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This renovation, designed by Source Architects, had to work with a stunning view with a hot western aspect and strong winds. Picture: Tom Ferguson

It’s hard to imagine anyone building a house that would block the amazing view that the owners of this house in Orange had access to. But while the view overlooking Spring Creek Dam is idyllic, the exposure is not.

The best views were to the western and southern side of the house. Picture: Tom Ferguson

Architect Sally Sutherland from Source Architects in Orange says the most beautiful views on this 800ha property are to the west of the house.

“Plus, the winds are so strong that the owners couldn’t hang the clothes on the lines without using super industrial clothes pegs to keep them on there,” Sally says.

So it’s perhaps not so surprising that the four-bedroom house, originally built in the 1980s, had been designed to turn its back on views to the south and the west.

The extension draws the landscape into the living space. Picture: Tom Ferguson

“All the windows were quite small and it was all broken up,” says Sally. “The brief was to provide a new living space and create a protected outdoor space because of the winds.

“They wanted a lifestyle where they could come home and enjoy that view in comfort.”

Sally designed a new living and dining space, with a study and laundry to the south side.

The new laundry overlooking the courtyard is spacious with plenty of storage. Picture: Tom Ferguson

“They collect a lot of animals and the laundry is equipped with facilities for them, like heated floors so they have a warm spot to sleep,” she says.

The new laundry includes a dog washing station. There are heated floors to keep the animals warm on cold winter nights. Picture: Tom Ferguson

Indeed, there is heated flooring throughout, and double glazing on all the windows. The sunken lounge has been designed so that the view can be easily enjoyed from the dining space as well.

The living space is sunken so that the view can still be enjoyed from the dining space behind. Picture: Tom Ferguson

Although a west-facing aspect is not ideal, Sally says it was worth working with.

“The sunsets are incredible so we didn’t want to block the view out,” she says.

Heavy-duty automatic blinds manage the heat.

The new work allowed for the creation of an internal courtyard, complete with double-sided fireplace.

An internal courtyard with double sided fireplace offers outdoor protection from the wind. Picture: Tom Ferguson

Finding tradies to work on site was not an issue.

“The boys loved working on this because they got to see that view every day” she says.

Pictures: Tom Ferguson

The brief

To be able to enjoy the view from inside the house and create a protected outdoor space

The site

A house on an elevated site on a large parcel of land outside Orange in the NSW Central West

Design solution

To add a new living and dining space indoors and a protected courtyard outdoors with a double-sided fireplace

How long did it take

18 months

Builder: Willcon Building, willconbuilding.com

Landscape design: Living Edge Design, livingedgedesign.com.au

Stone cladding: Wamberal Freeform from Eco Outdoor, ecooutdoor.com.au

Courtyard flooring: Whitehaven stone, from SNB Stone, snb-stone.com

Joinery: Antique White by Laminex, laminex.com.au

The post Renovation in central western town of Orange has amazing view appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Ballarat’s real estate market might be the gold mine many are searching for. Photo: Chloe Smith

The Ballarat region has a rich history thanks to its gold rush origins, and a prosperous future as one of Australia’s strongest regional cities.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently dubbed Ballarat the nation’s fastest-growing inland city, and RMIT University crowned it one of the country’s most liveable regional areas. Real estate research firm Hotspotting has also named Ballarat among Australia’s top 10 regional hot spots.

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202 Lyons Street South, Ballarat Central is on the market with a $1.2-$1.3m price guide.

Hotspotting founder Terry Ryder found the second wave of COVID-19 caused additional housing demand in the area, which had continually delivered rising prices and low vacancy rates. He said it was attracting first-home buyers and investors alike.

“The last three years, (Ballarat) has been one of the leaders … nationally for price growth,” he said. “It’s a wonderful example of … the biggest trend in Australian real estate right now: the exodus to affordable lifestyle.”

“The trend has been exacerbated by the lockdown phases of the pandemic. It’s going to become an even stronger trend and cities like Ballarat have got a lot of buyers out of Melbourne.”

Sovereign Hill is a well-known tourist attraction in the area.

412 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree holds the region’s house price record at $4.25m.

The regional hub thrived on a diverse economy, low unemployment, a growing population and being just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Mr Ryder’s report said.

Its suburbs still offered affordable median house prices from $300,000-$500,000, despite suburbs like Ballarat Central, Black Hill and Sebastopol notching double-digit annual growth.

The region has notched an extra 37.4 per cent to its median house price in the past five years, landing it on $420,000, according to latest realestate.com.au figures.

Units have jumped 16 per cent to a $290,000 median. 

