Mansion March Edition

Mansion incorporating news from Dow jones’

Plus

12-page Interiors section

AustrAliA

Up country

Flinders village keeps it real

Jamie Durie

Hanging out in a treehouse

Game plan

The Gold Coast gets competitive

Star power The lure of Byron Bay’s hinterland

Issue 15 March 2018

WATEGO’S BEACH BYRON BAY The Best Beach Location in Australia... 23 Marine Parade

Once in a lifetime opportunity to secure Australia’s ultimate, beachfront “trophy” property 800m² (approx) positioned right on the exclusive, front row of spectacular Watego’s Beach, Byron Bay. Sitting perfectly elevated on the highest point on Marine Parade, this stunning site enjoys tranquility and privacy as well as uninterrupted, expansive views over the bay, Julian Rocks and out to the Mount Warning hinterland.

Access the white sands and crystal clear water of Watego’s from your personal beach track and watch the afternoon fade away in spectacular colours from the privacy of your own front lawn.

Nestled just underneath the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse and buffered by beautiful nature reserve on one side, this is Australia’s beach property at its best! Watego’s Beach is the most sought after and prestigious location in Australia.

There is an existing 2 bed, original beach cottage on the land. Let your imagination run wild with the potential of what could be built here…the luxury beach home of your dreams.

DA approved architect plans for a stunning, new, luxury, 6 bedroom dwelling.

W W W. B Y R O N B AY P R O P E R T Y S A L E S . C O M . A U

Contact Vicky Innes: 0414 339 229 vicky@byronbaysales.com.au

For Sale Price on Application Viewing by private appointment

www.queenslandsothebysrealty.com

MOSMAN

67 PARRIWI ROAD

THE CLOSEST THING TO THE WHITSUNDAYS ON SYDNEY HARBOUR • • • • • • • •

A stunning family haven with magnificent vistas - 180 degree water & panoramic views from every level Sublime island-style sanctuary with a gas-heated pool and access to a private beach at low to mid-tide Multiple living spaces, a zen-like retreat room with an aquarium & vast self-contained lower level Caesarstone topped kitchen with breakfast bench, Miele appliances, coffee machine & butler´s pantry Renowned architect Patrick Nicholas has oriented each room, window and walls to create a visual feast 300 bottle rock cellar, level lawns, garage + turntable and off-street parking for two additional vehicles Expansive 23m water frontage occupying 1,095 square metres of land, reverse cycle air conditioning Easy walk to bus, Chinaman´s Beach, Spit restaurants & marinas, Skiffies & Middle Harbour Yacht Club

5

4.5

3

View Saturday 10am to 10:45am or By Appointment For Sale Private Inspections Available On Request Andrew Blaxland 0416 060 126 9969 7622 | www.rwm.com.au

Richardson & Wrench Mosman/Neutral Bay

BAYBLISS

This six bedroom estate is the pinnacle of luxury bayside living, with multiple entertaining spaces, two kitchens, pool, spa, cinema, gym and billiards room.

WELLINGTON POINT 43 Main Road

INSPECT Private viewings only

Seemingly plucked straight out of the Malibu coastline and settled overlooking Moreton Bay, this home was built to define a legacy. The upper level living/dining space has been open planned. At the centre of it all sits an award winning entertainer’s kitchen, with induction cooktop, dual ovens and walk-in dual access cold room. The lower level includes vast entertaining spaces. These areas are serviced by his-and-her bathrooms, tiger eye marble bar, second kitchen and liquor display cabinet and home cinema. The exterior of this lower level boasts a 12m x 5m in-ground pool and indoor/outdoor heated spa.

6 BED 3 BATH 5 CAR + POOL

eplace.com.au

FOR SALE Expressions of Interest Taylor Kleinberg 0447 466 177 Luke Batchelor 0432 448 147

WORLDCLASS Poised on nearly 2,000m2 of waterfront land, with a 30m frontage and deep water mooring, this residence is oriented directly out to Moreton Bay with panoramic views to Stradbroke Island.

RABY BAY 5 Grenoble Place

INSPECT Call for inspection times

Showcasing the finest craftsmanship, this indulgent home offers 12,000 square feet of remarkable finishes across two levels. This unparalleled position captures panoramic bay views. A collection of versatile living areas both formal and casual make up the lower level, culminating in a seamless transition to waterfront outdoor entertaining spaces. The state-of-the-art kitchen welcomes the chef of the home with in-laid mahogany cabinetry, stone benchtops and butler’s pantry. An exquisite home cinema, an American style Mahogany paneled office, a gym overlooking the tiled pool, wine cellar, steam room, and so much more complete this amazing residence.

5 BED 6 BATH 5 CAR + POOL

eplace.com.au

FOR SALE Paul Curtain 0411 721 474 Sarah Hackett 0488 355 553

Contents

Flinders, page 28

1 3 l u x u ry

surry Hills chic, Victorian grandeur, mornington weekender

1 8 coV E r story 2 2 ja m i E d u r i E

the alluring Byron Bay hinterland is ready for its close-up this distinctive ‘treehouse’ sits lightly in the landscape the baby boomers are setting the trends in the luxury market

24 dolly lEnz 26 BrisBanE

a japanese-influenced design hidden in the rainforest

28 flindErs

this rural enclave has managed to escape the perils of subdivision

3 0 g ol d coa st

will the commonwealth games prove a winner for the market?

3 4 BrisBanE riVEr 3 6 m a n s ion g l oBa l 3 8 Bac k pag E 41 intEriors

Mansion AustrAliA

Editor turi condon Contributing editor jonathan chancellor Interiors editor david meagher Art director

Buyers are clamouring for riverfront homes with the wow factor

shireen nolan

rothschild estate, spirited scotland, ties to the Virgin Queen

robyn ironside

securing a berth at the ultimate sydney apartment address a bittersweet farewell to a much-loved scotland island retreat

4 8 p rod u c t

subtle tones and earthy textures usher in the cooler months

50 my stylE

garden designer matthew cantwell’s secret ambitions

Writers joel robinson milanda rout Elizabeth redman Chief sub editor deirdre Blayney Picture editor christine westwood Advertising craig manning

nExt issuE:

april 14, 2018

tel. 61 2 9288 3678 craig.manning@news.com.au

o n t H E c o V E r drone image of the resort-style swimming pool, with deck in recycled timber, of a designer home at coopers shoot in Byron Bay’s hinterland. photographed by gethin coles

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unsolicited manuscripts will not be considered. printed by pmp print, 31 Heathcote road, moorebank 2170, for the proprietor and publisher, nationwide news pty limited (acn 008 438 828), of 2 Holt street, surry Hills, nsw 2010 for insertion in The Weekend Australian on march 10, 2018

Editor’s letter in the buoyant years before the global financial crisis, sea change and tree change were the order of the day as the wealth created by a then booming economy was directed into finding a retreat with that little bit of magic.

Byron Bay, on the nsw north coast, and its pristine hinterland ticked many of the boxes. the region renowned for its natural beauty also had a reputation as a retreat for australian stars such as paul Hogan, who built his possum creek mansion as a wedding gift to his then bride, linda kozlowski. it has since attracted more star power, with actors chris Hemsworth and simon Baker, and socceroo tim cahill, buying property around Byron and its nearby rolling hills. jonathan chancellor writes that while the market has slowed in line with sydney and melbourne’s cooling housing markets, prices for prestige homes and estates have continued to firm, especially in the $2 million to $4.5 million range. jamie durie has also written about a retreat, this time on sydney’s northern beaches, where designer louella tuckey lives in what she describes as a treehouse, overlooking pittwater. tuckey, who started her career in london with sir terence conran, has created a comfortable and casual home, and believes everyone can express their story in the way they decorate their living space. meanwhile, in our interiors section milanda rout looks across pittwater, talking to the owners of a ken woolley-designed home on scotland island. louise and greg roberts have lived in the home for 23 years but have finally, though reluctantly, decided to move. woolley was part of the sydney school of architecture, embracing the australian landscape, and the school’s design principles are on display in the scotland island home. next month, Queensland’s gold coast hosts the commonweath games, with the city on display to a global television audience of 1.5 billion. the region’s property market has been steadily improving in recent years and analysts expecting the games to provide a further boost. we hope you enjoy this issue of mansion australia.

Turi Condon Editor t H E w E E k E n d aust r a l i a n | m a rc H 1 0 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 8

Idyllic absolute waterfront sanctuary

For Sale

1 Dorset Road, Northbridge, NSW

Inspection

Nestled in a serene peninsula cul-de-sac next to Northbridge Golf Club, this 2,042m² absolute waterfront landholding offers exceptional facilities including a mooring, tennis court, pool and sauna. Commanding a 270-degree Middle Harbour panorama, the exceptional family home spans three vast levels, with six bedrooms including an au pair’s suite, a study, multiple entertaining zones and two kitchens. Details include lowmaintenance grounds and lift access from triple parking.

