New Homes and Land Summer 2019

SUMMER 2019/20

B U I L D E R S • E S TAT E S • L I F E S T Y L E

FREE WHAT'S ON TREND FOR 2020 TOP TIPS FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS

BOUTIQUE LIVING

BY DRAKE DESIGN Another quality

product

DISPLAY VILLAGE NOW OPEN

ON

G SO

IN COM

A collection of 34 sophisticated and modern home designs are now open at Kaduna Park.

Discover a wide selection of designs and floorplans to build your next dream home at Kaduna Park in Officer South.

ON

G SO

IN COM

LAND SALES

DAILY 11AM - 5PM LAND

S SALE

2 MORTLAKE DRIVE, OFFICER SOUTH

KADUNAPARK.COM.AU 1300 KADUNA (523 862)

12430734-LN47-19

24.10

(41.81) 23.78

1201 SOLD 1001m 2

20

COME AND SEE

(41.81)

1202 SOLD 836m

(41.81)

20

2

21.24

1049m2 (56) (35)

(35)

(32)

20

1205 1206 SOLD 1207 694m SOLD 630m 630m 2

2

5

4.2

16.93

Perched at the pinnacle of the estate, enjoy elevated views overlooking Timbertop!

2

18

Petworth

Officer’s best views

(48.90)

1204

(35)

20

1203 SOLD 907m

21.24

Cowdray Crescen t

2

18

Riise

(32)

1209

(35.34)

1218 (35.34)

671m2

18 18

19

(35.34)

2

1221 SOLD 630m

(35)

*when completed within 3 months of build

2

18

1213 SOLD 671m

(35.34)

* Landscaping rebate*

2

Titled, Sta Building rt Yo New Hom ur e

(35)

1220 SOLD 630m 2

18

2

1222 SOLD 630m

19

1217 SOLD 671m

Ear a nley e Wayy

1216 SOLD 671m (35.34)

671m2

19

630m2

1214

(35.34)

* Timber capped fencing

(35)

(35.34)

2

18

(35)

(35.34)

2

(35)

1212

1215 SOLD 671m

19

630m

18

(35)

19

630m2

19

18

1210

2

* Frontages available from 18 – 24.10m

18

630m2

(35)

1211

* Block sizes ranging from 630 – 1,049m2

16.12

665m2

(35)

Petwor o th Ris e

19.12

4

4.2

1208

1219

BLOCKS UP TO 1,049M2

(35)

630m2

(26.50)

14.21 (32)

(32)

(32)

10.50

2602

(32)

10.50

2601 278m2 (26.50)

278m2

4.2

4

213m2

287m

232m

10.50

10.50

8.50

(22)

585m2

(41.33)

287m2

14

252m 2

(22)

Artisan Place

.85

26492

350m

350m2

4 4.2

26482

392m

387m

(25)

(28)

(28)

(28)

(28)

(25)

2646

347m2

347m2

389m2

12.50

12.50

12.50

12.50

14

2647

325m2

4.2

4

4

(27)

(28.60)

(28.60)

(28.60)

2628

2629

357m2

357m2

12.50

12.50

12.50

12.50

2627

357m2

357m2

2626

357m2 (28.60)

12.50

(28.60)

8.50

(28.60)

8.50

(28.60)

(28.60)

(28.60)

(28.60)

392m2

8.50

243m2 243m2 243m2 243m2 243m2 243m2 (28.60)

357m2

14

14.02 1

KILN SITE

8.50

2637 2636 2635 2634 2633 2632 2631 2630

(27.56)

2638

8.50

HOLD

391m

14.60

11.63

BLOCKS UP TO 585M2

2

8.50

12.50

(23.68)

2639

(28.60)

7

4.3

* Landscaping rebate**

timbertopestate.com.au 1300 925 349

2625

Grace Street

* Timber capped fencing (rear and corner)

* Terms & Conditions apply ** when completed within 3 months of build

11

26242 315m

(30)

339m2

4.2

* Positioned close to wetlands

26232 315m

(30)

11

347m2

375m2

8

347m2

2622 (30)

10.50

(19.16)

2645

(27.76)

2644

(27.76)

2643

2642

(27.76)

14

(27.76)

16.06

(27.76)

389m2

(30)

10.50

14

393m

12.50

26502

2651

346m

(27.76)

(27.76)

2641

2640

446m2

26212

10.26

26522

525m

6

* Frontages available from 10.50 – 14.21m

(27) 13.26

4

Cotswold Crescent

26532

30

4.2

11

14

12.50

12.50

(30.06)

HOLD

Start our ing Y Build Home New

9.50

4.2

4

(14.14)

(11.98)

(27.76)

* Block sizes ranging from 283 – 585m2

2620

2617 26182 26192

Tassell Court

Be a part of this beautifully established community and make your dream a reality!

(27.31)

4

213m2

10.28

4.2

14.18

(25)

(27.30)

2616

(25)

(25)

213m 2

2615

213m 2

213m 2

(25)

(25)

2613

2614

(25)

213m 2

(25)

2612

(22)

287m 2

(23.50)

278m 2

(26.50)

2603

2602

2611 245m 2

2616 252m2

(27)

2615

2607

383m2

(27)

2614

(27)

2613

(27.29)

7.26 4.24

14.21

8.50

283m2 230m2

(27)

8.50

10.50

283m2

213m2

(27.28)

8.50

14.22

(27)

8.50

14

2606

2610 2609 2608

213m2 (25)

7.26

8.50

2612

8.50

4

4.2

7

(25) (25)

8.50

4

10.28

14

10.50

2611 245m2

8.50

8

.24

454m2

Coalport Rise

(22)

8.50

10.50

10

448m2

10

(26.50)

11

2605

(23.50)

7

Cotswold Crescent

Enjoy living by the wetlands

287m2

11

8

2603

2604

448m2

(26.50)

(28.40)

Visit the Sales Suite 11am - 5pm daily 4 Cotswold Cres, Officer VIC 3809 12430735-LN47-19

contents

Silverwell

Graham Jones Design Harvey Norman flooring PAGES 26-27

PAGES 6-7

Acacia

PAGE 40

PAGES 8-9

St John of God PAGE 41

Colour trends for 2020 PAGES 44 - 46

My Expert PAGE 29

Bendigo Bank PAGES 30-31

Claire Miles Conveyancing

DB Design PAGE 12

Drake Design PAGES 14-15

Parklea PAGES 18-19

Harvey Norman bedding

PAGE 32

Inspirations Paint

Climatise

PAGE 48

PAGE 33

Oz Style Window Furnishings

Harvey Norman furniture PAGES 34-35

PAGE 50

My Home PAGES 54-55

PAGES 20-21

St Francis Xavier PAGES 36-37

Retirement

St Margaret’s

PAGES 22-25

PAGES 38-39

Last word PAGE 58

Design yourself a great summer starcommunity.com.au CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666

REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED & only. For our terms and conditions please visit INDEPENDENT www.starcommunity.com.au

4

SUMMER 2019/2020

12401416-RC42-18

EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au

WELCOME to the seventh edition of Homes and Land South East.

As I sit at my desk writing this editor’s note, the sun is shining outside and I’m contemplating taking my children for our first visit to the beach when I knock off.

Summer is when we migrate outdoors, barbecues are fired up, pools become the centre of family fun and we open up our homes to the cool breeze at night.

To help you get your home ready for summer we have a comprehensive list of outdoor jobs to tick off. Waiting at the end of the list is a cold beer or glass of wine!

In this edition we focus more than ever on design, both building design and interior design.

Enjoy a peek inside two spectacular homes created by Beaconsfield design firms Drake Design and Graham Jones Design.

Narre Warren East couple Colin and Andrea

also welcome us inside their home, which is a breathtaking mix of stone, wood and concrete.

We also look at using mirrors to create space and light, the colour trends for 2020 and how to create a Scandi aesthetic.

Looking for land in the South East? Find out what is happening at Timbertop and Kadunda Park in Officer, Acacia and Summerhill at Botanic Ridge and Silverwell at Narre Warren South.

We also offer up useful advice for first home buyers in an attempt to demystify the legal and financial processes involved in getting a foot on the property ladder.

More than 10,000 copies of Homes and Land South East are distributed at pick up points around Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong.

Enjoy the sun and happy summer reading. ● - Narelle Coulter, editor SOUTH EAST homes&land

1300 577 383 info@mpestate.com.au mpestate.com.au

Western Port Bay Berwick

Princes Fwy Cardinia Train Station

Princes Hwy Sales Centre 107 Mulcahy Rd

Thewlis Rd

Melbourne CBD

Lots from 375m2 1650m2 $10k deposits on selected lots

12422123-SN34-19

North

estates | Silverwell

Luxury, location and lifestyle Silverwell is a prestigious residential development within the established South-Eastern suburb of Narre Warren South.

IN this thoughtfully planned estate, Abiwood, a quality residential developer, has teamed up with TownLiving by Metricon to provide purchasers with an opportunity to buy a fully-inclusive, fixed price home within a high-quality residential locale.

Silverwell offers stylish, smart, lowmaintenance TownLiving by Metricon townhomes and detached homes, that are affordable without sacrificing quality.

With a simplified buy and build process, these modern, complete homes keep everything stress free. Off-the-plan designs provide a full turnkey solution, with site costs, a comprehensive list of inclusions (including SMEG appliances), driveway, fencing, front landscaping all included.

Crowned Australia’s # 1 Home Builder for the 4th year in a row, Metricon is Australia’s most trusted choice in home building. With over 40 years of experience, buyers can be confident they’re getting a premium quality build and great value home that will suit them for years to come.

Silverwell’s unique neighbourhood plan is designed to engage with the natural surrounds. It features a future park and interconnecting linear pathways, that lead seamlessly to the wide-open spaces of Berwick Springs Wetlands Reserve, located next door.

The Reserve, perhaps Silverwell’s most valuable asset, is a haven for native wildlife and serves a vital environmental and ecological purpose. This impressive and popular park can be enjoyed year-round and by people of all ages.

Spectacular at sunset or sunrise, here you can relax and reflect as you wander along 6

SUMMER 2019/2020

looping pathways while enjoying panoramic views of ornamental lakes, wetlands and wide-open parkland spaces. Playgrounds, fitness equipment and the shared trail network around the Reserve offer further choice for those who want to be more active.

Silverwell’s location also means everything you need for a modern, connected and convenient lifestyle is within easy reach. Only moments from your front door you will discover local treasures, new adventures, and all the convenience of well-established shops, services and the infrastructure you would expect to find in this vibrant, south-eastern community.

There is no waiting for the promise of future amenities to come - Silverwell is ideally positioned to allow residents to make the most of a central, established and thriving location in Melbourne’s south-east.

You have a choice between three neighbourhood shopping centres, each

located within a 5-minute drive. If that’s not enough, Berwick and Fountain Gate are less than a 15 minute drive away.

And when it comes to education, Silverwell is surrounded by some of Melbourne’s finest public and private schools, as well as kindergartens, childcare and tertiary education facilities.

So, if you’re a family looking for a sense of community and connectedness, someone looking to downsize into something more contemporary, or an investor or first home buyer looking for an affordable opportunity in an appreciating suburb, Silverwell will have a new home solution perfectly suited to you.

Silverwell is at 1095 Glasscocks Road, Narre Warren South. Inspect from Saturday to Tuesday 11am - 5pm and Wednesday 3pm - 7.30pm and at other times by appointment.

Call Nigel on 1300 358 314 or go to mysilverwell.com.au ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

12430607-CG47-19

estates | Acacia and Summerhill

Summerhill is a community of less than 200 spacious and elegant homes.

Plant the seed at Botanic Ridge The sought-after suburb of Botanic Ridge is attracting buyers from Melbourne’s South Eastern corridor and beyond thanks to its location, amenities and opportunity to settle in one of Peet’s renowned Acacia and Summerhill communities.

DESIGNED and delivered by Peet, one of Australia’s leading developers with 125 years’ experience, both communities are framed by the 300-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens next door, providing the perfect backdrop to residents’ homes.

Located just a 6-minute drive from Cranbourne, all of life’s everyday conveniences are located close by whilst providing a sense of privacy and space residents are seeking to enjoy.

ACACIA Acacia has been developing steadily since its launch in 2015 and has proven to be extremely popular with a diverse range of buyers. From young families and first home buyers to mature buyers and upgraders, purchasers are able to choose from a wide range of lot sizes with home designs from Melbourne’s leading and specialist builders.

Already a thriving community in the most natural of settings, Acacia is home to six hectares of beautifully landscaped wetlands, walking trails and parks including the 1.15 hectare Homestead Park and the recently completed Damon Green.

