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Art dealer Denis Savill’s COVID-19 spending spree in Bellevue Hill and Port Douglas

No. 1/33 Benelong Crescent, Bellevue Hill, sold for “a tad under $4.5m”, down from the $5.5m price guide of a year ago.

Art dealer Denis Savill has been on a spending spree during COVID-19, snapping up a luxury Sydney apartment at a $1m discount and a Port Douglas escape sight unseen for $420k.

“I’ve lived through Keating’s banana republic and the massive stockmarket crash of ‘87,” says the doyen, who is just weeks away from his 80th birthday.

“I’ve been through these highs and lows — in the good times I pretend I’m a squirrel and put a few nuts away, but now I’m out spending … I decided to let fly in late August and September.”

He’s also splashed $200k on 27 items from the estate of his art collector friend John Schaeffer and artworks including an Arthur Boyd titled ‘Four times a day’, purchased privately from Victoria.

“It has increased in value by 900 per cent since I first owned it,” Savill said.

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No. 1/33 Benelong Crescent, Bellevue Hill, is the home of artist Sara Cusack Cox.

It has been renovated in a French Provincial style and has 467 sqm on title.

Some of the beautiful art is now lining the walls of a two-bedroom Paddington apartment, up for auction next Thursday via Craig Pontey and Violet Farebrother of Ray White Double Bay which has a guide of just under $2m.

“I bought it for my daughter and she no longer needs it, so I’m going to use the money to buy a bigger place in Paddington for my kids,” Savill said.

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The Bellevue Hill apartment was the Benelong Crescent apartment of artist Sara Cusack Cox, first listed last spring with a $5.5m guide with Brad Pillinger of Pillinger.

Sources other than Pillinger and Savill recently tipped off the Wentworth Courier of the sale price — “a tad under $4.5m” — and its famous purchaser.

No. 9/24-28 Gordon St, Paddington is up for auction next Thursday.

It has a terrace with views over the district.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home has been renovated in a French Provincial style and has 467 sqm on title.

“It’s virtually a house,” Pillinger told the Wentworth Courier last year. “Perfect for downsizers who want a bit of space but also families.”

There are sunny terraces and Juliet balconies with views over Bellevue Hill to the harbour from the upper level; private lift access and double garaging.

The garden has a mosiac-tiled pool. Cox had bought it for $3.09 million in 2013.

It’s understood Cox has entered into a leaseback arrangement for the Benelong Crescent residence with Savill while she builds in Drumalbyn Road.

That will suit Savill, who resides, with wife Anne Clarke, who he met on a plane a decade ago, in a Stephen Gergely-designed Bellevue Hill residence purchased for $6.6m in Foster Avenue, Bellevue Hill in 2015.

Denis Savill and his partner Anne Clarke have bought a Port Douglas unit for $420k.

Savill says his one-bedroom apartment is on the top floor and “the premier unit in the building”.

That property, bought via Michael Pallier of Sotheby’s, has solid security and three levels of floor space for his new Boyd along with his Charles Blackman and Jeffrey Smart pieces.

Savill, who was an agent and auctioneer with LJ Hooker Double Bay for many years ahead of his purchase of the Gordon Marsh Gallery in Double Bay, Sydney in 1981, rebranding to Savill Galleries in 1984 and move to 156 Hargrave Street, Paddington, in 1987, said his Port Douglas buy a month ago was “a bit of fun”.

The fact he couldn’t get up to inspect it first wasn’t an issue: “Half the paintings I’ve bought in the past year have been sight-unseen,” he said.

“I’ve been in the building many times and I’ve got a very good lawyer in Port Douglas, who’s checked through the paperwork.”

Tailor Patrick Johnson and his interior designer wife, Tamsin, bought Kendall Lodge in Darling Point for more than $10m.

And with Australia’s wealthy unable to head Europe for their holidays, he thinks he’s on a winner.

“I’m on the top floor facing directly onto the beach … Jack Thompson and Barry Humphries have resided here, it’s the premier unit in the building!” he said.

