ELEGANT RETREAT
ASPARAGUS WITH BROWN BUTTER, BUCKWHEAT & DILL RECIPE
LIFESTYLE IN CONVERSATION WITH MCM HOUSE
39 BELLBIRD ROAD, MOUNT ELIZA
COAST & COUNTRY
PROJECTS
WHITE & WESTON
ONLY WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS, ARE YOU READY?
Spring has started with real energy across Melbourne’s property market. The first two weeks of September have seen strong attendance at open for inspections and auctions, with activity spread across all price points. What’s especially encouraging is that buyer demand is rising faster than the increase in stock, creating competitive conditions and excellent results for our vendors.
The confidence in the market right now is supported by interest rates trending downward. After an extended period of cautious sentiment, buyers are back in motion, eager to secure their next move before the year comes to a close. Families are taking advantage of more choice in the market, while downsizers and investors are re-emerging with clarity and intent.
We are also finding that well-presented, well-located homes continue to attract the strongest bidding, which is a timely reminder to sellers of the importance of presentation and strategy. When those elements come together, the results speak for themselves.
With just weeks until Christmas, time is of the essence. If you are considering selling in 2025, launching a campaign now is the ideal way to capture motivated buyers while demand is high.
Speak to your local Marshall White team today to start planning your campaign - the buyers are already out there.
This week’s rental market snapshot from our Property Management team – Strong enquiry and attendance are driving quick results for well-presented homes. Location, pricing, and presentation remain key to securing quality renters. Contact our team to maximise current rental demand. ■
By John Bongiorno
ELEGANT RETREAT
“This architecturally designed residence spares no expense, seamlessly blending cutting-edge passive energy principles with resort-style luxury for an unparalleled living experience.”
JAKE EGAN MARSHALL WHITE SALES EXECUTIVE
Setting a new benchmark in Mount Eliza’s coveted Woodland precinct, this five- bedroom, three-bathroom contemporary residence is a retreat-inspired haven, perfectly positioned on approximately two-thirds of an acre. Capturing Bay and city skyline views, the home features a resort-style heated pool and spa, luxury pool house with sauna, alfresco entertaining with outdoor kitchen, and a versatile workshop/studio, all privately cocooned within landscaped coastal native gardens with direct access to the Bellbird/Millbank creek trail.
Architecturally designed with passive energy principles, the zoned layout spans two levels, ideal for multi-generational living and entertaining. A gourmet kitchen with stone island and Bosch appliances flows to north-west living spaces with engineered oak flooring and wood fire, connecting seamlessly to full-width decks. Upper-level main suite enjoys luxe ensuite, bespoke walk-in wardrobe, and far-reaching views. Additional features include an acoustic cinema/music room, gym/studio, smart storage, and state-of-the-art solar, heating, and security systems, creating a wellness-inspired, indulgent lifestyle retreat. ■
FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT
JAKE EGAN 0491 129 137
DOMINIC SALVATO 0400 335 700
ASPARAGUS WITH BROWN BUTTER, BUCKWHEAT & DILL
Montalto’s Head Chef Adam Johnston highlights the season’s best with lightly grilled asparagus and freshly picked garden garnishes — a simple expression of the estate’s garden-to-plate philosophy.
INGREDIENTS
1 bunch asparagus
2 tbsp spring onion oil
4 tbsp brown butter emulsion
1 tbsp toasted buckwheat
1 tbsp chopped dill
½ small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
Sea salt, to taste
1 tbsp edible flowers
Spring Onion Oil (yields extra):
1 bunch spring onion tops
200 ml canola or mild oil
Brown Butter Emulsion (yields extra):
1 whole egg
11 ml lemon juice
2 g salt
100 g brown butter (70–80°C)
7.5 g dill
METHOD
1. Preheat BBQ to high. Toss asparagus with oil and salt, then grill 1 minute, turning once.
2. Chop asparagus into 1–2 cm pieces. Combine in a bowl with spring onion oil, lemon juice, salt, fennel, dill, and buckwheat.
3. Spread emulsion on a plate, top with asparagus mixture, and garnish with extra oil and edible flowers.
Spring Onion Oil:
1. Blend spring onion tops with oil in a Thermomix at 80°C, high speed, for 8 minutes. Strain, discard solids, and cool.
Brown Butter Emulsion:
1. Boil egg for 5 minutes, chill, then blend with lemon, salt, and dill. Stream in warm brown butter until smooth and emulsified.