Expressions of Interest

Agent on site Thursday & Saturday 10:30am-11:15am

Contact

Martin Ross 0404 984 984 martin@kenjacobs.com.au Darren Curtis 0406 761 840 darren@kenjacobs.com.au

®

tarramia, the nsw riverina estate of the late sir clive mcPherson, is being sold. the mulwala holding has been in the family for decades. mcPherson initially began buying up local farms between the wars and tarramia was a significant part of his holdings. the mcPhersons entertained prime minister robert menzies and his wife, dame Patty, at the property, and hosted large house parties there during the annual local picnic races. after mcPherson died in 1958, his daughter, the late marion orme Page, retained the near-2000ha property, which is expected to sell for $10 million-plus. matt childs at Pat rice & Hawkins is marketing it in conjunction with Elders real Estate. offers close on april 4.

Luxury

Pa d d i n g t o n

Classic terrace one of Paddington’s largest terrace homes is set to be sold for the first time in two decades. the three-level underwood street residence, more than 9m wide and at the end of the row, last traded for $1.55 million in 1998. now it has a $7 million price guide through the agency’s Ben collier, who is marketing the property for auction on march 24. set on 475sq m, the five-bedroom home has retained its original heritage features. it is set in mature gardens that include a pool. the traditional veranda wrapped around the top level has views down towards rushcutters Bay and the harbour. underwood street sales have not passed the $7 million mark since 2011, when collette dinnigan sold her five-bedroom offering to lawyer tania Van der Vegt for $7.3 million. the average five-bedroom terrace fetched $4.65 million over the past three years, corelogic has calculated. Paddington’s priciest sale so far this year was a goodhope street renovation project that fetched $4.5 million after having a guide of $3.5 million through Bresicwhitney.

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Butleigh Wootton is one of Kew’s trophy mansions dating from the boom times of the 1880s.

Listed for sale with expectations of $10 million-plus and set on 2935sq m, the imposing seven-bedroom Glenferrie Road home was built for pastoralist Thomas Maidment and named after his birthplace in England.

It was a private residence until 1910, but had a ballroom highly suited to its time as a wedding venue. The home also has a 10m dome, high ornate ceilings, decorative fireplaces and a handcrafted curving staircase.

Savills agent Clinton Baxter is seeking home buyers or those interested in continued commercial use.

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Luxury

nEw Port

Water garden the newport waterfront market has welcomed its first big money listing of 2018 with watermark, a luxury trophy home on crescent road. the property, which has been completely transformed with the help of interior designer Hare & klein, has $5 million expectations through mcGrath avalon agent James Baker, who has set a march 24 auction date. it joins three other properties on the market in newport priced above $5 million. in an elevated position, the four-bedroom home has a lounge on each level looking over Pittwater. the near-1100 sq m gardens have appeared in design publications and on television’s Garden Gurus. landscaped by local architect landart, they include Vergola-roofed terraces. the italian mosaic-tiled pool features designer lighting from Gardens by the night. down by the water there’s a self-contained boathouse with loft accommodation, and there’s berthing for a 65-foot watercraft.

a rural Balnarring weekender, on Victoria’s mornington Peninsula, sold recently for $1.91 million. the 2ha Green wedge zoned property features an Edgar Pirotta-designed timber homestead and a timber boathouse, which is now a studio on the dam. the two-level home, built in 1975, with views over the established gardens had been updated since its sale in 2009 for $866,500. at the bottom of the parcel sits an olive grove, while closer to the home there’s an established veggie garden, chook shed and orchard, complete with trees growing figs, plums, apricots, apples and pears. link Property Balnarring agents lisa Fraser-smith and Gabe Frampton sold the property at auction.

The Surry Hills creative HQ and home of food photographer Geoff Lung has hit the market.

Lung, one of Australia’s leading food, interiors and lifestyle photographers, has been based in the New York-style warehouse since the early 1990s.

The mixed-use space, which includes an upper-level two-bedroom apartment, is in the iconic 1920s Edwards & Co tea warehouse.

Droga5 adman David Droga’s flat is in the building.

Ian Halliday of Burley Katon Halliday completed the conversion of the building’s north side, while architects Mike Vail and Peter Card finished the south. The minimalistic second-floor property spans 210sq m of floor space, not including mezzanines, with rows of floor-to-ceiling original windows. It’s the only space in the building with 5m ceilings.

Ivan Bresic and Shannon Whitney at BresicWhitney have the Foster Street offering, with $3.2 million hopes for its March 24 auction.

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1 Leggatt Street. Daylesford 2

2

1

579 sqm

Book Barn Cafe and Residence on the Lake. Spectacular opportunity to invest or develop your own hospitality establishment. Ideal wine bar, restaurant or cooking school with the bonus of a large adjoining 2 bedroom residence enjoying uninterrupted lake frontage and views.

The best location in Daylesford and just over an hour from Melbourne.

hockingstuart.com.au

Auction Friday May 4th 1.30pm Contact Nathan Skewes 0439 322 630 Will Walton 0412 511 717 Andrew James 0411 420 788

Luxury ocean’s Edge, one of the few beachfront properties along oak Beach in north Queensland, has hit the market with $2.2 million hopes.

Fronting the 1.5km stretch of coconut palm-fringed beach, ocean’s Edge is a contemporary home just south of Port douglas. the elevated living space and the wet-edge saltwater pool frame the ocean views through the palms. the two-storey oak street beach retreat has three ensuited bedrooms. the upstairs master retreat has a large marble ensuite with luxury bath. mark Flinn at ray white Port douglas, who is handling the marketing, notes that the property has been a strong 250 nights-a-year holiday rental. the oak Beach record has stood since 2005, when cottonwood, the tropical acreage of the new Zealandbased lucas family, sold for $3.25 million. the beachfront acreage is currently listed at $6.5 million through lJ Hooker agent michael samson, having been remodelled in 2010. the highest sale in the interim was another oak street beachfront that fetched $1.905 million late last year.

The latest Northbridge prestige offering comes with jetty and a deepwater mooring unaffected

by Middle Harbour tides.

It can accommodate a 27-foot motor cruiser or yacht at the bottom of tiered native gardens.

The three-storey, six-bedroom home sits on 2042sq m with a championship-sized synthetic grass tennis court designed in consultation with Mark Edmondson.

The Dorset Road home’s lower level is dedicated to recreation, with a full kitchen and billiard room leading out to the pool and alfresco area. “Entertaining here is a breeze,” says Christie’s International listing agent Martin Ross.

The cul-de-sac abuts virgin native bushland off Northbridge Golf Club.

The Northbridge record was set last July at $21 million on Coolawin Road, bettering a nearby $15.2 million sale in 2016.

Late last year there was also a $15 million sale of another Coolawin Road home, designed

by Alex Popov, on a sloping 2010sq m waterfront block.

ElstErnw ick

Victorian grandeur an 1890s home in Elsternwick set in 925sq m of gardens designed by rick Eckersley has been listed for auction on march 17. only recently updated, with decor by interior designer Fiona lynch, the five-bedroom home on Gladstone street features soaring ornate ceilings. there’s a refined home office, a lounge and a formal dining room, all with white marble fireplaces. “the grand, historic bones of this magnificent Victorian home became our muse,” says designer lynch. the client encouraged lynch’s exploration of colour, so she took an evolutionary approach from room to room. soft, earthy clay in the lounge melds into rusty brown in the adjacent study and the dining room is swathed in striking blue. marshall white agent sam Hobbs has a guide of $4 million to $4.4 million. last year the south-east melbourne suburb saw three sales at $4 million or above, with properties on Victoria and Parnell streets and st Georges road. the classic Victorian home last traded at $3 million in 2014 when sold by a couple who had suzie Forge restore and extend the property after it traded at $353,000 in the mid-1980s. the Elsternwick median house price is currently at its peak, hovering at $1.85 million, according to corelogic.

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By JONAT H A N C H A NC EL L OR

Star performer The Byron Bay hinterland has lured celebrities for decades and its many attractions continue to command top billing

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The Byron Bay hinterland has long been a captivating retreat offering peace and privacy just a short trip away from the magnet that is the bustling beachside township.

Demand within the sought-after hinterland pockets of Byron Shire rose on the back of the rise in the Sydney and Melbourne markets, with the market consequently also slowing in recent months.

Valuer HTW’s Dave Sullivan says the improvement in prestige prices for Byron Bay had been reflected in increased sale volumes and firming sale prices. In some instances – and particularly in the prestige $2 million to $4.5 million bracket – prices have moved beyond the peak market price levels of 2007, before the global financial crisis The prestige beachfront, beachside and highly regarded rural residential localities of the Far North Coast of NSW, and in particular Byron Bay, experienced exceptional growth in value during the 2002 to 2007 boom period, Sullivan recalls.

“This strong improvement was in part due to the sustained influence of the ‘sea change’ phenomenon felt throughout that period. During this buoyant timeframe, prestige property in Byron was actively sought by a combination of local buyers and retirees and professionals relocating to the area, as well as buyers from other parts of Australia and from overseas seeking the discretionary purchase of second homes, future permanent residences and good-quality lock-up holiday homes.

“However, the real estate market softened considerably and underwent a significant correction in conditions over the six years following the peak of the cycle in 2007. The considerable change in market conditions had a profound effect on prestige real estate, particularly given the discretionary nature of this market segment, and was reflected in rapidly softening sales volumes and value levels.”

Sullivan notes that some re-sales reflected reductions in value from the peak of the cycle of up to 50 per cent, and well below replacement costs.

