REINVENTED GRANDEUR
WELLBEING BY DESIGN
HAWTHORN HOUSE
THE HEART BEHIND ALEPP
The final weeks of the year are unfolding in a reassuringly steady fashion, with the market performing much as we would expect for this stage in the calendar. Well-positioned homes are attracting consistent enquiries from committed buyers who are motivated to transact before the summer break, rather than defer decisions until 2026. This is playing out in both public campaigns and the off-market space, where well-qualified buyers are discreetly matched with suitable homes.
At the same time, there is an increasing focus towards forward planning. Some owners who have come to market later in the year are now considering a more nuanced, two-step strategy. In particular, we are seeing interest from vendors who wish to add their property to our database now, when many international buyers are returning to Melbourne and actively inspecting. This approach can provide a valuable read on price expectations and buyer depth, with the option of securing a result without running a full campaign. If a sale is not achieved during this early off-market phase, those same owners are then well placed to launch a refreshed, fully resourced campaign in February, armed with recent feedback, photography and presentation already in place.
Overall, conditions remain consistent, with realistic pricing and quality presentation continuing to support successful outcomes. If you are considering a sale in early 2026, I would encourage you to speak with your local Marshall White team about which approach best suits your property, timing and goals. ■
By John Bongiorno
“A stunning, architecturally re-imagined Federation residence that truly ticks every box for modern family living.”
HUGH TOMLINSON
-
MARSHALL WHITE PARTNER, AUCTIONEER
Showcasing flawless design by award-winning Page Stewart Architects, this newly renovated and extended double-fronted Federation residence delivers contemporary sophistication and exceptional family functionality. A calming palette of muted tones, natural stone, limed oak floors and bespoke joinery flows throughout, complemented by beautifully landscaped gardens by Alto Landscapes.
A wide central hallway leads to an elegant sitting room and home office, both with fireplaces, along with a generous retreat/ media room. Bathed in natural light, the open-plan living and dining area features a gas log fire and daybed overlooking the central courtyard, while the showpiece kitchen impresses with stone benchtops, walk-in pantry, integrated appliances and dual ovens. Oversized sliders open to a private northeast garden with a mosaic-tiled heated pool.
Accommodation includes a sublime ground-floor main suite with walk-in robe and ensuite, plus an upstairs children’s wing with three bedrooms, a study and bathroom. Additional features include zoned heating/cooling, double glazing, security system, cellar, and off-street parking. ■
FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT
HUGH TOMLINSON 0409 427 483
JAMES TOMLINSON 0408 350 684
JACK MOSS 0439 378 954
Bright, delicate and irresistibly refreshing, Apollo Inn’s Peach Spritz captures the essence of summer with every sip. The depth of peach syrup provides a soft, fruity anchor, beautifully lifted by the perfume of elderflower. Enjoy it as a classic spritz, or serve it tall by swapping the sparkling wine for additional soda water.
Makes 1 spritz
INGREDIENTS
30ml elderflower liqueur
10ml Aperol Aperitivo
5ml peach syrup (from a jar or can of peaches)
10ml Verjus
100ml sparkling wine
10ml soda water
Thin slice of cucumber, to garnish
METHOD
1. Add the elderflower liqueur, Aperol, peach syrup and Verjus to a chilled wine glass.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Top with sparkling wine and soda water.
4. Gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber and serve immediately.
Chelsea Hing transforms spaces with a focus on connection, wellbeing, and timeless design. In this feature, we explore the inspiration behind her studio, her advice for homeowners, and her vision for the future of Australian design.
What inspired you to pursue design and establish your studio?
From a young age, I’ve always been creative, constantly making things with my hands - whether it was sculpture, collage, or printmaking. Eventually, my passion evolved into design. I was fortunate to begin my career at a time when design was still very hands-on, offering the chance to merge creativity with technical precision. Design feels like the perfect combination of opposites - it’s both strategic and artistic, serious and playful, fast and slow.
At its core, design is about creating something meaningful that enhances lives. I genuinely believe it’s a tool to improve humanity. That big-picture passion is what keeps me coming back to my desk every day, excited to create.
How do emotional connection and wellbeing shape your design philosophy?