308 Specimen Vale South, Ballarat East is up for grabs with a $640,000-$660,000 price tag.

29 Nightingale Street, Newington is on the market for $875,000-$925,000.

Several projects are also underway, including major transport improvements, a $460m hospital upgrade and the Ballarat GovHub.

Buxton Ballarat director Peter Burley said the projects would further enhance the area’s varied employment opportunities.

He also noted the region’s arts culture and eateries were rivalling those found in the big smoke.

“(Ballarat) has got everything in terms of the Melbourne vibe, with a more relaxed feel to it,” he said. “You are an hour (and a half) from Melbourne, Bendigo, the beach — geographically, we are the best regional city in Victoria.”

Mr Burley said earlier in the year, buyers from metropolitan Melbourne accounted for 40 per cent of his agency’s sales. He expected that figure to rise once stage four restrictions eased.

mikaela.day@news.com.au

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The post Ballarat real estate: Why regional city is a golden opportunity appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Lessen the stress of a bathroom renovation with these tips. Photo: Beaumont Tiles

Bathrooms are one of the busiest rooms in the home so they need to tick a lot of boxes.

A practical space with good storage and lighting is key, but the room also needs to be a blissful retreat you can escape to for a relaxing bath, or quiet shower at the end of a long day.

It’s also one of the most expensive rooms in the home to renovate, so the design needs to be spot on.

Here we take you through the steps to create your dream bathroom in a stress-free transformation.

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The Atmosphere Gloss tile, priced from $56.65/sq m, is very luxe. Photo: Beaumont Tiles

Beaumont Tiles design specialist Christie Wood said there’s plenty to consider before starting your bathroom makeover.

DREAM DESIGN

Australians are a design-savvy bunch who crave homes with bold style elements and plenty of wow factor, according to Beaumont Tiles design specialist Christie Wood.

“Avoid playing it too safe during your renovations,” she advises.

“So often people get reno remorse, and it ends up costing more in the long run to replace taps, tiles or cabinetry that they didn’t love to begin with.

“While most of us need to stick within a budget, it’s always a good idea to splurge on good materials for your bathroom and hero one item like a fabulous sink or playful tapware.”

Ms Wood says a successful design incorporates style and functionality. She advises to work with the existing layout to avoid moving plumbing, doors and windows, if possible.

“It’s best to workshop different layouts on paper and once you’re ready to finalise it, map it out on the ground with masking tape so you can get a feel for the space and its functionality,” she says.

“Ask yourself if there has been enough consideration for the space required for stepping out of the shower, opening cupboard doors, getting dressed, and opening windows.”

When it comes to selecting tiles for a bathroom, there are a few rules to follow.

“Use repetition in design to connect wet zone areas like bathrooms, laundry, powder rooms and mud rooms in a fun way,” Ms Wood says. “Things like using the same tiled splash back, decorative floor or cabinetry are a great way to create connection and synchronicity across your entire home.”

Secondly, for dark bathrooms with little light, use lighter tones and gloss wall tiles to brighten the space. If there’s an abundance of light in your room, opt for a matt or satin finish so there’s no glare.

Lastly, correctly scaling the bathroom elements is vital.

“Depending on the size of your room, choosing tiles that are too small or too large for the entire space will put the room’s proportions out of sync, potentially drawing attention to its size if it’s on the smaller size,” Ms Wood says.

Pops of colour are becoming popular in bathrooms. Photo: Beaumont Tiles

Property expert and buyer’s agent Nicole Jacobs said black steel framed doors are making their way to the bathroom. Photo: Rachel Devine

IN VOGUE

Prime-time TV buyer’s advocate and property expert Nicole Jacobs says there are some on-trend bathroom inclusions that are getting a big tick of approval from buyers.

“We are seeing more bathrooms with stunning curves in their ceilings, walls and cabinetry (and) the use of arched mirrors,” she says.

“While the white tile is traditional and safe we are seeing more bathrooms exploring colours like peach, light greens and blues either in the tiles, wallpaper or paint.

Baths and black accents are also in.

“Baths have always been in but they are back in a big way,” Ms Jacobs says. “A large deep bath is on trend as buyers want to know this space can be practical for kids’ bath time but as a sanctuary as well.

“For some time, black steel framed doors have been in and this has extended into bathrooms as highlights around shower recesses and shower frames. Extend this with matching tapware, towel rails and other accessories.”

Lighting on a functional and architectural level is also gaining momentum. Skylights placed above the bath or shower are a popular choice, alongside highlighting curved walls or bespoke cabinetry with feature lighting.

