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Built by a team on The Block and believed to have had $1.5m more spent on it since.

A Park Orchards record contender originally built by The Block’s Kerrie and Spence Thomson has hit the market with an incredible new look.

The lavish lifestyle home at 36-38 South Valley Road, called Terra Murus, is for sale with a $4-$4.4m price guide.

If the property sells within the guide it would be crowned the suburb’s most expensive home, taking the title from 124 Knees Road, which sold for $3.8m in 2009, according to CoreLogic.

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Landscaped grounds set the tone.

Sleek lines open to native greenery.

The main living domain.

Barry Plant Manningham agent Theo Politis said there were other properties worth about “$4-$5m plus” in the area, but they very rarely came up for sale.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a home without having to do any work to get it to this standard,” Mr Politis said.

“The owner has already taken the home to the next level.”

Open but cosy.

Bathe in luxury.

Design focal points around the pool.

It’s believed the vendor spent more than $1.5m enhancing the property, after buying it as a complete package from renovation experts Kerrie and Spence Thomson in 2015. CoreLogic shows the property transacted for $3.09m at the time.

Mr Politis said the buyer landscaped the entire 2561sq m block, added a two-car rammed-earth garage and completely changed the existing kitchen and bathroom.

“He also reconfigured the guest wing into a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and bathroom,” Mr Politis said.

‘Luxe’ is a word frequently used on The Block, and no doubt when describing this home too.

Step out of bed into daylight.

Even the basketball court is stylish.

“There’s also a basketball half-court on the property now.”

The original four-bedroom home was designed by architect Ramon Pleysier from the firm Pleysier Perkins, whose work has featured on the Grand Designs Australia TV show.

Environmentally friendly materials including timber and rammed earth were employed to create the sustainable six-star energy rated property, which comes with a luxurious saltwater pool.

Lush expanses.

Light fixtures are classy design elements.

How would this go on bathroom week?

Other features include an open living domain, with a feature Fireorb fireplace, and a media room.

A private sales campaign is underway for the home.

The exterior is a statement in itself.

High-end living.

Plenty of space for shoe collectors.

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jayitri.smiles@news.com.au

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Investor Lloyd Edge has bought mutiple homes during downturns.

Buying property in the middle of a recession takes guts but those willing to make a move will find better investment opportunities compared to last year – if they’re willing to adapt their purchasing strategy, buyer’s agents revealed.

Buyer’s agent Lloyd Edge, who built up a $12m property portfolio while working as a music teacher, said “traditional” ways of buying may not be suitable for every Aussie in the current environment.

Recent economic conditions instead called for a different approach that could include a mix of purchasing regionally, joint ventures or “rentvesting” (buying investment properties while still renting).

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“Property markets have been resilient to the impact of COVID-19 and the current recession,” Mr Edge said. “On a personal note, I continued to invest during the last recession and other major economic downturns … so I urge savvy investors to continue on in their investment journey.”

One of the best strategies for investing during a recession was to look outside capital cities as these were often the worst hit markets during property downturns, Mr Edge said.

“Look for a town close to a prominent regional centre with a large established population, at least over 10,000 people, as they’re more likely to have several strong industries in the vicinity.

“Also, look for large scale infrastructure in the pipeline. Steer clear of ‘tourist’ hot spots as they can be seasonal and easily fall out of favour.”

Strong regional markets included Lennox Head on the NSW north coast, Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast and Newcastle suburbs Waratah and Hamilton, Mr Edge said.

Properties in some of these regions could be snapped up for under $300,000 and required upfront costs of less than $40,000.

Purchasing in regional locations could be complemented by rentvesting, Mr Edge added. “This is when you rent where you want to live and buy an investment property where you can afford to,” he said.

COVID has affected prices – units in this North Ryde building have been selling for lower than prices listed in 2015.

“Although people often believe ‘rent money is dead money’, this strategy allows for investors to enter the property market sooner, while also living their desired lifestyle.”

Investors and even first homebuyers should divert any tax returns into potential property deposits or other purchasing costs, Mr Edge said.

“The average tax refund is $2600 in Australia. If you’re a first homebuyer, this could make a considerable contribution to your deposit or pool of funds for stamp duty or legal fees.”

TV personality Tamara Wrigley has a portfolio of more than 30 properties and suggested new buyers go into purchases with a firm understanding of their budget.

“It sounds like common sense, but many still rush into purchases without fully understanding their true financial position,” she said.

“It’s vital you know what your actual living expenses are by checking bank and credit card statements so that your new home doesn’t become a new financial hardship.”

Tamara Wrigley said buyers should consult with agents.

Ms Wrigley said buyers needed to study any market before buying so they had a good understanding of comparable sales.

