INNER
MODERN MASTERPIECE
27 ROSEDALE ROAD, GLEN IRIS
IN CONVERSATION WITH PRAWN DUMPLINGS
SONA ROOMS
EARLY ACTIVITY, MEASURED CONFIDENCE
FIRST LIGHT PROJECTS
Here in Melbourne, last weekend set the pace as the first real weekend of open inspections for the year, with a slew of new campaigns coming to market. Across our key areas, open inspection attendances were healthy, and enquiries were consistent, which is an encouraging sign as the market fully steps into 2026.
In the wake of the confirmed interest rate change, some buyers are taking a moment to reset expectations around borrowing capacity and timelines. Engagement remains strong, with plenty of questions and follow-up, but choices are being made with greater care. We are seeing buyers scrutinise value more closely, benchmark against comparable sales, and take extra time to ensure a property truly fits their brief, with momentum softening when a property feels misaligned on overall suitability.
Behind the scenes, there is genuine activity building. We are meeting buyers who missed out last year and are determined to secure a home early in the market cycle, along with sellers who successfully transacted in 2025 but have not yet found their dream property. We are also seeing returning expats re-enter the market with clear briefs and a readiness to move quickly when the right home appears. For anyone contemplating selling, this is a sensible window to bring plans forward, with momentum carrying through from late 2025 and active buyers watching closely for quality opportunities.
For a clear view of how the market is tracking in your area in 2026, connect with your local Marshall White team for informed advice and a campaign strategy that suits your goals. ■
By John Bongiorno
MELBOURNE ART FAIR
MODERN MASTERPIECE
27 ROSEDALE ROAD, GLEN IRIS
This striking new contemporary residence delivers a bold architectural vision, defined by grand scale, refined craftsmanship and exceptional design. Set on 715sqm (approx.) within beautifully landscaped, north-facing gardens with a pool and spa, the home balances dramatic form with effortless functionality.
A double-height entrance hall, sculptural staircase and polished concrete floors create a powerful first impression, leading to elegant formal and informal living spaces centred around a tranquil garden courtyard. The designer kitchen, appointed with
Gaggenau, Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, is complemented by a fully equipped butler’s pantry, while expansive living and dining zones flow seamlessly to an alfresco terrace overlooking the heated pool and private gardens.
Upstairs, luxurious accommodation includes a palatial main suite with dressing room and ensuite, three additional ensuite bedrooms, a retreat and study. Premium features include keyless entry, CCTV, climate control, solar hot water and an internally accessed double garage, all moments from Ashburton Village, transport, schools and parkland. ■
“This home is defined by its sense of occasion, with a striking architectural presence and light-filled interiors flowing to a north-facing garden, pool and alfresco..”
JESSE MATTHEWS - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, LICENSED ESTATE AGENT
PRAWN DUMPLINGS from Moondrop
At Moondrop, Head Chef Jacob Muoio favours balance and simplicity. These prawn dumplings combine fresh prawns, ginger and spring onion for a light, savoury filling, finished with a classic soy, black vinegar and crispy chilli oil dressing.
Makes approximately 30 dumplings
INGREDIENTS
Dumpling Mix:
70g spring onion, chopped
25g peeled ginger, microplaned
1 tbsp water
350g peeled, deveined prawns
3g salt
1 pinch MSG
1 pinch ground white pepper
1 pinch white sugar
30 wonton wrappers
Sauce:
100g LKK Premium soy sauce
25g black vinegar
25g crispy chilli oil
METHOD
1. Place all dumpling mix ingredients into a blender or food processor. Pulse on medium speed until mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture. Transfer to a bowl and mix well.
2. Hold a wonton wrapper diagonally in the palm of your hand and lightly moisten the top two edges with water. Place around half a tablespoon of prawn mixture in the centre, fold into a triangle and press firmly to seal, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Fold the bottom corners inward, dampen lightly and press to seal. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. Cook the dumplings in simmering water for five minutes, stirring occasionally so they do not stick. Remove from the pot, dress with the sauce and serve.
IN CONVERSATION WITH
We spoke with Sabrina Jean-Louis, founder of Sona Rooms — a private sanctuary of curated therapies for restoration, recovery, and clarity — about its origin story, the importance of privacy as a form of care, and her vision for Sona Rooms within Melbourne’s wellness community.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Sona Rooms and how the journey began?