Light tiles, like the Grand Atlantis Gold Silk tiles pictured, are good to use in a bathroom where there is little to no light. Photo: Beaumont Tiles

Matthew Menichelli from Elevate Building Group says a good project manager is the key to a successful reno.

ON THE TOOLS

While the fun part of renovating is selecting tiles and tapware, the most important part of a bathroom makeover comes down to careful planning and a good execution from those on the tools.

Builder and owner of Elevate Building Group Matthew Menichelli says a number of trades are required for a bathroom renovation.

“This could include a cabinet maker, plumber, electrician, carpenter, tiler, painter and plasterer,” he says. “You’ll also need a builder who can project manage and oversee the renovation job as a whole.”

Mr Menichelli says to allow a month for the renovation to ensure it’s not rushed. You should also be prepared for some unexpected costs.

“Some potential scenarios include needing to replace your pipes or redo electrical wiring,” he says. “Unfortunately it’s hard to know what is beneath the surface prior to starting a project.”

Bathroom renovations are “very technical” and definitely a job to call the experts in for, according to Hipages chief customer officer Stuart Tucker.

“We know 68 per cent of homeowners have attempted but failed to complete repairs or renovations around the home themselves,” he says. “The bathroom is not the place to be attempting your handyman skills.”

A bathroom renovation can cost between $10,000 and $30,000+, according to Hipages. Photo: Beaumont Tiles

BATHROOM COST GUIDE

$10,000 – $15,000 for a budget or cosmetic renovation of a smaller main bathroom using budget materials and fittings.

$15,000 – $30,000 for an average sized mid-range main bathroom renovation using standard materials and fittings.

$30,000+ for a premium

or luxury main bathroom renovation using top of the range materials, fittings and fixtures.

Source: Hipages

BUDGET BATHROOM UPDATE

Wanting to revamp your bathroom, but have little budget? Here are some simple tips to transform it without hurting your hip pocket.

1. Clean every surface, including grout. You may need to re-seal areas which is low cost but can add visual and functional benefits.

2. Tired tapware and handles on cabinets can often be replaced with on-trend alternatives. It will give the space a new look for a fraction of the cost of a completely new bathroom.

3. Introduce plants. They are great for colour and often create a feeling of calm.

4. Make sure all lights are working and good voltage for maximum efficiency.

5. Buy new towels that work with the colours and space. Go neutral if the space is busy or vibrant if the space is white and requires a lift.

Source: Nicole Jacobs, buyer’s advocate

hipages.com.au, beaumont-tiles.com.au, nicolejacobs.com, elevatebuilding.com.au

mikaela.day@news.com.au

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The post The complete guide to a bathroom renovation appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Rae Johnston is NITV’s first ever science and technology editor. Picture: Richard Dobson

She is a multi-award-winning science and technology journalist, Wiradjuri woman, mother, broadcaster, voice actor and MC — and Rae Johnston shows no signs of slowing down. Having lived in the Whitsundays, Darwin and Wollongong, the western Sydneysider has come full circle and made it back home, landing in the inner city.

“I don’t really put much stock in material things. Places and experiences is what I focus on,” says Rae. “I was basically living right by the Great Barrier Reef, which was incredible, but as far as career opportunities, it’s pretty bleak — and I’m very ambitious.”

As NITV’s first ever science and technology editor, Rae is a self-confessed tech and gaming geek with almost a decade of experience appearing on every national television and radio news program in Australia. Juggling several gigs — Rae is voicing Janali Banks in the upcoming animated ABC and Nine children’s series, Space Nova and also works on the Take It Blak podcast — home time is a luxury.

“You know what they say, ‘You’ve got to make hay while the sun shines’. I’m in a really good place in my life. I don’t need more than I have, but I don’t think I could ever relax and have just one job. That would feel weird to me.”

Who: NITV presenter/content producer Rae Johnston

Where: Erskineville apartment with her husband Jess and son, Seth.

Inspiration: If I fall in love with a specific item, I’ll make it work

Home: is Where family is

Rae’s favourite item in her home is this chair from her nan. Richard Dobson

I don’t come from the type of family where inheritance exists, but this chair belonged to my nan. She was the strongest woman I have ever known and this chair helps me remember her

Certificate of a star that has been adopted for Rae.

This was a gift from my husband and the coordinates of the star corresponds with the date of our first kiss. I am a big space nerd so this was the most perfect, romantic gift. He knew it too — he was pretty proud of himself.

Gaming console and controller.

I feel like I have played video games my entire life. My mum got me into them when I was young and now gaming is a part of my career. I play them for leisure but I also get to review new games.

Rae using knitting as a relaxation technique.

