Marshall White Open - Metro E67 by remagazines

THE UPGRADER’S MOMENT

The prevailing theme in the current market is the value now on offer across several pockets of Melbourne. For buyers who have been waiting patiently, particularly those looking to upgrade, conditions present a genuine window of opportunity. Many recognise that the chance to move into a more substantial home in a premier location rarely remains open indefinitely, and they are choosing to act decisively.

What gives that opportunity its substance is the consistency we are seeing week to week. Demand remains steady for homes that are presented and priced with care, while a healthy flow of new stock continues to come to market as vendors meet the market. That balance of committed buyers meeting realistic sellers is exactly what sustains a market transacting with genuine momentum.

It is also worth remembering that results are being achieved in more ways than one. Buyers and sellers are meeting before, at, and after auction; a reflection of the considered negotiation that defines today’s market. Flexibility, rather than hesitation, is the order of the day, and those who engage thoughtfully are being well rewarded.

For all the caution surrounding the property conversation, the reality on the ground remains positive. Quality homes are selling, confidence is building, and opportunity exists on both sides of the market.

If you have been weighing up your next move, now is a sensible time to explore your options. Contact your local Marshall White agent today for a tailored, no-obligation appraisal and a clear view of where your opportunity lies. ■

By John Bongiorno

SMILES4MILES

BIG SMILES, BIG IMPACT

PROJECTS

DENMARK GARDENS

VOLKERHAUG ILLUMINATING TRADITION

HERITAGE REIMAGINED

90 BRIDPORT STREET ALBERT PARK

Reimagined by McMahon & Nerlich Architects and executed by Alt Construction, “Bluewater” represents a remarkable evolution of Victorian grandeur, delivering exceptional family living in one of Albert Park’s most coveted locations. Positioned on 326sqm (approx.) with a prized northern orientation and secondary frontage to Bevan Street, the residence balances timeless character with refined contemporary luxury.

Beyond its elegant façade, soaring ceilings, Japan-black oak floors and marble fireplaces create a rich material palette throughout a series of beautifully proportioned living and dining spaces. At the heart of the home, a gourmet kitchen appointed with natural stone, Miele appliances and a butler’s pantry extends seamlessly to landscaped gardens and a bluestone entertaining terrace framed by climbing greenery.

“Bluewater is a remarkable example of heritage elegance meeting contemporary luxury, delivering grand-scale family living in one of Albert Park’s most coveted locations.”

OLIVER BRUCE MARSHALL WHITE DIRECTOR, AUCTIONEER

Luxurious accommodation, including a versatile self-contained studio, is complemented by a double garage and comprehensive modern comforts. Moments from Albert Park Lake, the beach and leading schools, this is a residence of enduring sophistication and exceptional liveability. ■

Bringing a contemporary energy to Melbourne’s dining scene, New Quarter is known for its vibrant South East Asian flavours, refined cocktails and lively atmosphere. Fresh, citrus-driven and layered with subtle spice, the Kaffir Lime Margarita offers a more elevated take on the classic, balancing infused Tromba tequila with bright lime and delicate ginger notes.

INGREDIENTS

45ml Tromba Blanco infused with kaffir lime and fresh ginger

15ml agave syrup

30ml lime juice

Salt, for rimming

METHOD

1. Rim half of a coupe glass with salt and set aside.

2. Infuse the Tromba Blanco tequila with kaffir lime and fresh ginger.

3. Add the infused tequila, agave syrup and lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

4. Shake until well chilled, then double strain into the prepared coupe glass.

Serves: 1

ILLUMINATING TRADITION

For Melbourne-based Volker Haug Studio, lighting has always been about more than illumination. Across more than two decades, the Brunswick East design practice has built an international reputation for creating pieces that balance atmosphere, craftsmanship and sculptural beauty. PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT:

Their latest collection, Pilz, continues this approach through a thoughtful exploration of one of the world’s most celebrated glassmaking traditions.

Inspired by a 4,000-year-old glassmaking technique later refined by Venetian artisans in the early sixteenth century, Pilz brings together centuries of craftsmanship with a distinctly contemporary sensibility. Each piece is hand-blown in Murano, Venice, drawing upon the region’s enduring legacy of glassmaking while introducing a fresh and playful design language.

Defined by its soft mushroom-like silhouette, the collection combines clear blown glass with intricate murrine patterns, decorative motifs created by layering and slicing coloured glass. The result is a series of luminous objects that feel both familiar and unexpected, with every lamp carrying its own unique composition of colour and pattern. No two pieces are exactly alike.

