THE GEORGE REBORN
VICTORIAN GRANDEUR
7 HARCOURT STREET, HAWTHORN EAST
SIGNATURE ROAST DUCK FROM MOONHOUSE RECIPE
LIFESTYLE THE GEORGE REBORN
INTEREST RATE CUT LIFTS MARKET MOOD
The almost inevitable interest rate cut announced by the RBA last Tuesday has been welcomed by buyers and sellers alike, pointing to a possible change in pace for the market. While interest rates naturally influence affordability, the more significant impact on our core markets is sentiment — whether buyers believe now is the right time to act or if they should take their time.
This latest decision, paired with the strong likelihood of further rate cuts later in the year, could be the push some buyers need to step off the sidelines. For sellers, it reinforces an already positive backdrop, with healthy buyer activity and strong attendance at opens continuing across most price points.
Market conditions have been robust for several months now, supported by stable stock levels and an active buyer pool. The added tailwind of an interest rate cut has the potential to sharpen decision-making and accelerate transactions, particularly in competitive segments where desirable properties are attracting multiple offers.
For those considering selling, the current environment is an opportunity to capitalise on this rising confidence. Buyer competition remains high for well-presented homes priced appropriately for the market, and with the spring selling season fast approaching, now is the time to prepare.
If you are thinking about making a move, speak with your local Marshall White team to ensure you are well-positioned to take advantage of these favourable conditions. ■
By John Bongiorno
VICTORIAN GRANDEUR
“What sets this home apart is the seamless fusion of 19thcentury grandeur with uncompromised contemporary luxury, all set within over an acre of manicured botanical grounds.”
STUART EVANS, DIRECTOR
Magnificently set within glorious Rick Eckersley designed botanic gardens with north-south tennis court, this landmark c1880 Victorian mansion is a tribute to the elegance and grandeur of the era. Exquisite period features adorn the arched reception hall, executive study, gracious sitting room, den/ library, theatre room and majestic formal dining room. The spectacular living/dining room with a sublime connoisseur’s kitchen opens to an expansive private north-facing BBQ terrace with self-contained studio apartment and the mod grass tennis court. Exceptional family accommodation accessed via two staircases and a lift comprises the lavish main bedroom with robes and luxurious en suite, four additional bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Exclusively situated close to Auburn Village and station, Glenferrie Rd and prestigious schools, this generational home is comprehensively appointed with an alarm, zoned RC/airconditioning, ducted vacuum, powder-room, 5th bathroom, laundry with drying deck and cabinet, irrigation, 100,000L underground water tank, 3 phase solar power, double carport with EV charger and auto gates. ■
FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT
STUART EVANS 0402 067 710
MARCUS CHIMINELLO 0411 411 271
DUANE WOLOWIEC 0418 567 581
SIGNATURE ROAST DUCK
from Moonhouse
Moonhouse’s signature duck recipe, by head chef Jordy Davis, is brined, glazed, slow-roasted and served with an umami-rich jus and sweet pickled plums.
INGREDIENTS
Brine (For 1 duck):
1.5L water
75g white sugar
125g salt
10g coriander seeds
10g cassia bark
10g Szechuan powder
6g Chinese five-spice powder
Glazing Liquid:
200ml boiling water
250ml red vinegar
500ml white vinegar
175ml water
50g maltose
5g salt
Excellent Sauce:
Part 1: Sweet Fish Sauce Base:
8g coriander root
1g salt
13g garlic
1g white peppercorns
30ml oil
300g palm sugar
30g bruised shallots
0.5g dried orange peel
60ml fish sauce
Part 2: Final Sauce:
Same aromatics as above plus 5g dried orange peel
60ml sweet fish sauce (from Part 1)
60ml water
Duck Jus:
300g roasted duck bones (frame, wings, neck)
300g chicken bones
½ onion (chopped)
½ carrot (chopped)
1 celery stalk (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (smashed)
1 bay leaf
3 black peppercorns
75ml red wine
500ml water or light chicken stock
Excellent Sauce to taste
Pickled Plums:
500g ripe plums (halved and pitted)
250ml white wine or apple cider vinegar
100g sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
1 tsp black peppercorns
METHOD
Duck Preparation:
Remove the neck (discard) and wings (reserve for jus).
Roast wings and any extra bones until golden; set aside for duck jus.
Brine:
Bring water to a gentle simmer. Add all ingredients and stir until fully dissolved. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavour. Cool completely, strain if needed. Submerge duck and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Blanching & Glazing:
Glazing Liquid:
Combine all ingredients; stir until maltose dissolves. Prepare one container with plain boiling water, one with glaze. Holding duck by the neck cavity, dip into boiling water for 20 seconds, then into glaze three times for even coating.