Acreage properties from Ballina to the Tweed are mostly rural lifestyle properties. The hobby farms are mostly unviable, or of marginal viability, with the exception of macadamia growing, local valuers suggest.

LJ Hooker Byron Bay agent Liam Annesley sees families especially looking to escape the bustle of the city.

“They are looking for an escape for the family, a place the kids can experience nature,” he says.

Annesley says many families are seeking to spend $2 million-plus on a larger holding with a view and privacy.

Sally Dale, state director of valuer Opteon, notes strong purchasing of lifestyle holdings over the past year across the ridgeline behind Byron Bay. She cites the rural localities of Coopers Shoot, Talofa, McLeods Shoot and Coorabell, where there have been 13 sales, ranging from $3 million to $6.12 million.

The smallest was a one-hectare hobby farm at Coopers Shoot that included a trophy home with expansive ocean views and fetched $4.157 million. The biggest was a 17ha retreat, also at Coopers Shoot, that included a macadamia nut orchard and a luxury ocean view residence.

Larger prestige rural lifestyle acreage of between 85 acres and 150 acres used for grazing or macadamia nut orchards have experienced three sales between $3.8 million to $4.25 million, and generally include large Federation homesteads.

Much of the recent allure of the Byron Bay hinterland can be traced back to the early 1980s when Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan built his mansion in Possum Creek, a small locality 16km inland from Byron Bay. It was his wedding gift to his then bride, actor Linda Kozlowski, in 1990.

Hogan scored a then record $8.1 million in 2006 for the 132ha estate with five-bedroom trophy home on the banks of the Wilson River.

When it sold for $6.8 million in 2012, on reduced land of 46ha, it was marketed across the world as a “piece of Hollywood in Byron”.

Fellow movie star Chris Hemsworth secured coastal bushland for his Australian base, paying $7 million for Kooeloah, a Balinese-inspired property on 4.2ha at Broken Head. Hemsworth has lodged plans for an $8 million renovation of the Christine Vadasz-designed home overlooking Seven Mile Beach.

Star of The Mentalist Simon Baker owns a property at hillside Nashua, having spent $1.5 million on a 7ha estate back in 2009.

Hogan’s former sidekick, comedian-turned entrepreneur John ‘Strop’ Cornell, is also based these days in the hinterland. He recently spent $3.375 million on a 1.4ha estate in McLeods Shoot, expanding his holding by adding to the 18ha parcel next door that he’s owned since the 1980s.

Previously, Cornell and his wife Delvene Delaney owned what was the biggest compound on the beach at Belongil. But a few years back the couple offloaded all of it, with buyers including Melbourne chef

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shannon Bennett. the sales also included a don street beachfront property that went to Harvey norman heir Glen norman for $10 million in 2015. one of the most recent entrants to the Byron Bay hinterland is legendary socceroo tim cahill, who spent $1.7 million on Highgate, a 13ha hobby farm in Eureka. the sydney-born forward, who is currently back playing in England having left melbourne, had expressed interest in an agricultural pursuit and when he bought the farm it was home to 15 head of cattle. a colonial-style homestead built high on the hill in 2007 looks out to the hinterland across its own 8000sq m of country gardens. many hobby farm buyers are running their properties as just that, as prices continue to soar in the region. “its hard to make a good return from a farm in the area due to the land cost around Byron Bay,” agent liam annesley says. “most farms are hobby farms, under other farm management or agisted for cattle. to make a farm work, farmers are looking further afield where the land cost is cheaper.”

Valuer steve Greenhalgh says that the most viable farms were producing macadamias. many variables affect the value of the property other than the land size, he notes. interests linked to kings cross identity John ibrahim secured a macadamia farm in 2016, paying $1.45 million for 8ha. annesley, who has an $18.5 million offering on the dress circle wategos Beach, says that in more recent times popular agricultural pursuits include coffee and permaculture. agents saw a big increase during 2017 in interstate buyers, investors and occupiers alike, though buyers have also been looking to lennox Head as an alternative with a more affordable price point and many of the same desirable features Byron Bay offers, such as beaches and restaurants. “interstate money has traditionally been poured into the coastal resort towns of Byron Bay, suffolk Park and lennox Head for investment-driven purposes. However as businesses change structure, so has the demographic for these areas,” a recent report by Htw

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Previous page: The stretch of hinterland where the Coopers Shoot home (top left) is located.

Clockwise from top right: Gowan Brae at Fernleigh; The Glasshouse, Coorabell; Verandahs, Coorabell

noted. “with national businesses allowing a more free and easy work from home environment, people have trended away from the city areas and commute every few weeks or when necessary. “services such as the Ballina/Byron airport and the Gold coast airport are within close driving distance, and people are taking advantage of not necessarily having to leave high-earning jobs in metropolitan areas while still enjoying a coastal regional lifestyle.”

Htw also recently noted that a “significant portion” of the buyers of Byron Bay properties over the past two years have been from sydney. the Byron Bay hinterland is never short of a prestige listing or two. annesley is marketing one of the most impressive currently on the market, the alec tzannes-designed Glasshouse at coorabell, which has an asking price of $4.195 million the seven-bedroom home sits in complete privacy on its 2ha estate, which features two waterfalls, a private lake, an orchard and secret gardens. mainly constructed from glass, timber, stone and steel, the Glasshouse features a cinema room, a mezzanine library, and a kitchen that slides open to an outdoor dining area with outdoor kitchen. a two-bedroom, fully self-contained pool house set in its own subtropical gardens overlooks the swimming pool. annesley describes the home as a contemporary masterpiece. it may just miss out on the coorabell record, set in 2016 when la Grande Vue was sold by former sydneysiders, Panoramix studio founder Bertrand lalanne and his wife, dianne.

the Peter Hobbs-designed home on 17ha, completed in 2013, sold for $4.25 million. nearby is a possible coorabell record setter. Verandahs, a luxury homestay and wedding venue, has a price guide of $4.5 million to $4.9 million through Byron Bay First national agent Helene adams. set on 2ha, the lifestyle estate includes a three-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom plus study self-contained studio. French doors open from every room onto the wraparound covered veranda with garden outlook, while a frequently tended herb garden accompanies the gourmet kitchen. at the rear of the home sits a swimming pool, cabana with pizza oven and a lawn bordered by a stand of pine trees and a forest. the gardens have been worked on by the same groundsman since the property last traded for $750,000 in 2001. the luxury rental brings in $1100 a night off-peak and $1500 a night during peak periods. there’s also a designer home at coopers shoot, one of Byron’s priciest hinterland areas, up for $4.1 million to $4.4 million. open Home online agents Bill Eames and John simon are marketing the five-bedroom residence, which they describe as “rural opulence”. set at the end of a private cul-de-sac, the renovated home has had a recent designer fitout – everything from merino wool carpets to a black claw-foot antique bath. a handcrafted staircase leads to an entertainers deck looking toward the Pacific. one of the two living rooms opens to a recycled timber deck with kitchen, pizza oven, cabana and resort-style swimming pool. the 1.4ha grounds include separate self-contained guest accommodation.

Gowan Brae at Fernleigh, a grand old 1890s homestead full of original cedar with teak floors, has been listed by lJ Hooker Ballina agent richard Bacon, after 40 years of ownership. set on more than 7ha of elevated fertile land, it has four bedrooms and a wraparound veranda with views.

Bacon, who has set a march 22 auction date, says properties like this are becoming very scarce.

For decades Byron Bay shire has been working on a rural settlement strategy to open up more smaller holdings in the future.

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6 Knightsbridge Parade East

SOVEREIGN ISLAND 4

5

3 Jetty

Private waterfront paradise, North facing, exclusive island address The ultimate privacy- no neighbours front & rear, wide water views, designer kitchen, 3 car garage, jetty, 25 mins to Surfers Paradise, 10 mins to Golf courses.

Price: Offers over 3.95 million

ALEX PHILLIS 0411 600 300

7 Brittanic Crescent

Palatial waterfront mansion, secure Island estate

SOVEREIGN ISLAND 5

5

5

• 180 degree Panoramic views, high quality fittings & fixtures, can handle a 100ft boat • A three-storey residence spanning 1048 sq m, on a 1260sq m property with 37m of water frontage.

• Grand foyer, multiple formal and casual dining and lounge areas • 24 hour Secured Island estate • Take a 3D virtual tour at alexphillisluxuryrealestate.com.au

ALEX PHILLIS 0411 600 300

Jamie Durie PhoToGr a PhS BY Ja Son BUSc h

cLarEvILLE

Tree hugger what I’ve always found intriguing about our multicultural country is the wide variety of architectural styles we draw from. The question is, what do we learn and retain and how do we sift through to find the most relevant concepts?

The fact that we are such a young country means we’re still honing our architectural vernacular. If we were to sway in any one direction, it would certainly be towards the east.

For centuries, Japan has been one of the world’s greatest design inspirations for people such as the great Frank Lloyd wright and his understudy walter Burley Griffin, whom we like to claim as our own.