Acacia’s future shopping village will be a true local hub in Botanic Ridge, which is set to feature a Coles supermarket, an array of specialty stores and a cafe. Local families can ensure their children’s education can commence close to home with the opening of Botanic Ridge Primary School and Early Learning Centre in January 2020.

With flexibility, proximity and serenity guaranteed, Acacia is an ideal place for 8

SUMMER 2019/2020

A striking sculpture representing a pod is a feature at Acacia.

families big and small to plant the seed in a beautiful address.

SUMMERHILL Whilst Botanic Ridge is already known for its beautiful homes and peaceful settings, Summerhill raises the bar even higher and sets a new standard of living as a community of less than 200 spacious and elegant homes, designed for families on the rise.

Launched in 2016, Summerhill gives residents the opportunity to live a big life in a small community with most lot sizes ranging from 600sqm to 990sqm.

Carefully considered design guidelines have been developed to ensure homes are well separated and built of a high quality across the community.

Summerhill’s masterplan has been designed to bring touches of the Royal Botanic Gardens right to residents’ front doors with natural stone street accents, lush mature trees and premium, native streetscapes and a formal entranceway.

There is also a picturesque waterway meandering throughout the estate surrounded by beautiful walking paths.

For those with a love of the outdoors, Mornington Peninsula’s countless wineries and the beautiful beaches of Port Phillip Bay are just a short car ride away.

Whether it’s a beautiful custom designed home, a relaxed lifestyle or great location that offers the greatest appeal, Summerhill truly is an exclusive place to call home. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

12422477-CG47-19

lifestyle | Pizza Ovens

A delicious slice of heaven Spring and summer are the perfect months for Mediterranean style cooking and alfresco dining, especially when you have a pizza oven in the backyard.

PIZZA ovens are becoming popular additions to Australian backyards alongside the ubiquitous barbecue. Devotees of pizza ovens love the simplicity of authentic Italian-style pizzas, which can be healthy, quick to make and delicious.

Because the high heat generated in a wood fired pizza oven, food cooks extremely quickly making them great for feeding large groups of people. And only wood fired brick ovens infuse that smokey, charcoal flavour that can’t be replicated in a normal kitchen oven.

There are a number of things to consider when choosing what sort of pizza oven is right for your home.

Firstly, what material to use in constructing the oven.

BRICK Brick ovens are fuel efficient, as they retain up to 85 per cent of the heat generated by a wood fire. Bricks are also cheap making them a popular choice .

To get an authentic rustic look, the brick can be rendered in cement with the added benefit of retaining extra heat for faster cooking.

STONE Stone has very similar heat efficiency to brick but it can be an expensive option. If you like the look of natural stone use it on the facade as decoration rather than using it for the baking chamber.

COB Cob is a mixture of natural building materials made from things such as clay, 10

SUMMER 2019/2020

sand, straw, rocks and recycled materials.

It is one of the oldest building methods on earth. A cob oven is cheap to construct and fuel efficient. It cooks with all three heating methods: convection, conduction and radiant heat. Be careful to ensure the baking chamber is fired properly or it will crack.

There is plenty of advice on the internet about how to construct a cob oven.

STEEL In modern homes stainless steel is a popular choice for pizza ovens. They are low maintenance and can be connected to gas as a fuel source eliminating the long heating time needed for wood fired models.

PORTABLE OVEN For those with a small backyard a portable pizza oven or even a bench top oven may be a better option. Portable ovens can be wood fired or gas powered. They can be moved out of the way when not in use or even taken to a park, the beach or a friend’s house.

The other main consideration is which fuel to use to fire your pizza oven.

WOOD For purists wood is the only way to go. Wood fired is the authentic way of cooking used by humans for thousands of years. It can take up to four hours to get a wood fired oven to the correct temperature for cooking so patience and planning is required if you choose wood.

CHARCOAL/COAL Wood-fired ovens can also be fueled with either charcoal or coal for a different flavour, though these options are often considered to be less efficient, and less eco-friendly.

GAS/ELECTRIC More contemporary in style, a gas or electric pizza oven is a cleaner option, particularly for an indoor or enclosed kitchen. Gas is also faster but they do need to be connect to a mains supply or bottled gas. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

lifestyle | Pizza Ovens

Traditional pizza made with love Joe and Kristen Cammarano have created a little slice of Italy in their Lang Lang backyard.

NARELLE COULTER

THE couple installed a wood fired pizza oven six years ago and cooking up traditional Italian-style pizzas has become a family affair.

Joe, Kristen, their five children are usually joined by other family and friends most weekends around the huge family dining table as they share slices of pizza dripping with home made napoli sauce, cheese, cured meats and other favourite toppings.

The couple bought their pizza oven in kit form and installed it directly opposite their sliding dining room window. Joe, a former concreter who now drives trains, concreted over the ceramic structure, giving the oven an authentic, earthy look.

It takes Joe four hours to get the oven up to an even 400 degrees, perfect for cooking pizza. He uses small pieces of red gum and a few fire lighters to get it going.

And how does he know when the oven is ready?

“If I put my hand in and the heat is unbearable then I know it’s ready,“ he said, laughing.

In contrast the cooking process itself is extremely quick, with each pizza taking around 90 seconds to cook perfectly slightly charred on the bottom and the base puffed around the edges.

Joe is master of the nepoli sauce combining onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil and sugar with bottled passatta. Two bottles of passatta covers about 10 pizza bases.

Kristen is in charge of the dough combining flour, dry yeast, some of her sour dough starter, salt, sugar and semolina for crunch.

She stretches the dough by hand, forming it into bases of around 11 inches in diameter.

Favourite family toppings vary from olives, anchovies and salami to finely sliced potato, rosemary and blue cheese.

Other nights it’s roast chicken and barbecue sauce or a simple topping of garlic and cheese.

One of Joe’s favourite combinations is

SOUTH EAST homes&land

Joe concreted over the ceramic oven to give it an authentic, rustic look.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Kristen passes an uncooked pizza to husband Joe.

Joe likes a touch of charcoal on the base of his pizzas.

ham and egg with lots of black pepper, while Kristen likes pumpkin and fetta.

“We like the simple ones. The kids like theirs to be a bit more flash,“ Kristen said.

“We experiment with whatever is in the fridge.“ “If we are feeling fancy we will go to the Queen Victoria Market and buy fresh mozarella,“ added Joe. One of Joe’s secrets to the perfect pizza is a generous dollop of his garlic oil sprinkled over the toppings. He mixes fresh crushed

garlic with olive oil and salt.

The family tucks into pizza at least once a week.

“It has become a bit of a tradition. The kids love it. They bring friends over and it is a really social way to eat,“ Kristen said.

“And making your own is much cheaper than buying pizza.“ The couple also use their pizza oven for cooking bread, hot cross buns, steak, whole butterflied chicken and charring eggplant for babaganoush. ●

SUMMER 2019/2020

11

building design | db design

Innovative designs for tomorrow DB Design creates innovative and energy efficient homes to suit every lifestyle.

THE Wonthaggi based design firm is led by founder Darren Brown and handles all manner of projects from first home builders to large custom-designed homes through to multi dwellings and commercial developments.

The team is highly motivated and approachable with a focus on providing clarity, direction and choice.

“Our focus at db design is to provide each client with choice and flexibility throughout every stage of the building project,“ Mr Brown explained.

“From initial meetings and concept drawings, dealing with relevant authorities and obtaining permits, final detailed drawings and documentation, through to selecting a builder and even project management services, we provide clarity and direction that ensues the design and documentation process remains seamless.“ db design has also developed a select range of innovative home designs that cater for any stage of life - from compact and practical living spaces through to expansive family homes.

The select range offers flexible house plans and facade options that will suit or can be altered to suit any chosen home site and individual living requirements. These

DESIGNS BORN FROM EXPERIENCE

designs may also be used as a starting point on which to base a custom design.

When clients are happy with the design of their new home, the team at db design offer a unique level off assistance in helping find the right builder, in a competitive environment that ensures value for money.

Mr Brown said clients remain in full control of the style, design and layout of the

project while working in partnership with a db design building designer.

“We project manage the design and documentation process. Push the boundaries of good design philosophies, while embracing passive solar design principles and sustainable building methods, in the pursuit of exceeding our clients’ expectations." ● GETTING THE BEST RESULTS We have an extensive and experienced group of building industry professionals at our disposal who bring their expertise to every project when required, creating a one-stop shop approach to the design and documentation process.

CUSTOM HOMES The open and consultative approach of db design, combined with an intimate knowledge of good design practices, passive solar design principles and construction techniques leads to stunning results that are a pleasure to live in for years to come.

COMMERCIAL DESIGNS db design is a recognised leader in the commercial field through award-winning designs that have quickly become iconic in the region.

47 GRAHAM STREET WONTHAGGI VIC 3995 03 5672 1144

www.dbdesign.com.au

12428457-SN47-19

155 Peck Road 2IÀFHU

A WIDE VARIETY OF BLOCK SIZES AVAILABLE

GRANDVUE

ORCHARD

(future residential)

STAGE 2 NOW SELLING

A BOUTIQUE ESTATE WITH AN OFFICER POSTCODE Estate under construction - October 2019

ONLY $10K DEPOSIT ON SELECTED LOTS CONTACT US FOR THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL PROMOTION 12430701-NG47-19

STAGE 1 DUE FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 2019 STAGE 2 NOW SELLING CONTACT ARVIND MAHAJAN ON 0421 691 765 SKYMONT.COM.AU SELLING AGENT Every precaution has been taken to establish the accuracy of the material herein.

3URVSHFWLYH SXUFKDVHUV VKRXOG QRW FRQÀQH WKHPVHOYHV WR WKH FRQWHQWV EXW PDNH WKHLU own enquiries to satisfy themselves on all aspects. Photographs depict lifestyle only.

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

13

building design | Drake Design

Boulevard of dreams Boulevard House, designed by the award-winning team at Drake Design, was imagined with a carefully considered approach to not only capture the breathtaking views of the neighbouring vineyard, but to celebrate the unique vista presented by the site.

BUILT by the team at Kalibar Homes, this family home has a carefully selected material palette which elegantly explores the balance between making a bold and memorable statement while concurrently sitting harmoniously within its quiet suburban setting.

Creating spaces that are warm, inviting and functional is at Drake Design’s core and this project is no exception.

The deliberate placement of large windows and selections of natural tones and textures along with soft timbers, ensure every inch of Boulevard House is flooded with natural light and a comforting feeling of warmth and spaciousness is felt throughout.

Made up of four bedrooms, this recently completed home boasts plenty of space and storage that will allow the family to live and grow for many years to come. Open and spacious interior and exterior living areas provide an opportunity for the owners to entertain all year ‘round no matter the weather.

The façade of Boulevard House is strikingly contemporary, yet its use of simple forms and understated materials help to achieve a look that will not only be remembered but is sure to stand the test of time.

14

SUMMER 2019/2020

SOUTH EAST homes&land

building design | Drake Design

Drake Design is experienced in all phases of building design and provide a full range of building design services including concept, design development, town planning, tender and construction documents.

The team can assist with any scale project, small or large, and are experienced

in all phases of the architectural and building industry.

“We will provide the utmost professional direction and guidance throughout your project and you will deal directly with the one building designer who will look after you project from start to finish.“ ●

12427866-FA47-19

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

15

lifestyle | Mirrors

Mirror, mirror on the wall Mirrors are not only decorative, they also make rooms feel bigger and brighter by reflecting light and creating the illusion of depth.

AS the saying goes ’life is like a mirror’ and the clever use of mirrors in a home can reflect a lot about the lifestyle of the people who live there.

Mirrors come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes. They can be modern or traditional, big or small, hung or placed on a lean against walls for effect.

As a rule of thumb, rooms with high ceilings benefit from vertical mirrors, while horizontal mirrors work better in long rooms.

One of the first things to consider when deciding where to place a mirror is the reflection. Stand where you plan to hang the mirror and consider what will be reflected in it. Mirrors can accentuate works of art or special pieces of furniture that may be placed opposite.

16

SUMMER 2019/2020

Also, think about where light enters your room. It’s best to position a mirror opposite a window, especially in north facing homes to make the most of the afternoon and evening light.

If you are going to hang a mirror, consider placing it on a slight tilt that way it will reflect more of the room.

Also consider if the mirror is going to serve a practical purpose or will it be merely decorative. If you want to be able to check your lipstick on the way out the door make sure the mirror is hung at eye level.

To securely fasten a mirror to a wall, each hook on the back needs its own hook in the wall. A cable wire hung across a single hook or nail won’t do the job, especially with large, heavy mirrors.

Mirrors can be used throughout your home.

They add a welcoming feel to a foyer or entry hung above a stylish hall table.

An obvious place for a mirror in older homes is above a mantel. Experts advise positioning the mirror 10 to 15 centimetres above the mantel for maximum effect.

