A MARKET THAT REWARDS ACTION
As we progress further into autumn, the market continues to track along a reassuringly normal path. Auction clearance rates across Melbourne are holding in the mid-60s, and at Marshall White, we are consistently performing above that benchmark, a reflection of the quality of properties we bring to market and the depth of our buyer networks. Importantly, we are also seeing strong results across private sale campaigns, with well-qualified buyers actively engaging beyond the auction arena.
This weekend marks one of the final large-volume auction weekends before the traditional April slowdown, with Easter, school holidays and Anzac Day combining to create a natural pause in activity. For buyers, the timing presents a genuine window of opportunity. With a solid number of properties available right now, there is real scope to secure a home or investment before listings ease off and competition tightens on the other side of the break.
For sellers, the message is equally encouraging. Buyer activity remains consistent, and those who are well-prepared and wellpriced are being rewarded with strong results. The current conditions favour decisive action on both sides of the market, and with fewer properties expected to come to market through April, those who act now stand to benefit from the current depth of buyer interest.
If you are considering your next move, whether buying or selling, now is an ideal time to have a conversation with our team. We would welcome the opportunity to share our local insight and help you make the most of the weeks ahead. Reach out to us today. ■
By John Bongiorno
MIELE
FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE EASTER CAKES
BONNIEANDNEIL
AROUND THE EASTER TABLE
YOUMATTER EASTER ESSENTIALS DRIVE
PROJECTS WHITE AND WESTON
OCEAN SERENITY
Nestled alongside the Mornington Peninsula National Park, “Casa Duna” captures the raw beauty of the Wild Coast through striking architecture and considered design. Completed in 2021, this 10-star Passiv Haus by a German craftsman delivers exceptional energy efficiency and precision.
Spotted gum floors and birch ply interiors define the open-plan living domain, where expansive glazing and sliding doors dissolve the boundary between indoors and out—connecting seamlessly from pool to dunes. The well-appointed kitchen, featuring SMEG and Asko appliances, anchors the home for effortless entertaining.
“From its Passiv Haus design to private beach access, this is a home unlike anything else in the region.”
ADAM KENYON
AUCTIONEER,
Four bedrooms and multiple living zones offer flexibility, including a serene master retreat with dune views. Bathrooms are finished in Venetian render and timber detailing, complemented by outdoor showers and a secluded bath beneath the trees.
A solar-heated lap pool, outdoor kitchen, and private track to the surf complete this rare coastal sanctuary set across 3,813sqm (approx). ■
@MIELE www miele.com.au
Rich, gently spiced and finished with a delicate cross, these flourless chocolate Easter cakes offer a refined take on a seasonal favourite.
Crafted by chef Shannon Bennett, they are light in texture yet deeply indulgent, best served warm with butter or a favourite conserve.
INGREDIENTS
Cakes:
150g dark chocolate, chopped
150g unsalted butter, softened
6 eggs
250g caster sugar
100ml fresh orange juice
1 tsp finely grated orange zest
60g ground almonds
50g coconut flour
3 tsp mixed spice
20g cocoa powder
60g currants
60g sultanas
Icing:
140g caster sugar
2 egg whites
Lemon juice, to taste
METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 12-hole silicone mould or line with paper cases.
2. Melt chocolate and butter separately on low heat, induction setting 2-3.
3. Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and tripled in volume.
4. Combine orange juice, zest, melted chocolate, cocoa and butter, then gently fold into the egg mixture.
5. Fold in coconut flour, ground almonds, mixed spice, currants and sultanas.
6. Spoon into moulds and bake for 15 minutes, the buns should be slightly undercooked in the centre.
7. Rest briefly, then cover loosely with a tea towel to keep the tops soft.
8. For the icing, whisk egg whites and sugar until smooth, adding lemon juice to taste. Pipe or drizzle crosses over each cake.
HINTS AND TIPS
* If you’re not using an induction cooktop, melt your chocolate gently using a double-boiler to prevent the chocolate from catching or burning.
* If you have a Miele oven featuring Moisture Plus, bake using one manual burst of steam released when you place the cakes into the oven. The added humidity helps the batter rise gently and reduces the chance of the cakes cracking.
AROUND THE EASTER TABLE
Easter entertaining carries a distinct sense of ease. It is a moment that invites softness, light and a gentle sense of nostalgia, where the table becomes a reflection of the season itself. We spoke with Bonnie and Neil to explore how to create a setting that feels both elevated and effortlessly inviting, grounded in a garden-led approach to styling.
How would you describe your approach to styling an Easter table?
Our approach is always inspired by nature, particularly the garden. We love working with colours that feel soft yet optimistic, such as greens, butter yellows, soft pinks and touches of blue. It is about creating a palette that feels fresh and layered, without being overly styled. Easter is a time for gathering, so the table should feel welcoming, relaxed and full of life, rather than overly formal.
Where do you draw your inspiration from when creating seasonal settings like this?
Nature is always our starting point. Gardens offer endless inspiration in the way colours and textures sit together so effortlessly. We are also influenced by vintage textiles and tableware, which bring a sense of warmth and familiarity. There is something special about layering pieces that feel collected over time, rather than perfectly matched.
What are the key elements to consider when setting a table for Easter entertaining?
It starts with a base, often a tablecloth or runner, that sets the tone. From there, layering is key. Mixing florals with stripes or more graphic patterns helps create balance and interest. We like to introduce coloured glassware and ceramics to add contrast, while still keeping everything cohesive. Fresh flowers are essential and do not need to be overly arranged, simple stems can be just as impactful.
How do you create a table that feels elevated but still relaxed?