Even US turn-of-the-century architects the Greene brothers travelled to kyoto to gain inspiration, which they then put into play in such iconic homes as the Gamble house in Pasadena, california. now open to the public, it is filled with Japanese design techniques that seek to eliminate conventional steel fixings such as bolts and screws and strive for an honest form of engineering achieved by simple interlocking joinery. This secretly delivers more structural integrity than the building actually requires, in typical understated Japanese cultural fashion.

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designer Louella Tuckey lives in what she describes as a treehouse, overlooking Pittwater on Sydney’s northern beaches, with her two daughters, chilli and Indigo, their dog Scribble and cat Toto Pusheen. her career started with London design icon Sir Terence conran, who carved out his retail mark with the groundbreaking habitat furniture stores. Its slogan was “bringing modern design to the high street at affordable prices”, and the brand inspired the likes of Freedom and others here in australia.

Tuckey then went on to create the more upmarket and just as innovative conran Flagship stores. She made her mark there before moving to australia and working with multiple brands, most recently as the main creative driving force behind mark Tuckey, where she was creative director. She helped lead the brand in a more contemporary direction over 10 years before branching out on her own two years ago.

She is just completing a boat access only property for Justin hemmes of the merivale Group that can only be described as sheer rustic elegance. The project has been intense, and involves managing all building works, designing kitchen and bathroom fixtures and fittings, and

This page: Louella Tuckey at home (top) and an artwork by her daughter (above). Opposite: Vaulted ceilings, a timber kitchen, relaxed decor and al fresco entertaining areas make for a laid-back lifestyle

specifying additional furniture and homewares to complete a full renovation. oh, and did I mention it’s all been done by boat and barge?

Tuckey took it in her stride, flitting back and forth across the bay on her runabout and dinghy daily, fuelled by nothing but her trademark creativity and confidence, rain hail or shine.

She’s also developing a jewellery range, and she’s working alongside her partner alex willcock on his maker & Son range of furniture and homewares, now available in australia. with a wealth of merchandising and styling experience gleaned from working with multiple design brands, one wonders about Tuckey’s own home, and I must admit to a touch of house envy on my first visit.

The quirky, Japanese-inspired “treehouse” in Sydney’s clareville, designed in the 1960s by renowned australian architect, the late ray Gill, is a cleverly crafted home perched loftily amid leafy tree-tops, with natural surrounds that include stunning Pittwater and views from Scotland Island to Lion Island. Serenely elevated, it has three bedrooms and generous open living spaces. It is a completely transterior house that embraces the natural landscape cradling it on all sides.

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The house seems to float in the tree canopy, lightweight and transparent.

At night it resembles a pretty lantern hung in the midst of natural bushland

The time Gill spent in Japan heavily influenced the design of the home, which he also lived in. I love the genius timber slider air vents above the façade windows. natural light streams through the house, bouncing off the warmth and richness of the monastic timber beams, and the interiors resonate with earthy calm. The living spaces flow expansively, and the vaulted ceilings with their exposed timber beams and the tallowwood floors are instantly at one with the natural environment.

The whole house is an earthy dream, offering exquisite water views from every level.

The beautiful open-plan timber kitchen would satisfy the most fastidious of cooks, and the outdoor entertaining areas offer a 180-degree vista over the water. The accommodation leads to an entertaining space that feels like an internal garden, perfect for barbecues and alfresco dining.

The natural bushland setting provides tranquil reading spots and ideal viewing positions.

The house seems to float in the tree canopy, lighweight and transparent. There are satisfying nooks and crannies, harry Potter-style cubbies, beds in cupboards, and a hidden bathroom with a sunken tub. at night it resembles a pretty lantern hung in the midst of natural bushland.

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Tuckey’s interior style is natural, comfortable, warm, casual and very cool. There are artistic touches everywhere, and her daughter’s numerous artworks are on display. Everything is beautiful, yet nothing is too precious. The whole space is functional and fun, tactile with a play on textures and lush natural materials. It’s an environment that is warm, inviting and enveloping, yet light, radiant and breezy at the same time – like its owner.

“The possessions in your home should tell a story, your own personal story,” says Tuckey. “You should never go into a shop and buy a whole ‘look’ because someone says it’s on trend. The things you have around you in your home should be lovingly collected over the years and be a true reflection of yourself and the life you’ve lived.”

She says everyone has a story they can express in the way they decorate their home. choose elements you love and colours that inspire you, and the fact you’ve chosen authentically will be a common thread pulling everything together.

Tuckey has done a wonderful job of completing Gill’s vision, and her home is just one indicator of why she is one of London’s more unfortunate losses and one of our biggest gains.

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Dolly Lenz

Local aspect

witH jEnny lEnz

k ay & Bu rton sou t H ya r r a

Ross Savas the baby boomers continue to exert significant influence on our core markets of stonnington, Boroondara, Bayside and the Peninsula. on the demand side, lifestyle and location remain the key drivers. Boomers tend to know what they want and have the capacity to purchase, having benefited from the significant growth in melbourne property prices over the past 30 years. the concerning trend remains the significant supply controlled by this market. when people downsize it is for lifestyle reasons, not financial incentives. there has been a shift in the price point and the quality of product baby boomers demand, with a preference for high-end, bespoke townhouses, and larger apartments in smaller developments. while a significant amount of new development is somewhat satisfying demand, the key is the level of quality. Price is rarely the determining factor, and prices can range from $2 million to $7 million. we are also seeing a number of clients downsize in the immediate area and use the surplus funds to purchase a lifestyle property, typically on the mornington Peninsula.

Qu EEnsl a n d sot H EBy ’ s r E a lt y

Paul Arthur

BaBy BoomErs

The big downsize the baby-boomer generation is increasing in relative size. this, combined with its significant affluence, is influencing trends for the entire real estate market as never before. in fact, the proportion of people aged 55-74 rose from 16 per cent of the us population in 1985 to 21 per cent in 2015 (a 30 per cent increase) and it is continuing to grow. despite recent headlines touting the emergence of the younger generation and its increasing influence on the real estate market, it is clear these newbies have a long way to go before they supplant the baby boomers as the key drivers of the luxury market. and boomer tastes are changing from previous decades, resulting in a trend that will have a profound effect on the luxury market for the foreseeable future. over the past 20 years, their general mindset has been “the bigger the better”. Fueled by growing incomes, rising wealth, and a belief that a home said more about a person and his or her position in the world than a job title, these affluent buyers purchased increasingly large and luxurious homes for themselves and their families. they could afford to do so, and their need to make a statement about their relative success and place in the social strata was too overpowering to ignore. keeping up with joneses also prevailed, and their friends kept upping the ante by buying larger and larger homes in upscale communities where land was scarce and prices went only up. and if these buyers couldn’t find a home they liked they would find a property in the right location and setting, demolish the existing house and build a new one, custom fitted to their wish list. money was not a major consideration and so typical buyers would rent a nearby property while they watched their new home being built. times have changed. the kids are grown and have moved out, and one couple living in a typical 1000-1400sq m house is not the

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A full-floor basketball court in a prime Upper East Side NYC mansion

thrill it used to be – especially when they realise they spend more than 90 per cent of their time in less than 15 per cent of the rooms. more and more we’re hearing from clients that they want to downsize to something more manageable and cozy. they still want all the bells and whistles – smart homes with the latest technologies are very popular with this group – but they want to drastically cut down on the scale. so what does this mean for the luxury real estate market? interestingly enough, many of these individuals are not looking to sell their properties as a large number are irreplaceable assets. often they wish to keep properties in their families, and are transferring title to trusts created for the benefit of their children and their progeny in perpetuity. as a result, even though some are selling, we’re not seeing a glut of mega mansions coming to market or the resulting price pressure such a trend would precipitate. we are seeing increased demand for less imposing homes, or even luxury condos managed by someone other than the owners. this is especially desirable as the need for more travel and leisure time during this stage of their lives allows owners to be more mobile without the responsibility of managing a large estate. the developing sweet spot for these buyers is smaller twoand three-bedroom units, as well as more manageable homes and condos in varying locales, from ski and beach resorts to bustling city pied-à-terres. Purveyors of luxury housing as well as other real estate professionals would be wise to incorporate this trend of more modest living requirements into their future offerings to this influential buying segment.

Dolly Lenz heads New York-based Dolly Lenz Real Estate and last year sold more than $US500 million worth of luxury US and international homes. dollylenz.com

a trend we have identified in the south East Queensland market is the silent generation contributing to the construction of larger, high-quality 200-400sq m off the plan apartments. these typical baby boomers usually spend between $1.5 million and $3 million, and want a view and a lifestyle to go with it. the oversupply of investor property in our market has developers pursuing this type of construction and local buyers are becoming more educated in buying off the plan. it enables these buyers to have a plan and timeline in place when selling their family homes. they are also snapping up inner-city and beachside villas and apartments within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and transport. amenities such as pools and gyms are definitely on their radar, and the lock-up-and-go convenience allows travel and ownership of other property interstate or overseas. these empty nesters are not only local but are also from sydney and melbourne. in parts of south East Queensland where space is scarce we have also seen an increase in construction of vertical over-50s lifestyle resorts.

t H E agE nc y

Michael Paproth we’ve seen a large number of baby boomers move through the area, rather than just to the area. owners of large family homes in, say, melbourne’s middle Park and albert Park are unwilling to move from the inner-city, bayside lifestyle and are screaming out for quality developments, especially in Port melbourne and along the beachfront. there is now total acceptance of apartment living, given garaging and security and low-maintenance living.