“I believe Port Douglas is the Riviera of the north — we can’t go to France or Monte Carlo, when Gladys realises we aren’t all dying of COVID … Melbourne’s still a bit dusty but coming out of it … everyone’s going to be thinking they should be up there.

“I’m putting Port Douglas on the map.

“A lot of Australians will find with COVID that for the next couple of years they’ll have to go on holiday internally … Port Douglas is easy and a lot of Victorians had already crept up there and were in residence ahead of the shutdown!”

It will be interesting to see what Tamsin does with the famous Florence Broadhurst wallpaper.

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With the art work, like the prestige houses market, firing during COVID-19, Savill said he felt fortunate to have seen the opportunities that exist.

“The art market has soared in the past 12 weeks — there’s a very small supply and it’s the same with property,” he said.

Many others, too, have capitalised on the opportunities that exist. James Hannan, chief operating officer of printing firm Ovato and son of Michael Hannan who previously owned the Wentworth Courier, has bought a $9m home in Bellevue Hill, upgrading from the Double Bay apartment he sold for close to $4.4m in Double Bay.

Only two years ago, one of the owners of the house, Christina Sachs Phillips, director of neoprene bag line Cub + Scout and wife of property investor William Phillips, had described it as her “forever home” in newspaper reports.

Also tailor Patrick Johnson and interior designer Tamsin Johnson returned to their former Darling Point neighbourhood after selling their Tamarama home recently for $5.65m and buying Kendall Lodge for more than $10m, down from the $12m asking price in March.

It will be interesting to see what Tamsin does with the Florence Broadhurst wallpaper.

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Jeanette Large: ‘The housing market is failing people’

Home Truths portrait of Jeanette Large

Jeanette Large is a happy Coburg resident.

Jeanette Large is the founder of Property Initiatives Real Estate, a social-enterprise real estate agency aiming to direct its profits into long-term, high-quality housing for women and children facing homelessness.

Where do you live?

In Coburg North, in a small weatherboard home, with my husband and two adult children. We bought this house in 1977.

What property do you own?

Just this home.

What do you love most about your home?

It’s in a great location: close to public transport, shops, schools, childcare — all the important things. It’s large enough for entertaining and holds many pleasant memories of my children’s milestones.

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Have you changed anything?

We did a major addition in the late ’80s to provide more living and bedroom space, as the original house was built after WWI and tiny.

One more thing you’d change?

I would have a larger common bathroom. The bathroom we built in the addition was very small — ideal when we had small children. The only full-sized bath is in our ensuite. We’d prefer if the adult children could have their own bath.

Most memorable home you’ve lived in?

The home I grew up in: a beautiful old weatherboard home in Essendon with lots of backyard space, trees to climb, a very loving family, friends close by, great neighbours, and grandma and grandpa down the street — I was very lucky.

Your first foot on the property ladder?

The house I live in. I wouldn’t say I am on the property ladder. I work in the community sector and my husband worked in education, and we both took time out of the workforce to care for children while working part time. This never gave us much opportunity to climb the property ladder, but we’re very lucky to own our own home.

The highlights of your property journey?

I have been really fortunate to have a secure and comfortable home to live in and raise my family in. In the current climate, many are not so lucky.

The lowlights?

It was really tough when mortgage interest rates were about 17 per cent.

Best property advice you’ve heard?

We need the government to invest in social housing as a priority and encourage large players, such as superannuation funds, to invest in affordable housing. The housing market is failing people because property is being used to build wealth rather than considered a human right. During this crisis, we are being urged to stay home. You can’t stay home if you haven’t got one.

Worst property advice you’ve heard?

“The homeless only need crisis housing.” We also need investment in long-term, affordable housing so those in crisis housing can move out and on with their lives, allowing the most vulnerable to be helped.

Tips for homebuyers?

Consider other options. Most other countries have good-quality, affordable, long-term rental housing that can be a home for life. We could be pushing for these options rather than continuing to pursue the homeownership model.

Future property plans?