Serves 2
IN CONVERSATION WITH
MCM HOUSE
Founded in 2010 by Charles Hinckfuss, furniture brand MCM House was born from a desire to create high-quality indoor and outdoor furniture that embodies the relaxed Australian lifestyle. We spoke with Charles to learn more about his journey, the inspiration behind MCM House, and how the brand continues to define timeless, effortless style for modern living.
What inspired you to start MCM House, and what gap in the market did you see that the brand set out to fill?
Coming from a decorative arts background, I envisioned a lifestyle brand that married timeless design with artistic integrity —something I felt was missing in the Australian market when I began. MCM House was born from the desire to create pieces that felt as enduring as they were inspiring.
How did your experience with antiques shape the vision and design philosophy of MCM House?
Working with antiques taught me to appreciate the harmony of contrast and timelessness. Great period pieces evoke a mood and a sense of history that can transform a space. That philosophy of mood-changing design informs everything we create at MCM House, resulting in modern classics with soul.
What roles do proportions, textures, and textiles play in creating the signature MCM House look?
Proportions, textures, and textiles are the foundation of the MCM House aesthetic. I draw inspiration from natural elements—rock, sand, salt, sky, and sun—and translate those into materials and textures that feel organic yet elevated. These are the essential building blocks for our signature look.
What do you hope customers feel or experience when they bring MCM House pieces into their homes?
I hope our pieces evoke a sense of worldly sophistication—design that feels curated yet approachable. It’s about offering elegance without pretension, creating spaces that invite personal creativity and expression.
What drove the expansion into your Armadale store, and how does it reflect your vision for MCM House’s future?
When a space with unique potential becomes available, it’s an opportunity to inspire growth and evolve the brand. The Armadale store represents a pivotal moment for us—a stepping stone toward the MCM House we aspire to be. It’s a physical manifestation of our vision, blending ambition with authenticity. ■
LEARN MORE
STAND UP IN SEPTEMBER: A NIGHT OF SOLIDARITY
The 2025 Stand Up in September campaign officially launched on 28 August at Hotel Collingwood, uniting community leaders, sporting icons, and advocates in a powerful show of solidarity to end family violence. The launch event was a tremendous success, with a full house of guests raising vital funds for You Matter. An auction led by Nicholas Brooks, Director of Marshall White, generated enough to fund 12 new Havens of Hope—fully furnished homes that provide women and children recovering from family violence with safety, dignity, and a fresh start.
High-profile attendees included AFL legends Paul Licuria, Ted Richards, Daniel Harford, and a live performance from Mike Brady, who brought the room to life with Up There Cazaly. Stand Up in September also wouldn’t have been complete without stand-up comedian Dave Thornton, who lifted the room with his trademark energy and humour.
Headline speaker Tarang Chawla, award-winning advocate, writer, and lawyer, shared his moving story. Since the tragic murder of his sister Nikita in 2015, Chawla has become one of Australia’s most influential voices against gender-based violence. As co-founder of Not One More Niki, he has spent the past decade sparking national conversations, shaping policy, and demanding systemic change.
Marshall White’s leadership was also front and centre, with CEO Simon Jovanovic among eight business leaders making a public pledge of support:
"This September, I will stand up and make a pledge. As a father — to my two girls and my boy — to raise them in a world
of respect and equality. As a leader of a business — with 228 incredible women whose safety, voices, and potential I will always protect and champion. As a leader of 141 men in our business — who will stand with me, listen with me, and help create a culture where everyone is valued. This is my commitment."
John Bongiorno, Group Sales Director at Marshall White, highlighted the housing crisis as a critical barrier for women escaping family violence:
"Family violence is compounded by the current housing crisis. For too many women and children, escaping violence is only the beginning — affordable housing is scarce. Supporting You Matter helps bridge that gap and create safe futures."
The campaign also spotlights the link between housing stress and family violence. On average, more than 300 women are turned away from crisis accommodation each day, nearly half escaping family violence. With rental stress at record highs, many remain in unsafe homes. You Matter’s model of fully furnished housing directly addresses this gap, offering shelter, dignity, and stability.
Launched ahead of AFL finals season—when family violence reports historically spike—the 2025 campaign aims to spark urgent conversations, encourage accountability, and inspire meaningful change. This year also marks the first Stand Up in September since You Matter announced its threeyear partnership with the Carlton Football Club. Through the Carlton Respects initiative, launched in 2016, the club continues to be a leading voice on gender equality in Australian sport, helping amplify the campaign’s reach.