Baby boomers see the benefits of buying off the plan. locally, apartments are catering for an older demographic. the melbourne inner-city market especially needs high-end, luxury and boutique developments of, say, 15-20 apartments. High-end apartments are being sold to baby boomers, with 90 per cent of my 2017 sales of luxury apartments going to empty nesters.

Baby boomers are selling their family homes for anywhere between $12,000 and $21,000 per square metre and think nothing of paying a similar figure for quality waterfront apartments. the move of baby boomers towards the inner city is usually complemented by a more permanent base in a seaside town.

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One of the most astonishing secrets...

This magical property is without peer. A passionate owner, a skilled horticulturalist and a team of landscape gardeners have spent almost two decades creating this uniquely West Australian botanical oasis on over 143 hectares in the Perth Hills. Central to this property is the magnifi cent 1-kilometre stretch of Lake Retreat; the source of the propertys life-giving water. Manicured beaches, islands, numerous waterfalls and water features, plus manicured lawns, sculptured hedges and luscious semi-formal gardens enhance the more than 10 hectares of lakes. Three kilometres of walkways promise endless opportunities for exploration of this secluded haven and over six kilometres of bitumenised roads wind through the gardens.

The property already includes a quaint 3 bedroom 2 bathroom lakeside cabin whilst the sealed roads lead to several sites ideal for a luxurious private residence. From lakeside bays to elevated eyries off ering breath taking views over the lakes to the valleys beyond, wherever you stand on this property the vista transforms by the hour a tableau of changing light and colour played out on the lakes clear surface. Its simply magnificent.

If you are looking for a truly remarkable private property or the perfect site for a world class commercial venture, Lake Retreat is it. The rare opportunity to make this unique 143 hectare (355 acres) property your own is on offer and with it the key to secure one of the best-kept secrets in Western Australia.

ROSS WEBSTER 0407 387 004 mrhappy@brookwoodrealty.com.au

Brisbane jonaT h a n c h a nc EL L or

Main pic and below left: The Highgate Hill home’s setting gives it a sense of remoteness despite being only 5km from the CBD. Right: The pavilion layout allows discrete uses for the three spaces including sleeping, cooking and eating, and entertaining

Hidden agenda An inspired design on a small remnant of bushland not far from the city centre overcame the site’s difficulty to build a thing of beauty andresen told the architectural review UmE magazine that the most significant climate issue was being able to admit and control sunlight for the 800sq m of internal space.

“Locating most rooms in a row along the upper level of the eastern slope and constructing glazed walls secured the greatest access to light in winter, but presented short elevations to north and south light and opened up a long wall to unwelcome western sunlight in summer,” she said. “The tilt of the skillion roof exposes a narrow strip of glazing to the western sky for winter light to upperlevel rooms.”

The home was featured in the definitive Phaidon atlas of contemporary world architecture.

It was first sold in 2007 for $1.3 million by lecturers Lani weedon and Greg hooper. The current vendors are downsizing too.

The median house price in highgate hill now sits at around $1.8 million, according to researcher coreLogic. The suburb’s record price was set a decade ago when a six-bedroom home at the end of the pricey dauphin Terrace fetched $4.35 million. andresen o’Gorman is especially known for ocean View Farmhouse, mount mee (1994), mooloomba house at Point Lookout (1998), a two-storey holiday home built in the beach community at Point Lookout on north Stradbroke Island, and a pair of dwellings known as moreton Bay houses built at wynnum in 2001 on a small lot subdivision.

The norway-born andresen took up a temporary teaching position at the University of Queensland in 1977, becoming the first female to be appointed in the department of architecture. There she met fellow teacher Peter o’Gorman, her late husband, with whom she established a practice that specialised in the poetics of timber construction. andresen retired in 2010 after 33 years of academic contribution and was then appointed Emeritus Professor in the School of architecture. In 2002 she became the first woman to receive the raIa Gold medal.

mIchaEL nIchoLSon

There are several challenges involved in building a home – especially when that home is intended for a sloping riverfront rainforest block of land.

That was the task facing architect Brit andresen, of andresen o’Gorman architects, whose commission in the mid-1990s was to create a residence in a gully on the Brisbane river. andresen had to build a home in highgate hill on a fragment of bushland left over after development of the more readily buildable surrounding terrain. She considered the owner’s determined affinity with the environment when designing for a “beautiful but complex site”.

Set within a north-south gully down to the river, the cul-de-sac home has a real sense of remoteness despite its suburban setting, listing agent marcus Lloyd-jones at modern house agency says. rosebery house, a contemporary timber home built in 1997 only 5km from the cBd, has been listed for sale, with offers due next month.

It was built on its lush 850sq m incorporating three pavilions in a global design that embraced japanese, Scandinavian and australian influences, from both an aesthetic and functional perspective.

The pavilions, connected by two open decks, have distinct functions. one is a private zone for sleep and study, another serves as the kitchen and dining space and the third is the living and entertaining area.

There are also a number of different indoor zones, which turn into outdoor spaces via sliding slat timber doors. The family living room, with its slick black fireplace and japanese-inspired sliding doors, opens to overlook the gully below.

Brushbox hardwood floors throughout are easy to keep clean, while the main framework of the building is constructed from spotted gum for strength and visual impact.

The home’s rooflines incorporate translucent corrugated acrylic sheets, allowing light to flood into the pavilions.

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Rural estates jonat H a n c H a nc El l or

Country values Astute planning has preserved the authentically rural character of Flinders, a serene slice of the Mornington Peninsula 28

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in the village of Flinders, coastal spindrift avenue typically commands the limelight, but the mornington Peninsula enclave is just as much about rural living at its finest. the village and its nearby hobby farms, 85km from melbourne at the point where western Port meets Bass strait, have managed to retain their rural character thanks to strict subdivison laws. many of the best homes are on acreage, often with bushland, but invariably with views of the ocean as well. rob curtain at Peninsula sotheby’s international realty says Flinders offers the classic Peninsula lifestyle. “the rural setting on larger parcels of land offers buyers more privacy in a quieter environment,” he says. “Flinders has wonderful access to beaches, wineries and golf courses, which the likes of Portsea has too.”

Veteran agent Gerald delaney, with his eternal fondness for Portsea, has a foot in either camp, long pinpointing Flinders as a new star rising in the east. some 12 years ago the Flinders entry point was $420,000 for a

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fibro shack without a view. The cheapest sale there in the past year was $1.295 million.

Longstanding subdivision laws have prevented speculative housing on the beautiful green hills settled in 1854 and named for the explorer captain matthew Flinders. most holdings in the Flinders area are zoned Green wedge 1, which only allows a minimum of 200 acres to be subdivided into 50-acre lots. There is also restrictive Green wedge 2 zoning.

Flinders, which sits between red hill, main ridge, Shoreham and cape Schanck, has 280 properties of one hectare or more. There are around 700 all up, and on the last census night some 236 of them were occupied.

Last year, The Grange, a Gwenmarlin road estate of nearly 12ha on land subdivided in 1998, sold for $3.8 million after just 24 days on the market, through kay & Burton Flinders agents Prue mcLaughlin and Tom Barr Smith.

The property, bordering Greens Bush national Park, has 360-degree rural views sweeping across Bass Strait, and includes traditional Paul Bangay-designed gardens.

Prue mcLaughlin says that for some time Flinders has attracted purchasers from the Portsea/Sorrento side, with sought-after acquisitions especially on the Esplanade, the Panton Estate and surrounding the golf course. “any properties with either a sea view or within walking distance to the beach are in demand,” she says. “weekenders account for the majority of our buyers, with Flinders really the only remaining true village on the Peninsula. “we have a very strong community spirit. There is much to offer, from social activities to golf, sailing, fishing, horse riding, and of course eating and drinking.”

The Grange’s architecturally designed three-bedroom residence features soaring vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and polished concrete floors. The kitchen is wed to the garden, with two walls of glass opening to expansive decks and entertaining areas featuring a vine-draped pergola. There’s a solar-heated swimming pool framed by manchurian pear trees.

Lending itself to equine interests, the property has 10 fenced paddocks, a dressage arena and an american-style barn with two stables. completing the grounds is a Tuscan varietal olive grove with 880 trees. It nicely suits the Green wedge 2 zoning, which imposes a minimum size of 12 ha. while many buyers dream of having their own olive grove, there are a number of other factors that drive buyers to Flinders. Perhaps they want to swing a golf club in the comfort of their garden, or they want space for their sculptures. many, however, are simply looking for designer luxury in a rural setting. acclaimed melbourne designer Stephen akehurst has doubledigit price expectations for his imposing manor, through chantal hooper at chantal hooper & associates. hooper is asking for offers between $10 million and $11 million for Lower Lower Steading, set in 7500sq m of manicured gardens on the main ridge border. The five-bedroom country home features a grand library and an 800-bottle climate-controlled cellar. an elegant freestanding pavilion and a heated pool are in the grounds, which also feature an old-fashioned perennial garden.