An instant hit of glamour can be added to a bathroom or ensuite by a gorgeous mirror.

Look beyond the frameless mirror mounted above the basin and consider a frame for visual impact.

Dining rooms are the traditional place for mirrors. Think grand Victorian homes with thick gold frames. A mirror in a sleek, modern frame would work just as well strategically placed over a buffet.

SOUTH EAST homes&land

lifestyle | Mirrors

Mirrors can also be arranged in groups for added visual impact and character. Take care to ensure the space between each mirror is even, making it visually pleasing to the eye.

Play around with different shapes and sizes, or hang a set of mirrors for visual uniformity.

SOUTH EAST homes&land

Think about a group of mirrors the same way you would a collection of art work.

The style of frame will depend on your individual aesthetic. A modern home will suit sleek, unadorned frames. A colonial or country homestead style home suits a rustic

wooden frame, or a period home a more traditional gilt, decorative frame.

Don’t be afraid to use a large mirror in a small space. Designers often use full length mirrors leaning against a wall in apartments or smaller homes. �

SUMMER 2019/2020

17

estates | Kaduna Park

Park open for all to enjoy Kaduna Park officially celebrated the opening of the estate's new community park with something for everyone; the nature lover, the fitness fanatic and the entertainer.

THE park provides residents with the ideal location to unwind, go for a leisurely stroll or enjoy a day filled with family fun. Kick the ball around the large open space with over 1 hectare of beautiful park area to take advantage of and explore to your heart’s content. The park features brand new, state-of-the-art play equipment, barbeque facilities and walking trails throughout the vast parklands. The park is just a short walk from the new Henty Release.

Parklea Sales and Marketing Manager Jarod Mills said the team was delighted to see so many residents take advantage and enjoy the new community park.

“The space provides residents with an opportunity to take advantage of their surroundings and enjoy quality time with their friends and family," Mr Mills said.

“Parklea strives to build not just developments, but communities. It’s fantastic seeing so many residents utilise the space and mixing with their fellow neighbours."

The Kaduna Park community is continually expanding with the development of the new Kaduna Park Resident Group. The group was established to provide an opportunity for residents to socialise and get involved in the estate. The residents group is proactively planning and discussing a wide variety of exciting future events for the community with the assistance of developer Parklea.

Kaduna Park’s latest Henty Release overlooks Officer South’s picturesque, tranquil country setting, including the Gum Scrub Creek. Lots within this release are perfect for families, ranging from 425-644m² while being just a short walk away from the newly opened 1-hectare park.

The estate is also now home to the recently opened display village, featuring over 34 brand new display homes by 19 18

SUMMER 2019/2020

of Melbourne’s biggest and best builders, including Metricon, Carlisle Homes, Beachwood Homes and Porter Davis, now open and ready to explore.

Mr Mills said Parklea was delighted to see so many visitors exploring the new, modern designs on offer.

“Each home has something for everyone, giving buyers the perfect place to draw inspiration from when choosing their own design."

The Henty Release and the display village are open daily for viewing from 11am to 5pm. Prospective purchasers may contact the Kaduna Park sales team to book an appointment on 1300 KADUNA (523 862) or at kadunapark.com.au. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

estates | Timbertop

Timbertop’s a vision of excellence Parklea has been named as a finalist in the 2019 Victorian UDIA Awards for Excellence with the jewel in its development portfolio, Timbertop Estate, nominated for Best Residential Development.

THE award vindicates the vision of developer Parklea which set out to create a planned community that was functional and aesthetically pleasing while also being sympathetic to the site’s history and natural landscape.

The evolution of Timbertop started in 2012 and the estate will be completed by 2020 with the last two stages selling now.

Thanks to careful planning and with the liveability of future residents in mind at every step, Timbertop is a prime example of what can be achieved by a developer who is invested in quality and cares about its legacy.

Now, seven years later, the 80-hectare estate is nearly complete with more than 700 homesites and 2,000 people enjoying life at the top. The 2.5-hectare wetlands are one of three significant open spaces within Timbertop, along with the 2 hectare Hicks Reserve and the 1-hectare Timbertop West Reserve.

The estate’s final releases have created enormous interest, with buyers keen to snap up the last blocks in the premium Chateau release and the Timbertop East release situated around the estate’s picturesque wetlands.

Parklea Sales and Marketing Manager Jarod Mills said Timbertop was a prime example of what can be achieved by a developer who is invested in quality and cares about its legacy.

Mr Mills said it was Timbertop’s “serene yet convenient lifestyle“ which set it apart.

Timbertop has completely transformed the once tiny hamlet of Officer. Now residents have at their doorstep an established shopping centre, café, childcare

SOUTH EAST homes&land

centre and speciality stores.

Mr Mills said Parklea had worked proactively to create a safe, engaged and connected community which was also sustainable.

A residents group was convened early in the life of the estate. The group now operates independently, with a strong, growing membership.

Other initiatives include providing residents with free exercise classes, the establishment of a mixed netball team, welcome nights for new residents and community events.

Environmental sustainability has been one of Timbertop’s guiding principles.

Parklea has provided sustainability group SECCCA with dedicated space within the Timbertop Land Sales Office to promote its Home Energy Advisory Service.

“Timbertop is an example of what can be achieved when the best urban design principles are sympathetically incorporated into the existing landscape.

Parklea also partnered with builder SJD Homes to construct one of Victoria’s first zero net carbon homes at Timbertop.

Mr Mills said the entire team at Parklea was honoured by the UDIA’s recognition of what they had achieved at Timbertop.

“Timbertop was designed to be a premium community for first and subsequent home buyers. The Facey family, owners of Parklea, have a long history in the South East and wanted to make this terrific region accessible to other families who also want to put down roots in an estate that they know will only continue to get better as it matures." ●

SUMMER 2019/2020

19

bedding | Harvey Norman

A touch of ooh la la French Provincial is one of the most enduring design trends of all time with its origins in rural France in the 1600 and 1700s. To give your bedroom a touch of French country class visit the showroom at Harvey Norman Fountain Gate.

FRENCH Provincial conjures up images of ornate carvings, simple textures and sturdy furniture with rustic, country-style features.

The palette is warm neutrals - think greys, creams, ivory, blushes and light blues and pinks. French Provincial styling also favours natural materials like wood, linen and wood.

Harvey Norman has a number of bedroom suites that makes it easy to create the French Provincial feel at home.

THE CHARLOTTE Crafted from Tasmanian Oak with astrohide bedhead, the Charlotte bed utilises traditional styling and intricate detailing to achieve a classic appeal. Choose your own colour (both timber and leather) to add that personal touch.

Match your bedroom decor with a choice of a great range of timber and upholstery colours.

Finish your bedroom furniture with the optional bedside table, dressing table, winged mirror and tallboy.

THE CHANTELLE This classically designed bed is complete with intricate detailing and an upholstered 20

SUMMER 2019/2020

bedhead. Complete the look with a range of gorgeous complementary pieces also available including a tallboy, dresser, bedside table and mirror.

The Chantelle bed is the ideal piece to create a chic bedroom decor.

The Chantelle bed is available to order as a king single, queen or king. And to complete the look, choose from a range of complementary pieces including a tallboy, dresser, bedside table and mirror.

THE WALDORF Delight in the luxurious form and texture of the Waldorf bed. The delicate velvet upholstery is accentuated by the buttontufted and winged design of the bedhead to bring a sense of opulence to your bedroom, while a large padded bedhead presents the perfect place to rest with a hot beverage and a good book. Choose between a low or high footboard and two colours to tailor this bed for your bedroom.

THE GENEVIEVE The Genevieve Bed has a beautifully Frenchinspired frame featuring tufted buttons, diamond stitching and a fabric upholstered

headboard, making it impossible to leave come morning!

It is crafted from Victorian ash, giving the Genevieve bed its classic French look.

A rustic-effect frame complements the traditionally authentic look, while a lacquered finish preserves the natural wood grains.

The Genevieve Bed has a sleigh style head and foot (with doonafoot option).

This bed is available in a range of sizes.

Complete the look with the coordinating Genevieve bedside table, Genevieve dresser and mirror, Genevieve mirror, Genevieve 12 drawer dresser base and Genevieve blanket box (available to purchase separately).

THE VICTORIA The Victoria bedroom suite offers a traditional design with thoughtful detailing, creating a classic feel in the bedroom. Suite includes a bedhead, 2 bedside tables and a dressing table.

Match your bedroom decor with a choice of bleached oak, antique white or white finishes.

To view these and other French inspired bedroom settings visit the team at Harvey Norman Fountain Gate. â—?

SOUTH EAST homes&land

12430503-SG47-19

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

21

retirement | Blue Hills and Valley Village Mews

Blue Hills is for young and old After an 18 month journey, the new cross-generational facility at Blue Hills Residences is open.

THE new facility is exactly the same as the old, offering a range of services to suit both the young and the young at heart.

Co-owner of Blue Hills, Jodie Mitchell, said residents and users were looking forward to using the new facility, which includes a workshop, pool, tennis court and skate ramp.

Schoolie Central, a before and after school care program, is also hosted in the facility and Ms Mitchell said the students were excited to return to the centre after so long.

“The fire was devastating for everyone, but probably children the most,” she said.

The students had been rehoused in portables on-site during the centre’s rebuild.

The facility’s workshop functions similarly to a men’s shed but is open to all genders and is exclusively for the use of Blue Hills residents.

A swim school utilises the pool, providing lessons to children. The pool is also open to residents.

With such a diverse range of features, the cross-generational facility allows for interaction between children and students

who use the site, and residents.

Memorably, the two generations have collaborated on projects like building vegie gardens and chairs.

“It’s lovely to see, it’s beneficial to both the young and the old,” Ms Mitchell said.

The new facility will be officially opened in November at an event that will also double as a thankyou for those who helped throughout the recovery and rebuild.

The opening of the new building comes more than a year and a half after the sevenyear-old original was destroyed by fire.

On 14 March 2018, a fire broke out in the old cross-generational facility. Investigators later found it had started in a closed fan in the pool’s dehumidifier. The blaze gutted the building and caused the roof to collapse.

Residents and workers were evacuated and a resident turtle, which is still alive and kicking to this day, was saved. ●

Loving life at Valley Village Mews In Dandenong, families can be assured that their loved ones will enjoy happy, independent lives at Valley Village Mews Retirement Village.

THE spacious village, with magnificent views to the Dandenong Ranges, is close to public transport, shopping, entertainment and medical services.

Although the village is located only moments from the bustling centre of Dandenong, once you step inside the front gates a sense of calm and tranquility descends.

Village manager Cynthia Mack said families were welcome to walk around the village, see the facilities and chat to residents.

“Everyone is welcome here,“ Cynthia said.

“We like to think of our community at Valley Village Mews as one big family.“

Independence is the key to enjoying an active life at Valley Village Mews. Residents are encouraged to pursue their personal

interests both outside and within the village.

Special events, tours, fashion parades, movies, luncheons, picnics, barbecues, carpet bowls, billiards, bingo, line dancing, gentle exercises and walking groups are just a few of the activities at Valley Village.

There is also a courtesy bus that runs frequently to central Dandenong.

Security is assured thanks to the 24 hour emergency call service, portable emergency pagers within all homes and night security patrols.

There is a medical complex adjacent to the village and major hospitals and health centres nearby. ●

112 STUD ROAD DANDENONG

s 5NITS AVAILABLE FOR SALE NOW s 0URCHASE YOUR UNIT BY 3TRATA 4ITLE s *OIN IN WITH 3OCIAL !CTIVITIES s +EEP lT WITH EXERCISE PROGRAMS s %MERGENCY #ALL PENDANT s #OMMUNITY "US FOR SHOPPING s ! VILLAGE BUILT AROUND BEAUTIFUL PARKLAND s 3UPERB 0ARKLANDS TO TAKE YOUR PET AND MEET RESIDENTS

Phone: 9793 3354 villagemews@iinet.net.au

12430211-SN47-19

VALLEY VILLAGE MEWS RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Fax: 9793 7154

www.valleyvillagemews.com.au

Call in to meet our friendly staff to show you why you should make Valley Village Mews your home.

22

SUMMER 2019/2020

SOUTH EAST homes&land

e l r y t u o S Y n i e r i New Home Awaits Ret Blue Hills Residences, Cranbourne East - Blue Hills Rise, Cranbourne East has a great selection of resale everything you need in the one units available. place.

All resales are reinstated which may include a fresh paint, new appliances, carpet, beautiful Ƥ Ƭ ǡ Ƭ distance of the amazing Country Club.

Enjoy the onsite facilities including ǡ ǡ ǡ cinema, bowling green Ƭ Ǥ

services including visiting Doctor, ǡ Ƭ Massage Therapy.

All of this with the peace of mind of onsite 24/7 emergency ǡ Ƭ detector monitoring.

