Real Estate & Garden Feature

A tangle of vines

Contributed by Ethan Mimnaugh, Mooloolah Landcare Nursery

WE grow them on trellises, or on fences. They wind their way through our gardens. Sometimes they smother the trees,

but sometimes they hold them together. For all kinds of reasons, vines are an extremely interesting type of plant.

Today I’m going to discuss some of the defining features of vines, the different types of vines, and discuss some problematic

exotic vines. Along the way, I’ll list plenty of great native vines as well.

Vines are plants that either trail or climb. There are vines on the beach like Goats Foot (Ipomea pescaprae) or Yellow Beach Pea (Vigna marina). Most of the time, however, we are talking about scandent plants.

Vines can climb in 4 main ways, although there are always exceptions to the rule in nature. One way is through adventitious roots which attach to the surfaces of their support. This is done by Native Pepper (Piper hederaceum). Another way is by winding around a support. Scrambling Lilly (Geitonoplesium cymosum), a tasty bushtucker, happily twines around even very slender supports.

Vines may also use tendrils, which you might be familiar with from Passionfruit Vines, that grab onto their supports. We also have a Native Passionfruit (Passiflora herbertiana) with similar tendrils. To keep with the edible theme, some thorny vines use their hooks to grip onto their supports like the very tasty, Australian Melon Berry (Maclura cochinchinensis).

Another distinction between vines, is the Liana

vs Herbaceous distinction. That is to say, the woody vines and the nonwoody vines. Things like Monkey Rope Vine (Parsonsia straminea) or Native Wisteria (Austrocallerya megasperma) grow thick woody stems over time, eventually growing firm in their structure over their support. Other plants like Climbing Guinea Vine (Hibbertia scandens) and Snake Vine (Stephania japonica) have a softer stem which can remain flexible even at full size.

The last thing to consider is the danger that exotic vines bring to our bushland. Things like Syngonium, and Philodendron are able to totally collapse our native trees, growing far quicker and bigger than our native ecosystems can handle.

By far the worst of them are Cat’s Claw Creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati) and Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia). They are able to destroy our waterways, and smother over 100 year old trees.

These two vines are important to report to council or to a local landcare. There are even programs in South East Queensland which breed beetles that specifically eat these weeds.

Mapleton’s Queen of the Mountain, St Isidores, awaits

A lANdMArk Sunshine Coast hinterland estate with more than a century of history has been listed for sale, offering buyers a rare chance to secure one of Mapleton’s most significant private residences.

St Isidores, at 40–42 Post Office Road, Mapleton, sits on 4,211sqm across two titles atop the Blackall range and is regarded as one of the region’s most distinctive heritage homes.

Originally built in 1897 by the Smith brothers, early citrus farmers who helped shape the Mapleton district, the residence blends traditional Queenslander architecture with carefully preserved historical features and modern restoration.

The five-bedroom, threebathroom home spans 528sqm in total, including

355sqm internally, and includes a double lock-up garage, workshop and parking for more than five vehicles. A separate gallery space currently used as a private art gallery offers flexibility as a studio, office or guest accommodation.

Amber Werchon, of Amber Werchon Property, said homes of this calibre and historical significance rarely entered the market.

available on the Coast,” Ms Werchon said.

“The hinterland market is tightly held, particularly for properties with this level of land, history and architectural detail.”

Inside, the home features pressed metal

“large hinterland estates with heritage character, two titles and this level of restoration seldom become

Pit”, “The reading room” and “The Snug” reflect the home’s long-standing reputation as a place for

entertaining and gathering.

The kitchen opens to a north-east facing breakfast deck overlooking landscaped gardens and a lap pool.

ceilings, decorative timber fretwork, polished timber floors, coloured glass windows and soaring 3.3-metre ceilings designed to maximise airflow.

distinctive rooms including “The Conversation

The current owners have undertaken extensive restoration works over the past 25 years, reinforcing the structure with more than 80 steel stumps while intentionally preserving many original imperfections to maintain authenticity.

Historic details remain throughout, including leadlight windows, Victorian scroll fretwork and a stained-glass window believed to have been crafted by nuns for the Catholic Church in the early 1900s.

The property later became home to the Catholic Church in the 1920s, when it was renamed St Isidores after the patron saint of farming.

The estate’s manicured gardens feature century-old fig trees, jacarandas, palms and a cobblestone driveway lined with historic oak trees, creating a Europeaninspired setting in the heart of the hinterland.

St Isidores is being marketed exclusively through Amber Werchon Property by private inspection only.

Stylish family living with shed, solar and side access

By Andrew and Wendy Dobbie

SET on a fully fenced 894sqm block in a familyfriendly estate, this beautifully updated home delivers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and practicality for modern family living. Behind the electric gates, you’ll discover a property designed for both relaxed everyday living and effortless entertaining.

At the heart of the home is a spacious air-conditioned family and dining area, creating a welcoming hub where everyone can come together. A separate airconditioned media room provides the ideal retreat for movie nights, gaming, or simply unwinding at the end of the day.