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Opposite: 26 Glenvale Road. Above: Lower Lower Steading (left) and 440 Keys Road. Below: The Grange (top) and Meroo, a Hamptons-style home on Bass Street

Longstanding subdivision laws have prevented speculative housing on the beautiful green hills settled in 1854 and named for the explorer Captain Matthew Flinders

meroo, a classic but more compact akehurst-designed home in Flinders, recently sold after having $6.5 million to $7 million price hopes through rob curtain and danielle Vains.

The Bass Street hamptons-style home on a 2760sq m lot came with an internal elevator connecting the garden living zone to the upper-level balconied space overlooking the tiled pool.

Properties that sit on smaller 1000sq m parcels are sometimes available. rob curtain and danielle Vains at Sotheby’s had a newly built Glenvale road home on the market for just 40 days last year before they sold it for $3 million.

Vains says the timber home, which is sculpted into the natural landscape with views of the sea and the hills, “offered the best of both worlds”. completed in august last year, the five-bedroom offering sits on 1076sq m overlooking the district.

Flinders properties can be held for a long time. a taste of French provincial sold last year for a windfall $2.55 million. The building block cost $140,000 back in 1994. rT Edgar’s michael Parker and Samantha moffatt sold the 3ha property after asking $2 million-plus. It comes with two paddocks, a large dam, a hen house and a fruit orchard. The stone cottage features soaring cathedral ceilings.

Flinders announced itself on the ultra-prestige price mornington Peninsula market early last year when miramar, a luxury wood marsh-designed home built by the Besen family, sold for $17.2 million. It was bought by Good Guys boss andrew muir and his wife Emma through Sotheby’s curtain. described by curtain as “land art by the sea”, the awardwinning home features a sunken living pod, seven bedrooms, a study, exercise room and a two-level master wing.

The record price beat the $13 million sale of Boyd’s Point, a hamptons-style home also designed by akehurst. Bluff avenue runs inland off Spindrift.

The kroger family secured the sale, through kay & Burton, of the 18ha holding complete with simulated golf driving range when it was bought by interests associated with lawyer Thomas kim. curtain says the Flinders prestige market is typical of other premium areas of the Peninsula, with strong sales results but a shortage of quality listings.

“The highest residential sale prices over a long period have been on Spindrift avenue,” he says. “This is of course due to the spectacular water views.” owners on Sprindrift avenue through the decades have reportedly included businessman John Elliott, singer John Farnham and entertainer daryl Somers, lending the strip a starstudded reputation.

The $17.2 million sale of miramar has given people more confidence in investing in building larger and better-quality homes, curtain says. “miramar raised the bar to what owners of luxury homes can now achieve in Flinders,” he says.

Parker suggests early signs suggest there will be continued enthusiasm in 2018.

“The number of permanent tree/sea change couples and families is continuing to rise,” he says. “we found that with the advancement of technology it is creating the ability for remote work to increase.”

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Prestige waterfront joEL robInSon

Going for Gold

Opinions vary on the market impact of next month’s Commonwealth Games but most agree it’s a win-win

The question of the likely impact the commonwealth Games will have on the Gold coast property market has been on everyone’s lips, says Gold coast veteran john natoli. natoli, The agency’s new recruit, believes an “uptake” in property is “inevitable” over the next year following the imminent april arrival of tourists for the Games. Prices are already up, with australia’s sixth-largest city recording a 3 per cent increase over the past 12 months – better than brisbane and Sydney but not melbourne, according to researcher coreLogic.

“There is little doubt that the Games will introduce the Gold coast to many people who have never seen or experienced the Gold coast,” natoli says, “but whether the uptake was due to the Games or the ongoing value for money and affordability might be hard to define.” coreLogic’s head of research, cameron kusher, agrees it’s not just the Games that will increase property prices.

“It isn’t specifically the commonwealth Games that is driving the improvement in the housing market on the Gold coast,” kusher says. “what is driving the growth is the fact that the region is seeing infrastructure upgrades, some of which are associated with the commonwealth Games, and the growing demand for lifestyle property.” ray white Surfers Paradise agent andrew bell says the commonwealth Games has played a key role in driving the Gold coast property market over the past three years. he says because price growth has been steady, the improvement is likely to continue past the Games, which will run for two weeks in april.

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“our market has grown steadily over the past three years,” bell says, adding that it had not been the crazy boom growth Sydney and melbourne experienced. he sees a slightly moderated growth in the next couple of years of the current real estate cycle.

Prices have risen considerably since 2016, and bell notes that the Gold coast property market hasn’t been this strong since 2006. The big price gains on southern homes has boosted the capacity of melbourne and Sydney owners to buy on the coast. a recent off-market Isle of capri sale highlighted the demand at the top end. ray white broadbeach agents Sam Guo and julia kuo sold the home of entrepreneurial former rolls royce car dealer david baird and his wife marion for $8.8 million. The couple did not have the house formally on the market, but it sold within a week to an undisclosed interstate asian buyer.

The five-bedroom, six-bathroom home on The corso cost the bairds $6.35 million in 2013 when they bought it under the hammer through natoli.

Last year, Gold coast horse owner david henderson, who made his money through real estate, and his wife rhonda sold their mermaid beach mansion for $16.5 million.

The home, bought by austworld Group’s Sam raso and his wife rosa, was built in 2010 after the hendersons paid $4.5 million for the 1210sq m absolute beachfront block surrounded by parkland. designed by architect Paul Uhlmann, the hedges avenue home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a library, gym, sauna, and a man

cave with bar. It came with a magnesium-chlorinated pool and spa.

That sale followed the whisper-quiet one of a hope Island estate that changed hands for a record $16.5 million in the middle of last year to a relocating Vietnamese businessman.

Selling agents warren and wendy hickey from hope Island resort realty described the home as comparable to a five-star hotel.

Spread across three waterfront land lots totalling 3225sq m, the home has five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. with no expense spared, it features imported and hand-cut marble flooring, crystal chandeliers and master-crafted cabinetry by internationally renowned cabinetmaker wallace and hinz.

The showcase feature is a 12-seat gold class-style cinema, complete with fully equipped bar.

The home spent just five days on the market.

These short stays on market are not typically seen on the Gold coast. not all properties sell so quickly. developer Gary mcPherson and his wife julie are still seeking buyers for their pricey commodore drive, Surfers Paradise, offering after 700 days on market. They’re now asking $6.395 million, through ray white Prestige agents matt Gates and robert Graham, for the riverfront home.

It has four bedrooms, each with a carved Italian marble ensuite and dressing room. There’s a riverside swimming pool, a parlour and a commercial-sized elevator. The property had a $7.8 million asking price in late-2016 marketing.

Seven of the coast’s ultra top-end homes – $10 million-plus – have

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Clockwise from top: The home on Southern Cross Drive designed by Bayden Goddard; Commodore Drive, Surfers Paradise; 33 The Corso, Isle of Capri; and the Hope Island record-breaker

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sold in the past five years, compared to four from the five years after the global financial crisis hit. Sales of $5 million-plus have been strong too, with nearly 60 houses sold for over the past five years. The previous five years saw around 40 houses sell for more than $5 million.

The global financial crisis arrived late on the coast and stayed longer than in other capitals, but it’s catch-up time now. david and marion baird were based at Summer house, credited as one of the Gold coast’s biggest residences, before selling it for a cronin Island record $11 million in 2016.

It was bought by celine Guan, wife of junxiong Yang, the owner of the Links Golf course at hope Island resort.

The six-bedroom home has three kitchens, a gym, several spas and saunas, a 25m four-lane lap pool and a 10-car basement garage.

It was designed by main beach architect mobb Thompson and Payne and built 26 years ago for the president of daikyo Shoji Yokoyama, the japanese company behind the QT hotel.

Video game designer masafumi miyamoto bought the residence for $6,553,136 in 1997 – a Gold coast record that stood for eight years. he sold it to the bairds for $8 million in 2004 despite having $13 million hopes.

The home was once rented by hollywood stars Sarah michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze jr when they were making Scooby-doo.

The exclusive Southern cross drive might be set for another record sale. The agency’s john natoli and ryan ward are marketing a home with a price tag of $13.8 million, just a few doors down from Summer house. designed by popular Gold coast architect bayden

Goddard, the four-level home sits on a 1240sq m waterfront parcel, with a 10m infinity pool overlooking the river. a 12m pontoon and jet ski pontoons extend into the water. all four levels of the home can be accessed by a private elevator.

There are seven ensuited bedrooms, a 2000-bottle wine cellar and a rooftop deck with skyline views.

It last traded in 2012 for $6.1 million when it was sold by nicole Perrin, the ex-wife of disgraced former billabong tycoon matthew Perrin. In 2008, the home was briefly valued at $15 million, suggesting prices are starting to get back to where they were preglobal financial crisis.

Lucy cole of Lucy cole Prestige says buyers are interested in the Games aspect of purchasing. “buyers are definitely asking about the best area to buy,” she says.

She expects prices to continue to rise, citing previous host cities’ success post international events. “we believe the market post the Games will continue its current trend as these visitors, and the 1.5 billion viewers from around the world, will see what we have to offer,” cole says. “history will show, through the likes of the 2014 commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2000 olympic Games in Sydney, that the inquiry and the demand for property will continue after, as previously happened with other host cities.” cole says the infrastructure growth is encouraging buyers to invest in the area: “The areas adjoining the light rail and beachside have been particularly busy, with properties being snapped up.”