, , f f l l e e s s r r u u o o yy r r o o f f k k o o o o a ll e k a t Come &

you’ll love it!!

͙ ơ ƪ plans - 2 Bedrooms to 3 Bedrooms, all with quality Ƥ Ƭ Ǥ Enjoy a resort lifestyle with amazing onsite facilities including:

Ƭ Cinema Sports Bar Restaurant Bowling Green - Full Size Tennis Court - Full Size Onsite Cafe Ƭ Ƭ Feel safe and secure with 24/7 monitored emergency call, security Ƭ Ǥ night gated community.

. . . g n i s s i m g n i h t l y The o n

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŐŝǀĞ ƵƐ Ă ĐĂůů ŽŶ

03 5991 5000 125 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd C ranbourne Victoria 397 7 www.bluehillsresidences.com

͖͔͘ Ǧ Cranbourne Victoria 3977 www.bluehillsrise.com.au

is

You!!

12421553-FA34-19

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

23

retirement| Lifestyle Kaduna Park

Downsize to a bigger life A brand-new luxury development is well underway in Officer South, catering to working, semi or fully retired over 50s who are young at heart and want to downsize to a bigger life.

LIFESTYLE Kaduna Park offers 5-star resortstyle facilities, with enough wow-factor to make the kids a little jealous.

All contemporary, low maintenance homes feature landscaped gardens and quality fixtures and fittings. Front gardens are maintained by the community gardener, leaving homeowners time to relax and enjoy all the community has to offer including a multi-million-dollar clubhouse, heated pool and spa, cinema, gym, bowling green, alfresco barbecue area and even a pickleball court.

Lifestyle Communities is building for a more sustainable future. This all-electric community will be powered by renewable energy and compliant with NatHERS 6-star energy rating, making homes more thermally comfortable and cheaper to run.

The community is really starting to take shape. Water and sewer are complete and live to the entirety of stage 1 and electrical and communications are well underway. In November, asphalt will be installed to the front entry and first half of stage 1.

Project Manager John Beveridge said “with construction of homes due to commence in the back end of November excitement is starting to grow as the community comes to life".

With 30% of homes already sold, and first homeowners preparing to move in from May 2020 now is the perfect time to choose from a range of two and three bedroom homes.

To enquire call 1300 50 55 60 or visit the Lifestyle Lounge on the corner of Mortlake Drive and Leeson Street in Officer South. â—?

24

SUMMER 2019/2020

SOUTH EAST homes&land

New homes from $326,000

Downsize to

a bigger life

Lifestyle Kaduna Park in popular Officer South is the perfect place for over 50s to enjoy a life of 5-star luxury at an affordable price.

Picture contemporary low-maintenance homes, resort-style facilities, beautiful outdoor spaces, safety, security and financial freedom!

With 30% of homes sold, and first homeowners getting ready to move in May 2020 now is the perfect time to choose your new home.

To find out more, call 1300 50 55 60.

NO STAMP DUTY

NO WATER RATES

NO BODY CORPORATE

NO COUNCIL RATES 12428857-LN47-19

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

25

building design | Graham Jones Design

Keeping a low profile Puffing Billy House, designed by the team at Graham Jones Design, was conceived around the idea of the humble, honest qualities of a worker’s shed combined with the comfort and style of a new contemporary home.

THE primary brief for this project was for a new house that engaged the site and its surroundings while retaining a sense of refuge among the serenity of the established trees. The clients also desired that their future home be durable and low maintenance.

This award-winning home, built by the team at Excelcon, features raw, simple

26

SUMMER 2019/2020

styling that is unashamedly modest – you might even miss it entirely as you drive by. Yet this low profile is well-suited, following the slope of the terrain, whilst its dark hues, featuring Colorbond and timber, embrace the tone of the surrounding environment and also suited the need for low maintenance desired by the owners.

SOUTH EAST homes&land

building design | Graham Jones Design

12427872-FA47-19

The minimalist facade of Puffing Billy House lets the inhabitants engage with the landscape – while simultaneously taking advantage of the privacy from the plush greenery and adding a feel of tranquility.

The building embraces and celebrates the surrounding environment, a core belief of Graham Jones Design.

The arrangement and composition of two pavilions provides not only a sense of drama but also creates views towards the rear of the site, capturing Puffing Billy’s playful moments as he steams by.

One pavilion contains the living and parent zone, whilst the other, separated by the entry, contains the kids’ zone, garage and storage areas. ●

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

27

first home buyers | Top Tips

Clearing the first home hurdles Buying your first home can be an absolute minefield of jargon and acronyms apparently all determined to trip you up. It’s almost enough to keep you renting! Here’s a rundown of some of the things you’ll need to consider.

GOVERNMENT GRANTS Buying a house is expensive. Fortunately, state and federal governments offer grants that can help cover some of the costs.

Perhaps the most well-known of these is the First Home Owner Grant. A one-off payment of $10,000 is available to buyers who meet the eligibility criteria ($20,000 for some regional builds). To determine your eligibility, visit www.firsthome.gov.au.

The Federal Government has also introduced its First Home Loan Deposit Scheme. Buyers can purchase a home with just a 5% deposit and the government will guarantee the other 15%, and lenders mortgage insurance will be waived. The scheme starts on 1 January 2020.

Stamp duty is one of the biggest costs home buyers face. Stamp duty is a tax applied to certain property transactions, including when land is sold, transferred or leased, which the buyer has to pay. The amount of stamp duty depends on the value of the property and the amount for which it is sold, transferred or leased for and is calculated on its market value or the price paid by the buyer. Victorian buyers purchasing their first home on or after 1 July 2017 may be eligible for exemptions or concessions from duty as listed on the State Revenue Office website.

MORTGAGE BROKERS A mortgage broker acts as a go-between, dealing with banks and lenders to arrange your home loan. They can help explain the various loans available, calculate how much you can afford to borrow and manage the application process all the way through to settlement day. Some mortgage brokers receive a commission from lenders, while others get paid a standard fee regardless of which loan they recommend to customers.

Others will charge customers a fee directly.

A broker can make the process of buying a home less stressful - but be sure to check they are licensed to provide credit advice on ASIC Connect.

GETTING A LOAN Your lender will assess your loan and your finances to estimate how much you can afford to borrow. It's important to sit down and work out how much you can comfortably afford by measuring your income against expenses. Don't overcommit. A rule of thumb is that no more than 35% of your gross monthly income should go towards servicing your mortgage.

Remember to consider how your future plans, like a change in expenses, could impact your borrowing capacity. Factor in interest rate changes and how a rate rise could impact your ability to meet repayments, the fees involved in buying a home (like stamp duty and solicitors’ fees) as well as ongoing payments like council 28

SUMMER 2019/2020

rates, insurance, body corporate fees and utilities.

PRE-APPROVAL Before applying for a home loan, buyers can apply for pre-approval. Pre-approval is an indication of how much you could borrow based on the information provided to your lender. While it is subject to terms and conditions, pre-approval is basically a green light on your home loan even if you haven’t yet chosen a property. They give you the confidence of knowing how much you can borrow, and allow you to act quickly when you do find a property you like. Most pre-approvals are valid for three months and to get it started you’ll need to provide some documents to your mortgage broker, such as proof of income and proof of existing loan agreements and credit card limits.

LENDERS MORTGAGE INSURANCE Also known as LMI, this helps buyers enter the market sooner by allowing them to borrow a higher percentage of a property’s value. By financing a higher proportion of the purchase price, lenders take on more risk in the event the buyer fails to meet mortgage repayments and the property needs to be

repossessed. Therefore, buyers pay LMI to insure the lender against this loss. LMI does not offer any cover to the buyer. The bigger the percentage of the property’s purchase price that the buyer has to borrow, the greater the amount they pay on insurance.

If the deposit is less than 20 % of the value of the property, buyers will need to factor in LMI. This can be paid as a one-off lump sum at settlement but can also be added into the loan amount and paid off over the life of the loan. A broker will be able to assess which path to take.

DURING THE BUILD If you build a home, you will be expected to make payments at certain points. These are known as ‘progress payments’ and are made each time your builder completes a set stage of the build, including base, frame, lock-up and fixing. These payments will be outlined in your contract. Your builder will send you an invoice which you provide to the bank, and the bank will make the payment on your behalf. You will also begin making payments towards your loan after settlement, so remember to factor this into your expenses if you are renting whilst building. ● - Some information courtesy MY EXPERT SOUTH EAST homes&land

first home buyers | My Expert

Consult the finance experts My Expert is an award-winning mortgage brokering service that now offers in-house conveyancing.

FOUNDER of My Expert Brett Wadelton started the company in 1999. Since then the business has grown from a sole operator to being one of the most experienced mortgage brokerages in the industry employing 9 locals. Based in the South East suburbs of Melbourne, My Expert services all areas of Melbourne with highly experienced and caring brokers and admin staff.

The firm has won many awards over the years including making the MPA Top 100 Brokers in Australia, Broker of the Year in Risk Insurance and Broker of the Year for National Excellence in Finance Transactions.

“How we can make people feel is what drives us at My Expert. You are not alone in making the big decisions around property and understanding all of the options available to you,“ Mr Wadelton said.

Mr Wadelton said My Expert’s in-house convenyancing department streamlined the purchase process for clients.

“It’s exciting to have our own conveyancing department. The conveyancing process is normally a separate business. It’s an additional company people need to communicate with about sales, purchase or property transfers. Our experience has been that sometimes lack

Brett Wadelton and Manoj Kaushal of My Experts.

of communication between conveyancers and all parties involved causes a lot of unnecessary stress.

“Offering My Expert Conveyancing we can now easily confirm that all figures are correct before contacting the client to confirm what they need to contribute to complete the purchase. My expert should be able to stop the emotional drain around

transactions because we have our own conveyancing department.“ My Expert offers a first home buyers guide to explain everything involved in purchasing your first home.

“If you are buying your first Investment property we can educate you on all aspects of assessing cash flow and working through the best ownership and loan structures to allow maximum home loan repayments,“ Mr Wadelton explained.

My Expert also offers free seminars targeted at either the first home buyer or the investor.

“Each is tailored with knowledge and industry insight that will help educate even the experienced investor.“ Check the firm’s Facebook page for dates for the next seminar and the seminar topic.

Seminars are held at the Waterman Centre in Narre Warren.

To celebrate 20 years in business, all My Expert home loan clients are offered half price conveyancing until 31 December 2019.

“Clients will save $450 on the normal conveyancing fees. Our Licensed Conveyancer Alison, has 30 years’ experience and we are delighted to have her in our team,“ Mr Wadelton explained. ●

What an opportunity!

*

½

PRICE CONVEYANCING

Home Loan Department - First Home Buyers - Refinances - Construction - Debt Consolidation

Conveyancing Department - Purchases es - Sales - Transferss

Level 1, Suite 6, 58 Victor Crescent, Narre Warren Ph: 1300 My Expert / 1300 693 973 www.myexpert.com.au Conveyancing promotion - Half price promotion applies to any contract or instruction given by 31/12/2019, with My Expert home loan department services being used at the same time.

Awards: PLAN Australia Brokerage of the Year 2019 6-10 Brokers Vic/Tas, MPA Top 100 Brokers 2018, PLAN Australia Excellence in Finance Transactions 2019, Hall of Fame inductee PLAN Australia 2019 Brett Wadelton, Manoj Kaushal, Robert Marie, Christopher Lee, Darren Bowers, Jayde Lees and Nuelgen Pardenilla are credit reepresentatives (Credit Representative No. 396891, 400354, 400485, 484848, 388682, 480187, 515836) of BLSSA Pty Ltd - ACN 117 651 760 (Australian Credit Licence 391237)

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

12429961-NG47-19

*Disclaimer

29

first home buyers | Bendigo Bank

Smart advice from the experts Thinking about buying your first home? Whatever stage you’re at these tips from the experts at the Bendigo Bank should help get you ready to sign on the dotted line.

First thing's first. Do your research!

With a range of government incentives and a little help from us too, it may be time to look at how you can start turning those thoughts into reality.A number of Australian State governments offer first home owner grants, while others offer rebates to reduce stamp duty, both of which can be very handy in making your house purchase more affordable.

Other useful sources of help are banks and financial institutions. Believe it or not, some of them (including us) genuinely want to help their customers as much as they can. Our lenders can help you calculate how much you can afford to borrow (so your repayments don’t put you under pressure), explain the different type of home loans and interest rates and generally guide you through the whole home loan process.

Understand what you can afford A realistic understanding of where and what you can afford to buy is a great place to start. Although you might not be able to buy your first home in your dream location, a starter home or apartment is a fantastic way to build equity in a property that you can then upgrade in future as your lifestyle needs change. Another option is ‘reintvesting’, where you buy the investment property to get a foothold in the market, but keep renting yourself where you want to live (partially funded by the rent you are receiving from your investment).

