Marshall White Open - Metro E122 by remagazines

BAYFRONT GRANDEUR

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

BAYFRONT GRANDEUR

245 BEACONSFIELD PARADE MIDDLE PARK

Positioned on one of Port Phillip Bay’s most prized waterfront addresses, “Carnane” pairs historic presence with striking contemporary design. The iconic period residence has been comprehensively reimagined by Buro Architects, transforming the home into a refined modern entertainer while honouring the integrity of its original façade. Framed by uninterrupted bay views, the residence extends to a north-facing poolside garden sanctuary, with a second frontage to Ashworth Street providing secure access to a substantial triple garage.

Inside, marble floors, Venetian plaster walls and full-height glazing create luminous gallery-like interiors. A sculptural floating staircase anchors the home, concealing a refrigerated wine cellar, powder room and scullery that connect the formal dining room and Gaggenau-appointed kitchen.

“A breathtaking waterfront residence, ‘Carnane’ is a landmark Middle Park home designed for grandscale entertaining, with north-facing poolside living and spectacular water and city views.”

BEN

MANOLITSAS PARTNER, AUCTIONEER, LICENSED ESTATE AGENT

Timber-framed sliding doors open seamlessly to alfresco entertaining, where an outdoor kitchen and heated pool sit beneath cantilevered architecture.

Upstairs living areas capture sweeping water views, while luxurious bedrooms, expansive terraces and a self-contained studio deliver exceptional flexibility just moments from Middle Park village, Albert Park Lake and city-bound transport. ■

@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

PARKSIDE PRESTIGE

Set within a secure, architecturally designed boutique building, this northfacing Prahran residence delivers refined, light-filled living. Expansive open-plan interiors, a premium Gaggenau kitchen and luxurious ensuites are complemented by secure parking and storage. Opposite Orrong Park and moments from High Street, it offers privacy, quality and effortless lifestyle appeal. ■

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