MARKET ACTIVITY ON THE RISE
The market has continued to build momentum in recent weeks, with a healthy volume of private sales taking place across our network. Among these was a notable result in Toorak of just under $20 million, alongside a range of other successful sales recorded across our various offices. This spread of activity, spanning different price points and locations, speaks to the strength of buyer demand we are currently seeing.
As we move closer to the pre-spring campaign period, engagement across the market remains measured but encouraging. Enquiry levels are holding up well, and we continue to see consistent search activity from buyers who are taking a considered approach to their next move. Views across our current listings are at record highs, a clear indication that buyers are watching closely and remain switched on to what is coming to market.
This interest is translating into real activity on the ground, with properties currently listed attracting healthy numbers through open for inspections. It is a promising sign, and one that reflects genuine intent rather than casual browsing. With planning for our spring campaigns well underway across the group, we expect this pace to build further as additional stock is released to the market over the coming period.
For those weighing up their next move, the current conditions offer a considered opportunity. Buyer engagement is present, competition remains, and well-positioned and thoughtfully presented properties continue to perform.
If you are thinking about your next step, now is a good time to have a conversation with our team about how the current market may work in your favour.
Contact your local Marshall White office to discuss your property goals ahead of spring. ■
By John Bongiorno
GAGGENAU
PERFECTION THROUGH RESTRAINT
IN CONVERSATION WITH SHEVOKE
PROJECTS
WATTLETREE PAVILION
MORNING MARKET HAM & CHEESE CROISSANT
COUNTRY SERENITY
90 THOMPSONS LANE MERRICKS
Set across an idyllic 10-acre landholding in the heart of Merricks, this exceptional lifestyle estate delivers a rare combination of luxury, privacy and breathtaking Peninsula scenery. Framed by established gardens, rolling paddocks and sweeping views across Western Port to Phillip Island, the property balances elegant country living with outstanding leisure and equestrian amenities.
The sandstone-inspired residence unfolds through generous formal and informal living spaces, all oriented towards the picturesque landscape.
“Beautifully positioned in the heart of Merricks, the property offers an incredibly rare opportunity to enjoy a refined country lifestyle surrounded by some of the Peninsula’s most celebrated wineries, beaches and landscapes.”
STEPHEN BASTER
MARSHALL WHITE DIRECTOR, AUCTIONEER
A beautifully renovated kitchen appointed with Taj Mahal porcelain, premium Ilve, Fisher & Paykel and Miele appliances anchors the home, flowing effortlessly to expansive terraces, a heated pool, spa and full-size tennis court. A separate two-bedroom guest cottage further enhances flexibility for family and visitors.
Complete with six paddocks, stables, a floodlit riding arena and magnificent gardens, this remarkable estate is moments from Merricks’ renowned wineries, restaurants and beaches, offering an unrivalled Peninsula lifestyle. ■
PERFECTION THROUGH RESTRAINT GAGGENAU
The most enduring design is often the most understated. Gaggenau’s Minimalistic series embraces a philosophy of restraint, creating appliances that integrate seamlessly into contemporary kitchen architecture while celebrating timeless craftsmanship and design.
For decades, luxury was defined by abundance. Ornate detailing, visible technology and statement pieces often became symbols of innovation and prestige. Today, however, a different philosophy is shaping the world’s most considered homes. Architects and designers are increasingly embracing simplicity, recognising that the most enduring spaces are those where every element has purpose and nothing exists without reason.
It is this philosophy that underpins Gaggenau’s new Minimalistic series. Rather than demanding attention, the collection embraces what the brand describes as “perfection through restraint”, reducing each appliance to its essential form while maintaining the precision, performance and craftsmanship that have defined Gaggenau for more than three centuries.
Visually, the approach is striking in its simplicity. Defined by two linear ventilation profiles and a single floating control ring, the appliances present as uninterrupted architectural surfaces. Handles disappear. Displays remain concealed until required. Technology retreats quietly into the background, allowing surrounding materials, joinery and architecture to take precedence. It is an exercise in visual calm, where every line, proportion and interaction has been carefully considered.
Yet achieving this level of simplicity is anything but simple.
Behind every seamless glass surface lies an extraordinary level of engineering. The floating control ring, milled from solid stainless steel, preserves tactile interaction within a refined digital interface, integrating sensors, switches and haptic feedback within a form that
appears almost weightless. Likewise, the uninterrupted glass façade conceals complex technology while maintaining a refined architectural presence. The result is a collection that feels intuitive rather than technical, proving that innovation is often most powerful when it remains unseen.