Sunny Chittajallu, Narre Warren - 0468 965 791

Andrew Gardner, Beaconsfield - 9769 5122

Liz Wade, Kooweerup -0409 385 491.

Darryl Sutcliffe, Pearcedale - 0434 769 970

Chris Wood, Lang Lang - 0419 042 478

Courtney Northrop, Tooradin - 0431 995 548

and prices you can afford will help ensure your head and your heart come up with the best decision together.

Your lender will help you understand potential loan repayments, future interest savings and associated bank costs, but using a bank’s online calculator can help you confirm and become more familiar with these figures yourself. And try to avoid any unexpected financial surprises – the best way to do this is to be aware of the ‘less obvious’ costs.

Charges such as loan application fees, legal fees, mortgage insurance, home and contents insurance and stamp duty can sneak up on you if you don’t factor them in from the start.

and there’s lots to look forward to. If you keep in mind these tips, navigating your journey to officially becoming a home owner should be a whole lot easier.

At Bendigo Bank we have your best interests at heart. If you're looking to make a move in the property market find out how the better big bank can back you. Find out more by contacting any of our Mobile Branch Managers near you.

Think outside the square More stable house prices and historically low interest rates, is leading more people to take the plunge and make the shift from renting to home ownership – and it’s not all happening in the capital cities. First home buyers are looking and buying in cities like Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Newcastle and Wollongong - which are all appealing for their lifestyle and proximity to Melbourne and Sydney.

Build your deposit A budget will give you a good idea of money coming in and money going out, so you’ll then have a much better handle on the amount you can regularly set aside for your deposit. The bigger your deposit, the less you’ll need to borrow and the lower your mortgage repayments will be. Try to minimise or even eliminate other debts, such as credit cards, car loans or personal loans. These loans tend to have higher interest rates and the repayments will eat into funds you could otherwise be using for your home deposit. And don’t underestimate how much cash you can save on the little everyday things.

Work out what's important to you It’s easy to fall in love with a home at first sight. But doing some solid research about locations you prefer, house styles you like 30

SUMMER 2019/2020

The takeaway?

Buying your first home is an exciting time

* Any advice provided in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation. Please read the applicable product disclosure statement(s) on our website before acquiring any product. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

644;51:? )52 *8)5+0-9

There are four big reasons to try number ďŹ ve.

When you’re a big bank, you have big responsibilities. The biggest of which is to do the right thing. It’s something we’ve always been good at, and now you’re reaping the rewards.

Because the bigger we become, the better our ability to provide you with the products and services you expect from an industry leading banking provider.

A ;9:8)31) 9 :0 3)8/-9: 8-:)13 *)52 A 4133165 +;9:64-89 A 4133165 *)+2 :6 +644;51:1-9 A 65919:-5:3? 8):- 01/0 15 9):19.)+:165 and trust.

If your bank isn’t doing the right thing by you, change to one you can feel better about.

bendigobank.com.au

'6;8 36+)3 644;51:? )52 *8)5+0-9 )8- 8-),? :6 )9919: ?6; :6 9-::3- 15:6 ?6;8 +644;51:? +65:)+: ;9 :6,)?

-)+659@-3, 644;51:? )52 *8)5+0

3, !815+-9 =?

-)+659@-3, % PH: 03 9769 5122

)5/ )5/ 644;51:? )52 *8)5+0 &-9:-85768: "6), )5/ )5/ % PH 03 5997 5019

!-)8+-,)3- 644;51:? )52 *8)5+0 #067 !-)8+-,)3- #067715/ -5:8- )>:-8 $668),15 ", !-)8+-,)3- %

PH: 03 5978 7566

Koo Wee Rup branch #:):165 #: 66 &-- ";7 %

PH: 03 5997 2266

Narre W)88-5 #6;:0 *8)5+0

#--*-+2 8 )88- &)88-5 #6;:0 % PH: 03 8790 3411

$668),15 6)9:)3 %133)/-9 *8)5+0

# 17793)5, =?, $668),15 % PH: 03 5998 3038

-5,1/6 )5, ,-3)1,- )52 141:-,

# ;9:8)31)5 8-,1: 1+-5+- (<

12430639-FA47-19

first home buyers | Claire Miles Conveyancing

Clearing up conveyancing Conveyancing is the process of transferring ownership of the legal title of a property, such as a house or land, from one person to another.

PREPARING, verifying and lodging a range of legal documents as well as preparing the property for settlement are important parts of conveyancing.

It’s not something that is undertaken everyday, and Claire Miles Conveyancing understands that buying and selling property can be one of the most important events in a person’s life.

They pride themselves on providing clients with a worry free, professional and friendly service to ensure a smooth transaction. Whether you are buying, selling, transferring, refinancing or subdividing property, Claire Miles Conveyancing can assist with the legal process.

Claire Miles and her team are up to date on industry developments. For example, due to the electronic environment we live and work in conveyancers are now required to settle all property transactions electronically on Property Exchange Australia, also known as PEXA. The Claire Miles team has been transacting on PEXA since 2016 and are PEXA certified members. This means they can now complete property transactions without clients even stepping into the office!

Staff take the time to get to know their clients and ensure that they provide

clear information, support and guidance throughout the transaction. They welcome clients to contact the office should they have any queries or concerns. Claire Miles Conveyancing is fully insured, is a member of the Australia Institute of Conveyancers VIC division and holds full conveyancing qualifications.

Their office provides complimentary contract reviews, is competitively priced and has the knowledge and experience to assist you with your property matter.

Claire Miles, the principal of the firm, has over 15 years of conveyancing experience.

Claire is a licenced conveyancer and completed her studies at RMIT University.

She founded the business over seven years ago and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

The firm supports the local community by sponsoring local sports and community groups and takes an active interest in the events and growth of the area. Claire Miles Conveyancing has taken on work experience students and supports employees of Disability Support Services.

Centrally located in Pakenham, the firm services all of Victoria.

Settle your property knowing you are in great hands. ● 12430418-CG47-19

CLAIRE MILES CONVEYANCING

Ground Floor, 18 Main St, Pakenham VIC 3810 PH:(03) 5940 5802 | info@clairemilesconveyancing.com.au www.clairemilesconveyancing.com.au 32

SUMMER 2019/2020

SOUTH EAST homes&land

lifestyle | Climatise

When the heat is on see Climatise Based in Cranbourne, Climatise is a one-stop-shop when it comes to all things heating and cooling.

12430371-SN47-19

THERE is no better company to advise what is hot and what's not when it comes to finding the right temperature control solutions for your home or business.

Climatise was built to ensure that one place could service your needs whether it’s refrigerated air conditioning, ducted heating or cooling, evaporative cooling, split systems, multi splits, gas fires, wood fires, electric fires, pellet heaters, portable solutions or fans.

Payment plan options are available and customers can always call Climatise for expert advice and reliable, friendly service.

While Climatise has a young, energetic and enthusiastic team, it has 70 plus years of industry experience which is supported by reputable brand partners who have authorised Climatise to retail their products.

Climatise selects manufacturers and brands that are well known for their high quality products and performance such as Mitsubishi, Daikin, LG, Brivis, Rinnai, Fujitsu, Escea, Lopi, and more. These brands also come with industry leading warranties, service options and support.

Choosing the right heating and cooling solution can be difficult, and with so many options it can be overwhelming. It’s just as important to Climatise’s trusted staff as it

Climatise is a one stop shop for all your heating and cooling needs.

is to you that you choose the right product for your household and family. That’s why Climatise works with customers to ensure that the product you choose will blow you away (pun intended).

Climatise Home Comfort Solutions is all about ensuring that you or your customers are investing in solutions that will deliver a comfortable experience in your home or

business. After all, who among us enjoys being uncomfortable? Get the solution that will maximise your investment and experience.

Climatise is at 1/57-59 Cameron Street, Cranbourne. Find out more at www.climatise. com.au, email info@climatise.com.au or call 1300 210 300. ●

outdoor furniture | Harvey Norman

The Neo Kitchen 6 Burner LPG Island Module BBQ.

The Tonic 6-piece dining package.

Cantilever umbrellas are a must this summer.

Enjoy the great outdoors To really make the most of summer, it’s important to maximise the potential of your outdoor entertaining area. To help you do just that, Harvey Norman Fountain Gate has put together an amazing collection of the latest outdoor furniture trends for summer.

THE COUNTRY ESCAPE Looking for a countryside getaway without leaving home? There’s something truly idyllic about being out and about in the country when the sun’s shining - and to recreate that feeling, you can’t do better than the Tonic 6-piece dining package.

Coming in a versatile bench and chair combination - with a quality PE wicker weave on the cushioned armchairs - this dining setting comes with a GRC handpainted tabletop on an aluminium frame, making it easy to maintain and to stand the test of time.

Complete the look and protect your guests from scorchers with Harvey’s range of umbrellas which are available in a range of colours.

THE COASTAL LOOK Looking to create the ultimate beachinspired outdoor space? You will love the Petrus Extension Dining Table – with enough room to fit the entire family.

This outdoor dining table extends from 220cm to 340cm to accommodate any extra guests who might pop-around and features a beautiful Teak slatted tabletop with a natural oil finish. The durable powder 34

SUMMER 2019/2020

coat and rust-resistant framing make it the perfect addition to your alfresco area.

You can mix and match chairs to go with the Petrus table, letting you put your own stamp on the finished product. Harvey Norman Fountain Gate has a huge range to choose from including the Bluebell, Heritage, Floret, Blossom and Zeke.

THE RETREAT-AT-HOME Looking to create a special little place when you can get away from it all? Boasting a hand-woven wicker finish, the Templar Dome will add a touch of luxury to any outdoor entertaining area – creating the perfect haven to escape and relax in comfort and style.

Made with a rust-resistant aluminium frame, hand-woven PE wicker and durable polyester cushion covers, this surprisingly spacious oasis is bound to become your new favourite place when the sun is shining.

But don’t feel you have to limit your use of the Templar Dome to just the summer or daylight hours; you can enjoy it year-round by adding an IXL Fresco Aroura Outdoor Halo Heater to your outdoor space.

THE KING OF BBQS For the ultimate in outdoor kitchen barbecues you can’t go past the Neo Kitchen 6 Burner LPG Island Module BBQ. The BBQ is constructed from 304 grade stainless steel and features 6 powerful 15mj burners, helping it cook delicious food just the way you like it.

Boasting a total cooking surface of 109.5 x 47.5cm and a 50% flat and grill plate area, the Neo Kitchen 6 LPG Burner Island Module BBQ has plenty of room for cooking different meals.

The BBQ is equipped with a built-in sink, storage space, a warming rack, a BBQ set and a 208L 2 door beverage cooler.

Its Flame Safeguard System ensures that in the event of flame failure, the BBQ’s gas supply is switched off until heat is detected.

Thanks to the BBQ’s roll back roasting hood with viewing window, hood lighting and temperature gauge, you can easily monitor cooking progress for quality results.

For all your outdoor furniture and barbecue needs this summer head to Harvey Norman Fountain Gate and speak to Jules Tennant and his team. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

12430498-FA47-19

education | St Francis Xavier

Students act for a green future St Francis Xavier College Year 12 Environment Captain Izaiah Roch has been leading a strong group of staff and students at the Beaconsfield Campus in his quest for a cleaner planet.

"I HAVE been very fortunate to be selected as this year’s Environment Captain. Carrying on the work from last year, the enviro group and I have accomplished many projects around the school. At the beginning of the school year the printers were replaced with carbon neutral printers. With the installation of solar panels at all three campuses our carbon footprint is significantly reduced.

At the Beaconsfield Campus alone, we have saved over 24 tonnes of carbon dioxide or 152, 418 kilometers - that is enough to travel around Australia 10 times!

"We also focused on the waste issue that is occurring within the college. In partnership with Simply Cups, we started the coffee cup recycling program. This program aims to close the loop and repurpose the cups into new products. We have successfully diverted over 1000 cups this year! Thanks to all who contributed.

Whilst the cups are only one part of the waste issue, we can start small and aim for much bigger goals.

"The environment group also hosted its first Environment Awareness Week. This consisted of activities featured throughout the college including coffee stalls with the team wearing promotional environmental T-shirts to promote the use of Ecosia, a search engine that uses advertisement revenue to plant trees! While all these steps may be small, they add up to becoming a greener sustainable school. The group has also planted eight fruit trees ranging from plums to avocados. We hope these trees bear fruits for the school community for many years to come."