It is about embracing imperfection. A table should not feel too rigid or overly coordinated. By mixing textures such as linen, ceramics and glass, and allowing elements to feel slightly undone, the setting becomes more inviting. Lighting also plays an important role. Even during the day, adding candles can soften the atmosphere and create a sense of intimacy.
What does your dream Easter table look like?
It is abundant, layered and full of colour, yet still grounded in natural tones. A beautiful tablecloth sets the foundation, with complementary pieces added in a way that feels organic. There are fresh flowers, soft textures and thoughtful details throughout, but nothing feels overworked. It is a table that encourages people to gather, linger and enjoy the moment. Ultimately, Easter styling is less about strict rules and more about creating a sense of connection. By bringing together colour, texture and light in a way that feels natural and considered, the table becomes more than just a setting — it becomes a space to gather, linger and enjoy the moment. ■
LEARN MORE
EASTER ESSENTIALS DRIVE
As Easter approaches, many of us look forward to gathering with family and friends – sharing meals, enjoying traditions and taking time to relax together. This year, You Matter is inviting the community to take part in its Easter Essentials Drive, a donation initiative designed to help stock the charity’s safe homes with everyday pantry staples for women and children rebuilding their lives after family violence.
While these homes are thoughtfully furnished with furniture and household items, many families arrive with very little. Simple pantry essentials can make a meaningful difference as they settle into a new environment and begin establishing daily routines.
You Matter create fully furnished “Havens” – safe homes where women and children can begin again after recovering from violence. Each Haven is carefully prepared with essential furniture and household items, helping families move into a space that feels welcoming and secure. Yet for many households adjusting to a new life, food security can remain an ongoing challenge.
The Easter Essentials Drive helps address this by collecting everyday pantry staples that families rely on as they settle into their new homes. Items such as cereal, pasta and long-grain rice provide the foundations for simple meals, while pantry basics like plain and self-raising flour, sugar and olive oil help ensure families have the ingredients needed for everyday cooking.
Other essentials such as tea, coffee, honey and jam support the small daily rituals that help restore a sense of normality. Canned goods including diced tomatoes, baked beans and four-bean mix, alongside UHT milk, pasta sauce and two-minute noodles, provide easy and nourishing meal options during a time of transition.
Even the smallest details can make a difference. Kitchen staples such as salt and black pepper, along with familiar favourites like tomato sauce and Vegemite, help ensure a kitchen feels complete and ready to use from the moment families move in.
While many households will be filling baskets with Easter treats, this initiative highlights the importance of practical essentials that help turn a house into a functioning home. These donations help ensure families stepping into a Haven have the basics they need to cook, share meals and begin building new routines together.
Community members are encouraged to purchase one or several items from the Easter Essentials list and donate them as part of the drive. Even small contributions, when shared across the community, can collectively make a meaningful difference.
Because sometimes the most meaningful way to celebrate Easter is by helping ensure someone else has the basics they need to feel safe, nourished and supported. ■
DONATE HERE
THE LOCAL EDIT
ROME: EMPIRE, POWER, PEOPLE EXHIBITION
1-4 APRIL 2026
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC 3053
EASTER SATURDAY OPEN DAY AT HAWKES FARM
4 APRIL 2026
661 Boneo Road, Boneo, VIC 3939
MACEDON RANGES AUTUMN FESTIVAL
1-30 APRIL 2026
Southrock Road, Woodend, VIC 3442
HILL AND RIDGE COMMUNITY MARKET
4 APRIL 2026
184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill, VIC 3937
POINT NEPEAN PORTSEA MARKET
4 APRIL 2026
Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944
KINGSTON FARMERS MARKET
4 APRIL 2026
3 Jean Street, Cheltenham, VIC 3192
MOONLIGHT CINEMA
UNTIL 5 APRIL 2026
Central Lawn Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, VIC 3141
HEIDE MARKET
11 APRIL 2026
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105
MORNINGTON RACECOURSE MARKET
12 APRIL 2026
320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931
WESTWOOD | KAWAKUBO
UNTIL 16 APRIL 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
GUIDE DOGS VICTORIA COMMUNITY FAIR
18 APRIL 2026
2 Chandler Highway, Kew, VIC 3101
BOROONDARA FARMERS MARKET
18 APRIL 2026
484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
TRENTHAM FARMERS MARKET
18 APRIL 2026
27 High Street, Trentham, VIC 3458
MAKERS AND SHAKERS MARKET
18-19 APRIL 2026
Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens, Carlton, VIC 3053
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL
COMEDY FESTIVAL
UNTIL 19 APRIL 2026
Melbourne Town Hall, 90/130 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST MUSICAL
UNTIL 20 APRIL 2026
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
DIVA AT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM OF PERFORMING ARTS
UNTIL 26 APRIL 2026
100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004
RUN THE TAN
26 APRIL 2026
Tan Track, Melbourne, VIC 3004
MAYTIME FAIR
2 MAY 2026
Xavier College, 135 Barkers Road, Kew, VIC 3101
WOODEND COMMUNITY FARMERS MARKET
2 MAY 2026
High Street & Forest Street, Woodend VIC 3442
WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS 1900-1975: A LEGACY OF LIGHT
UNTIL 3 MAY 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
LET’S PARTY! FASHION FOR KIDS: DESIGNED BY DANIELLE BRUSTMAN
UNTIL 3 MAY 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
ART TRAILS & OPEN STUDIOS
3-4 MAY 2026
Various Studios in Macedon and Mount Macedon
MACEDON VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET
30 MAY 2026
67 Smith Street, Macedon, VIC 3440
MOTHER: STORIES FROM THE NGV COLLECTION
UNTIL 12 JULY 2026
Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000
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