Marshall White Open - Metro E66

CALM ON THE SURFACE, BUSY BENEATH IT

There is often a gap between how the market is described and how it actually behaves, and the past fortnight has been a good example. With auctions pausing over the King’s Birthday long weekend and some individuals exercising caution following the recent budget announcements, it would be easy to assume momentum has slowed. On the ground, the picture has been very different.

At our open inspections, buyer numbers have remained consistent, with genuine interest at every price point and right across each of the areas we serve. What has been most telling is not the volume alone, but the contrast between that demand and the property currently available. Stock is tight, and that imbalance is shaping much of what we are seeing.

It also helps explain the rise in off-market activity. With committed buyers ready and willing, and fewer homes openly listed, a growing number of sales are now being arranged privately. In the past 10 days alone, we have completed just over 50 transactions, a figure that speaks to the market’s underlying health rather than the more cautious tone suggested by some commentary.

For owners considering a move, circumstances like these are worth understanding. A shortage of stock and a deep pool of motivated buyers can create real opportunity, particularly for those open to a discreet, off-market approach. It is once again a reminder that headlines rarely capture the full story, and that local conditions can differ markedly from the broader narrative.

If you would like a clear, considered view of what your property could achieve right now, speak with your local Marshall White agent today. ■

By John Bongiorno

COMMUNITY ILLUMINATING WINTER

PROJECTS 71 MATHOURA

EUROPEAN ELEGANCE

30 ST GEORGES ROAD TOORAK

Occupying an extraordinary 1,600sqm (approx.) within one of Toorak’s most prestigious boulevards, this Michael Factor-designed residence delivers a rare combination of scale, privacy and resortstyle luxury.

Inspired by the great European estates, the home unfolds through a series of grandly proportioned interiors where soaring ceilings, marble finishes, bespoke ironwork and elegant detailing create an atmosphere of timeless sophistication.

“Set within one of Melbourne’s most tightly held boulevards, this extraordinary home offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a family estate of rare international calibre.”

MARCUS CHIMINELLO

MARSHALL WHITE DIRECTOR AND AUCTIONEER

Formal and informal living and dining domains are designed for both exceptional family living and large-scale entertaining, flowing seamlessly to landscaped grounds featuring a resort-inspired pool and spa, mod grass tennis court and expansive terraces.

Accommodation is equally impressive, comprising five luxurious bedroom suites, seven designer bathrooms and multiple executive retreats. Extensive garaging for nine vehicles further reinforces the home’s remarkable scale. Positioned moments from Toorak Village, Hawksburn and Melbourne’s leading schools, this is a landmark family estate of truly international calibre. ■

A refined, produce-led dish from Executive Chef Ben John of Bistro X, this goldband snapper balances crisp skin with a vibrant sorrel velouté and a warm broad bean salad. Light yet deeply layered, it reflects his thoughtful approach to flavour, technique and seasonality.

Designed for elegant entertaining or a considered midweek dinner, it brings a sense of modern bistro dining into the home.

METHOD

INGREDIENTS

Fish Stock

1kg fish frames

1 carrot

2 celery sticks

1/4 fennel

1/2 brown onion

1/2 bunch parsley

1 bay leaf

4g white peppercorns

1/3 bunch thyme

Sorrel Velouté

300ml reduced fish stock

150ml cream

1 bunch sorrel, washed and stems removed

1/4 bunch chives

Salt

Cornflour slurry

Broad Bean Salad

1 shallot, diced

50ml olive oil

1/3 preserved lemon, sliced

Broad beans, blanched and peeled

2 cucumbers, diced

Sorrel, finely sliced

Confit shallot base

Fish

Goldband snapper fillet

Butter

Olive oil

1. Prepare the fish stock by rinsing bones thoroughly. Combine with vegetables and aromatics, cover with cold water and bring gently to a simmer. Cook for four hours, skimming regularly. Add herbs in the final 20 minutes, then strain and reduce.

2. For the velouté, bring reduced stock to a simmer and thicken lightly with cornflour slurry. Chill over ice, then blend with cream, sorrel and chives until smooth. Adjust seasoning.

