Coast & Country Edition
Seaside
LIFESTYLE
THE NEW M c LAREN ARTURA SPIDER
RECIPE WHIPPED RICOTTA WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND BASIL
SEASIDE SANCTUARY
21A BATH STREET, MORNINGTON
WHIPPED RICOTTA WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND BASIL RECIPE
COAST & COUNTRY
SMILES 4 MILES
SPRING MARKET IN FULL SWING
FOLEY PARK PROJECTS
Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes a noticeable change in the pace of Melbourne’s property market. The combination of longer days, warmer weather, and a heightened sense of confidence is creating strong conditions for both buyers and sellers. Saturday’s results reflected that momentum, with competitive auctions and private sale activity setting a positive tone for the weeks and months ahead.
This time of year is always active, but 2025 is shaping up to be particularly strong. Families are motivated to secure a home before the end-of-year holidays, downsizers are seizing favourable selling conditions, and investors are steadily re-engaging with the market. Campaign activity is on the rise, offering buyers more choice, yet competition for quality, well-positioned homes remains strong.
The recent rate cuts have only amplified this confidence, giving buyers greater clarity to act and sellers the reassurance of achieving strong outcomes. All signs point to spring as a season of opportunity, with activity building quickly across all price points.
For anyone considering their next move, the weeks ahead provide an ideal window. Whether you are preparing to sell or searching for your next property, our team is ready to guide you through this exciting spring market. ■
By John Bongiorno
SEASIDE SANCTUARY
“Positioned in one of Mornington’s premier locales, just moments from Mills Beach, this home is a masterpiece of modern luxury, perfectly designed for grand-scale entertaining and easy coastal living.”
TRISTAN WYSE, SALES EXECUTIVE
Custom designed just metres from Mills Beach, this striking contemporary home delivers grand-scale family living with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces across three lift-connected levels. An upper terrace captures sweeping treetop and bay views, enhancing the resort-like appeal.
Privately set behind a high fence and automated gates, the home reveals sophisticated, gallery-inspired interiors with polished timber floors and expansive glazing. The main living zone features a gas log fire, alfresco terrace, and a gourmet Smeg kitchen with broad stone island bench. A formal lounge, powder room and pristine garage with storage and garden access complete this level.
The lower level offers semi self-contained living with kitchenette, two bedrooms, luxe bathroom and access to the landscaped backyard. Upstairs, the master suite enjoys a private balcony with bay views, while two further bedrooms share a spa bathroom.
Moments from Main Street, the harbour and coastal trails, this home epitomises Mornington luxury. ■
FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT
CHELSEY GIBSON 0409 277 997
TRISTAN WYSE 0416 516 936
from Albert’s Wine Bar WHIPPED RICOTTA
WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND BASIL
Albert’s, a cosy, neighbourhood wine bar tucked behind Kings Arcade in Armadale, shares a favourite for you to recreate at home — Whipped Ricotta with Crispy Prosciutto & Basil.
INGREDIENTS
500g ricotta
150ml thickened cream
50ml olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
50ml honey
2 garlic cloves
10g salt
100g prosciutto
Fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Lemon thyme, to garnish
1 baguette
Sea salt & cracked black pepper, to season
METHOD
Make the Crostini:
1. Slice the baguette thinly on an angle.
2. Arrange the slices on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake at 180°C for about 8 minutes or until golden and crisp.
4. Set aside to cool.
Whip the Ricotta:
1. Finely grate (microplane) the garlic, then combine it in a food processor with the ricotta, cream, honey, olive oil, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Crisp the Prosciutto:
1. Heat a dry frypan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until golden and crispy
3. Transfer to paper towel to cool and drain.
To Serve:
1. Spoon a few generous tablespoons of whipped ricotta onto a serving plate.
2. Top with shards of crispy prosciutto, then garnish with fresh basil and lemon thyme.
3. Serve with crostini on the side.
UNLEASHED BY DESIGN
THE NEW McLAREN ARTURA SPIDER
A new chapter in open-air supercar performance has arrived. The all-new McLaren Artura Spider delivers the spine-tingling sensation of top-down driving with the electrified edge of McLaren’s next-generation hybrid technology, making it the lightest, most advanced convertible in its class.