Wellbeing drives every aspect of our designs. We focus on how spaces feel and function - where the light enters, how rooms flow, and what people see when they wake up. Homes are all about feeling; when designed well, they can improve everyday life.
We consider everything, from spaces to gather and connect to quiet areas for solitude. Even the materials we use reflect this approach - natural materials carry integrity, durability, and an energy that enhances a home’s atmosphere. Ultimately, our goal is to design homes that adapt to our clients' needs, supporting them now and as they evolve over time. While individual needs change, the principles of connection and wellbeing remain constant.
What advice would you give to homeowners designing their spaces?
The process starts with function. We ask fundamental questions: Who lives here? What does the house need to do now, and how can it work for the future? Many homes are either dated or poorly designed, which is when we get involved to reimagine the layout.
Once the functional aspects are in place, it’s about layering the space with personal elements - furniture, art, and objects. A home should reflect the people who live there. Getting the “bones” of a house right ensures timelessness; everything else can evolve with the decades. A well-designed home has a certain feeling - it just works. That’s the value of design.
How does hand sketching influence your creative process?
I began my career before email was standard, drawing everything by hand and faxing details to joiners. Handsketching directly connects the brain and hand, allowing ideas to flow freely and quickly. It’s imperfect, which is ideal for the early stages of design when anything is possible.
Even now, I sketch and use digital tools to refine ideas with my team. This process keeps our work fluid and allows for continuous improvement as the design takes shape.
How do you see your studio evolving in the future?
We’re continuing to grow, taking on larger residential projects while staying focused on what we do best - creating homes. Our aim is to provide full-service solutions, guiding clients from the design phase through construction and even selecting furniture, art, and objects.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore what defines the unique Australian design voice. Our work draws inspiration from global ideas, but there’s something special about adapting them to the way Australians live. I see the embrace of art and living with functional design in our homes as an exciting new frontier.
I think we’ll continue to see designers push the boundaries, and we’ll be there with them. Curiosity and new ideas are timeless drivers. ■ LEARN MORE
We sat down with Kate Ryan, the founder of Alepp — a social enterprise centred on traditional Syrian soap and built on the belief that business can be a force for good. From humble beginnings to a purpose-led model that supports asylum seekers and preserves centuries-old craft, Kate’s journey reveals how simplicity, resilience and heart can shape meaningful impact.
What inspired you to found Alepp, and how did the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre influence this direction?
As a volunteer, I experienced firsthand the great work that the ASRC does, which inspired me to try to do more. I wanted to build a business that would provide organisations like the ASRC with a diversified income stream beyond donations. I had also used traditional Aleppo soap for years because I have sensitive skin, but it was hard to find in Australia, so, the two ideas converged in a small business called Alepp!
With your background in senior management within the corporate sector, how have you applied your experience to Alepp?
It was quite challenging because, suddenly, I found myself doing everything without any support functions. However, I believe this situation helped me focus on the commercial side of the business. Although Alepp is a registered charity, our goal is to generate enough revenue to cover our costs and distribute the remaining profits to the ASRC. For us, profit is king! Having a background in communications also helps me tell our story, which is crucial for building trust with customers.
Could you share how your principle of "One idea. Two ingredients. Endless hope." has influenced Alepp's approach to creating a product with significant community impact?
One of the key drivers of Alepp is simplicity. What we do is quite straightforward, and by keeping things simple, we reduce costs and waste, which in turn delivers the most positive impact. The phrase "endless hope" refers to the belief that our actions, no matter how small, can have a positive impact. And to be honest, you need to have bucketloads of hope to be in a small business at the moment!
Alepp is dedicated to allocating 100% of its profits to programs that support asylum seekers and refugees. Could you explain how this decision embodies Alepp's mission and values?
Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Australia is the founding principle of Alepp and the reason we exist. Everything we do is focused on this goal, and having such a singular focus actually makes it easier to make decisions.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre plays a significant role in supporting people seeking asylum in Australia. How does Alepp align with the objectives of ASRC, and how do you see this partnership evolving?
The ASRC is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. While we have no formal connection with ASRC, we share their objectives and support them however we can. Once the business is profitable, we will donate 100% of profits to their programs.
