O pen
Coast & Country Edition
In Conversation with
Hamish Munro
7 Blairgowrie Avenue, Blairgowrie
Timeless Escape
Perched high on the hill in one of Blairgowrie’s most coveted positions, this fully renovated c1952 mid-century retreat boasts panoramic views across the bay—from the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron to Sorrento’s golden sands. A haven of light, sea, and serenity, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom plus powder room home blends timeless coastal charm with modern luxury. Zoned for flexibility, it’s ideal for hosting, relaxing, or extended stays.
Native gardens surround a sculptural cypress centerpiece, while every room captures sweeping water vistas. The home features a heated swim spa, pool deck, solar-passive design, bespoke louvre windows, and Tasmanian Oak floors. The glass-encased entertaining level includes a limestone fireplace, chef’s kitchen with SMEG appliances, and bifold windows that open to a deck bar.
The top-floor primary suite offers Melbourne skyline views, and a private guest house completes the retreat. Additional features include solar panels, security, Tesla charger, and lush garden amenities—all just moments from the foreshore, Yacht Club, and Blairgowrie Village. ■
Fabulously light-filled, fully renovated mid-century fourbedroom coastal residence with breathtaking views over Port Phillip Bay from all three levels. Offering relaxed living and entertaining with a free-flowing floorplan.
Andrew Hayne, Marshall White Director/Auctioneer
Hamish
In Conversation with Munro
Sapphire Stories
Hamish Munro’s design practice is a personal pursuit driven by discovery. Each design is born from a process of problem-solving and the decoding of physical compositions, resulting in works that challenge and expand the boundaries of fine jewellery.
Every finished piece is crafted with meticulous precision and balance, standing as a testament to his ongoing personal pursuit of creating original works of the highest quality.
Now, Hamish unveils his latest work, the Sapphire Seriesa stunning collection of one-of-a-kind solitaire rings and loose stones crafted from Australian sapphires.
This collection is a tribute to the vivid colours and striking clarity of sapphires sourced directly from artisanal mines in Queensland’s central gem fields. Partnering with photographer Josh Robenstone, Hamish embarked on a field expedition to document the journey of each stone, from its discovery at smallscale family-run mines in Rubyvale to its transformation into a finished work of art.
For Hamish, the true value of a gem is realised when sourcing a stone directly from the hand of its founder. “Sourcing directly from the miners is essential,” Hamish explains. “It ensures not only the quality of the gem but also a connection to the people and places that brought it to life.”
The Sapphire Series celebrates the individuality of each gem, featuring pared-back, classic solitaire designs that highlight the unique beauty of every stone. Offered as finished solitaires, or as loose stones viewable by appointment and finished to suit each stone’s individual character.
Explore the Sapphire Series in person at Hamish Munro’s Collingwood store, located at 38 Cambridge Street, or online at hamishmunro.com and embrace the natural brilliance and history of Australian sapphires. ■
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NEGRONI SBAGLIATO FROM BIANCHETTO
From the candlelit corners of Bianchetto comes a cocktail that speaks fluent Italian: the Negroni Sbagliatoelegant, unexpected, unforgettable.
Ingredients
30mL sweet vermouth
30mL Campari
60mL prosecco or spumante
1 slice orange to garnish
1. Fill a spritz, flute, wine or rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour in sweet vermouth and Campari, then give it a brief stir.
3. Top with prosecco and stir again.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!
About the cocktail Method
The Negroni Sbagliato swaps gin for prosecco or spumante, creating a lighter, spritzier take on the classic - perfect for sunny afternoons. Born from a happy accident in 1980s Milan, it delivers a flavour closer to an Americano, with sweet-bitter notes and a playful fizz.
Bianchetto
26-28 Cotham Road, Kew
Art After Dark
This winter, the National Gallery of Victoria invites you to experience the beauty of French Impressionism in a whole new light.
From 6 June to 3 October, NGV Friday Nights returns with a curated program of art, music, and dining, offering a rare opportunity to explore the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston after hours.
Wander through over 100 iconic works by artists including Monet, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Pissarro, Morisot, and Cassatt, presented in exquisitely recreated 19th-century interiors.
With richly patterned wallpaper, period furnishings, and a 1920s Erard grand piano, the exhibition evokes the elegance of Parisian salons and Boston’s historic galleries.
Each Friday evening, the gallery comes alive with a dynamic lineup of live performances, spanning jazz, neo-soul,
contemporary classical, R&B, and electronic music. Featured artists include Intermood, Bumpy, Fia Feill, and Wild Gloriosa, each adding a distinct soundscape to your evening.