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POINT PIPER 2A Buckhurst Avenue Bespoke harbour-view sanctuary in secluded cul-de-sac Privately and peacefully tucked away in one of the Point Piper peninsula’s most idyllic, leafy culde-sacs, this sophisticated Hamptons-style residence is the upper-level of a newly refurbished duplex building nestled amid beautiful Paul Bangay gardens.

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Open-plan entertaining space, a marble entertainer’s kitchen and lovingly curated materials and finishes combine to create a sanctuary exuding contemporary elegance and a sense of tranquillity.

Capturing views across Double Bay to the city skyline. This wonderfully generous 276sqm residence enjoys private direct access to Seven Shillings Beach and Redleaf Pool.

INSPECT : AUCTION: CONTACT:

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Saturday & Thursday 9.45 - 10.30am or by appointment Monday 19th March at 6.00pm, Domain Auction House, 29-33 Bay Street, Double Bay Brad Pillinger 0411 545 577 brad@pillinger.com

Central Garden

Images are artist’s impressions only

Kitchen/Living

Rooftop Skypool

HAWTHOR N PARK – PERFECTLY NATURAL LIVING INTERACTIVE DISPLAY SUITE OPEN DAILY 10AM-4PM FOR A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT CALL 1300 00 2868

A selection of luxury parkside apartments and townhouses, Hawthorn Park is the future of Hawthorn. Set on over 2000m² of residential parkland designed by Jack Merlo with exclusive access to Melbourne’s only Skypool, featuring, lounges, outdoor entertaining areas, lap pool and a tranquil splash pool.

Each Premium floorplan is unique in design – thoughtfully executed for maximum space and living. Featuring abundant light, the large kitchens have natural stone island benches, premium Gaggenau appliances and large entertainment areas. Premium, three bed residences start at $1,250,000.

Also available, one bed from $465,000 and two bed from $635,000.

47 CAMBERWELL RD HAWTHORN EAST HAWTHORN-PARK.COM.AU

Brisbane River joEl robi nson

jedburgh, a family home dating from the 1880s, is one of the few remaining colonial homes on the brisbane river. the property was relocated from windsor, in inner brisbane, during the mid-1990s to its present 5260sq m location in kenmore, some 14km down river. the stately Queenslander, which takes its name from an earlier dairy farm, is now surrounded by towering river gums, with no neighbours. set in lush gardens, it has been renovated by its long-time owners, anaesthetist anne cunningham and her retired psychologist husband rod. there are four bedrooms and a sleepout, as well as a floodlit tennis court and a deep-water pontoon on a 76m brisbane river frontage. ray white rural agent barry Quinn has set an auction date of march 23 for the property. the highest riverfront sale of last year was of a brick and timber home at Graceville designed by robin boyd award-winning architect donald watson that sold for $7 million. the sprawling 5200sq m came with a four-bedroom main residence, as well as a guesthouse, swimming pool and tennis court.

Place new Farm agent judy Goodger is marketing a nearby Queenslander in Graceville with similar gun-barrel river views for auction on march 22. the bank road home spans three levels, with the living, dining and kitchen area situated on the top level to take in the views from a wraparound balcony. the home has five bedrooms and a horizon-edge pool set in manicured gardens.

Goodger says Queenslanders certainly compete in the market with new homes. “modern contemporary homes are always popular. However some buyers are also drawn to the heritage charm of a beautifully renovated Queenslander with wide verandas capturing those cool river breezes,” she says.

Goodger says she is finding high demand from buyers looking to make offers on properties that are not on the market but have previously sold through them. last year, brisbane’s prestige upstream suburbs pushed the highest annual tally of riverfront house sales in more than a decade. there were 44 absolute riverfront sales last year, the highest number since 2007, when there were 49, according to the dixon Family river report. more than $126 million was spent on absolute riverfront homes in 2017. there was a total of 73 riverfront and

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Stream homes The wow factor means prestige riverfront properties in the Queensland capital are in big demand – even before they hit the market

Top: Virginia Ave, Hawthorne (top left) and the Queenslander on Bank Road. Above, top and bottom: Jedburgh

riverside sales, up 55 per cent from 2016’s tally of 47. “a renewed belief in the economic future of Queensland is apparent,” the dixon agency noted. “after experiencing little price growth for some years, the upstream reaches from Yeronga to chelmer and Fig tree Pocket are seen as such an incredible value proposition. they proved irresistible in 2017 to top-end buyers.” the report said the heightened activity upstream of the william jolly bridge was most noteworthy, as there had been little in the way of price rises there since 2011. there were three sales of $5 millionplus, just one less than the four secured downstream, two at Hawthorne and two at teneriffe.

Headlining the listings in 2018 is the opulent Hawthorne riverfront of arrow Energy chief executive shaun scott. the home is being offered for the first time after its 2014 build. scott paid $6.84 million for the former brick and tile 1960s residence on a vast 2135sq m riverfront parcel. it is on the exclusive Virginia avenue, which has eight properties that last traded for more than $5 million. the home was the work of leading brisbane architects donovan Hill. marble columns and double-height ceilings create the grand front entrance, which leads to the open plan river-facing kitchen, dining and living area. that opens to a large outdoor entertaining area with an infinity edge swimming pool and spa.

Each of the five bedrooms has a walk-in wardrobe and private ensuite, while the master retreat also features its own living area, gym, library and double dressing room. at the rear of the property there’s another swimming pool, a 12m lap lane pool with magnesium mineral water and a fountain feature wall. it sits beside the championship size tennis court and an outdoor basketball area. down on the river, a multi-purpose boathouse connects to an outdoor putting green and a 12m pontoon. david and Garry Price at ray white East brisbane are seeking offers until march 16. david Price says the brisbane prestige riverfront market is the strongest he’s seen since the global financial crisis. new or old, nothing beats the position of the brisbane riverfront, he says. “new riverfront homes offer all the mod cons, like the latest technology and extra storage, but regardless of age the common wow factor is prized riverfront land.” the biggest riverside sale was in late 2016, when a home at kangaroo Point designed by Greg Harris sold for $18,488,888 – a brisbane record.

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c en t u r i e s of h i st ory

Elizabethan estate hurst lodge, a Grade ii-listed historic estate in the village of hurst, Berkshire, in the uk that dates back to the reign of Queen elizabeth i, has hit the market with a guide price of £12 million ($22 million). the main residence on the 19ha estate was built around 1580

by John Barker, a gentleman usher to elizabeth i. the house was then passed on to other famous families, including cricketer sir Philip martineau and alpine ski racer James Palmer-tomkinson, whose family owned it until the 2000s. “the property is rich with history and has been owned by a number of prestigious english families,” says hugh maconochie, co-listing agent with stephen christie-millerof Savills Country Department. although the house has undergone major renovations, many period details have been maintained. they include delft tiling, 17th-century oak panelling and original fireplaces. the three-level home has six reception rooms, a drawing room, a sitting room, a panelled dining room, 12 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. a coach house attached to the main house has two flats, a one-bedroom and a three-bedroom, and the stand-alone gardener’s cottage includes four more bedrooms. the property also features manicured gardens, a barn, stables and paddocks, three agricultural buildings and a glasshouse. the village, about 64km from london and 32km from heathrow airport, has quality schools, dining and shopping amenities. “it certainly has a good community vibe,” maconochie says. transportation will further improve with the crossrail line. fanG Block

Originally published on mansionglobal.com

ro c k e f e l l e r hol i day hom e se l l s

scottish castle w ith w hisky connections

the estate of late billionaire david rockefeller on picturesque mount desert island in maine has sold for $us19 million ($24.452 million). ringing Point, a 6ha property on rocky coastline overlooking the atlantic, was marketed by knowles co and sold to a shell company registered in ellsworth, maine. it spans 762m of coastline, including a granite promontory jutting into the ocean at the mouth of seal harbor. the grandson of oil tycoon John d. rockefeller sr and scion of one of the us’s greatest fortunes, david rockefeller was also a banker and philanthropist. he died in march last year aged 101. his wife Peggy designed the main residence on the wooded grounds in 1972. the farmhouse-style home has seven bedrooms and large windows looking into the woods. there’s also a pool, guest cottage and manicured gardens.

a grand Victorian mansion built in 1860 that was originally home to the haig family, scotland’s oldest whisky distillers, has been listed for £1.75 million ($3.1 million). while retaining many of its original Victorian features, such as a grand wooden staircase, period marble fireplaces, window shutters, wood floors and ornate cornicing, the home has been extensively refurbished for use as a bed and breakfast. it would make a luxurious family home, or a ready-made business. the regal three-storey, 785sq m property has eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, and sits on 2.1ha of gardens and lawns with mature wooded areas. there is also an 85sq m gate lodge, a four-car garage and a stable yard. the mansion boasts a library, a spacious wine cellar, many marble fireplaces, and a home cinema redecorated in art deco style.