“Speaking to a local real estate agency is a great way to get grounded in what the market is doing as the situation can change week-by-week,” she said. “It takes knowledge and expertise to price a property, and local agents are best equipped to let you know – so don’t be shy about asking them the asking price.”

Knowing what you can spend comes down to knowing your financial position, she added. “It can impact your initial offer and negotiating power … speaking to a range of lenders and getting loan pre-approval is highly advised. Having loan pre-approval means you can negotiate with confidence and be fully prepared, knowing clearly what you can spend and what you can’t.”

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No. 21 Forster St in Bungendore is set to go under the hammer on August 22.

From a boys’ boarding house, to the home of a World War I surgeon and his renowned author wife, this magical Bungendore property presents more than a mere slice of history.

Built in the 1880s, the beautiful residence, now dubbed Thornleigh, was originally constructed as a dwelling on Gidleigh Station.

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In 1922 it was purchased along with 5.6 hectares of land, which was subdivided into what is today known as Bungendore Village and has served as the home of Colonel Dr Erik Dark, a World War I surgeon and his wife, Eleanor, who began writing the first of her three historical fiction novels, The Timeless Land, while living there.

Full of character.

The home has had many uses over its long history.

Current owner, artist Anthea Thomson, embarked on a significant extension to 21 Forster Street seven years ago and since 2018 has transformed the grounds into a stunning cottage garden which includes crab apples, wisteria, magnolia, roses and Manchurian pear.

The property now comprises a main residence, art studio and separate, self-contained cottage and has retained hallmarks of its vintage, including stained glass windows and original Baltic pine floorboards.

“This is a very special property,” said selling agent Katrice Velnaar, from Luton Properties – Gungahlin.

“It’s had a lot of different uses over the years. It was originally a boys’ boarding school, a doctor lived there who attached prosthesis to war victims after World War I and his wife was a famous author,” Ms Velnaar said.

“But the current owner is really the one who has taken it to this amazing treasure. They have added a whole new wing but have tied the two eras together really beautifully. There’s lots of stained glass, lots of timber. It’s quite incredible really.”

The windows have been maintained.

Set on a 1332sqm corner block in Bungendore, there are five bedrooms and three bathrooms across the landholding.

Each room of the main home is themed with bright colours and takes on a personality of its own.

The master bedroom features an original fireplace and ornate ceiling rose as well as oriental designs hand painted by a Chinese artist, while the study reflects an old-world feeling with artisan-designed floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and an original working fireplace.

“There’s your own private turret off the mezzanine, which is part of the new extension. You go up a spiral staircase to the turret and it overlooks all of Bungendore so you’ve got views of the sunset. It’s also a really beautiful feature.”

Open plan living.

Ms Velnaar said the sale presented a rare opportunity, with flexible living arrangements or scope for short stay accommodation.

“You could live in one side and Airbnb the other side or use the studio to do art and the cottage as a business or gallery. Alternatively, you could keep it as extra accommodation for teenagers or elderly parents.”

Outside, there are a range of fruit trees and a raised vegetable garden area, separate from the main garden, as well as 25,000 litres of rainwater storage across six tanks.

Additional extras include ducted gas heating and wood fires in both properties, and solar panels.

The property will go to auction on Saturday, 22 August at 2pm and is expected to fetch more than $1.4 million.

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12 Oak Street, Beaumaris was demolished on Monday.

A mid-century Bayside house with a one-of-a-kind design has been demolished, while an early work of renowned architect Robin Boyd is under threat in Balwyn North.

Heritage protection for modernist architecture has been flung into the spotlight once again this week, after a hexagonal property affectionately known as the Honeycomb House was knocked down at 12 Oak Street, Beaumaris.

Beaumaris Modern president Fiona Austin said it was disappointing to see the 1950s property torn down after it had been recommended for heritage listing in two unfinished Bayside City Council studies.

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The house was designed in an unusual hexagon shape. Picture: Beaumaris Modern

It is not known what will replace the house. Picture: Beaumaris Modern

“The studies were abandoned and it’s just missed out on a heritage study that Bayside Council have recently committed to,” Ms Austin said.

“It was kind of a special house because it was designed on a hexagon, so it was very experimental and unusual.”

Ms Austin said the W H Dando creation had not been maintained over the years, so it looked “like a bit of a wreck from the outside”, despite having very solid interiors.

An Home Beautiful illustration of the home’s interiors. Picture: Beaumaris Modern

The property could have been restored, architecture advocates say.

“Once I got inside I was blown away with how good the condition was,” Ms Austin said.

“It was made from timber, there was a wood burner in the kitchen and it was a really lovely house that could have been restored.”

The property was demolished by the homeowner, who did not put it up for sale despite Beaumaris Modern offering assistance to help find a buyer. It is not known what is planned for the block of land.