The next step will be to downsize and live in an apartment that’s easier to maintain.

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List of Australia’s most in-demand rental suburbs delivers surprising results

Australia’s property markets may have been running at different speeds due to coronavirus lockdowns and border closures this year, but latest demand data shows some areas have stronger interest from renters than others, particularly the virus-hit Victorian capital.

New realestate.com.au data has revealed the most popular suburbs for renters across Australia for the 12 months to August 2020, with Melbourne locations dominating the top 10 for both houses and units.

  • Use the interactive below to discover how well your suburb has performed over the past 12 months 

Affluent South Yarra, Toorak and Hawthorn in Melbourne’s inner east were the top three locations for rental houses, while Stirling in the Adelaide Hills came in fourth – the only non-Victorian suburb to make the cut.

The data is based on high-intent renter activity per listing on realestate.com.au for the 12 months to August 2020, which refers to activity such as multiple views of a listing and enquiries – essentially, searchers who are actively seeking a rental rather than browsing.

Lachlan Fox from RT Edgar Toorak said while there isn’t a lot of renting going on in Melbourne during stage four restrictions, the interest in premium inner east suburbs showed their resilient appeal as aspirational addresses.

“One of the biggest reasons why people are moving into these areas recently is they are more affordable. Since the market has taken a bit of a hit, people in outer suburbs can now afford to live more inner city for the same type of rent,” Mr Fox said.

South Yarra is the most in-demand suburb for rental houses, new data shows. Picture: realestate.com.au

The inner northern suburbs of Collingwood and Northcote were fifth and sixth, followed by beachside St Kilda, inner city Richmond, Essendon in the north, and leafy Upwey in the Yarra Ranges.

Cameron Kusher, realestate.com.au’s executive manager of economic research, said the time period measured gave an insight into rental movements in the pre-COVID market, but said there could be different results in the near future.

“This data is measured over the past year and highlights that Melbourne is very much an in-demand rental location in usual times, particularly from recent migrants and overseas students… but it is yet to really show the impact of closed borders,” Mr Kusher said.

“I would expect in 6-12 months’ time, the Melbourne results will be much weaker. Before COVID, we were continuing to see strong migration patterns to Melbourne and the suburbs that are highly sought-after for people to own a home in are equally appealing to renters.”

For units, the top 10 suburbs were solely in Melbourne with the eastern suburb of Chadstone topping the list, followed by the inner northern hotspot of Thornbury and blue-chip East Melbourne.

Bayside suburbs were also popular for unit seekers, including Hampton East, Mordialloc and Parkdale. Inner city locations were also high on the list, including Northcote, Brunswick West and Fitzroy North.

Clarinda in the Melbourne’s south took sixth position, likely influenced by its proximity to the nearby Monash University Clayton campus.

Units in Chadstone in Melbourne’s east are in high demand for renters. Picture: realestate.com.au

Mr Kusher said the cross-section of locations across Melbourne reflected the diverse nature of renters.

“The areas listed here are typically further away from the city centre and I think it highlights what we often forget – that renting isn’t just an inner city phenomenon,” he said.

“Plenty of people who don’t work or study in the inner city rent, and they are much more focused on being close to their place of work.

“There was already a proportion of people that found the outer suburbs, with their additional space, appealing and if anything that will grow from here.

“I think it comes more down to price-point in the unit market and it seems that people are interested in more affordable markets close to the city.” 

Where renters are seeking homes across the capital cities

In New South Wales, the top three rental suburbs for houses were Abbotsbury in Greater Western Sydney, Wamberal on the Central Coast, and Newport on the Northern Beaches.

Premium waterside suburbs were high on the list for units, with north shore enclave Kirribilli at number one, followed by Freshwater on the Northern Beaches and the harbourside enclave of Point Piper.

Kirribilli. Picture: realestate.com.au

Kirribilli was the most sought-after rental suburb for units in Sydney. Picture: Getty

Mr Kusher said many renters are thinking about lifestyle and affordability when looking for a new home.