Drying:
Hang or place duck on a wire rack uncovered in the fridge. Dry for 14 days in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Roasting:
Preheat oven to 220°C. Roast duck to lose ~15% of its weight: 10 mins on Fan 3, 8 mins on Fan 5. Rest 20 minutes. Flash reheat before serving.
Excellent Sauce:
Part 1: Sweet Fish Sauce Base:
Blend coriander root, salt, garlic, and peppercorns into a paste. Heat oil, cook paste until fragrant. Add palm sugar to melt, then add shallots and orange peel. Add fish sauce, boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and reserve.
Part 2: Final Sauce:
Blend aromatics into paste. Heat oil, cook paste until golden. Add palm sugar to melt, then add shallots and orange peel. Stir in sweet fish sauce and water. Simmer until thick and glossy. Strain and store.
Duck Jus:
Dry-roast vegetables until caramelised. Deglaze with red wine; reduce by half. Add bones, aromatics, and liquid. Simmer 3–4 hours, skimming as needed. Strain and reduce to sauce consistency. Finish with Excellent Sauce to taste.
Pickled Plums:
Sterilise jar with boiling water, pack plums tightly into jar. Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Pour hot brine over plums, seal, and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 48 hours; best after 5–7 days. Keeps for up to 1 month.
To Serve:
Serve warm, garnish with watercress and pickled plums.
THE REBORN GEORGE
We spoke to seasoned publican Scott Connolly, the driving force behind the revival of The George Hotel in South Melbourne. With deep family roots in the hospitality industry and a passion for preserving pub culture, Scott shares what drew him to this historic venue and how he’s brought it back to life.
The George Hotel has been a South Melbourne icon since 1865. What drew you to take on this particular venue, and how did its history influence the restoration?
I used to run The Rising Sun in South Melbourne 15 years ago, and I’ve always loved the pub culture here — it’s unique, rich in history, and has real charm. The George always stood out to me. Every time I visited the South Melbourne Market, I’d think, this is the best-positioned pub in the area. It’s a beautiful old building, right across from the market. I filed it away in the back of my mind — if I ever took on a pub in South Melbourne, this would be the one.
How did your family’s history influence your approach to reviving The George?
I’ve got a long family legacy in pubs; my great-grandmother and grandfather were both publicans, and my dad’s a hotel broker. But I fell in love with pubs myself while working in one, just trying to figure out what I wanted to do. What really got me was the history, the sense of legacy. You're only ever a custodian of a pub. I’m not interested in turning them into something unrecognisable. Maybe that’s the family influence, but I just love the idea of bringing an old pub back to life.
Can you walk us through some of the key changes or restorations you made during the process?
Our approach is never to bend a pub to our will. We always try to work with the building’s natural features, not just for budget reasons, but because I genuinely love pubs. The goal was to
make the front bar feel like a space you want to spend time in. We opened it up and really focused on making it warm and welcoming again.
The food has a great mix of old-school and new. How did you land on that?
It’s always a balancing act. You can’t get away with boring or sub-par food in Melbourne. People expect quality. So yes, you need your staples — schnitzel, parma, steak — but you also want to offer things that are a little more exciting. We love bringing back old favourites, like sesame prawn toast. Given the competitive landscape in South Melbourne and our proximity to the market, we knew we had to lift the game a bit.
How do you see The George fitting into the community now and into the future?
Pubs always find their own identity, and often it’s not what you expected. I think it’s our job to listen to that — listen to the locals and the rhythm of the community. You can’t impose yourself on a venue or a neighbourhood. You become part of it by responding to what it needs and evolving with it. ■
LEARN MORE
GETTING SILLY FOR A SERIOUS CAUSE
Every August, Australians are invited to get a little silly for a serious cause, joining forces to stop little lives being cut short and to support grieving families.
Red Nose Day, the first national fundraising day of its kind in Australia, has offered hope to families for nearly four decades. Its iconic red nose symbol – worn proudly by millions –represents laughter, community, and life-saving impact.
The first Red Nose Day was an incredible success, raising over $1.3 million and selling more than a million red noses. Its now-famous tagline, “getting silly for a serious cause”, encouraged people to wear a nose, look a little silly, and make others smile, all while contributing to critical research and support services. Since then, the event has continued to unite communities nationwide, helping transform awareness into tangible outcomes.
Thanks to Red Nose Day, Australia now benefits from evidence-based safe sleep programs and vital resources for parents, carers, and health professionals. These initiatives are estimated to have saved over 12,000 little lives, while more than $18 million raised has driven crucial research into the causes of sudden infant death and stillbirth. Today, funds also support free services for families experiencing miscarriage, SUDI, SIDS, or stillbirth, offering compassion and guidance in the most difficult times.