"The school motto for this year is We

Grow Together. We as a school community are transforming into a school that understands the need for sustainable change. We collectively need to be more conscious of the environmental impacts on day to day life. Carbon Dioxide is an invisible gas, a by-product of fossil fuels, that has fuelled climate change for decades "The St Francis Xavier College environment action group is taking positive steps and actions to give hope to the most vulnerable people in the world. We are at a critical moment in the earth’s history to change to a more sustainable future where we can live without the pressure of a dying world.

St Francis Xavier College, Year 12 Environment Captain Izaiah Roch.

"We need to take urgent action to reduce the damage that has been done. As one we are giving hope to the planet so we can stay that we stood on the right side of history." ●

Men strive for better health ST Francis Xavier College takes the wellbeing of its college community seriously.

PHYSICAL education teacher Darren Thomas has been running a 6 week Better Man free community fitness program for men only in the evenings.

Men from all walks of life and different fitness levels have benefited with sessions that focus on men’s health and wellbeing as well as fitness and cooking programs.

Darren has invited professionals in men’s health and nutrition to speak to the group and has secured amazing sponsorship from The Body Hub Officer and Cardinia Life which generously offered a free 3 month membership to all the men who signed up for the Better Man program.

All the participants have enjoyed the sessions and the support they have received from each other and are looking forward to next year when the Better Man program 36

SUMMER 2019/2020

Pariticipants in St Francis Xavier's Better Man health program.

starts again.

In the meantime, Darren has started the Every Woman free health and

fitness program for the college's female community and is looking forward to the same success. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

St Francis Xavier College %HUZLFN 2IILFHU DQG %HDFRQVILHOG

St Francis Xavier College is a comprehensive, co-educational senior &DWKROLF &ROOHJH WKDW Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HUV D EURDG UDQJH RI FXUULFXOXP IURP <HDU WR 2á&#x201A;&#x2021;HULQJ 9&( 9(7 DQG 9&$/ IURP <HDU WR

12431409-SN47-19

,QWURGXFLQJ )RXQGDWLRQ 9&$/ DW <HDU KDV Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HUHG RXU VWXGHQWV WKH DELOLW\ WR NLFN VWDUW WKHLU FDUHHUV DQG IRFXV RQ SDWKZD\V WKDW ZRUN EHVW IRU WKHLU DVSLUDWLRQV

&DOO WRGD\ WR ERRN D SHUVRQDOLVHG WRXU SOUTH EAST homes&land

ZZZ VI[ YLF HGX DX SUMMER 2019/2020

37

education | St Margaret's School

Early education is key to success The Early Learning Centre program at St Margaret’s School in Berwick is founded on the belief that young children need a quality educational setting that nurtures and cares for every child, whilst empowering them to be the best they can.

THE Australian Early Development Census reports that ‘Evidence tells us that a person’s life successes, health and emotional wellbeing have their roots in early childhood. We know that if we get it right in the early years, we can expect to see children thrive throughout school and their adult lives’.

St Margaret’s is perfectly placed to provide a quality program that supports children to achieve their full potential and to make highly successful transitions to school.

Each morning, children are encouraged to engage in specifically planned play experiences, where teachers work side by side with them, to scaffold their thinking, encourage their curiosity and support their perseverance and commitment to seeing tasks through to completion.

Participating in highly valued specialist sessions, the children’s skills are further enhanced through music, physical education and library sessions within the Junior School environment. Not only supporting the development of a broad range of vital skills, these classes enable the children to become familiar with the school environment and develop an understanding of school culture.

To ensure the development of the whole child, afternoons are spent working in small focussed groups. During this time the 38

SUMMER 2019/2020

children work collaboratively on targeted skills designed to ensure that they engage in a wide range of experiences, which they may not choose of their own accord during the valued free choice morning play sessions.

Having high expectations of our children, whilst nurturing their unique personalities and capabilities, ensures that we are providing a high quality early childhood education.

The St Margaret’s Early Learning Centre staff invite you to book a tour and see the ELC classrooms in action. Contact the Admissions Officer on 9703 8111 or email enrol@stmargarets.vic.edu.au to book a personalised tour. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

12429941-SN47-19

Nurturing and Empowering through Relationships and Play ST -ARGARET S 3CHOOL %ARLY ,EARNING #ENTRE At St Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s we are perfectly placed to provide a quality Early Learning Centre program that supports the children to achieve their full potential. Our 3 and 4 year old programs encourage the children to engage IN SPECIlCALLY PLANNED PLAY EXPERIENCES

WHERE TEACHERS WORK SIDE BY SIDE TO SCAFFOLD THEIR THINKING ENCOURAGE THEIR CURIOSITY AND support their perseverance and commiitment.

ENROL NOW FOR 2020 #ONTACT OUR !DMISSIONS /FlCER enrol@stmargarets.vic.edu.au phone 9703 8111.

27-47 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick 3806

flooring | Harvey Norman

The flooring specialists Flooring is a vital design element in any interior and it’s the first thing you will see when you open the door. For expert advice on flooring look no further than Harvey Norman Fountain Gate.

FLOORING proprietor Emad Moannes and his team are the experts when it comes to floating floors, carpet and rugs.

Mr Moannes said carpet was still popular with customers, especially in bedrooms as it provides warmth and comfort.

When you’re looking for carpet, take a good look at the different styles. Different textures and styles can create the look you want that will fit your decor and lifestyle.

There are four main carpet styles - plush, twist, level cut loop and loop carpet.

Mr Moannes said home owners should choose a carpet that suits their lifestyle.

There are different carpets on the market for those who want a luxurious feel, those families who want a pet-friendly options, those with young children and those households that value an eco-friendly lifestyle.

“There are plenty of colours and brands in the floating floor board space,“ Mr Moannes said.

Some customers prefer floorboards with a timber surface. This timber is sourced domestically and the boards manufactured overseas.

The second type of floating floor is a hybrid.

“This looks like timber and comes in a huge range of colours,“ Mr Moannes explained.

“Hybrid floor boards can even be laid over the top of ceramic tiles, subject to the condition of the tiles.“

RUGS To decorate a floating floor and add warmth to living areas, Harvey Norman Fountain Gate offers a large selection of rugs.

Rugs come in many sizes and determining the right size of the rug is just as important as finding the right colour and pattern. Harvey Norman offers rugs as large as 2.3 metres by 3.3 metres. Other options are 1.6 metres by 2.9 metres and 1.6 metres by 2.3 metres.

When you’re shopping for a rug, the fibre from which it’s made will be your most important consideration. The kind of fibre determines on the rug’s qualities. Remember that no fibre is right for all situations.

Harvey Norman Fountain Gate offers wool, polyester, acrylic and cotton options.

No matter your flooring needs, talk to Mr Moannes and his team about the right options for your home. ●

12429960-SG47-19

FLOATING FLOORS For a modern aesthetic in living areas the current trend is for floating floors.

Mr Moannes said there had been huge innovation in this area in the last 10 years and floating floors were now durable, look fantastic and were easy to maintain.

The third option is laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring offers natural timber look, is cost-efficient and is an alternative to timber flooring. Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of colours and grains.

40

SUMMER 2019/2020

SOUTH EAST homes&land

health | St John of God

A joyous new model of care St John of God Berwick Hospital is proud to introduce a new bundle of Joy - a new lower cost private maternity model.

JOY offers privately insured patients a more affordable way to use their cover and access a high end private hospital experience by reducing out of pocket costs. In fact, patients will only be $990 out of pocket*! Joy, oh, joy!

Joy is an alternative option for maternity care at St John of God Berwick Hospital, a hospital which now has two maternity models for patients to choose from. In addition to Joy, patients can still choose their own obstetrician with the traditional maternity care package.

No matter which package patients choose, they will receive the same exceptional care once they are admitted to hospital, including a single room with bedding for their partner.

Joy enables patients to save money by providing a collaborative model of care, where patients will be seen by a whole team of specialist obstetricians and midwives, rather than just one doctor. Joy patients will be cared for and monitored by the rostered obstetrician at each of their appointments and at the birth of their baby. Each of these obstetricians is a joy- compassionate, highly trained and experienced.

Delivering a baby at St John of God

Berwick Hospital comes with all the education new parents need as they embark on their new family life. Paediatric first aid, sleep and settling workshops and one on one lactation are just some of the ways we help to prepare new families.

The Joy obstetricians are Dr Mei Cheah, Dr Jacques Lam, Dr Peter Yong, Dr Jodi

Keane, Dr Jorg Kemper, Dr Mark Tarrant, Dr Poonam Arora and Dr Naz Syed-Noh. To access Joy, patients should ask their GP for a referral to the clinic. To learn more about Joy, including the *terms and conditions go to www.sjog.org.ay/berwickjoy or call 8784 5800 â&#x2014;?

Oh, Joy! Experience private maternity care for $990*

Feel the Joy of a new lower cost private maternity model at St John of God Berwick Hospital.

sjog.org.au/berwickjoy * Please see website for T&Cs 12430323-LB47-19

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

41

lifestyle | Get Summer Ready

Get ready for summer Want your lawn and yard looking their best now the warmer days have returned? Smash through this list in the glorious sunshine and reward yourself with a cold glass of wine or beer and a barbecue.

AERATE Don your aerating sandals. Loosen up your compacted soil and allow water, nutrients and air to get to your lawn’s roots.

BARBECUE Dust off the cover. Check you’ve got gas (after your tidy up, you may want to fire your barbie up). Clean the grill and plates.

Don’t forget to clean the fat catcher.

COMPACTION BONUS If you’ve already aerated, you’ve taken care of compaction. If not, see aerate.

DECKS Clear them and scrub them. If you’ve got to reseal, then you’ve got a little more work to do.

DETHATCH What’s thatch? If your lawn is really spongy, you’ve got a build-up of thatch. If you can wait (or want to skip a job, because you’re keen to prepare your beef for a barbecue), hold off until the end of spring, as this is the best time to dethatch. Mow low to remove the thatch, but always only on warm season grasses.

FERTILISE If your soil’s consistently above about 14 degrees, then it’s time to give your lawn a feed. A slow-release granular fertiliser, such as Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is recommended.

FURNITURE Knock off the cobwebs. Dampen a rag and 42

SUMMER 2019/2020

wipe off the dust and debris. Your wood furniture may need a reseal.

LEAVES Rake up your leaves and place them in your compost.

MOWER Now’s the time to service or get it serviced.

If you’re doing it yourself, sharpen the blades and discard your old fuel.

PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE If your lawn is free of weeds, good job! To keep it that way, apply a pre-emergent herbicide, such as OxaFert to combat potential infestations of, for example, oxalis or summer weed.

SOIL If you’ve aerated and taken care of compaction, you’re almost done. You can consider using wetting agents or water storage crystals to maximise water efficiency.

TOP-DRESS If your lawn’s a little uneven, throw a bit of soil on top. Make sure the leaf blades are still poking through. Top dressing helps to reduce thatch and improves drainage, too.

You can delay this task, too, as the best time to top dress is in late spring/early summer.

UMBRELLA Hopefully you have no more than a little dusting to do here.

WEEDS If you’ve got any, then pull them out by hand. If you don’t have any, apply a preemergent herbicide so you don’t get any!

WATER Water your lawn as little as possible and when you do, water deep. Long, infrequent soaks are better than light, frequent applications.

ZOYSIA If your lawn is beyond repair, then take a look at Sir Grange (Zeon Zoysia). It’s great in the shade and drought tolerant too. Or for a more affordable option, consider the ever popular Sir Walter.

Congratulations on making it to the end of the list! Celebrate and get on to sizzling your steaks for your first barbecue of the season.

- Article courtesy Lawn Solutions Australia ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

Your local

12420395-FA33-15

FIND OUT MORE: cranbournehome.com.au | cranbournehome | cranbournehome 398 Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne | Ph 03 5991 4922

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

43

lifestyle | Colour Trends 2020

Dulux Colour Forecast 2020 – Cultivate palette. Styled by Bree Leech.

Pictures: LISA COHEN

Reconnect with colour in 2020 Colour and design trends for 2020 will reflect our desire to pause and reconnect with the essence of what matters most to us.

THE demands on our time and attention have never been greater. Our devices buzz 24/7, alerting us to the arrival of new information, fresh deadlines and more pressure. Fake news jostles with the facts, making it hard to distinguish between what’s real and what isn’t. We yearn to step away from our screens and have more authentic, grounded experiences. At the same time, we’re increasingly environmentally conscious.

In response, design trends for 2020 will feature recycled materials, nature-inspired palettes, and furniture that blends old and new will come to the fore, signalling a more mindful approach to the curation of our living spaces.

44

SUMMER 2019/2020

“These colour trends are influenced by what’s happening in the world around us,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager.

“With more focus on mental health, the wellness movement continues to gain momentum, as does an emphasis on natural materiality.

“Colours for 2020 are more restrained than in previous years. Brights are pulled back and influenced by nature. They appear in smaller doses – think feature walls and details – and are often used tonally as a backdrop for hero furniture pieces.

