans and trousers for the season.

Photography by Mukuko Studio

Photography by Erik Odiin

FOOTWEAR

In winter, boots are a staple and arguably the most effective way to keep your feet warm and dry as the temperature drops to single digits. Anything goes when it comes to boots, whether it’s biker, cowboy style, or a simple leather, and you can style them up (or down) around any outfit.

Functionality and warmth become a top priority especially when footwear is involved, so invest in a quality pair of shoes for the season. Consider investing in high-quality real leather boots, as they are more durable and will last for several winter seasons to come. And remember, waterproofing your leather shoes will make them last even longer.

Photography by Alyssa Strohmann

Photography by Leon Skibitzki

5 ways to stay well this winter

Despite the South Coast and Canberra’s beauty in the winter time, the regions can also be one of the coldest in the country bringing their fair share of colds, flus, viruses and seasonal affective disorder – all the more reason to look after your physical and mental health. Here are some self-care tips and activities to help you stay well and beat the winter blues.

Photography by Maddi Bazzocco

EMBRACE HYGGE

The word ‘Hygge’ originates from the sixteenth-century Norwegian term, ‘hugga’, meaning ‘to comfort’ or ‘to console’. Hygge is a cosy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable – a state of being and a lifestyle that the Danish have since adopted and integrated into their culture, especially during winter when they retreat inside their homes. The lifestyle means taking time away from the daily grind, slowing down to focus on yourself and your loved ones, and relaxing and enjoying life’s quieter pleasures. Some ways you can include Hygge in your life is by meeting with loved ones more often, disconnecting from technology, filling your home with soft lighting and comfortable furnishings, and being more present in the everyday. So why not give it a try this winter?

Photography by Sixteen Miles Out

Photography by Stella Rose

GET ACTIVE

Embrace the outdoors this winter, be sure to take advantage of crisp sunny days and get your endorphins pumping by going for a walk, jog or cycle around your local area or lake.

There are many ways you can keep fit while staying warm indoors as well, and the physical and mental benefits are tenfold. Explore the options for a trial at your local gym or fitness studio and try out one of the classes or a personal training session, or play some indoor sport to boost your spirits.

Alternatively, there are countless online workout videos or fitness apps you can use in the comfort of your own home with or without equipment, including low-impact bodyweight training, yoga, pilates and meditation.

Photography by Patrick Hendry

Photography by DmitriyFrantsev

NOURISHING FOODS

Winter is the time to nourish your body with healthy ingredients in your cooking opting for nutrient-dense foods with loads of vitamins and minerals, like vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains, with other soul nourishing foods in moderation – and always drink plenty of water.

Taking care of yourself involves more than just your outward appearance or physical activities; it’s also about tending to your inner well-being.

SELF-CARE

Both Canberra and the South Coast region boast many luxurious day spas offering a variety of face and body treatments where you can treat yourself, or help you reduce stress. Or create your own spa at home – run a hot bath, put on a face mask, light a candle, and listen to some relaxing music while your worries melt away.

Either way, relax and unwind this winter with some well-deserved pampering!

Photography by Nathan Drumlao

Photography by Chris Vanhove

Photography by Toa Hiftiba

CONNECTION

Reach out and connect with a friend or loved one by picking up the phone or, even better, arranging to meet them in person.

This is particually important for someone who lives on their own, as winter can be very isolating and lonely so think about those in need of some social interaction. A warm voice carries a greater impact than a text message.

Your phone call might just make someone’s day!

Photography by DRZ

Photography by Annistasia Vityukova

Essential elements when marketing your property

A highly targeted, visual presentation of your property.

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LOOKING TO SELL OR LEASE YOUR PROPERTY?

There are a range of advertising platforms and tools to consider when showcasing your property’s finest features, to ensure it makes the right impact in the real estate market. Experience our professional perspective and see what we do to ensure a successful property marketing campaign.

Celebrate Christmas in July

Christmas in July is a month-long celebration inspired by the traditions and themes of Christmas. A summer camp in the USA started the trend in the early 1930s, and has since continued to be celebrated around the world. So with something as joyful and spectacular as Christmas, why not celebrate it twice a year?

Embrace the Christmas in July spirit and get festive!

Photography by Nataliya Melnychuk

XMAS IN JULY FESTIVAL

Experience a French-European Christmas this July by heading to Canberra’s Xmas in July Festival located at Parkes Place Lawns, just off King Edward Terrace. Over four days, from Thursday 29 June to Sunday 2 July, be delighted by the Christmas spirit at this wintry wonderland and treat yourself to some soulwarming food and festive entertainment. Christmas will come to life with a winter market featuring authentic chalets (wooden huts), Christmas lights, melted cheese and mulled wine, snow, live music and street shows. If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy your own VIP experience, book a private igloo or cosy fire pit to enjoy with your loved ones. Entry to the festival is free.

BREDBO CHRISTMAS BARN

Immerse yourself in everything Christmas at the Bredbo Christmas Barn, located on the Monaro Highway in the village of Bredbo.

After 20 years, this iconic venue continues to be a feast for the eyes, featuring forests of trees, wreaths, garlands and the most exclusive, niche and varied selection of Christmas decorations in all manner of themes and colours from floor to ceiling. The barn is open five days a week from Thursday to Monday.

Photography by Karsten Winegeart

“In the early 1930s, a summer camp in the USA started the Christmas in July trend - this has continued to be celebrated around the world.”

ENJOY THE SNOW

Embrace Christmas in July in true style and head straight to the snow at Corin Forest, the family-friendly alpine adventure playground situated in the Tidbinbilla mountain ranges. Here you’ll find fun activities for all ages, including skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and a 1.2km alpine slide through the forest.

GET YOUR SKATES ON

If you’re looking for some wintry fun to celebrate Christmas in July, then head to the Phillip Ice Skating Centre and get your skates on. This Canberra institution offers locals an indoor skating experience on an Olympic-size rink, with a disco every Friday night. You can also watch or participate in ice hockey, figure skating, and Broomball throughout the year.

Photography by Monika Grabkowska

Photography by Walid Amghar

GET FESTIVE AT HOME

If you’d prefer to stay indoors this winter, or wish to share the festive cheer even further, create a memorable Christmas in July at home.

Invite your friends and family over to celebrate with some creative cooking. Why not serve a roast turkey with all the trimmings, homemade mince pies, puddings and mulled wine. Include some carols, decorate your home with lights and a tree, and watch a traditional Christmas film with your loved ones.

Photography by Brooke Lark

Photography by Brooke Lark

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