My nan taught me how to knit when I was little and I have only just picked it up again. I spend so much of my time online and this is a physical barrier that stops me from engaging on social media or checking emails.

A copy of Stephen King’s IT.

I am a huge horror fan, and again, I can blame that on my mum. When I went to high school I came across all these new horror books in the library and I was hooked.

Rae’s favourite Ugg Boots from Sydney Rams.

I thought that if I was working from home I would need to be in office attire to help me focus. I did that for about a week, and now I just like to be comfortable.

Apple iWatch.

So, I did not know how much I loved this watch until I tried to go without it for a day. I love that it monitors my heart rate when I am exercising, and I love being able to track my progress. It’s a good reminder to move and stay healthy.

Jarin Street yoga mat.

Jarin Street is an 100 per cent Aboriginal owned company that makes environmentally friendly yoga mats. I love going to the gym and rolling this out. I’m not that great at yoga, but I do look pretty impressive with this mat.

Forget coffee, tea is Rae’s go-to.

My gosh, I love tea so much that there was a period of time where I wanted to open a tea emporium in the Blue Mountains. When I get stressed, I say, ‘I need a cup of tea and a 15 minute nap’.

Rae uses Willow & Co ochre face mask.

This is another great Aboriginal business set up by women from Wiradjuri country, which is where my family is from. I go for a hike every Sunday and when I get home I have a bath and put on this face mask.

The post At home with NITV’s first science and technology reporter Rae Johnston appeared first on realestate.com.au.

An aerial view of 297-299 Monaco St, Broadbeach Waters (far right).

FOR a fun-loving social couple with two young boys, home for Billy and Jackie Cross has been as much a space for family as for entertaining.

Having purchased their Broadbeach Waters plot with a knockdown house in 2009, the couple worked with Bayden Goddard Design Architects to bring their vision to life.

The house is well designed for entertaining, relaxation and play.

Their sprawling LA-inspired mansion, at 297-299 Monaco Street, has a relaxed elegance about it, with multiple areas for rest, exercise and play.

“It’s a big house with a lovely open plan, but the spaces still feel intimate,” said Mr Cross, who credits wife Jackie for the styling.

“Having two young boys, it’s been an amazing place for them to grow up in.”

The LA-inspired design gives off a relaxed sense of elegance.

There are multiple areas for relaxation and low-key socialising.

Full height stacker doors allow the indoor living areas to flow easily onto alfresco entertainment spaces, where the aspect takes in a pool, a tennis court and main river.

“We’re on nearly 2600 sqm of land with a park across the road and the main river at the back,” said Mr Cross.

“Laying out there watching the boats and jet skis go by on main river is a really relaxing place to be and a great space for entertaining.”

A tennis court, pool, gymnasium and river frontage create opportunities for recreation.

An outdoor kitchen is equipped with teppanyaki facilities and three wine fridges, in addition to the temperature controlled 2000-bottle cellar inside.

Entertaining is second nature for the vivacious entrepreneur, who shot to fame in the 1980s as the founding member of hit male stage show Manpower.

The outdoor areas offer views of the river and city skyline.

Mr Cross went on to run a string of nightclubs in Surfers Paradise and Las Vegas, where his Thunder from Down Under show has been a roaring success.

Waking up to a gym, steam room and massage room have made home workouts a breeze, while sons Nick, now 17 and Josh, 21 made the most of the tennis-come-basketball court over the years.

The man cave has been a favourite feature for Mr Cross.

But the hands-down favourite feature goes to the man cave, which Mr Cross describes as “one of the best on the Gold Coast”.

It’s kitted out with a bar, wine fridges, classic pub pool table and seven televisions for the ultimate sporting feast.

“You can watch the races, footy and AFL at the same time,” Mr Cross said.

“It has been a great space to have the boys over for punting sessions on a Saturday or late night parties.”

Wide glass windows allow for a connection with the outdoors.

An annual Australia Day gathering has been a longstanding event on the Cross social calendar, but with their sons now grown up, life is moving into a new phase.

“We’ve bought the penthouse in White at Main Beach, so we’ll be starting a new chapter close to the restaurants and cafes there,” Mr Cross said.

“I’m excited and emotional. I love the aspect of walking to the shops to grab coffee and bagels from the bakery in the mornings, and late night Thai or Italian.

“But at the same time we’ve spent 12 years in this house so we will miss it.”

Michael Kollosche is taking expressions of interest until October 7.

The post Inside the LA-inspired mansion of Manpower founder Billy Cross appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Cairns real estate: 13 Bellevue Crescent, Edge Hill

HOMEBUYERS around the nation have been demanding properties that offer a village lifestyle – a desire brought on by the global pandemic but one that is likely to stick around according SJB Architects urban designer Adam Haddow.