“Wamberal and Newport are much more lifestyle type markets whereas Abbotsbury is an outer more affordable market. We tend to think of rental demand being strongest in inner city areas but not everyone works in the city centre and wants to be close to it,” Mr Kusher said.

“People are perhaps thinking of buying in some of these lifestyle markets so are trying renting before buying. Meanwhile, Abbotsbury is close to employment hubs in Western Sydney,” he added. 

Coorparoo, Paddington and Windsor had the highest demand for rental houses in Brisbane, while tenants looked for units in Paddington, Red Hill and Camp Hill.

These suburbs are in Brisbane’s popular inner ring, offering a range of stock, including charming Queenslander cottages, new apartments and family homes with backyards – all within easy distance of urban amenities and green space.

“To purchase in these suburbs is generally quite expensive but they are all close to the city centre and abundant local amenity. This is ultimately the reason why demand in these markets is so strong,” Mr Kusher said. 

Canberra renters flocked to Yarralumla, Red Hill and Evatt for houses, and Casey, Lawson and Yarralumla for units.

Adelaide renters most wanted houses in Stirling, Unley and Parkside, and units in Norwood, Henley Beach and Kensington Gardens.

Paddington in Brisbane was popular with renters for both houses and units. Picture: realestate.com.au

Rental houses in Perth centred mainly on East Fremantle, Shenton Park and Wembley, with Shenton Park, North Perth and Cottesloe topping the unit rental search.

In Hobart, houses were most popular for renters in Battery Point, Sandy Bay and South Hobart, and units were in demand in New Town, Sandy Bay and Howrah.

Suburbs with highest growth in demand year-on-year

Looking at year-on-year growth in demand for rental suburbs across Australia, the list is vastly different – predominantly comprised of outer suburbs in Sydney, inner Canberra and pockets of Adelaide and Perth.

With a massive 288.3% rise in demand year-on-year, Austral in Sydney’s outer west saw the highest growth compared to August 2019.

Local agent Joe Karafistan, director of Camden Property Agents, said the area has become popular for renters seeking brand-new homes close to established hubs.

“Austral is still really close to Liverpool and West Hoxton, which are older areas now, and people are upgrading and want a newer home. The whole area was just rezoned so there’s hundreds of new homes,” Mr Karafistan said.

Austral in Sydney’s outer west experienced the highest growth in demand for the year. Picture: realestate.com.au

“It’s that little bit cheaper to move south or west and they get a brand new house. It’s near the new Lavington train station, and that’s what West Hoxton doesn’t have, a train line.”

The second-highest increase for houses was in Page, in the Belconnen district of Canberra, at 182%. It’s a well-established suburban area with a mix of affordable rental options and a median rent of $495.

Burnside, a young suburb in Melbourne’s outer west, came in third with 171% growth in demand. A number of developing land estates provide new family houses with an affordable median rent of $420.

The highest increase in demand for rental units was in Albany Creek, about 18km north of Brisbane, with a massive 320.1% lift.

This was followed by lifestyle suburb Rouse Hill at number two, in Sydney’s Hills District, with a rise in demand of 284%; and established Perth Hills hotspot Kalamunda at 209%.

What’s on the cards for the rental market in the next 12 months?

Mr Kusher said there will likely be some large reductions in rental prices over the next year, particularly for inner-city units in Sydney and Melbourne where the sources of demand have dried up due to coronavirus job losses.

“Houses overall are likely to hold up better in this environment as people will value having more space [post-COVID-19 lockdown]. Renters are likely to still be attracted to the inner city but it may be more tilted towards houses as opposed to units.

“There will likely be more renters looking at suburbs further away from the city, or even regional areas, given more people will have adapted to the work-from-home lifestyle with less need to be in a city office.”

Demand defined as high intent renter activity per listing for the past 12 months up to August 2020. Capital city defined by ABS’ Greater Capital City Statistical Areas. Suburbs with less than 30 listings were excluded.