3. Warm olive oil in a pan and gently cook shallots with preserved lemon. Fold through broad beans and cucumber, seasoning to taste. Finish with fresh sorrel.

4. Season the snapper and sear skin-side down until crisp. Turn, add butter and rest briefly.

5. To serve, spoon the broad bean salad onto the plate, place the fish on top and finish with the sorrel velouté.

ROBERT GORDON X REECE

A UNION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

As bathrooms continue to evolve into deeply considered spaces centred around wellness, texture and materiality, there is a growing appreciation for pieces that feel both functional and artisanal. Reflecting this shift towards craftsmanship-led interiors, Australian design icons Reece and Robert Gordon have unveiled a new handcrafted basin collection that brings the character of traditional pottery into the contemporary home.

In an era increasingly shaped by fast production and fleeting trends, the enduring appeal of craftsmanship continues to resonate within the modern home. It is this philosophy that sits at the centre of the collaboration between the two Australian brands, who have come together to create a collection of handcrafted ceramic basins celebrating artistry, materiality and timeless design.

Bringing together two family-led businesses with deep local heritage, the partnership reflects a shared appreciation for longevity and thoughtful making. Founded in 1919, Reece has long been synonymous with premium bathroom and kitchen design, while Robert Gordon’s pottery legacy dates back to 1945, with generations of artisans continuing to shape ceramics from the brand’s Melbourne workshop.

The resulting Potters Collection introduces sculptural basin designs that feel equally refined and grounded. Available in Above Counter and Semi-Inset styles, each piece carries the subtle markings echoing a potter’s wheel, quietly revealing the handcrafted process behind every form. The collection balances contemporary simplicity with a tactile warmth that brings character and authenticity into the bathroom space.

Produced in Pakenham using 100% recycled Australian clay, the basins are crafted through a considered process that honours both local

resources and low-impact production. Internal clay slip is repurposed before being fired at high temperatures to create durable stoneware designed for everyday living.

The collection also introduces a palette of eleven glazes inspired by the Australian landscape, anchored by two exclusive signature tones: Dove and Sage. Developed in-house alongside richer hues like Rivergum and Rose Quartz, each glaze enhances the natural variation within the clay, ensuring no two basins are exactly alike.

Blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities, the Potters Collection reflects a growing appreciation for pieces that tell a story through both form and function. More than a bathroom fixture, each basin becomes an expression of Australian craftsmanship designed to be lived with for years to come. ■

ILLUMINATING WINTER

This winter, Chadstone is reimagining what a shopping destination can be with Light to Night, a month-long celebration of art, food, music and community experiences that is transforming the precinct after dark.

Running through to 12 July, the inaugural festival brings together immersive installations, acclaimed Australian artists, exceptional dining experiences and family-friendly programming, inviting visitors to experience Chadstone in a completely new light.

At the centre of the festival is HOME, a striking new installation by renowned Australian artist RONE. Recreating a familiar Australian weatherboard home within the destination, the work explores themes of memory, beauty and transformation, creating a thought-provoking contrast within Chadstone’s contemporary surrounds.

Food also plays a leading role throughout the festival. In collaboration with Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, Chadstone is hosting the World’s Longest Dinner, a one-night dining experience bringing together hundreds of guests around a single table. Curated by some of Melbourne’s most exciting culinary talent, the event celebrates local produce, craftsmanship and the city’s enduring food culture.

Elsewhere, visitors can discover an immersive light sculpture by artist Dean Norton and Studio John Fish, enjoy intimate live music

performances, attend wellness workshops and explore a range of afterdark experiences designed to showcase Chadstone’s evolving role as a destination for culture and connection. Families are also catered for, with school holiday activities inspired by RONE’s installation encouraging creativity and hands-on exploration.