Beckie strum

Jonelle mannion

The #1 place to sell your property

this is the place

Plan A Jonat H a n c H a nc El l or

Room with a view architect koichi takada, who has worked in new York, london, sydney and tokyo, has never had quite so special an opportunity as his latest sydney commission. the gutted apartment space he has to work with can lay claim to being sydney’s numberone residential address. offered for sale with designs by takada, the expanded apartment on the tip of the top floor of 1 macquarie street is the closest to the opera House anyone can buy. imagine waking up to a view of that icon every morning, with the royal Botantic Gardens to one side and circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge on the other. the apartment was long owned by the moran Health care dynasty, but Greta moran sold it following her recent move into son mark’s ultra-luxury Vaucluse retirement home. set in the well-heeled Bennelong building, known to some as the toaster, it is currently owned by veteran property developer keith Johnson. He and partner natalie Habib have 38

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advanced through the gutting and on to the design, much of which involves knocking out the walls of what were two separate apartments. the pair commissioned the architect to design the 360sq m mostly white space purified to its essence. simple lines and expressive materials form the palette proposed by takada (artist’s impression, above), who sees his approach to architecture as expressing a shift in lifestyle. He has sought to draw the inspiration inside, juxtaposing the energy of the location with the refinement and luxury embodied within the high-rise home.

Johnson, ever the opportunist, is now seeing if there is an offer too good to be true out there. dominic ong, australia’s head of asian markets at knight Frank, has been enlisted, along with deborah cullen. ong has had two offers in the $25 million to $30 million range, so there is no doubting the building’s pricey potential as it has set many previous records.

in 2015, developer sam arnaout bought, in a complex arrangement, the entire 11th floor from publican family the maloneys. the family bought the four units totalling 715sq m off the plan in 1999 for $13.9 million. they had been listed in 2014 with over-hyped hopes of fetching $30 million and were sold officially for $18 million, but a price of $22 million was advised. last year the building saw a $10.5 million sale when 2GB radio broadcaster alan Jones bought his long-time rental apartment six floors down. spanning 200sq m of internal space, it cost Jones $52,000 per sq m when he bought it from the coalminer Brian Flannery, who also owned the adjacent apartment. the sydney price record was set at $96,000 a square metre when $27 million was paid off the plan nearby in the opera residences development. it’s five doors up from Bennelong in a lesser macquarie street location bordering the cahill Expressway. the former chief of tenix, robert salteri,

and his wife kelly have been pinpointed as the off-the-plan buyers. late last year casino operator crown resorts announced the $60 million sale to James Packer of two floors within its luxury one Barangaroo development in sydney. the company’s largest shareholder and former chairman had previously indicated he planned to replace his former matrimonial home in Vaucluse, sold in 2015 for $70 million. “i don’t intend to come to sydney until a week before crown sydney opens in three years,” Packer recently told a columnist, in an extraordinary comment that would not have gone down well with the bureaucrats and politicians who went out of their way to ensure the project got the green light. last month former bookmaker Bob Blann exchanged on a 515sq m one Barangaroo apartment. the entire 61st level, set well above Packer’s two-storey apartment, equated to $77,000 per square metre.

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8 Catalina Crescent

northernbeaches.ljhooker.com.au

Interiors Mansion AustrAliA

Beam me up

Scotland Island’s outpost of modernity

Earth bound

Tone and texture for the turn of the season

Open secret

Matthew Cantwell’s growing passion

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fair isle

Leaving behind an idyllic life on Pittwater’s Scotland island would be a wrench for any home owner. it’s even more so when that highly liveable home expresses a uniquely australian architectural moment

stor y by m i l a n da rou t Photog raphs by tom f Erguson

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ouise Roberts is in a bit of denial. She and her husband Greg have decided to move on from their extraordinary ken woolley-designed home on Scotland Island in Pittwater, an hour north of Sydney, and she is not coping with leaving her unique island retreat. “when I wake up in the morning, I just have to lift my head and I look straight onto Pittwater and I think we are so blessed being able to look out on something like that,” she tells Interiors from her study, which also looks out over the water.

“It’s a very easy house to live in and you just really are amazed at how it all works. He [woolley] was amazingly thoughtful. It’s going to be terribly hard to leave – it’s going to be awful. I am sort of pretending it’s not happening.”

The house is currently on the market through modern House.

Roberts and her husband have reluctantly decided to move on after 23 years, mostly because “age is catching up with us” and they are ready for the next phase of their life – on the mainland. Her waterfront house is one of only a few hundred on the island and has its own jetty to moor the boat they use to get across the water to newport.

“It is eight minutes across from where we are to our berth at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht club,” she says. “It is only a bit further than newport. It is no hassle at all and it’s much nicer going across the water – especially at night – rather than being in the car on the road.”

The couple bought the house in late 1994 from original owner Brian Pettit, who hired the renowned Sydney architect ken woolley to design the present residence in the mid-1980s.

Pettit was a well-known property developer who met woolley after hiring him to create project homes in the 1960s and 1970s for the company he owned with Ron Sevitt, Pettit+Sevitt. They hired architects, including woolley, Harry Seidler and Robin Boyd, to create modern Australian homes that suited the country’s landscape. woolley was already well known for designing a wide variety of public buildings, from Sydney University’s Fisher Library to the chapel of St margaret’s Hospital in darlinghurst. He also did a few private houses, his most famous in mosman. woolley’s work was considered part of what became known as the Sydney School, an architectural movement that reacted against international modernism and focused instead on a regionalist style that embraced Australia’s bush landscape rather than working against it. All these design principles can be seen in the Scotland Island house, from its floor-to-ceiling windows to the exposed timber interiors and split-level planning.

“It is a beautifully designed home and it’s been very thoughtfully done,” says Roberts. “ken woolley is an exceptional architect and was well ahead of his time in the way he designed the house. The things people are talking about now as being important, like floorto ceiling-glass windows and through breezes, we had in this house way before then.”

The house comprises a central living area and open plan kitchen, as well as two study areas and a master bedroom on the upper level. There are two additional bedrooms in a pavilion-style building that is connected to the main building via a walkway.

“Brian had those designed so he could have people come and stay and they weren’t on top of him,” Roberts says. “They are big bedrooms and bathrooms.” There is also ample outdoor entertaining space that capitalises on the view.

The couple moved into the property when only one of their three adult children was still at home but Roberts says Scotland Island is perfect for children, given the tight-knit community. There are just 359 houses on the island and 579 people, according to the 2016 census. There is a preschool, and a ferry collects all the primary school children to take them to school in newport.

There are no sealed roads or street lights on Scotland Island, although some residents have golf buggies or shared 4wds, “so if you go out at night you just take a torch,” Roberts says of the idyllic life that she will soon leave behind.

“It is a little bit different, but we all enjoy that aspect because we are living closer to nature. we look across to the nearby ku-ring-gai chase national Park and Pittwater and you do feel closer.

“You also have to think about the tides often and you certainly have to think about the wind. You are just more aware of what is happening around you.”

Opening page: The home’s spectacular outlook over Pittwater. Opposite: Floor-to ceiling windows allow through breezes and open onto an outdoor entertaining space that capitalises on the view; the central living area and open plan kitchen.

Above: Spacious guest bedrooms are located in a pavilion-style addition connected to the main building by a walkway

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Etc. sHirEEn nol an

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Things of stone & wood

1. c H a i r GtV n. o chair by Front in bent beech wood with Vienna straw or technical mesh backrest and single armrest.

From space

3. t a b l E Element table by Faye toogood in Perryfield whitbed Portland stone, brass, sycamore and glass.

From Hub Furniture

2. t a b l E wa r E bowl, shallow bowl and cup in a blend of porcelain, stoneware and igneous volcanic rock. dishwasher safe. From mukumono

4. r o c k E r mbracE rocking chair with triaxial open-weave seat in four colours and solid teak base. From dedon

6. s t o r a G E boxes and rack in mahogany and bridle leather with discreet metal stud attachment. From Hermès 7. s t o o l sancal Pion stool upholstered in leather with lacquered mdF base in quartz, tobacco, mustard, olive, peach, sky blue or shadow. From kezu

5. t a b l E opera extendable table by Emmanuel Gallina in wood and marble. From Poliform

Settle in for the change of season with some essentials made for comfort and functionality 2.

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Secret Gardens by Matthew Cantwell, New Holland Publishers, $59.99

My Style m at t H E w c a n t w El l , l a n dsc a pE dE sign Er , sEcrEt gardEns

bl a inEy nortH, intEr ior dEsignEr

dEsign HEroEs

my style is a little bit of la, inspired largely by mid-century design. For this garden i used a palette of white, grey and black for the surfaces and a palette of greens in the planting design for a cooling effect. i stumbled into this occupation having left school with no real plans and got a job working with a landscaper. i have always loved architecture and design and am passionate about plants, so it was a natural progression. one of my first assignments at college was to design a business card for my imaginary business. i was living in the inner city and had a beautiful little courtyard billowing with pots and plants. it seemed relevant at the time and though it sounded a bit cute for my liking, the name stuck. the most important thing to think about when planning a garden is how you intend to use it and what happens in the space with the changing seasons. it is also important to understand how long you will stay in a house to ensure you get to reap the rewards from the planting.

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pHotogr apHEd by nick cubbin

Roberto Burle Max & Luis Barragan