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At home with Suci Potted Plant’s Kirrily Hurst

My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

When Kirrily Hurst first started Suci Potted Plants it was just a small pop-up, however fast forward two years and it’s become a popular destination for plant lovers.

The pop-up was originally located on King William Road, before moving to a permanent location on Goodwood Road in February, 2018.

“My family are plant lovers and my father is a horticulturist, so it’s in the blood,” Kirrily says.

“When I bought my first unit I really started to enjoy and appreciate the benefits of plants.”

As you would expect, Kirrily’s plant obsession doesn’t stop at work – with her beautiful home filled to the brim with luscious plants.

“I love the laundry because it has my rhipsalis collection,” Kirrily says.

“We will be starting on an extension this month, so I can’t wait to have a bigger living area for more plants. They definitely inspire me, I love the look of greenery in the home and natural materials.”




sucipottedplants.com

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My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

WORKLIFE

Owner Suci Potted Plants.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS/BEST KNOWN FOR …

Starting Suci Potted Plants and my lacrosse team making it into the SA Sporting Hall of Fame.

MY HOME IS A …

Place to relax and enjoy with friends and family.

I LIVE WITH …

My partner Ben and my beautiful rescue dogs Brodie, 14, and Jaxon, 5.

I LOVE MY HOME BECAUSE …

It’s ours and we can decorate how we want.

BUT I STILL NEED TO …

Get our living room extension done, starting this month.

MY DECORATING STYLE IS …

Botanical and natural materials.

RECENT PURCHASE

The MRD Home Jasper tan leather chair, Oliver black lamp and XL Monstera Deliciosa.

I COLLECT …

Plants.

My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

FAVOURITE ROOM

The laundry with my rhipsalis collection, plus it’s the first room we’ve renovated.

HOME FAVOURITES

● Relaxing with a glass of wine with Ben (because we both work a lot).

● Brodie because she is over 14 and I know I don’t have a lot of time left with her.

● Our Belinda Bention art.

WHEN I GET HOME AT NIGHT, I …

Put on my ugg boots, I’m not a fan of being cold.

AT WEEKENDS I LIKE TO …

Catch up with friends for a run along the coast and have coffee after, walk the dogs at the beach or find a new trail in the hills we haven’t done and spend time with family and friends.

MY FIRST CAR …

Was a Subaru.

I LIKE TO LISTEN TO …

My old CDs.

AT THE MOMENT I AM READING …

The Boy On the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson.

FAVOURITE FILM

Blade Runner.

CLEAN FREAK OR MESSY BESSIE?

In between.

My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

ON MY WISHLIST IS …

To do a marathon.

WHEN I’M HOME I LIKE TO COOK …

Banana pancakes.

FAV CAFE/RESTAURANT/BAR

Pink Moon Saloon.

FAVOURITE DRINK

Whiskey Sour.

WHEN I WAS A CHILD I WANTED TO BE …

A fashion designer.

FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY

Going to our Uncle’s farms at Milang.

IF I COULD CHANGE CAREER NOW I WOULD BE …

I wouldn’t.

FAVOURITE SA HOLIDAY SPOT

Deep Creek.

My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

My Place Kirrily Hurst

At home with Kirrily Hurst owner of Suci Potted Plants. Photo: Nick Clayton.

DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Maldives.

FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM

The Matildas.

SOMETHING YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS?

To grow my business so that I can continue to work doing what I love.

MY NEIGHBOURS ARE …

Really sweet, we love them.

I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT …

Plants and running.

IF I COULD AFFORD IT I WOULD LIVE …

On a farm with a view of the coast on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

HOME MEANS …

Comfort.

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The Castle: Hamilton’s main street landmark home for sale

Hamilton’s very own castle, found at the heart of the southwest Victorian town, has graced the property market.

Hewlett House, which also has been crowned The Castle in building title documents, is for sale with a $780,000-$840,000 price guide after an impressive transformation.

Charles Stewart Real Estate agent Penny Adamson said the 1876 property at 36 Gray Street was instantly recognised by locals walking down the main street.