The collection is the product of a longstanding creative partnership between Volker Haug Studio and skilled Murano artisans. Travelling from Melbourne to Venice, the studio worked closely with makers on the ground, fostering a collaborative exchange that allowed traditional techniques and contemporary design thinking to inform one another.

Available in a range of scales, Pilz is equally suited to intimate residential interiors, gallery settings and hospitality spaces. While deeply rooted in heritage craftsmanship, the collection feels undeniably modern, balancing delicate detailing with a quiet sculptural presence.

In Pilz, Volker Haug Studio demonstrates how enduring craft traditions can continue to evolve through thoughtful collaboration and contemporary design. The result is a collection that celebrates the beauty of handmade objects while bringing a sense of warmth, character and atmosphere to the spaces they inhabit. ■

BIG SMILES, BIGIMPACT

We spoke with Smiles 4 Miles founder and CEO Maxie Diamantopoulos about the charity’s mission to create moments of joy and connection for children facing incredibly challenging health journeys.

How has Smiles 4 Miles evolved in recent years, and what have been some of the most meaningful moments or milestones for the organisation and the families you support?

A key development has been the expansion of our volunteer team, now comprising over 45 dedicated volunteers whose compassion and commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we support.

Another important milestone has been our partnership with the Australian Catholic University, through which students complete placement hours with Smiles 4 Miles, gaining real-world experience in community service while strengthening our programs through their enthusiasm and support.

Smiles 4 Miles creates joyful experiences for children facing difficult circumstances. Why do you believe moments of fun and connection can have such a powerful impact during challenging times?

While activities such as slime-making, science experiments, and creative workshops provide moments of fun, the impact of our work extends far beyond these experiences. We work with the same children regularly throughout their palliative journey, allowing strong, trusting relationships to develop over time. The power of these moments is often most evident in the children’s reactions when we arrive. Being greeted with excitement, smiles and open arms is a profound reminder of how meaningful consistent presence can be.

Your support extends beyond sick children to siblings and families as well. What have you learned about the importance of supporting the entire family unit throughout a child’s health journey?

Supporting the entire family has been a very important aspect of our work. A child’s illness impacts far more than just the individual, and as a result, our support naturally extends to the wider family. We often run activities with siblings following the passing of their brother or sister, providing moments of joy and connection during an incredibly difficult period.

What are your hopes for the future of Smiles 4 Miles, and are there any upcoming initiatives, partnerships, or goals you’re particularly excited to share?

Our hope is to continue expanding the reach of our work so we can bring joy, comfort and meaningful connection to as many children and families as possible. A key goal is to further develop our in-home programs for children receiving palliative and end-of-life care across Victoria, creating personalised experiences within the comfort of their own homes. We are also excited to continue building on existing partnerships and exploring new collaborations that allow us to strengthen and grow our programs.

Ultimately, our focus remains on ensuring that every child and family we support has access to moments of joy, connection, and relief, even in the most difficult of circumstances. ■

LEARN MORE

THE LOCAL EDIT

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

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

1 JULY - 2 JULY 2026

Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne 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

OPEN HOUSE MELBOURNE WEEKEND 24 - 26 JULY 2026

Various locations around Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 6-23 AUGUST 2026

ACMI, Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 and other venues

NOW OR NEVER FESTIVAL

19–30 AUGUST 2026

Various venues including Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, 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

ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW 24 SEP – 4 OCT

Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

IMAGINATOR

UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

The District Docklands, Docklands, VIC 3008

MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK

19-25 OCTOBER 2026

Melbourne Town Hall, 90–130 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 and various locations

14-16 DENMARK HILL ROAD

HAWTHORN EAST

A 3 B 2 C 2

From $1,615,000

Discover the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural serenity just steps from Camberwell Junction. Designed by Cera Stribley, these meticulously crafted homes feature cutting-edge design and technology. Residents also enjoy exclusive access to a beautifully designed 170sqm communal garden, where innovation meets exceptional craftsmanship.

CVJETICANIN 0451 153 833 SALES BY

RANKO

ENDURING ELEGANCE

Commanding an elevated position with sweeping city views, this substantial Toorak residence delivers exceptional space and flexibility. Expansive living areas, multiple accommodation zones and resort-style outdoor spaces create a sophisticated family sanctuary, while a coveted address moments from Toorak Village and leading schools ensures outstanding lifestyle appeal. ■

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

9-11 WIMBA AVENUE

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.