More than a festival, Light to Night reflects a broader shift in how Melburnians engage with their city. By bringing together art, hospitality, entertainment and community under one roof, Chadstone is creating a new winter tradition, one that encourages visitors to linger a little longer and experience the destination well beyond daylight hours. ■

THE LOCAL EDIT

BOROONDARA FARMERS MARKET

20 JUNE 2026

484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122

SORRENTO SOLSTICE FESTIVAL

20 JUNE 2026

Sorrento Foreshore, Sorrento, VIC 3943

TRENTHAM FARMERS MARKET

20 JUNE 2026

27 High Street, Trentham, VIC 3458

FAMILY FREE FUN DAY

21 JUNE 2026

Queenscliff Ferry Terminal, 1 Wharf Street East, Queenscliff, VIC 3225

BASEMENT COMEDY CLUB: WEEKEND SHOWCASE

UNTIL 27 JUNE 2026

Basement Comedy Club, 120 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

MHSN MASQUERADE GALA

27 JUNE 2026

320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931

FONDUE CHALET

UNTIL 28 JUNE 2026

Skyline Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000

MELBOURNE MAGIC FESTIVAL

29 JUNE - 11 JULY 2026

Arrow on Swanston, 488 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

FIRELIGHT FESTIVAL

3-5 JULY 2026

Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC 3008

MALVERN EAST CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

9 JULY 2026

St. John’s Anglican Church, 5 Finch Street, Malvern East, VIC 3145

MOTHER: STORIES FROM THE NGV COLLECTION

UNTIL 12 JULY 2026

Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000

SALON AFTER D’ARC: THE GIFT OF HEARTBREAK 15 JULY 2026

Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne, VIC 3000

TOP ARTS 2026: SHOWCASING EMERGING

ARTISTS ACROSS VICTORIA

UNTIL 19 JULY 2026

National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006

RUN MELBOURNE 19 JULY 2026

Grand Slam Oval, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, VIC 3000

CHRISTMAS IN JULY HIGH TEA BUFFET 25 JULY 2026

Stamford Plaza Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000

WINTER NIGHT MARKET EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING

UNTIL 26 AUGUST 2026

Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA UNLOCKED

UNTIL 31 AUGUST 2026

State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

IMAGINATOR

UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

The District Docklands, Docklands, VIC 3008

A 3-4 B 2-3 C 2-3

From $4,900,000

0432 737 911 SALES BY

Beautifully renovated to honour its California Bungalow origins, this Brighton residence blends timeless character with contemporary family living. Lightfilled interiors and multiple living zones connect seamlessly to a travertine alfresco terrace and swimming pool, while premium finishes, generous accommodation and a coveted location deliver exceptional lifestyle appeal. ■

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SELWOOD STREET, HAWTHORN EAST

A 2-4 B 2-3.5 C 2-3 From $2,220,000 On one of Kew’s most picturesque, tree-lined streets, just 13 exclusive residences offer a rare harmony of space, serenity and refined design. Created by Idle Architects and landscaped by John Patrick, the architecture is elegant and enduring, complemented by lush green surrounds.

DEVELOPED

A 3-4 B 2-3 C 2-3

From $4,900,000

Boutique collection of just five oversized luxury residences by Studio McCue, where sculptural architecture, privacy and northern light define everyday living.

DEVELOPED BY INTERIORS BY BUILT BY

KIERRA HAGEDORN 0432 737 911 SALES BY MORE

279 DOMAIN ROAD

SOUTH YARRA

A 3-4 B 2-5 C 2-4

From $3,950,000

A rare opportunity to secure a residence within Murphy x Domain - a boutique collection of just 6 house-sized homes in South Yarra’s most tightly held precinct. Designed by Studio McCue and delivered by Abadeen, each residence is defined by scale, privacy and architectural clarity.

SALES BY

0432 737 911

A 3-4 B 2-3 C 2-5

From $3,200,000

Eight architecturally designed 3 and 4 bedroom residences in Armadale, offering boutique luxury living with a focus on space, privacy, natural light and refined design. ROSS HAMS 0410 160 151

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ALBERT PARK

110 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206 (03) 9822 9999 OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS

ARMADALE

1111 High Street, Armadale, VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999

BALWYN

Level 2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999

BRIGHTON

Level 1/225 Bay Street, Brighton, VIC 3186 (03) 9822 9999

FLINDERS

10/33 Cook Street, Flinders, VIC 3929 (03) 5931 1000

HAWTHORN

Level 1/801 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 (03) 9822 9999

MOUNT ELIZA

98 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930 (03) 9787 6650

SORRENTO

60 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento, VIC 3943 (03) 5981 3000