My appreciation for wellness started early — cod liver oil before school (not the capsule kind), castor oil detoxes, whole foods and herbal tinctures. We were the “weird healthy kids,” but that upbringing cemented my belief in proactive care and the power of ritual. Later, working with Nimbus in their early Melbourne days introduced me to infrared saunas and a way of recovery that felt both science-backed and sensorially beautiful. Sona Rooms builds upon that lineage with our own unique twist: a culturally rich lens that honours diversity in healing. It’s recovery, reimagined — inclusive, poetic, and quietly powerful
Privacy is central to your philosophy. Why was it so important to design Sona Rooms as a secluded, personal sanctuary?
In a world of overstimulation, privacy is no longer a luxury, it’s a form of care. True restoration happens when you feel safe enough to let go. Our private suites honour that vulnerability. Whether emerging from a cold plunge or decompressing in oxygen therapy, the absence of an audience invites a deeper connection to self. It’s not about isolation — it’s intimacy with your own healing process so that you can soften, regulate and restore without performance or distraction.
The words “Restoration, Recovery, Clarity” guide your offering. How do these values shape the Sona Rooms experience?
They’re more than a tagline; they’re our compass. Restoration speaks to the nervous system: spaces that are gentle, grounding and regulation-forward. Recovery nods to the body: science-backed modalities like sauna and HBOT that support resilience. Clarity is the gift when noise fades; mental spaciousness, emotional ease, renewed direction. Every touchpoint — lighting, texture, temperature, pacing, and even the language of our signage — is designed to evoke these states so guests leave steadier, stronger and clearer.
What can someone expect from their first visit to Sona Rooms?
Expect to feel seen, not watched. From arrival, you’re guided — not managed — through a seamless, elegant experience that prioritises comfort and autonomy. Your private suite and thoughtful amenities invite you to slow down. Whether you’re here for a single modality or a full ritual, your visit is yours to shape. The tools are powerful, but it’s the atmosphere — the softness and spaciousness —that leaves the deepest impression.
What is your vision for Sona Rooms and the role you hope it will play in Melbourne’s wellness landscape?
Sona Rooms is more than a studio; it’s a quiet revolution. Growing up in Mauritius, surrounded by diverse cultures and healing traditions, taught me that wellness isn’t one-size-fitsall; it’s shaped by heritage, ritual, and personal rhythm. That global perspective lives in Sona’s DNA. We aim to be a trusted destination for those seeking not just results, but resonance — spaces that are emotionally intelligent, culturally attuned and unapologetically elegant. Our vision is a Melbourne wellness landscape that honours the many ways we restore, where every guest feels seen, supported and sovereign in their healing. ■
LEARN MORE
WHERE ART CONNECTS COMMUNITY
This February, Melbourne Art Fair returns for its 19th edition, transforming the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre into a vibrant meeting place for art, design and dialogue. Running from 19–22 February 2026, the Fair brings together more than 60 of Australia’s leading galleries and Indigenousowned art centres, alongside emerging spaces and international voices, offering a powerful snapshot of contemporary creative practice.
At its heart, Melbourne Art Fair is a celebration of community. Established galleries exhibit alongside younger spaces still in their first years of operation, creating an environment where experience and experimentation coexist. This year’s program champions diversity across mediums, from largescale installations and sculpture to video, design and immersive works that invite participation and reflection.
A significant highlight of 2026 is the debut of FUTUREOBJEKT, a dedicated salon for collectible design. This “fair within a fair” brings together 20 voices working across contemporary design, architecture and crafted objects. Framed by a tightly curated DESIGN CONVERSATIONS program, FUTUREOBJEKT further cements Melbourne’s position as a leading creative force in the region.
The Fair also continues its strong commitment to First Nations artists through the William Mora Indigenous Art Centre Program, supporting Indigenous-owned art centres and amplifying stories grounded in Country, culture and community. These presentations offer visitors an opportunity to engage deeply with living traditions and contemporary Indigenous practice.
Complementing the exhibitions, the much-anticipated CONVERSATIONS program returns, hosted inside a striking inflatable structure designed by Melbourne-based OIGÅLL PROJECTS. Bringing together artists, curators, designers and cultural thinkers, the talks encourage open dialogue around art, design, ethics and the future of creative practice.