“Modernism said we couldn’t have working, living, sleeping and recreation together but the coronavirus pandemic is encouraging that,” he said.

“We’re living more locally. It’s not all about the floor to ceiling windows anymore.”

Mr Haddow’s comments were welcomed by two leading Cairns real estate agents who say the “garden city” offers multiple pockets of residential villages.

REMAX’s broker-owner Ray Murphy said Edge and Whitfield were great suburbs for a village lifestyle. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

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RE/MAX Cairns broker-owner Ray Murphy said suburbs like Edge Hill and Whitfield offered properties for all demographics, that could enjoy the village lifestyle.

“With Edge Hill you get a real safe and community atmosphere and you have all your amenities from medical to schools and the cafe precinct in the centre,” Mr Murphy said.

“During COVID lockdowns, locals discovered how fortunate they were to have everything at their fingertips and not have to go into the city or the major shopping centres.”

Ray White Cairns South principal Therese Plath said the city’s southern suburbs were a great choice for families who would not be deprived of any CBD conveniences.

From major retail hub Mt Sheridan Plaza to Piccone’s Village Edmonton and the whole town of Gordonvale – the southside presents clusters of small, community villages surrounded by parks.

“Gordonvale is a great example because the whole town has the village feel,” Ms Plath said.

“It has such a lovely atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of the city. There is the park right in the middle of town, a stand out feature and with the markets, it just brings everyone together – a real community.”

Here are five Cairns properties that offer their owners an in-demand village lifestyle:

13 Bellevue Crescent, Edge Hill

This four-bedroom house will be auctioned on Tuesday September 22 with RE/MAX’s Ray Murphy and is within walking distance of Edge Hill’s cafe precinct – Collins Avenue, the Cairns Botanic Gardens and nearby parks, courts and schools.

The elevated 906sq m property sits atop Mt Whitfield and also offers 270-degree views over Cairns.

37-39 Jamieson Close, Gordonvale

7-39 Jamieson Cl, Gordonvale

Just a short drive to the village town of Gordonvale’s CBD, this five-bedroom home listed with Ray White Cairns South’s Therese Plath is surrounded by natural bushland offering privacy and tranquillity.

25 Canecutter Road, Edmonton

A four-bedroom family house on a generous 724sq m block, this property is just a short drive to Edmonton’s Piccone’s Village, and walking distance to parks and schools. It features a low-maintenance living area, filled with an abundance of natural light.

36 Cyperus Drive, Redlynch

The bright and colourful backyard of this four-bedroom home instantly provides a village feel. The 953sq m corner block house is within walking distance to all major amenities at Redlynch including private and public schools.

16 Gadd Close, Gordonvale

Just a short walk to the centre of Gordonvale providing access to parks, cafes and medical facilities, this four-bedroom house sits on an 846sq m block. It features a spacious open-plan living area and a modern kitchen.

The post Enjoy the village lifestyle with these five Cairns homes appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Two real estate agencies Elite (Karl Latham) and Twomey Schriber (Kevin Twomey), will merge. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

Two leading and independent Cairns real estate agents are merging and they have already set an ambitious target to become the biggest in the Far North and one of the largest in Queensland.

Elite Real Estate Services and Twomey Schriber Property Group are set to combine their services and databases in December, move into a new office in Sheridan St, and operate as one entity under the latter’s trading name.

The announcement comes six months after Elite principal Karl Latham sold his rent roll to Twomey Schriber to focus solely on sales.

Two real estate agencies Elite (Karl Latham) and Twomey Schriber (Kevin Twomey), will merge. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

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“Especially during these COVID times the world is ever changing and mergers are happening in many industries,” Mr Latham said.

“With us both being independent this opportunity allowed us to be light footed and quickly adapt with the rapidly changing market where we can stay in front, leading the field and, most importantly, continuing to achieve the best results for our clients.”

Twomey Schriber principal Kevin Twomey said the biggest winners of the merger would be the two agencies’ vendors and future buyers.

“We’ll cover all over Cairns and if you’re looking to sell, we’ll have a bigger list of buyers than anyone,” he said.

“If you’re looking to buy, we’ll have access to the most stock in Cairns.”

He said his agency was ranked No.1 in residential sales volume in Cairns averaging between 250 to 280, while Elite was tracking closely behind in third place, having reported about 200 sales in the past year.

“Together we’re looking at doing potentially 500 sales a year,” Mr Twomey said.

“That number will get us up there among the highest in Queensland.”

The post Cairns real estate agency merger comes with ambitious sales target appeared first on realestate.com.au.