Studio Highlights: February, 2024
As my new working year gains momentum, February ushered in some truly inspiring properties.
For instance, I covered the Sun Ranch hotel for Domain’s Behind The Listing column, a feature that graced the cover of the Prestige magazine’s February 21 issue.
I had the pleasure of chatting with the property’s co-owners, Jamie Blakey and Julia Ashwood, who shared that their design inspiration came from the vibrancy of 1970s California, the rustic charm of spaghetti westerns, and the warmth of Mexican and Spanish designs. This aesthetic is right up my alley—if only I had a spare $20 million.
Nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland, where green rolling hills and vast blue skies appear straight out of a ‘Yellowstone’ scene, Sun Ranch emerges as a sun-kissed sweet escape, affectionately nicknamed ‘the hotel of good times.’
In 2021, Jamie Blakey and Julia Ashwood, bonded by years of friendship and creative synergy, discovered this 55-acre gem while scrolling through property listings on their home turf, the Northern Rivers. They saw not just land but potential – an expanse that once grazed cattle but screamed for something more.
~ Featured Properties ~
Here are some of my favourite listings I featured in my What To See This Weekend and Coast & Country columns for Domain, highlighting standout properties throughout Sydney and regional NSW.
5/102-106 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Take a seat by the gorgeous bay window of this coastal charmer, commanding uninterrupted ocean views of the famous Bondi Beach. “The vendor appreciates being located on the esplanade, meaning you can have a lazy evening inside and still watch as the sun sets over Bondi Icebergs,” shares the agent. “Meanwhile, on its doorstep are buzzy restaurants, great wine, and salty air, offering the full beachside lifestyle.”
1 Govett Street, Katoomba
Positioned to capture the splendour of the Blue Mountains, this mountainside haven offers magnificent views and a serene escape. “The home features spacious, light-filled rooms overlooking century-old gardens and breathtaking landscapes, particularly from the open-plan living room with floor-to-ceiling windows,” shares the agent. “A wander through its grounds will immerse you in mountain mystique.”
60 Middle Road, Exeter
Tucked away amidst the warm embrace of Exeter village, ‘Columbia’ stands as a New England-style wonder, with 1.4 hectares of gardens echoing an English country estate. “It’s a magical haven with secret garden rooms, a new heated pool, a tennis court, and a children’s playground,” notes the agent. “Inside, you’ll find a luxurious parents’ retreat, a grand country-style kitchen, and an exquisite library.”
17 Oatley Road, Paddington
This Italianate Victorian terrace beautifully marries period elegance with modern pizzazz, set amidst enchanting gardens designed by Annie Wilkes. “The home’s majestic grandeur is unforgettable, especially the living spaces, master suite, and well-appointed home office,” shares the agent. “Hosting dinner parties is a delight with the designer kitchen and glass-framed dining room leading to a spacious courtyard.”
~ Favourite Edit ~
Drawing inspiration from the joyous days of summer, my favourite edit of Design Digest showcased vibrant coastal-inspired designs, including a sleek new take on the classic breezeblock.
Australia's affinity for the beach is personified by these coastal-inspired designs.
COASTAL CHARMER Infusing the dining space with a touch of coastal charm, the Malloo Rectangular Dining Table by MCM House is handmade from reclaimed solid old elm timber, celebrating the variations and texture in woodwork, lending to its organic shape and relaxed style.
TACTILE TILES Inspired by a shared love for the beach, a previous collaboration between Sarah Ellison and Teranova resulted in the Beach Club Collection, encompassing cement tiles in six designs with earthy tones and textures that nod to Italian shorelines.
COASTAL CUSHIONS The Memento Cushions range, created by CLO Studios and Marrakshi Life, is upholstered with soft hand-woven cotton in a variety of cheerful colours and decorated with patterns and colours reminiscent of Morocco.
COOL BREEZE BLOCKS A game-changing twist on the classic breezeblock, long beloved in coastal architecture, the OMNI Breeze Block, by Tom Fereday and Earp Bros, welcomes all sorts of arrangements due to its modular design; as a wall, a column, or simply a coffee table.
~ Copywriting Highlights ~
This month, I crafted descriptions for several prestige properties. One highlight was a ravishing riverfront estate in the Hawkesbury Valley, listed by Cutcliffe Properties. The other was a haven in the hinterland, listed by DiJones - Southern Highlands.
1235 West Portland Road, Lower Portland
Resting amidst the pristine landscapes of the Hawkesbury Valley, ‘Venetiaville’ is an iconic estate that stretches across 50 sprawling acres, painting a serene backdrop of river vistas and lush park-like grounds. Considered one of the region’s most coveted properties, it’s a testament to luxury, history, and design.
5020 Illawarra Highway, Robertson
The main house is constructed with brick veneer for lasting durability, while the cottage and studio feature timber frames and hardy board, chosen for their fire resistance. High ceilings and three wood fireplaces create a spacious, warm atmosphere, enhanced by skylights and north-facing double-glazed windows that frame natural vistas.
~ Location Spotlight ~
In my Out Of Town column for Domain, I cover some of Australia’s most cherished regional pockets. Recently, I featured Bundeena, a coastal village just outside Sydney, yet seemingly a million miles away.