In Balwyn North, a Robin Boyd original at 12-14 Tannock Street was listed for sale as a development and subdivision opportunity last week.

12-14 Tannock Street, Balwyn North was an early work of architect Robin Boyd.

Inside the 1948 home.

The property was recently advertised for its development potential.

But the late 1940s original was taken off the market after a change.org petition seeking to protect the home amassed nearly 5000 signatures.

Boroondara Council director of city planning Shiran Wickramasinghe said “overwhelming community interest in its protection” led to a unanimous vote by councillors to submit an interim heritage protection application to Planning Minister Richard Wynne within the week.

Mr Wickramasinghe said no planning or demolition application had been lodged on the property, but community concerns had been raised after it was briefly put on the market.

Boroondara Council will apply for an interim heritage protection order.

The property has been kept in good condition.

“Once an interim heritage control is approved, any proposal to demolish the property is subject to council’s approval.”

A Balwyn conservation study from 2015 said the house was “one of three outstanding early and substantially intact houses by Robin Boyd in the study area, which, considered collectively, provide rare and valuable evidence of the innovation, boldness and fresh design approaches of a young architect on the cusp of an illustrious career.”

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Daniel Herbert, CEO of SSKB Strata Managers, said he was fortunate to have had special training on coping with stress and anxiety thanks to his time with the national team.

Ex-Wallaby and current Rugby Australia board member Daniel Herbert has gone to extraordinary lengths to help the residents of his apartment buildings cope with COVID-19.

The World Cup-winning former vice-captain of the Wallabies is the Brisbane-based chief executive of SSKB Strata Managers – a company that has properties under management across Queensland and in Melbourne.

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SSKB Strata Managers has about 4000 residents impacted by stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Many strata residents, including about 4000 that his company deals with in Melbourne alone, had come under pressure during forced lockdown periods after facilities had to close and interaction with others was limited.

Concerned about the mental health and wellbeing implications of a long lockdown for residents, Mr Herbert hired a man, who once trained with Shaolin monks, to run a series of online training sessions to help residents reduce their stress levels.

Chief Maker’s Greg Layton.

“Any athlete knows you have to play mental tricks with your brain to get through difficult periods,” he said. “I was lucky that when I was young, we went through AIS in the early days of sports psychologists about managing performance, how to not let anxiety take over, how to look at difficult situations as an opportunity and how to get the best out of it. Had I not been fortunate enough to fall into sport I would not have those tools. A lot of people are in that situation now (with COVID-19 impacts) and if we can help as a company it can only be a good thing.”

He hired Chief Maker’s Greg Layton, who has helped many senior executives build their own resilience ‘toolkits’ during corporate transformations, to help support residents with stress and anxiety reduction techniques.

The sessions run every Tuesday via SSKB Strata Managers’ Facebook page, with Mr Layton’s first session focused on how to turn negative emotions and triggers into positive mantras and actions.

Some of the most common concerns from apartment owners in Melbourne included how to lead a team during isolation, how to handle everything when you live alone, homeschooling kids and how to think of new social activities during lockdown.

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Family gem – 35 Weemala Rd, Northbridge.

A real test of the desirability of a family home comes with how well it serves its owners through the various stages of raising their children.

And for Kate Novakovic and her husband, their home has passed with flying colours.

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The couple had two small children in tow when they moved into their home in 2011, after returning to Australia from a stint working overseas.

In 2012 and 2016 they undertook renovations to the architect-designed, three-level home that has a sought-after northeast aspect and spectacular views across Middle Harbour.

Fast forward to 2020 and the couple have added another two children to their brood.

What a view!

The main bedroom.

They have loved every moment of living in their Weemala Rd home, and are deeply attached to the local community.

They don’t plan to leave the suburb when they sell, but are hoping to try their hand at a larger building project.

“We wanted a house with space and a yard and a pool, and this house has been perfect,” Mrs Novakovic said.

“It’s really light and warm throughout the year, and the versatility of the space has made it great with the kids.”

Sunny spot.

Outdoor living and dining.

The other big test came during the recent COVID-19 lockdown.

With a gym set up in the home’s lower level, the pool gas-heated for all-season swimming, a child-friendly yard with in-ground trampoline and plenty of internal living space inside and out, the family not only survived lockdown, but thrived in their beautiful home.

“It’s been awesome,” she said.

Family friendly.

The kitchen.

The lower level of the house also has a dedicated home office and guest room.

And then there’s the location. The peaceful and close-knit cul-de-sac is set one street back from the waterfront, and is within easy walk of Tunks Park.

Launching kayak at Fig Tree Point is a favourite family outing, and the local school has been a winner. The city is minutes away by bus or car.

The home is for sale by expressions of interest, with a price guide of $7 million. For more information contact Steward Gordon, from Ray White Lower North Shore.

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