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The Castle, at 36 Gray Street, Hamilton.

A modern kitchen inside the incredible property.

Traditional features blend perfectly with a fresh look.

“It’s a rare and unique opportunity to purchase such beautiful architecture in the middle of Hamilton,” Ms Adamson said.

“The current owners purchased the property in 2004 and they’ve lovingly restored it, put in a beautiful new kitchen, new ensuites and carpet.”

The vendors also hired local cabinetry company Unicraft to add quality storage and shelving throughout the home, which has created an impressive library.

Be welcomed by a red front door.

Bespoke cabinetry was made by a local company.

The building was originally built in 1876.

Other features include a formal entrance hall with a traditional archway and leadlight windows, three living rooms, an underground cellar and a separate home office.

The 892sq m block also offers large private gardens that wrap around the five-bedroom Italianate house.

A City of Hamilton conservation study by the South Grampians Shire Council shows the property was originally built for local doctor Edmund Vialls by architect William Holden.

A grand formal entrance and timber staircase feature.

There are multiple living rooms

Manicured gardens wrap around the home.

Ms Adamson said the property could also be transformed for commercial use, just like a similar building in Hamilton called Roxburgh House had been used.

“But so far interest has all come from residential buyers, who have adored the architectural prominence of the property,” she said.

The vendors downsizing from the large property, which they bought in 2004.

It’s for sale via a private sales campaign.

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Mosman home is a beautiful work of living art thanks to its creative owners

Mosman Real Estate EGN

Nick and Philippa Tayler are selling their unique mosman home at 30A Mandalong Road, Mosman.

When you look at the professional runs on the board Nick and Phillipa Tayler have, it comes as no surprise that their Mosman home is bursting with artistic flair.

Mr Tayler is an architect with 30 years’ experience and Mrs Tayler a social worker, artist and art therapist, who has worked and volunteered for in the health, welfare and educational sectors for more than 25 years.

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They have owned 30A Mandolong Rd, since 1994, and over the decades have renovated, creating a cherished family home where they have raised three daughters and collected countless memories.

The striking design features extensive use of glass, louvres and balconies to create a luxury home with a beach house that is full of light, sea breezes and wonderful views to Balmoral.

Mosman Real Estate EGN

Philippa and Nick Tayler at their home at 30A Mandalong Road, Mosman.

The view.

Stunning original.

The beach itself is an easy 250m walk away, and the Taylers have loved being able to walk to the water with their kayaks.

“This house is exceedingly easy to live in,” Mrs Tayler said. “As our family has grown the house has been able to evolve with us.”

The couple’s artistic touch is everywhere in the home – even the heated plunge pool with swim jets and spa is a visual pleasure thanks to the walls of glass that line one side of the rumpus room.

Edgy design.

The rumpus looks over the pool.

The view.

It creates a clever frame for the pool and its sandstone wall, turning it into a water feature you can swim in.

Other features include a versatile studio/office/gym, artist’s studio and double carport. The property is for sale by expressions of interest, closing on September 30.

Jacqui Rowland-Smith, of Di Jones Mosman, has set a price guide of $5.75 million to $5.95 million.

Open plan living.

The dining room.

Sweet dreams.

She said the uniqueness of the design was attracting plenty of attention from buyers all over Sydney.

“The architecture is so clever with the way the owners have utilised the aspect and the Balmoral views,” she said.

The property is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11.30am-12.15pm. Private inspections are also available.

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Auburn acreage estate comes with country cottage and shiraz vineyard

The Auburn property at 5397 Balaklava Road offers a country cottage and Shiraz vineyard. Pic: realestate.com.au

A ‘grape’ opportunity has cropped up for those in search of either a country escape where they can ‘wine’ down or a chance to pursue a career as a vintner.

The ‘sip-erb’ Auburn property at 5397 Balaklava Road that is home to a quaint stone cottage and vineyard has hit the market for the first time in 24 years.