This pursuit of refinement extends well beyond aesthetics. For Gaggenau, craftsmanship is not defined by decoration, but by precision, care and an unwavering attention to detail. Select elements continue to be hand-finished, while every surface, material and alignment is carefully inspected to ensure exceptional quality. It is a contemporary interpretation of craftsmanship, where advanced manufacturing is elevated through human expertise, creating products that feel considered rather than simply produced.
Equally important is the series’ commitment to longevity. Rather than responding to fleeting trends, the Minimalistic series has been designed around timeless geometry, durable materials and architectural integration. Available in Gaggenau Onyx and Gaggenau Sterling, the finishes have been carefully developed to complement a broad range of interior palettes while remaining relevant for decades to come. It is an approach inspired by essential forms and lasting quality, ensuring the collection retains its refinement well into the future.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Minimalistic series is not what it asks us to notice, but what it allows us to experience. By removing unnecessary visual noise, it shifts attention back to the architecture, the materials and the rituals of everyday life. The kitchen becomes calmer, more intuitive and more deeply connected to the home around it.
In this sense, Gaggenau’s Minimalistic series is more than a collection of appliances. It is an expression of a broader design philosophy, one that values restraint over excess, permanence over novelty and craftsmanship over spectacle. It reminds us that exceptional design is rarely about adding more. More often, it is about knowing precisely what to leave behind. ■
Ham & Cheese Croissant
Simple, comforting and elevated through quality ingredients, this Ham & Cheese Croissant from Morning Market is a café favourite that’s easy to recreate at home. Layers of premium ham, creamy béchamel and melted Gruyère or Comté transform a buttery croissant into a rich, satisfying breakfast or leisurely weekend brunch.
INGREDIENTS
2 croissants
200g ham
80g Gruyère or Comté, grated
For the béchamel:
250ml full cream milk, gently warmed
20g butter
20g plain flour
A pinch of allspice or nutmeg
A pinch of salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper
METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan forced.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour until smooth.
3. Cook gently over medium heat for a few minutes before adding the spices and seasoning.
4. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and set aside.
5. Slice the croissants in half lengthways and place the bottom halves, cut side up, onto a baking tray. Set the tops aside.
6. Layer the ham over each croissant base, spoon over approximately three tablespoons of béchamel, then finish with a generous scattering of grated cheese.
7. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling, adding the croissant tops to the oven for the final 2 minutes to warm through.
8. Allow to cool for 1 minute before serving.
Serves: 2
SHEVOKE IN CONVERSATION WITH
Australian eyewear label Shevoke draws on the quiet cool of 90s and early 2000s style to create frames that feel both nostalgic and modern. We sat down with creative director Lisa Hyde to talk vintage inspiration, refined design and the relaxed sensibility that runs through every collection.
Shevoke is deeply inspired by iconic eyewear eras of the past. What first drew you to the distinct style language of the 90s and early 2000s?
I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity and confidence of that era. Growing up, the women I admired never looked overstyled; everything felt effortless and naturally cool. The eyewear silhouettes from the 90s and early 2000s had a quiet confidence that I still find really inspiring today. It was never about loud logos or statement dressing. It was the subtle details, the slim frames, the minimal shapes and the feeling those pieces carried. That era felt refined without trying too hard, which is something I’ve always wanted Shevoke to embody.
Your collections strike a balance between nostalgia and modernity. How do you reinterpret iconic eyewear references in a way that still feels current?
I usually start with a vintage reference I genuinely love, but I’m very
conscious about making it feel wearable for today. I don’t want pieces to feel costume-like or overly nostalgic. A lot of the process is refining proportions, making frames lighter, softer or more minimal so they work effortlessly with a modern wardrobe. The goal is always to create something that feels elevated and easy rather than trend-driven. Whether it’s a more feminine cat-eye or a sharper wraparound shape, I simplify everything so it still feels like Shevoke. There’s always a sense of restraint in the design process.
Many Shevoke silhouettes feel both expressive and effortless. What gives a frame that sense of confidence and ease?
Confidence comes from comfort and simplicity. If something feels too forced or overly designed, people don’t connect with it in the same way. I’m very particular about fit and proportion because I want the frames to feel easy the second someone puts them on. When something is lightweight, flattering and wearable, it naturally gives off that sense of ease. To me, the most powerful style is usually the most understated.
Shevoke was born from a love of art, travel and growing up in the Australian sun. How do lifestyle and environment continue to shape the brand today?