Sourcing Aleppo soap from Syria supports traditional soap makers affected by war. Can you discuss the impact this has on these communities and the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship?
Sourcing the soap directly from Syria has been extremely difficult due to the dictatorship there. For 18 months, I worked with a Syrian refugee in Istanbul named Mohammad to source the soaps from the best factories in Aleppo, Syria. Then, we spent six months in 2022 without any soap to sell due to challenges in exporting the soap from Syria. We try our hardest to support those still operating in Syria, but this may change in the future as many factories are relocating to Northern Türkiye. ■
The Nutcracker - 11th December 2025
- 23rd December 2025
Princess Theatre, 163-181 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Heide Market - 13th December 2025
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105
Mornington Racecourse Market - 14th December 2025
320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931
Twilight Mornington Racecourse Market
- 20th December 2025
320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931
Treasures and Tastes at Trinity Market
- 20th December 2025
17 7 Union Road, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127
Boroondara Farmers Market
- 20 th December 2025
4 84 Auburn Road, Haw thorn, VIC 312 2
Kingston Farmer's Market
- 23rd December 2025
3 Jean Street, Cheltenham, VIC 3192
Mar tin Grant Exhibition - Until Januar y 2026
National Galler y of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Soul Night Market Brighton - 2nd Januar y 2026
2 Esplanade, Brighton, VIC 3187
Hill and Ridge Community Market - 3rd Januar y 2026
184 Ar thurs Seat Road, Red Hill, VIC 3937
Australian Open - 12 th Januar y 2026 - 1st Februar y 2026
Melbourne Park, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Point Nepean Por tsea Market
- 18th Januar y 2026
Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Por tsea, VIC 394 4
McClelland Maker's Market - 31st Januar y 2026
390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin, VIC 3910
Making Good: Redesigning the Ever yday
- Until 1st Feburar y 2026
National Galler y of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
MJ The Musical - Until 1st Feburar y 2026
2 19 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
You Are Here: Melbourne Memor y-scapes
- Until 6th Feburar y 2026
110 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival
- 14th Februar y - 28th Februar y 2026
Various Venues, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Young | youth in Australian photography: 1980s to now - Until 22nd Februar y 2026
860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150
Teresa's Trotters 2026 - 22nd Feburar y 2026
200-590 Royal Parade, Carlton Nor th, VIC 3054
MOTHER: Stories from the NGV Collection
- 27th March - 12th July 2026
Ian Pot ter Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000
MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission 2026
- Until 1st April 2026
National Galler y of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Moonlight Cinema - Until 5th April 2026
Central Lawn Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3141
Westwood | Kawakubo - Until 16th April 2026
National Galler y of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
DIVA at the Australian Museum of Per forming Ar ts
- Until 26th April 2026
100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004
Run the Tan - 26th April 2026
Tan Track, Melbourne, VIC 3004
Women Photographers 1900-1975: A Legacy of Light - Until 3rd May 2026
National Galler y of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Let's Par ty! Fashion for Kids:
Designed by Danielle Brustman - Until 3rd May 2026
National Galler y of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
We offer superior personalised service tailored to elevate both the value and experience of your rental property. Discover the benefits of our client-focused approach in maximising your investment property’s potential with a complimentary rental appraisal.
Bakehouse
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DEVELOPED BY DESIGNED BY GARDENS BY
28 ALBERT ROAD
A 3-5 B 2-4 C 2-4
From $1,995,000
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.
DEVELOPED BY DESIGNED BY
KIERRA HAGEDORN 0432 737 911 SALES BY
INTERIORS BY
A 3-4 B 2-3.5 C 2-8
From $3,190,000
PURCHASE A COPY
ALBERT PARK
Every book purchased helps brighten a child’s day, with all proceeds from Santa and His Brother Down Under going directly to KOALA Kids.
BRIGHTON
MANNINGHAM
Level 1/908 Doncaster Road, Doncaster East VIC 3109 (03) 9840 1111 OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS
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
Level 1/225 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999
FLINDERS
HAWTHORN 10/33 Cook Street, Flinders VIC 3929 (03) 5931 1000
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