Guests can also enjoy fine dining in the Great Hall, seasonal plates at the Gallery Kitchen, or unwind with a glass of Moët & Chandon at the Champagne Bar. Wine lovers can sample curated flights at the Yering Station Wine Bar, while dessert fans can indulge at the Häagen-Dazs cart.
The French Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston exhibition at NGV Friday Nights is a rare fusion of art, music, and atmosphere, and should not be missed. ■
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PROPERTY MARKET RESPONDS TO LOWER RATES
Last week, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced a 0.25% interest rate reduction, a decision that was positively received within the property sector. Historically, any easing of interest rates tends to boost market confidence and momentum, and this latest adjustment is no exception.
Since the previous rate drop in February, we've seen market stability with consistent engagement from buyers and sellers. The property market has maintained a balanced rhythm, with sensible decision-making prevailing over speculation.
While this interest rate cut will undoubtedly be embraced, buyers are expected to maintain a measured approach rather than a bullish one. Conditions remain fair and balanced, creating a solid environment for both buyers and sellers to confidently progress their property plans.
Especially at this slightly more affordable lending level, buyers will find increased opportunities to enter the market or proceed with purchases. Sellers will also benefit from the ongoing steady demand and buyer confidence, which will support positive outcomes across both the Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula property landscapes.
Ultimately, the market’s strength lies in its balance, enabling sustainable decisions that are beneficial for everyone involved. This rate adjustment reinforces that environment, giving all participants greater certainty as they consider their next steps.
Ready to discuss your property plans? Contact our experienced team today for personalised advice on how to make the most of the current market conditions. ■
By John Bongiorno
From $845,000
Located in the Balwyn High School zone and opposite Balwyn Park (Walk Score 90), this building features a 655sqm approx. private Jack Merlo-designed garden and BBQ area, secure parking with number plate recognition, and a BESS rating 10% above
Designed by Gardens by
20 Clara Street, South Yarra
The Local Edit
HSBC German Film Festival at Palace Cinemas
- Until 28th May 2025
Your local Palace Cinemas
Dromana Rotary Club Community Market
- 31st May 2025
359B Point Nepean Road, Dromana VIC 3936
Van Gogh at the Lume - Until 1st June 2025
5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
Van Gogh High Tea - Until 1st June 2025
Crown Towers Hotel Lobby, TWR, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert - 4th June - 7th June 2025
Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Road, Arts Centre Melbourne, Southbank VIC 3006
Rising - 4th June - 15th June 2025
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Winter Night Market - 4th June - 27th August 2025
Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
French Impressionism - 6 th June - 5th October 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Point Nepean Portsea Market - 7th June 2025
Pt Nepean National Park, Ochiltree Road, Portsea VIC 3944
The Birds at Malthouse Theatre - Until 7th June 2025 113 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006
Mornington Racecourse Market - 8th June 2025
Mornington Racecourse, 320 Racecourse Road, Mornington VIC 3931
Gloria Festiva - 8th June 2025
Flinders Hall, Cook Street, Flinders VIC 3929
Soul Night Market Mornington - 13 th June 2025
Peninsula Community Theatre, 91 Wilsons Road, Mornington VIC 3931
Regional Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent - 14th June 2025
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067
MECCA Loves Charlotte Tilbury: The Greatest Glow on Earth Masterclass - 14th June 2025
Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Dress for Success Victoria Inaugural Gala Dinner
- 14th June 2025
Cnr Ploughman Street and Young Street, Frankston VIC 3199
Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens
- 20 th June - 10 th August 2025
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3004
Fondue Chalet at Fed Square - Untill 22nd June 2025
Fed Square, Skyline Car Park, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mount Eliza Farmers' Market - 22nd June 2025
Cnr Mt Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza VIC 3930
Titanic: A Voyage Through Time - Until 3 rd July 2025
206 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Run Melbourne - 13 th July 2025
Melbourne Park Oval, 20 Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne VIC 3004
Top Arts 2025 - Until 20 th July 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Music at McClelland with Marshall McGuire and Genevieve Lacey - 20 th July 2025
390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin VIC 3910
Orchestra Victoria: Meet at the Market Series - 25th July 2025
The Meat Market, 3 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Beetlejuice the Musical - Until 3 rd August 2025
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Martin Grant Exhibition - Until January 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006
Albert Park
110 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206 (03) 9822 9999 Manningham
Armadale
1111 High Street, Armadale VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999
Balwyn
Level 2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999
Level 1/225 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999 Mount Eliza
Level 1/908 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East VIC 3109 (03) 9840 1111
Hawthorn 10/33 Cook Street, Flinders VIC 3929 (03) 5931 1000 Flinders 60 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento VIC 3943 (03) 5981 3000
98 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza VIC 3930 (03) 9787 6650
Sorrento
Level 1/801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999
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