“Neutrals are soft and sophisticated, with a gently faded feel that speaks of stillness

and calm. Clay, with its warm, earthy appeal, is emerging as a key neutral.”

With life pulling us in different directions, we look to our home as somewhere to recharge our energy and fuel our creative thinking. Popular in 2020 will be rich oceanic and mineral shades of blue-green, azure and amber, highlighted with warm tones of burgundy, rust and clay. Accents of black add gravitas.

Lucena-Orr says these colours are an “ideal backdrop to combine furniture from different eras – from mid-century through to the 80s – in elegant and refined shapes”.

SOUTH EAST homes&land

lifestyle | Colour Trends 2020

Dulux Colour Forecast 2020 – Cultivate palette. Styled by Bree Leech.

Pictures: LISA COHEN

Dulux Colour Forecast 2020 – Comeback palette. Styled by Bree Leech.

Where luxury was once associated with a hefty price tag, it now conveys a sense of craftsmanship, longevity and understated beauty, reflecting a shift in our values. As we seek to simplify our lives, a ‘less is more approach’ permeates everything we do.

We are turning away from cheap, massproduced pieces and seeking out quality designs made from honest materials.

Interior spaces are pared-back and uncomplicated, with furniture in natural materials such as honeyed timbers, pale leather and linen.

She says nature is no longer an afterthought in home design.

“We’re increasingly aware of the positive effects of nature on our mental and physical health and seek new and innovative ways to bring it inside, whether it’s growing our own food or creating lush displays of indoor plants.“ Lucena-Orr recommends a serene layering of greens – from soft olive and a pistachio to verdant forest green – with accents of plum, curd and chalky blue adding an unexpected edge.

SOUTH EAST homes&land

Dulux Colour Forecast 2020 – Grounded palette. Styled by Bree Leech.

SUMMER 2019/2020

45

lifestyle | Colour Trends 2020 She says “these colours are easy to work with and have a warmth that really conveys the essence of ‘home’.

“They look beautiful paired with raw, midtone timbers, natural stone and transparent, coloured glass.”

With jam-packed schedules leaving little room for fun, we look to create spaces that act as theatres for the soul, keeping our dreams of adventure alive. Imagine a decadent and luxurious palette featuring rich burgundy, eggplant, earthy brown, faded terracotta and soft coral.

Styling makes a nod to the past, with nostalgic touches of 70s disco and art deco.

“Pink, a key colour of the last few years, makes an appearance, but in a more neutral tone that’s closer to tan, alongside a warm,dusty rose.

“Trends can be a useful roadmap when choosing colours, but it’s those little touches of the unexpected that give your home personality,” says Lucena-Orr. For something more fun, think fashionable brights such as 70s-inspired fuchsia, primary blue, orange-red and acid yellow – that can be combined with any of the other 2020 colour trends to create a unique look.

“Use them however you like – on a wall, front door or in a nook – to really make the space your own.”

There’s no more effective way to bring your home up to date than with paint colours.

“Once you’ve lived with colour, you will never want to return to a blank canvas,” says Lucena-Orr. “Paint is fast, fun, and affordable. Best of all, you can easily switch things up if you want to try something new and there’s nothing more satisfying than the end result.” ● - Article courtesy of Dulux

Dulux Colour Forecast 2020 – Indulge palette. Styled by Bree Leech.

46

SUMMER 2019/2020

Pictures: LISA COHEN

SOUTH EAST homes&land

12430369-SG47-19

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

47

lifestyle | Inspirations Paint

Consult when it comes to colour It can be difficult working out a colour scheme for your new home or renovation. That is where the experts at Inspirations Paint can help.

WHEN Laura Densem was a little girl, she collected colour samples and brochures from paint shops and kept them in a box she had painted herself.

At the age of ten, she learned how to do perspective drawings.

At her grade six graduation, she said her dream job would be to become an interior designer who owned her own business.

And now, as a freelance colour consultant, Ms Densem is quite literally living her dream.

Ms Densem has recently joined the team at Inspirations Paint in Narre Warren and is offering free half hour personalised consultations to help clients bring their visions to life.

That includes taking into account their furnishings, lighting, house age and style, and the dream they want to achieve.

“I’m guided by the client and make sure it’s all going to work beautifully and suit the house and them as people,” she says.

An interior designer by trade, Ms Densem enjoys giving guidance on colours.

Over her eight years in the business she has seen a number of trends come and go, but says we’re moving away from the bright red feature walls of the nineties.

“Feature walls are still in, but more for neutrals and wallpaper. A lot of people add colour through artwork and accessories now,” she says.

With an explosion in the types of white tones available, Ms Densem often guides homeowners through the process of choosing the right white for them, whether its soft and warm or cool and bright.

She says a lot of on-trend colours today are softer and calmer - a bit of relief from crazy modern life.

Elsewhere in the house, she and the team at Inspirations are seeing people moving towards a mix of textures, like tiled rather than glass splashbacks in the kitchen.

Ms Densem adds that technology in paint has come a long way, allowing for decorative finishes on projects.

She and the team at Inspirations encourage homeowners to get stuck into whatever project is on their to-do list, whether it’s painting a chair or completing a major renovation.

“We’re here to help with their project, big or small,” says business development manager Rob Donsen.

“We’re all trained in paint and colour with many years’ experience.

“No matter how hard they think the project is, there are people here who can walk you through from step one, literally from the right paint brush to use.”

They recommend budding DIY-ers test their colour with sample pots and brush-out boards to get a sense of how the colour will look on their wall and with their furnishings.

And Ms Densem says getting a colour consultant is worth it, especially for big projects.

“It’s a huge amount of stress off your 48

SUMMER 2019/2020

Laura Densem has recently joined Inspirations Paint Narre Warren as a colour consultant.

shoulders having someone do it for you and with you.”

Ms Densem is available on Wednesdays from 9.00am until 2.30pm at Inspirations

Paints, 36/44 Lauderdale Road, Narre Warren.

She is also available for in-home consults for a small fee. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

When you are ready to take on your next paint or decorating project, there is only one destination to head – Inspirations Paint, Narre Warren.

Having serviced the City Of Casey for over 32 years, John and his friendly experienced staff will make your project easier to achieve. From selecting your colours, choosing the right paint or making sure you are equipped with the right accessories to complete your project – no matter how big or small, Inspirations Paint Narre Warren has it all.

Join the Club

FREE in-store

We have over 12,500 members at Inspirations Paint, Narre Warren.

Every Wednesday 9am – 2:30pm

You will save up to 10% on your purchases, have all your colours recorded for future reference and exclusive special offers to our Club members.

Laura, our qualified Colour Consultant is available for your free half hour in-store colour consultation. Phone Laura direct on 0415 634 486 to book.

Colour Consultation

We stock all your favourite brands: Dulux, Berger, Cabots, Intergrain, Porter’s Paints, Rust-Oleum, Nutech, Feast Watson and more...

We can help in so many ways...

• Expert Advice • Interior & Exterior Paint • Woodcare • Decking • Industrial • Automotive • Floors • Paving • Marine • Wallpaper

NARRE WARREN 36-44 Lauderdale Road 9796 6521 InspirationsPaint.com.au 12430206-FA47-19

lifestyle | Oz Style Design

Smart blinds on the rise A great way to keep out the summer heat is with motorised blinds as Ozzie Ozaydin of Oz Style Design explains.

TODAY a lot of no name or budget motors have saturated the market making motorisation a lot more affordable but tread carefully as you do pay for what you get. A lot of budget motors can be temperamental and unreliable, however they can also be considered great value when prices are compared.

Well known brands like Somfy may cost more but are very reliable and if you want to operate your blinds using an iPad, timer or smart phone then going budget is not the answer.

With rechargeable motors the same principles apply as to hard wired versions.

The power or the torque on many of these motors make them only viable for small or lightweight blinds, so if your window is medium to large these can be beyond the motor's capability.

Blinds which are easily recharged by plugging in a cord and charging them overnight are easy to deal with. However, the ones which feature rechargable batteries can be more difficult to deal with. Battery operated blinds need to be easily accessible so you can plug in the recharge.

Hardwired versions would be better if your blinds are hard to reach.

Solar rechargeable motors are also on the market and these types have also been known to be temperamental but technology is advancing quickly so they may be a good option in the future.

When it comes to external window furnishings, awnings or coverings, the same principles apply. Again some budget brands are good quality however some may cost you just as much over the lifetime of the product as you will have to replace budget motors more frequently than more reputable brands.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WITH MOTORISED BLINDS: 1. The old saying applies, you ultimately pay for what you buy. You pay for technology, quality, reliability and performance.

2. Different motors are fit for different intended needs so an informed, thorough,

Operate your motorised blinds via a mobile phone for modern convenience.

honest and good consultant is essential for best results. The best motor to select is the one that will fit the intended purpose.

3. Ask about the warranty on the motors and get it in writing as many budget motors offer a very limited warranty. Ask that if issues do arise what will be covered under the warranty and what isn’t because the costs associated with service and repairs may not be cheap.

4. Motors that are hard wired will always need an electrician to be involved if problems occur, however motors with Molex cables eliminate that need so it is preferred to get motors with these cables.

5. If you are going to go down the motorisation path make sure the electrician used is experienced with blinds and awnings to get best results. ●

quality at affordable price

-ÊUÊ 1,/ -ÊUÊ* / / " Ê- 1// , Ê 8/ , Ê 7 -Ê Ê "6 , -

0422 109 976 50

SUMMER 2019/2020

FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

12430544-FA47-19

GET READY FOR THIS SUMMER WITH OZ STYLE WINDOW FURNISHNG

777°"<-/9 7 "7 1, - -° " ° 1 SOUTH EAST homes&land

End of Lease

N W O D G N I S O CL

SALE DISCOUNTED TILES ALL STOCK MUST GO

Y L N O E M I T LIMITED 48 Frankston - Dandenong Rd, Dandenong South VIC 3175 MONDAY - FRIDAY: 9.00am-5.00pm SATURDAY: 9.00am-4.00pm SUNDAY: 10.00am-3.00pm (03) 9794 0433 bsantucci@tilemartvic.com.au

12430697-LB46-19

renovating | bathrooms

Refreshing bathroom ideas A modern, well designed, stylish bathroom can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.

We've put together some tips for those embarking on a bathroom or en suite upgrade.

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS From taps and towel rails to frameless shower screens, the right fixtures and fittings are practical inclusions that complement the design of the rest of the bathroom according the website finder. com Taps come in an extensive selection of materials, including chrome, brass, gold and stainless steel, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no limit to the styles available depending on the space available and the look you want to achieve.

The sink, shower, bathtub and toilet should all serve a practical purpose but should also seamlessly integrate with their surrounds and complement one another perfectly.

LAYOUT The first thing to consider is layout.

Does the current layout of the bathroom or en suite suit your lifestyle or would it be better if things were moved around?

Consider ambience, flow and practicality when looking at your bathroom layout.

Plumbing connections may hamper making big changes, but even little things like the placement of towel rails, lights and exhaust fans matter. If multiple people are using the space consider the flow and tasks that need to be achieved.

TILES The team at Tile Mart Dandenong have a few tips when it comes to calculating the number of tiles you require for a renovation.

When choosing tiles for a wet area such as a bathroom or en suite, they recommend choosing slip-resistant tiles, especially if you have children. Use border, mosaic or feature tiles for a great finish. This will make your wall and floor tiles come to life. Don't forget to buy extra tiles if you are using a complex pattern, cutting and also spares for future repairs/replacements. The Tile Mart team recommend ordering up to 15 per cent extra.

LIGHTING Task lighting is important in bathrooms.

Think about having one main down light and a second smaller down light directly above the basin where you apply makeup or shave. The lights can be controlled with different switches. Warm white light 52

SUMMER 2019/2020

is better for bathrooms and light fixtures need to be moisture-proof. Heat lamps can be another great addition to a bathroom, especially in the colder months.

BATHS If you like soaking in hot bath or have young children, then a bathtub is a must.

Look at freestanding tubs to make a statement or recessed baths that use less space and can have a tiled exterior to match your walls. A swivel tap is a good idea if you have children so it can be tucked away when the kids are playing in the bath. For those who want ultimate luxury a spa bath can be a great addition.

However if you have an upstairs bathroom or en suite be mindful that the weight of a full bathtub may put pressure on the upper floor.

COST According to the 2018 the Housing Industry Association's kitchens and bathroom renovation report, the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Australia was $17,522. This isn't much more than the cost of a new bathroom installed in a brand new home, which according to the HIA comes in at an average of $16,430.

FINISHING TOUCHES Add a pop of colour or individuality to your bathroom renovation with towels, indoor plants, candles and even prints on the walls. A leafy indoor plant that likes humid conditions can sit on a shelf or on the floor in a decorative pot. Choose towels in a colour scheme that will complement the tiles or for a fresh upmarket hotel look stick with white. â&#x2014;?