Building on last year’s momentum, which raised nearly $30,000, the 2025 launch sets a new benchmark for impact. With support from Hotel Collingwood, Marshall White, and Carlton Respects, Stand Up in September will continue throughout the month, uniting sporting communities and the broader public with one goal: ending family violence. ■
DONATE HERE
DESIGNED BY GARDENS BY
44 SCOTT GROVE GLEN IRIS A 2-4 B 2-4 C 1-3
From $895,000
Enso Gardens is a sculptural symphony of green - where nature and design meet in quiet harmony. Tucked behind Scott Grove, its Japanese-inspired landscaping by Acre features wisteria-draped pergolas, Zen stones, and a serene water feature. Lush terraces, leafy courtyards, and tranquil shared spaces invite calm and connection.
ROSS HAMS 0410 160 151
DESIGNED BY DEVELOPED BY GARDENS BY BUILT BY
A 3-4 B 2-3.5 C 2-8
From $3,190,000
Society Armadale cements its place as an architectural piece for generations to come. A private sanctuary exuding style and unparalleled sophistication - at the forefront of design, materiality, amenity and state of the art technology.
DEVELOPED BY
JONATHON SCOTT 0426 211 034 SALES BY
A residence of rare scale and distinction, the Sub-Penthouse at Walmer offers 324sqm approx. of expansive internal living, complemented by a 206sqm approx. architecturally designed wraparound terrace that frames uninterrupted, north-facing views across Melbourne’s most picturesque parklands. With a private basement garage for four cars, this home sets a new benchmark in both convenience and prestige. SUB PENTHOUSE /
Sale
649 VICTORIA STREET, ABBOTSFORD
Bakehouse Terraces, located at 390A Queens Parade in Fitzroy North, offers 14 architecturally designed terrace homes in one of Melbourne’s most desirable inner-city suburbs. Once the site of a historic bakery, this development combines heritage charm with modern living.
A 2-4 B 2-2.5 C 2
From $1,630,000
Discover the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural serenity just steps from Camberwell Junction. Designed by Cera Stribley, these meticulously crafted homes feature cutting-edge design and technology.
From $2,365,000
Chomley Terraces offers refined 3 and 4-bedroom townhouse’s in Prahran East offering living rooms that are a minimum 6m wide, 9ft ceilings, individual solar panels, EV ready and some with private lifts. 115 CHOMLEY STREET
DESIGNED BY DEVELOPED BY
THE LOCAL EDIT
The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight - 17th September 2025
90/130 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Dementia Action Week: Open Studio - 19 th September 2025
Federation Square, Flinders Street &, Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
McClelland Maker’s Market - 20 th September 2025
390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin, VIC 3910
Treasures and Tastes at Trinity Market - 20 th September 2025
177 Union Road, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127
Boroondara Farmers Market - 20 th September 2025
484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
An Italian Afternoon - 20th September 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
An Evening on Broadway - 24th September 2025 - 26th September 2025
100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004
MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission 202525th September 2025 - 1st April 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Melbourne Royal Show - 25th September 2025 - 5th October 2025
Melbourne Showgrounds Gate, 5 Langs Road, Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
Mt Martha South Beach Market - 26th September 2025 466 Esplanade, Mount Martha, VIC 3934
Point Nepean Portsea Market - 28th September 2025
Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944
Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market - 28th September 2025
Cnr Mt Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930
Melbourne Fringe Festival 202530 th September 2025 - 19 th October 2025
Various venues, Brunswick East, VIC 3057
Hill and Ridge Community Market4th October 2025
184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill, VIC 3937
The Pink Train for BCNA at Mornington Tourist Railway - 4th October 2025
460 Moorooduc Highway, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930
The Lygon Street Market - 5th October 2025
Piazza Italia, Cnr Argyle Street and Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC 3053
Olivia’s Walk and Run for Wellness 2025 - 5th October 2025
145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084
Kimono - Until 5th October 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
French Impressionism - Until 5th October 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Regional Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent11th October 2025
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, VIC 3067
Mornington Racecourse Market - 12 th October 2025
Mornington Racecourse, 320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931
Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival - 12 th October 2025 Melbourne, VIC
The Bloody Long Walk: Mornington - 19 th October 2025
Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944
Melbourne Build 202522nd October 2025 - 23rd October 2025
1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, VIC 3006
NGVWA Garden Day 2025 - 23rd October 2025
Brighton, VIC 3186
East Malvern Food and Wine Festival - 23rd November 2025
148 Burke Road, Malvern East, VIC 3145
Westwood | Kawakubo7th December 2025 - 16th April 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Martin Grant Exhibition - Until January 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Making Good: Redesigning the Everyday - Until 1st Feburary 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