Lifestyle influences everything I design. Growing up in Australia, sunglasses were part of everyday life, something you lived in. That naturally shaped my focus on comfort, versatility and creating frames people can wear every day. Travel is also a huge source of inspiration. I’m constantly drawn to architecture, interiors and the way women style themselves in different cities. But no matter where the inspiration comes from, I always bring it back to that relaxed Australian feeling, something polished but never overdone. ■
93 WATTLETREE ROAD ARMADALE
A 3-4 B 2-3 C 2-5
From $3,200,000
Eight architecturally designed 3 and 4 bedroom residences in Armadale, offering boutique luxury living with a focus on space, privacy, natural light and refined design. Each home features expansive open-plan living, seamless indoor–outdoor flow, and premium inclusions including Gaggenau appliances, Liebherr wine storage, 3-metre ceilings and advanced security, all within walking distance to High Street, Glenferrie Road and key transport links. ROSS HAMS 0410 160 151 SALES BY
THE LOCAL EDIT
WINTER GALA
30 JULY 2026
Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004
CRFT* WRK MARKET
UNTIL 1 AUGUST 2026
Shed C, Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
RYE FORESHORE MARKET
1 AUGUST 2026
Rye Foreshore Market, Pt Nepean Road, Rye, VIC 3941
LIGHTSCAPE AT ROYAL BOTANICAL
GARDENS MELBOURNE
UNTIL 2 AUGUST 2026
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3004
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
6 - 23 AUGUST 2026
ACMI, Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 and other venues
MUSEUM AFTER DARK
6 AUGUST 2026
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC 3053
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND
MUSICAL
5 AUGUST - 25 OCTOBER 2026
Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
NOW OR NEVER FESTIVAL
19 - 30 AUGUST 2026
Various venues including Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
SOUL NIGHT MARKET MOORABBIN
21 AUGUST 2026
Morris Moor, 30 Cochranes Road, Moorabbin, VIC 3189
WINTER NIGHT MARKET
EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING
UNTIL 26 AUGUST 2026
Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
PETER MACCALLUM BRIGHTON BEACH
MARATHON 2026
30 AUGUST 2026
Green Point, Brighton, VIC 3186
STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA UNLOCKED
UNTIL 31 AUGUST 2026
State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
NGVWA SPRING LUNCH 2026
1 SEPTEMBER 2026
Gandel Hall NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3000
FUTURE COUNTRY AT NGV AUSTRALIA
UNTIL 13 SEPTEMBER 2026
Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000
CONNOR’S RUN
13 SEPTEMBER 2026
Ferdinando Gardens, Hampton, VIC 3188
ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW
24 SEPTEMBER - 4 OCTOBER 2026
Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale, VIC 3032
FRANKSTON THEATRE GROUP - WILLIAM
SHAKESPEARE’S AS YOU LIKE IT
24 SEPTEMBER - 4 OCTOBER 2026
97 Foot Street, Frankston, VIC 3199
FREEFORM FESTIVAL 2026
3 OCTOBER 2026
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Linlithgow Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3000
MOVE MY WAY FESTIVAL
4 OCTOBER 2026
1 Thackray Road, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
MELBOURNE FRINGE FESTIVAL
29 SEPTEMBER - 18 OCTOBER 2026
Various venues across Melbourne
IMAGINATOR
UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER 2026
The District Docklands, Docklands, VIC 3008
CARTIER: MELBOURNE WINTER MASTERPIECES
UNTIL 4 OCTOBER 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
NIKE MELBOURNE MARATHON
11 OCTOBER 2026
MCG, Brunton Avenue, Richmond, VIC 3002
MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK
19 - 25 OCTOBER 2026
Melbourne Town Hall, 90–130 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 and various locations
MADDIE RIEWOLDT’S GOLF DAY
30 OCTOBER 2026
211-279 Skye Road, Frankston, VIC 3199
COASTAL COMFORT
Crafted by acclaimed luxury builder 4D Homes, this Mornington residence showcases refined coastal design and exceptional family liveability. Light-filled interiors, premium finishes and generous entertaining spaces flow effortlessly outdoors, while glimpses of the bay and a sought-after beachside setting deliver an enviable Mornington Peninsula lifestyle. ■
FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT
ASHLEIGH BIRD 0487 404 877
KATE MORGAN 0473 001 022 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS
ALBERT PARK
110 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206 (03) 9822 9999
ARMADALE
1111 High Street, Armadale, VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999
BALWYN
Level 2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999
BRIGHTON
Level 1/225 Bay Street, Brighton, VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999
FLINDERS
10/33 Cook Street, Flinders, VIC 3929 (03) 5931 1000
HAWTHORN
Level 1/801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999
MOUNT ELIZA
98 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930 (03) 9787 6650
SORRENTO
60 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento, VIC 3943 (03) 5981 3000
FOR THOSE WHO KNOW
Shaping Infinite Openness. Introducing the Gaggenau Minimalistic series.