SOUTH EAST homes&land

Merry Ascot Bathroom

UPP TTO U O

60% OFF

WAREHOUSE

CLEARANCE SALE

*

Vanity Units

Free Standing Baths

FROM

790

$

498

$

Taps

Vanity Basins

Matte Black & Chrome Tapware

FROM

99

$

Kitchen Sinks

FROM

99

$

FROM

Laundry Cabinets TIMBER CABINETS

FROM

89

$

WELS APPROVED

Toilets

58

$

WELS 4.5/3Ltr

340

$

279

$

240

$

445

$

CLEARANCE CENTRE 42 Jayco Drive Dandenong South 3175 PH: 03 9768 2222

398

$

NEW SHOWROOM 18-24 Canterbury Rd Heathmont 3135 PH: 03 9720 6699

SALE ENDS 30 NOV. 2019 *LIMITED STOCK

www.ascotbathroomware.com.au 12430385-FA47-19

SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

53

my home | Nangara

Pictures courtesy: First National Real Estate Neilson Partners

House of stone and wood Nangara is a stunning family home tucked away in the quiet road in Narre Warren East.

NARELLE COULTER

AFTER I drive away from Nangara I can’t help but think of the 90s folk band Things of Stone and Wood.

Nangara is a house of stone and wood.

Owners Colin and Andrea have spent 10 years renovating, extending and landscaping their family home to impressive effect.

In 2010 the house was run down and would have defeated owners with less imagination and determination.

“When we bought the house it had lots of little windows and little rooms and was very dreary and dark,“ explained Andrea.

The couple believe the double skin stone construction was largely the work of a determined German immigrant by the name of Lotte.

The oldest part of the house was started in the 1940s, but most of the structure was completed in the 1960s with stone sourced from Lysterfield.

Lotte later married ABC presenter John Royle who sold the property to Andrea and Colin.

Despite years of tackling tough renovations, Colin admits Nangara was by far the hardest.

54

SUMMER 2019/2020

The couple brought considerable expertise the project - Colin is a bricklayer and project manager and Andrea an interior designer.

The couple and their two girls lived in another stone house on the 25 acre property, which was once Muddy Creek Restaurant, while the four year transformation of the main residence took place.

For two years the couple spent every spare moment planning and cleaning the site, while the construction took a further two years.

“We had to live on site because there were so many decisions that had to be made on the go. The builders were excellent but it did mean we had to be here all the time,“ said Andrea.

The couple gutted the main house and extended the laundry, garage, living room and upstairs bedrooms. They moved the front door, realigned parts of the roof, installed a new stairway to the second storey and installed large feature windows throughout the home, which let in light and capture the surrounding rural views. “ Before we started we both agreed that what we were about to do was nuts. But we just decided to be nuts and do it anyway,“ said Andrea, laughing.

When asked to describe Nangara, Andrea doesn’t hesitate.

“Raw,“ she says.

And raw it certainly is with an aesthetic conjured by the interplay of steel, timber, polished concrete and stone.

SOUTH EAST homes&land

my home | Nangara

“It is a very strong, masculine building.

We really wanted the interior finishes to combine with the landscape outside. Plaster and paint would have looked ridiculous,“ said Andrea.

“And we wanted large windows to let in light and so you can see the surroundings,“ added Colin.

Nangara certainly does offer bucolic rural views, of native bush, majestic oak trees, an historic crab apple, dams and open lawn.

Andrea said the natural flow of Nangara from inside to out had brought the family in touch with the natural environment.

“We love watching the birds and animals.

One day we might see an echidna, or deer, or ducks. The seasonal changes are wonderful to watch.“ “That the inside and outside is a blur is kind of nice,“ added Colin.

The couple have added their own design touches, while keeping true to the original structure.

Thick, sturdy sleepers salvaged from a railway in Melbourne’s Docklands frame a window opposite the kitchen, while much of the steel used in the build was salvaged from disused factories.

“We are big believers in rescuing and reusing,“ said Andrea.

Hanging above the front entrance is a old farm harrow reimagined into a medieval looking light feature, while ragged beams from the original balcony inset with down lights jut out into the passageway.

The couple enjoy entertaining and the house has several entertainment zones including the dining room, or “feasting room“ as the family calls it, a sweeping circular outdoor alfresco area with an Indian kadhai on which they like to cook paella, as well as a huge party room, dominated by SOUTH EAST homes&land

imposing timber upright and cross beams.

The home is heated by a hydronic boiler which warms the slab. There is no air conditioning. Rather the family relies on passive cooling by opening windows and allowing breezes to flow through .

The couple is selling their home and are looking forward to their next design challenge, which they agree will be

completely different to Nangara.

“Every build is completely different and this one was certainly planned to suit this site. With this home we really wanted to do justice to what was here,“ said Andrea.

If she could see Nangara now, Lotte Royle would surly agree that her original vision has been honoured and enhanced in the creation of a stunning family home. ● SUMMER 2019/2020

55

lifestyle | Scandi Design

'Logam' design is just right Scandinavian design is one of the hottest trends in interior design right now. We explore how to create a cool Nordic look.

DANIELLE KUTCHEL

SCANDI or Nordic design been pretty popular for a while now - and it’s not hard to see why. With its focus on functionality and simplicity, this style appeals to people of all ages and lifestyles, and can be incorporated into your own home with a minimum of fuss.

At its heart, Scandinavian design is rooted in minimalism - without sacrificing comfort and beauty. This isn’t the stark white minimalism you might have worked on previously. Rather, Scandinavian design features a lack of clutter, with everything in the space having a place and use. There are no superfluous items crowding shelves, walls or floors. Furniture often doubles as storage to make better use of space and reduce clutter. It’s all about ’lagom’, the Swedish word for not too little, not too much.

You might feel that the structure of Scandi reminds you of other interior design trends, from minimalism to mid-century modern. In fact, it rose to popularity in the 1950s as part of a modern movement of Nordic design, according to the Washington Post. But Scandinavian differs from midcentury modern in its colour palette.

Mid-century modern tends to favour darker tones, while Scandinavian is all about light, bright and airy.

56

SUMMER 2019/2020

That’s not to say you can’t use colour at all. Scandinavian design uses earthy tones to create its aesthetic, including blue, green,

blush pink and grey, in little pops of colour.

Neutrals like white, black and tan form the base.

SOUTH EAST homes&land

lifestyle | Scandi Design

The Scandinavian aesthetic is also based on nature and the climate, favouring natural textures and tones. This means naked wooden floors, typically in a pale colour to maximise light, and soft, cosy textures like knitted or faux fur throw rugs and blankets to ward off the northern winter freeze. In warmer climates like those we experience Down Under, these elements just add that extra dimension of comfort, even if you don’t find yourself reaching for the blanket in midsummer.

It’s also inherently democratic.

Traditionally, this trend ensured that everyone could access good design, rather than just the rich few - look at IKEA as an example of this in practice.

To achieve a similar look in your home, look for clean, smooth lines in your furniture, light colours and soft textures.

If you’re nervous about a large-scale resdesign, there’s no need to go full Scandi throughout the home; it is possible to dabble by including some key pieces or colours.

You could start with just one room, like the dining room, and swap your regular dining table for more neutral-tones and materials.

In the living room or bedroom, try replacing your heavy rug with a woven mat in a pale colour, or adding a large, round mirror to the wall to bounce light around the space. Linen cushions can help add that cosy feel too.

Copper, metallic or industrial elements like light fittings can add balance to the design - another central tenet of Scandinavian interiors. Ensure there is space around each element, so it can be appreciated in all its simple beauty and the air and light can flow through the room.

And remember not to overdo it, lest you lose your sense of ‘lagom’. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

SUMMER 2019/2020

57

last word | My First Home

The local creek is beautiful to walk along, especially late in the afternoon.

Walking trails are a big attraction in Officer.

It’s all about location, location Danielle Kutchel and her partner Daniel know the ups and downs of building a new house. The young couple recently built their first home in a new estate in Officer. A reporter with Star News Group, Danielle sets out the reasons why they choose to settle in the booming suburb.

LOCATION, location, location - from day dot, we know that’s what it’s all about.

Everyone has that picture in their head of their dream house - by the beach, on the side of a mountain, perhaps out in the country on an acreage.

For most of us though, our first step onto the property ladder is in a housing estate surrounded by other grey tiled or Colorbond rooftops.

It was no different in our case.

That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with that, and here’s why.

When it came to buying our first home, we decided to be realistic. We didn’t want a McMansion (most people our age don’t, #justsaying). We had a strict budget, so we were looking for a suburb that was affordable. And we needed to be close to freeway access and public transport for work.

We had a couple of options in mind, but Drouin was too far from work for us at the time, and Clyde had no public transport options when we were looking to choose a block.

Officer was therefore an easy choice.

We can still remember when it was just farmland, so to see the sea of houses is a little disconcerting - but it also worked for us.

The suburb is currently experiencing a boom and a number of connected communities have sprung up, which is exactly what we were looking for something with that community feel.

There are bike paths and walking trails for keeping active and some good little cafes and restaurants just a stone’s throw from home. We are close to a nice little waterway and have enjoyed spying birds that have 58

SUMMER 2019/2020

A little succulent garden gives us something to look at while we plant out the rest.

somehow stuck around throughout the construction. We hope that won’t change.

We got lucky when it came to choosing our block of land. After expressing our interest in the next parcel to be released, we were able to view the planned layout. We liked the idea of the second-largest block: it would have enough room for a comfortable three-bedroom house plus a manageable garden. Self-sufficiency is important to us so we wanted enough room for our own mini orchard and plenty of vegetables. We were fortunate enough to secure the block we wanted.

We probably won’t live here forever. We still have that dream house in our heads and we’ve now found our dream location - but it will take us a bit more time to get there.

In the meantime, our edible garden is now slowly getting underway and we’re using this house as a sort of practice run, to see what works and what doesn’t.

But we’re OK with that. We’ve gotten a great start in a location we are both happy with and that we are pleased to call home, and will use the intervening time to build up our savings and experience in the property market.

We are among hundreds of others moving into the area each week. Each of those families has a dream too. Officer might not be their dream suburb, and this might not be their dream house - but it’s a start, and with a solid start, we will all get there. ● SOUTH EAST homes&land

Winner of the Australian Achievers Award.

Custom designed: t XBSESPCFT t XBMM VOJUT t CPPLTIFMWFT t HBSBHF TUPSBHF t TUVEZ PòJDF GJU PVUT t FOUFSUBJONFOU VOJUT

12428159-RC47-19

Guaranteed quality.

Renovations our specialty.

6ISIT OUR SHOWROOM WWW ALMARA COM AU s 0 INFO ALMARA COM AU s *OHNSTON #OURT $ANDENONG 3OUTH

12430699-FA47-19

CLEARANCE SALE

DISCOUNTED TILES ALL STOCK MUST GO LIMITED TIME ONLY MONDAY - FRIDAY - 9.00am - 5.00pm SATURDAY - 9.00am - 4.00pm SUNDAY - 10.00AM-3.00PM

(03) 9794 0433 | bsantucci@tilemartvic.com.au

12415567-ACM18-19

12430918-FA47-19

All you need in s 0AINTS s 7ALLPAPER s $ESIGN )DEAS s 0AINT !CCESORIES

s 0LUS AN INHOUSE INTERIOR DESIGNER TO HELP WITH YOUR $)9 IMPROVEMENTS

12422673-FA34-19

HUGE SHOWROOM Drouin

Beaconsfield

280 Princes Way, Drouin

102-112 Old Princes Highway, Beaconsfield

5625 2955

9707 5055

Home Timber & Hardware is the home of quality products and expert advice. We are committed to delivering an unmatched level of customer service and expertise

PAINTRIGHT BERWICK 1-3 Vesper Drive Narre Warren 8786 5797 paintright_berwick@bigpond.com

CHEAPEST FLOORING/DECKING s $%#+).' -ERBAU 3POTTED 'UM 2OYAL 2EDS

"LACKBUTT 4ALLOWOOD X FROM P M X

X FROM P M X X FROM P M s &,//2"/!2$3 *ARRAH "LACKBUTT )RONBARK

"RUSH "OX 3POTTED 'UM 4ALLOWOOD "LUEGUM

4URPENTINE 4ASMANIAN /AK X X X

X X FROM $2 P M

STOCK LIQUIDATION SALE

12422038-SN34-19

SOUTH EAST homes&land

11 Windale St, Dandenong Mel Ref: 90 G10

SUMMER 2019/2020

201809111834_1-RC39-18

9708 5055 0411 515 158

12430217-NG47-19

ALL NEW TIMBER

59

12430502-FA47-19