Now available in both Spider and Coupe configurations, the MY25 Artura range merges cutting-edge engineering with unmistakable McLaren DNA — a legacy forged not only on the road, but on the track. Off the back of McLaren’s 2024 F1 Constructors’ Championship win, and with the team now leading both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles in 2025, the Artura’s racing pedigree feels more relevant than ever. And with Melbourne’s own Oscar Piastri pushing toward a World Championship, the connection between race success and road performance has never been stronger.
Combining a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and axial flux electric motor, the Artura Spider produces a staggering 700PS (690bhp), accelerating from 0–100km/h in just 3.0 seconds and pushing on to a top speed of 330km/h. With an uprated EV range of 33km and fuel efficiency of just 4.8L/100km, this is a car that defies convention, offering sustainability, silence, and savage speed in one seamless package.
But numbers alone cannot capture what makes this car truly special. With the roof retracted in just 11 seconds, the Artura Spider amplifies the McLaren experience, fusing airflow and acoustics into a visceral connection between driver and road. The redesigned exhaust unleashes a crescendo of sound through the cabin — especially with the rear window lowered — while McLaren’s trademark electro-hydraulic steering and Proactive Damping Control suspension respond with uncanny precision to every input and surface.
The engineering sophistication under the surface is equally breathtaking. A zonal Ethernet-based electrical architecture reduces weight while delivering class-leading computing power. For MY26 models, driver assistance technologies — including Blind Spot Monitoring, Cross-Traffic Detection, and Lane Departure Warning — are offered as optional equipment. At the same time, several key features are newly included at no extra cost:
• Practicality Pack (Power-Folding Heated Door Mirrors with Dip in Reverse, 4 Front and 4 Rear Parking Sensors, Rear View Camera, and Soft Close Doors)
• Vehicle Lift
An optional electrochromic glass roof offers instant shading or light at the touch of a button, while aerodynamic buttresses and rear intakes are sculpted to manage heat and airflow with obsessive detail.
Inside, the cockpit continues the Artura’s minimalist purity. A dualscreen MIS II infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay® and driver-customisable displays, while the signature Clubsport seat adjusts on an elliptical arc to deliver race-ready support with road-going comfort. The clean steering wheel — free of buttons — keeps focus purely on performance, with drive modes accessible at fingertip level.
Even the audio system reflects McLaren’s uncompromising design approach. A five-speaker McLaren setup comes standard, while an optional 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system, tailored for convertible acoustics, creates an immersive audio landscape.
Despite the complexity of its hybrid powertrain and retractable hardtop, the Artura Spider weighs just 62kg more than the coupe. With a dry weight of 1,457kg and a power-to-weight ratio of 480PS per tonne, this is a convertible that performs like a track-focused coupe and looks every bit as commanding.
With new Stealth badging, updated colourways, extended service and battery warranties, and three years of complimentary servicing included, the MY25 Artura Spider is as practical as it is exhilarating. Available now for order in Australia, the Artura is a McLaren born for those who demand beauty, intelligence, and raw emotion — all in one machine.
The perfect supercar? McLaren just made it. ■
LEARN MORE
SMILES 4 MILES
Maxie Diamantopoulos is the Chief Executive Officer of Smiles 4 Miles, a not-for-profit organisation that delivers joy to children facing life-threatening illnesses. We sat down with Maxie to hear the remarkable story behind the organisation’s mission.
Can you share the story behind the founding of Smiles 4 Miles and what inspired you to create a program dedicated to bringing joy, creativity, and support to children facing serious illness?
Smiles 4 Miles is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that works with children facing life-threatening and terminal illnesses to bring smiles to their faces despite all they are going through. We do this through a range of hands-on activities tailored to the individual needs of each child, like slime making, rainbow explosions, arts and crafts, jewellery design, and more.