The 16.34ha estate, which includes 2.02ha of established shiraz vineyard and another 1.42ha ready to be planted, is listed with a call for best offers, starting at the high $700,000 mark.

Selling agent Julie Gabe, of Elders Real Estate Clare Valley-Burra, said the owner bought the property in 1996 as a place to retire, then poured his heart and soul into building the three-bedroom Cape Cod-style home.

The owner hand picked stones from the local quarry to build the home. Pic: realestate.com.au

It has a warm character inside. Pic: realestate.com.au

It has an open kitchen, living and dining area. Pic: realestate.com.au

“He went out and hand picked the stone for the property to be built from the local quarry,” she said.

“The home has got a real country feel – it has got a real warmth and character to it.”

Cathedral ceilings, exposed wooden beams and lattice windows characterise the two-storey home.

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Half of the ground floor is dedicated to an open kitchen, living and dining area, while two bedrooms, a shared bathroom and laundry occupy the other half.

The main bedroom, a family room and small bathroom are on the top floor.

There are three bedrooms, two of which are downstairs and the other upstairs. Pic: realestate.com.au

The house is on a sprawling 16.34ha block. Pic: realestate.com.au

Ms Gabe said sprawling views of the Clare Valley on offer upstairs were a highlight of the property.

“The views are to die for,” she said.

The property also has two sheds, one of which was designed to be used for winemaking and the other a workshop.

The cropped land is currently tended to by a Balaklava farmer and the vineyard is looked after by Kilikanoon Wines.

Ms Gabe said the property’s new owner could continue with the existing arrangement to make a little bit of money or pursue their own venture if they wanted.

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Stage four lockdown cuts Victoria’s new home sales by 14.4 per cent

Construction worker typing on a smartphone

Tumbling new home sales are expected to drive Melbourne tradies interstate.

Melbourne’s stage four lockdown has cut the state’s new house sales by more than 14 per cent in the past month.

The Housing Industry Association has warned the figures will prompt a construction slowdown and that interstate builders are already advertising to poach tradies, with many expected to leave by the end of the year.

HIA’s New Home Sales report released on Wednesday shows a 14.4 per cent decline in Victorian new home sales last month.

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HIA chief economist Tim Reardon warned they expected worse figures in September, with their report surveying key building groups responsible for one in four of the state’s new homes.

Of the five states covered, Victoria was the only one to record a decline in August.

Sales in Queensland surged 19.1 per cent, New South Wales was up 11.7 per cent, Western Australia added 11.4 per cent to its July tally and South Australian sales rose 7.4 per cent.

Victoria’s new home builds will fall substantially as a result of stage four restrictions.

Mr Reardon said the nationwide figures showed the impact the federal government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder grants would have on the building economy and employment.

Builders in other states would begin poaching Victorian tradies before the end of 2020, and he said he had seen jobs advertised in other states offering six months guaranteed work and accommodation including pay during quarantine periods.

“But Victoria has missed that surge in August and we are expecting that they will miss further sales in September, which means there is a very small window for Victorians to access HomeBuilder,” Mr Reardon said.

“Victorian home building has been a driver of national economic growth over much of the past decade, and it’s certainly a concern that its outlook in the short term is poor.”

A sharp rebound in October and November could get things back on track, but this would depend on many variables, he added.

HIA Victorian executive director Fiona Nield said the first step to rebuilding the lost sales and Victoria’s building economy was to allow safe access to display homes.

Under the government’s current road map to recovery, this could not happen until at least October 26.

“We would hope the government could see their way clear to safely reopening display homes before October 26,” Ms Nield said.

Volume builder Porter Davis is still notching sales online, but believes more stimulus is needed for the industry in Victoria.

Volume home builder Porter Davis’ general manager of sales and marketing Shaun Patterson said while hundreds of buyers had proceeded to contracts without physical contact with the firm, an extension to HomeBuilder may need to be a part of the state’s recovery.

“We are having lots of people buying the house all through the digital world,” Mr Patterson said.

“But Porter Davis would agree with an extension (to HomeBuilder).”

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