More than an art fair, Melbourne Art Fair is a shared cultural experience — a place to wander, listen, question and connect. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply curious, it invites the wider community to engage with the ideas shaping Australia’s creative landscape today. ■
LEARN MORE
Tom Fereday Studio
Image Credit: Pier Carthew
THE LOCAL EDIT
Art by Twlight: Date Night14th February 2026
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105
Heide Market - 14th February 2026
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105
Portsea Polo - 14th February 2026
Point Nepean National Park, Danson Drive, Portsea, VIC, 3944
Park Orchards Cricket Club: Pink Stumps (Galentines) Day 202614th February 2026
Domeney Reserve, 50 Knees Road, Park Orchards, VIC 3114
Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival14th February 2026 - 28th February 2026
Various Venues, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Melbourne Art Fair -
19 th February - 22nd February
2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf, VIC 3006
Boroondara Farmers Market21st February 2026
484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Gumbaya World Family Day - 22nd February 2026
2705 Princes Highway, Tynong, VIC 3813
Young | youth in Australian photography: 1980s to now - Until 22nd February 2026
860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150
Teresa's Trotters 2026 - 22nd February 2026
200-590 Royal Parade, Carlton North, VIC 3054
Very Special Ride - 27th February 2026
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105
Paypal Melbourne Fashion FestivalUntil 28 February 2026
Various Venues, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Golf2Cure - 2nd March 2026
Yarra Yarra Golf Club, 567 Warrigal Road, Bentleigh East, VIC 3165
Soul Night Market Brighton - 6th March 2026
2 Esplanade, Brighton, VIC 3187
Point Nepean Portsea Market - 7th March 2026
Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944
Kingston Farmer's Market - 7th March 2026
3 Jean Street, Cheltenham, VIC 3192
Mornington Racecourse Market - 8th March 2026
320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931
Heide Market - 8th March 2026
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105
Very Special Ladies Lunch - 20th March 2026
Cnr Birrarung Marr Walk & Russell St Ext, VIC 3000
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival20 th March 2026 - 29 th March 2026
Various Venues, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Mental Health Safety Net Fun Run - 22nd March 2026
Mornington Athletics Track, Dunns Road, Mornington, VIC, 3931
MOTHER: Stories from the NGV Collection27th March 2026 - 12 th July 2026
Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000
MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission 2025Until 1st April 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Hill and Ridge Community Market - 4th April 2026
184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill, VIC 3937
Moonlight Cinema - Until 5th April 2026
Central Lawn Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3141
Westwood | Kawakubo - Until 16 th April 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Guide Dogs Victoria Community Fair18th April 2026
2 Chandler Highway, Kew, VIC 3101
DIVA at the Australian Museum of Performing ArtsUntil 26 th April 2026
100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004
Run the Tan - 26 th April 2026
Tan Track, Melbourne, VIC 3004
Maytime Fair - 2nd May 2026
Xavier College, 135 Barkers Road, Kew, VIC, 3101
Women Photographers 1900-1975: A Legacy of Light - Until 3 rd 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 rd May 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
28 ALBERT ROAD
SOUTH MELBOURNE
A 3-4 B 3-5 C 2-8
From $2,500,000
In Melbourne’s coveted Domain Precinct, First Light will soon unveil a groundbreaking fusion of art and architecture, promising to redefine the concept of luxury living through its innovative design and unparalleled attention to detail.
KIERRA HAGEDORN 0432 737 911 SALES BY
DEVELOPED BY DESIGNED BY INTERIORS BY
This beautifully presented freestanding home delivers generous single-level living, blending refined period charm with contemporary style. Bathed in northern light, it features flexible family accommodation, expansive open-plan living and a landscaped garden ideal for entertaining, all set within the prestigious St Kilda Hill boulevard lifestyle precinct. ■
MILLEWA AVENUE, MALVERN EAST
115 CHOMLEY STREET
PRAHRAN
A 3-4 B 2-4 C 2-3
From $2,365,000 Chomley Terraces offers refined 3 and 4-bedroom townhouse’s in Prahran East offering living rooms that are a minimum 6m wide, 9ft ceilings, individual solar panels, EV ready and some with private lifts. Designed by Cera Stribley with landscaping by Andrew Panton Design, each residence also includes keyless entry and a 6y building guarantee.
ROSS HAMS 0410 160 151 SALES BY
DEVELOPED BY GARDENS BY
DESIGNED BY
