Studio Highlights: July, 2024
I’m still wearing a tan from our time in Greece back in June, although you wouldn’t know it with the layers of clothes needed to survive this chilly Melbourne winter. Despite the frosty mornings and nights, this month brought projects that made me appreciate cosy days at home while also longing for summer adventures.
The moment I laid eyes on the historic elegance of ‘Mister Munro’ in Crookwell, a property I was tasked with writing the copy for, I was captivated. Its photos, showcasing dark heritage green walls and a crackling fireplace, exuded a comforting winter warmth.
Conversely, my copywriting work for a Hamptons-like property in Palm Beach, complete with a glistening pool, made me yearn for summer days. Writing about the seaside suburb of Portsea for my Living In column with Domain had a similar effect, stirring anticipation for future coastal escapes.
Until then, I'm currently enjoying bunkering down at home, feeling fortunate to write about beautiful homes and locations across Australia.
~ On The Cover ~
The July 20 issue of Domain magazine featured the charming property at 39-41 Goulburn Street, Crookwell, on its cover. I had the pleasure of crafting the listing description for DiJones Southern Highlands, which was then successfully pitched for my Coast & Country column.
Awaiting its next lucky custodian, this former tailor shop-turned-residence is a beloved luxury short-term accommodation, featured in Country Style magazine for its blend of Victorian charm and contemporary design.
“The main townhouse, ‘Mister Munro,’ features an inviting living room with a wood heater, housed in the original shopfront,” says the agent.
~ 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.
10 Kokoda Avenue, Wahroonga
Revelling in the harmony of organic modernism, this mid-century marvel by iconic architect Bruce Rickard blends natural materials with its lush landscape. “Every corner brings a delightful surprise, which is rare in houses these days,” says the seller, Carmel Morgan. “This home has been cherished, especially the lush gardens that our children adored—our two girls had a ‘secret garden’ in the lower garden terrace.”
61 Hickson Street, Merewether
Relishing panoramic ocean views, this ridgeline residence offers seaside serenity, embraced by the beauty of Glenrock State Conservation Area. “Designed by Kevin Snell, this home is the last property in a coveted cul-de-sac, with nearby stairs leading to Burwood Beach or Merewether Ocean Baths,” the agent highlights. “Its inspiring architecture includes a glass-roofed atrium housing a nine-metre heated indoor lap pool.”
9 Coledale Avenue, Coledale
Waking up to a postcard-perfect image of the sun rising over the ocean, this coastal charmer offers blissful beachside living. “Imagine enjoying breakfast on the deck while watching the waves roll in, then diving into the sparkling Pacific Ocean just steps from the backdoor,” notes the agent. “Collaborating with local designer Rachael Miklas, the flowing layout boasts an expansive floor plan with dual living flexibility.”
30 Gibbens Street, Camperdown
Embracing the vibe of a New York-style warehouse conversion, this multi-use gem merges cosmopolitan living and creative studio spaces. “Originally a printing factory, it was transformed by a New York photographer into a versatile urban oasis,” the agent details. “The industrial elements, including concrete floors, soaring ceilings, glass bricks, and steel-framed windows, celebrate the building’s distinctive character.”
~ Favourite Edit ~
My favourite edition of the Design Digest column for Domain spotlighted some of Australia’s most admired designers and brands. Sarah Ellison’s retro-inspired creations constantly wow me, and it’s always a joy to follow the wood wonders of the furniture company Mark Tuckey.
A capsule home is curated with impactful designs, not cluttered but considered, much like the following creations.
THE CURATOR The formidable Sarah Ellisson brand has unveiled The Curator collection designed to integrate into any existing space. The initial launch features two rugs available in three colours, alongside lamps, mirrors, and a selection of European Oak furniture named Block.
NATURE’S GLOW Venturing into their own collections, Tigmi has launched ‘Natura’, a sustainable lighting range with a classic modernist style. Each lamp is handcrafted in Byron Bay using Zeoform Micro Pulp, a biodegradable material composed solely of plant fibres and water.
METAL MASTERPIECES ‘Alchemist’ introduces Lee Broom’s new sculptural metal lighting collection, featuring pendant lights, chandeliers, and wall sconces. Inspired by the age-old art of alchemy, the series showcases geometric shapes and stacked and interlocking volumes.
GATHER ‘ROUND The Merri Go Round Table by Mark Tuckey combines elegance and strength with its curved table top and solid timber cylinder bases. Its thoughtfully placed bases allow unobstructed flow, optimising space for as many chairs as a room can accommodate.
~ Copywriting Highlights ~
Tasked with creating the copy for 39-41 Goulburn Street, Crookwell, by DiJones Southern Highlands, it was a delight to uncover the history of ‘Mister Munro’, a former tailor shop transformed into a luxurious short-term accommodation.
Additionally, I had the pleasure of crafting the copy for a prestigious property at 95 Pacific Road, Palm Beach, for Ray White Prestige. To say this home is the stuff of dreams would be an understatement.
39-41 Goulburn Street, Crookwell
The entrance hallway of the main three-bedroom townhouse, named ‘Mister Munro,’ leads into an inviting living room that was once the original shopfront. This space, complete with a wood heater, is adorned with intricate cornicing, ceiling roses, and an elegant archway. Adjacent to it is a sleek, modern kitchen and dining area, beautifully highlighted by an exposed brick fireplace.
95 Pacific Road, Palm Beach
Picture waking to the chorus of ocean waves and the iconic silhouette of Barrenjoey Headland gracing the horizon. This extraordinary reality awaits at this luminous, north-facing residence, positioned at the prestigious lower end of Pacific Road, meticulously redesigned and renovated by award-winning architect Chris Howe.
~ Location Spotlight ~
In my Living In column for Domain, I had the pleasure of writing about Portsea—a ‘holiday playground for Melbourne’s wealthy’ for over a century.