The stunning refurbished galley kitchen has been thoughtfully designed with both style and functionality in mind. Featuring new quality appliances, an electric

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cooktop, dishwasher, pantry, large breakfast bar, and room for a plumbed fridge, it’s a space that will impress home cooks and entertainers alike. A skylight fills the kitchen with natural light, adding warmth and charm.

Offering four generous bedrooms, the home ensures comfort for the whole family with air conditioning and ceiling fans throughout. The privately positioned master suite includes a walk-in

NAVIGATING

robe and a stylish ensuite complete with double vanity.

Step outside and enjoy multiple outdoor living spaces tailored to every occasion. The enclosed entertaining area offers flexibility as a rumpus room, second lounge, or all-weather retreat, while the covered outdoor area is perfect for BBQs, morning coffees, or quiet evenings with family and friends. Double-gate side access leads to an impressive

powered shed/studio with lined ceiling - ideal as a workshop, home office, gym, or creative space. Conveniently located close to schools, shops, rail transport, and the worldfamous Australia Zoo, this impressive home offers the lifestyle and space today’s families are searching for. Move straight in and enjoy everything this exceptional property has to offer.

Contact Andrew Dobbie from Place Real Estate on 0429 690 182.

Homes for health

By Vanessa Rader, Ray White Head of Research

AUSTRALIANS are spending more than ever on health and wellbeing, and the nation’s luxury property market is rapidly evolving to match the trend, with wellness-focused homes now commanding premiums of up to 30 per cent above traditional high-end residences.

New figures show Australians spend an average of $5,184 per person annually on wellness, ranking seventh globally, while the wellness economy is growing at 7.6 per cent each year, outpacing broader GDP growth. Industry experts say the shift marks a major change in buyer priorities, with affluent homeowners increasingly investing in properties designed to actively improve physical and mental wellbeing rather

than simply showcase wealth. Modern wellness homes are being equipped with sophisticated technology systems that continuously monitor and optimise indoor environments.

AI-powered platforms can track air quality, humidity, lighting and temperature in real time, making constant adjustments to create healthier living conditions.

Developers say the home is no longer viewed as passive shelter, but as an “active health partner” designed to support longterm wellbeing through environmental optimisation and smart technology integration.

Property analysts say the rise of intelligent wellness homes reflects a broader cultural shift, with today’s luxury buyers valuing health optimisation and lifestyle performance over traditional status symbols.

A Place to call home

A NEW chapter in local real estate has officially begun, with Place Beerwah celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, May 20, surrounded by friends, family, colleagues and members of the community.

At the centre of the celebrations was principal and sales agent Andy Phythian, whose rapid rise through the hinterland property market has seen him become Queensland’s youngest real estate business owner at just 22 years of age.

Young talent making big moves in property Andy leads with honesty and integrity

about creating a team culture focused on service, trust and strong community connections.

“It’s about building a business where people feel supported, both our clients and our team,” he said.

Since beginning his career in 2021, Mr Phythian has built a strong reputation across the Glasshouse Country region. He first entered the profession while still at school, completing work experience at 16 before gaining his real estate licence on his 18th birthday.

While he had previously pursued basketball at a high level, injuries eventually shifted his focus towards real estate, where his determination and competitive drive quickly translated into success.

The new office, located in the Beerwah Marketplace between Woolworths and Bank of Queensland, marks a significant milestone for Mr Phythian, who entered the industry only four years ago but has already established himself as one of the region’s most recognised and successful young agents.

Known for his approachable nature, strong local knowledge and results-driven mindset, Mr Phythian said the opening was

His innovative approach to marketing, particularly through digital and social media platforms, has helped him stand out in a competitive market and attract a growing client base across the booming Sunshine Coast corridor.

The young principal’s achievements have also earned industry recognition, including Rookie Sales Agent of the Year in 2021 and Agent of the Year for Glasshouse Mountains and Beerburrum in 2026. Central to the new office’s momentum

Dobbie

Among the growing sales team are Mitch Markham, Carly Rowlands, Jackson Comrie and Matthew Kimpton, alongside respected husbandand-wife duo Andrew and Wendy Dobbie, who bring decades of industry experience and strong local knowledge to the office.

The Dobbies said joining Place Beerwah came down to shared values and a strong vision for the future. “Andy leads with honesty and integrity, and that’s really important to us,” Wendy said.

Mr Phythian said the team’s rapid growth reflected a changing landscape within the industry. “People want to work in an environment where collaboration, support and doing the right thing by clients comes first,” he said.

“We’ve built a team that genuinely cares about the community and about getting great results for people. And Place is the right group to make that happen”.

Place Purpose Group, led by CEO Robbie Lofaro, is a major force in the Brisbane real estate industry, so it

made sense for Andy to align his new office and team with such a well-respected and recognised company.

Looking ahead, Mr Phythian said the goal was to continue growing throughout the Sunshine Coast while maintaining a personalised and community-focused approach.

“The hinterland offers something really special,” he said. “The local property market is strong, buyers are lining up to move here, so we’re excited about the future.”

To contact Andy directly, call 0400 869 277.