My name is Maxie Diamantopoulos, and I started Smiles 4 Miles at 19 after coming to the end of a very complex health journey of my own. For years, I suffered from seizures that were repeatedly misdiagnosed. After a separate life-threatening incident, a specialist discovered multiple airway malformations causing hypoxic seizures. Following three surgeries and the right treatment, I’ve been seizure-free ever since.
I was granted a second chance at life, and I knew I had to dedicate it to helping children who might not be as fortunate, to bring them moments of joy despite their battles.
With such a diverse range of activities on offer, how does Smiles 4 Miles ensure that each experience is inclusive and tailored to suit children of all ages, cognitive abilities, and mobility levels?
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We adapt every activity to the child’s age, cognitive and physical abilities, and medical needs. For example, we support children with limited mobility by guiding their hands through activities like mixing ingredients in science experiments. For those with sensory impairments, we focus on tactile engagement. And for children requiring a calm, low-stimulation environment, we offer quiet options like reading picture books or gentle craft activities.
No matter how we deliver it, our goal is always the sameto bring smiles.
Your services extend beyond the sick children to their siblings as well. Why do you believe it's important to support the entire family during such challenging times?
We understand how deeply siblings are affected when a brother or sister is seriously unwell. During my own health journey, I saw how challenging it was for my family, and that inspired us to support the whole unit.
One of our most meaningful offerings is helping children in palliative care create keepsakes for their loved ones, like handpainted clay ornaments and heartfelt cards. Many choose to leave these for their siblings, offering something beautiful and lasting.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Smiles 4 Miles? Are there any new programs or initiatives you're excited to introduce in the future?
We’re excited to expand into more paediatric palliative care and end-of-life centres. Our mission remains simple: to bring joy to as many seriously ill children and their siblings as we can. ■
DEVELOPED BY
BUILT BY
ARCHITECTURE BY GARDENS BY
PROJECT MANAGAMENT BY
28 ALBERT STREET
SOUTH MELBOURNE
A 3-5 B 2-4 C 2-4
From $1,995,000
KIERRA HAGEDORN 0432 737 911 SALES BY
In Melbourne’s coveted Domain Precinct, First Light will soon unveil a groundbreaking fusion of art and architecture, promising to redefine the concept of luxury living through its innovative design and unparalleled attention to detail. MORE INFORMATION
DEVELOPED BY DESIGNED BY
INTERIORS 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
The commanding street presence and imposing façade of this stunning contemporary mansion, one of Kew’s finest residences, graces a magnificent resort-style landholding spanning over 2,000sqm with a double frontage, leafy hedge-lined landscaped gardens and a preferred northern-rear aspect. Enviably located in the prized Sackville Ward, arguably one of Boroondara’s most prestigious and desirable residential areas.
2 BLUFF STREET, HAWTHORN EAST
MONT ALBERT ROAD, MONT ALBERT
DEVELOPED BY LANDSCAPING BY DESIGNED BY
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.
THE LOCAL EDIT
Beetlejuice The Musical - Until 11th September 2025
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Regional Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent - 13 th September 2025
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Connor’s Run - 14th September 2025 Melbourne, VIC 3004
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
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McClelland Maker’s Market20 th September 2025
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Treasures and Tastes at Trinity Market20 th September 2025
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Boroondara Farmers Market - 20 th September 2025
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An Italian Afternoon - 20 th September 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
An Evening on Broadway - 24th September 2025 - 26 th September 2025
100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004
Mt Martha South Beach Market - 26 th 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
Hill and Ridge Community Market - 4th 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
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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 - 23 rd October 2025
1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, VIC 3006
NGVWA Garden Day 2025 - 23 rd October 2025
Brighton, VIC 3186
East Malvern Food and Wine Festival23 rd November 2025
148 Burke Roadd, Malvern East, VIC 3145
Martin Grant Exhibition - Until January 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Making Good: Redesigning the EverydayUntil 1st Feburary 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