Each year, the Marshall White team proudly joins the cause, donning red, hosting a morning tea, and fundraising to help make a difference. It is a simple yet powerful way to show support, spark conversation, and remind everyone of the lives this campaign protects.
By participating, donating, or simply wearing a red nose on Thursday, August 28, Australians can play their part in creating safer futures for families everywhere. ■
LEARN MORE
THE LOCAL EDIT
Slow Looking with Monet - 23 rd August 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Mount Eliza Farmers' Market - 24th August 2025
Cnr Mt Eliza Way and Canadian Bay Road, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930
The Art of Haute Couture: Observations from the Closet of the NGV - 26 th August 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Winter Night Market - Until 27th August 2025
Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Footy Finals Fever: A Very Special Lunch - 28th August 2025
25 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Stand Up in September - 28th August 2025
376 Smith Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066
Indian Community Day - 30 th August 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Boroondara Farmers Market - 30 th August 2025
484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Stonnington Winter Food Drive - Until 31st August 2025
311 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, VIC 3144
NGVWA Spring Lunch 2025 - 2nd September 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
Hill and Ridge Community Market - 6 th September 2025 184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill, VIC 3937
The Lygon Street Market - 7th September 2025
Piazza Italia, Cnr Argyle Street and Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC 3053
Mornington Racecourse Market - 8th September 2025
Mornington Racecourse, 320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931
Regional Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent - 13 th September 2025
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, VIC 3067
Connor’s Run - 14th September 2025 Melbourne, VIC 3004
McClelland Maker's Market20 th September 2025
390 McClelland Drive, Langwarrin, VIC 3910
Treasures and Tastes at Trinity Market20 th September 2025
177 Union Road, Surrey Hills, VIC 3127
An Evening on Broadway - 24th September 2025 - 26 th September 2025
100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004
Mt Martha South Beach Market - 26 th September 2025
466 Esplanade, Mount Martha, VIC 3934
Point Nepean Portsea Market - 28th September 2025
Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944
Olivia's Walk and Run for Wellness 2025 - 5th October 2025
145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084
Kimono - Until 5th October 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
French Impressionism - Until 5th October 2025
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
The Bloody Long Walk: Mornington - 19 th October 2025
Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944
Melbourne Build 202522nd October 2025 - 23 rd October 2025
1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf, VIC 3006
NGVWA Garden Day 2025 - 23 rd October 2025
Brighton, VIC 3186
East Malvern Food and Wine Festival23 rd November 2025
148 Burke Roadd, Malvern East, VIC 3145
Martin Grant Exhibition - Until January 2026
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
DEVELOPED BY BUILT BY GARDENS BY DESIGNED BY
JOHN BONGIORNO'S
ON THE PRESTIGE PULSE OF 2024-25
By all measures, the 2024–25 financial year marked a return to quiet confidence and composed momentum at the top end of Melbourne’s real estate market.
As Marshall White Group Sales Director John Bongiorno explains, the prestige sector isn’t reacting to the noise, it’s moving with intent.
“This year hasn’t been driven by hype or volatility,” Bongiorno says. “What we’ve seen is a deliberate return to real estate fundamentals – strong demand, tight supply, and the enduring appeal of Melbourne’s finest suburbs.”
It’s an environment that plays to Marshall White’s strengths. With a deep legacy in prestige transactions and a network that spans from the grand boulevards of Kew to the waterfront of Brighton and the gated estates of Toorak, the firm continues to lead the conversation and deliver results.
In 2024–25, Marshall White recorded average house prices increasing across both residential and project portfolios. Notably, the agency completed a number of discreet, eight-figure transactions, including landmark outcomes in South Yarra and Toorak.
“These aren’t casual sales. They require discretion, insight, and long-standing relationships – that’s how deals happen quietly, often before a property ever reaches the open market.”
JOHN BONGIORNO, GROUP SALES DIRECTOR
While interest rate headlines dominated the national housing debate, Bongiorno believes the prestige market has already moved beyond it. “Our buyers are making intergenerational decisions. They’re far less influenced by short-term shifts in monetary policy and more focused on securing the right property in the right location, built to a standard that will endure.”
Melbourne’s global reputation remains a major drawcard. “This is still one of the most liveable cities in the world. Whether returning expats, established families or global wealth looking to anchor here, they want the lifestyle Melbourne offers – and they’re willing to wait for the perfect fit.”
The same sense of quality-over-urgency is playing out in the upper end of the rental market. Marshall White’s leasing division recorded a 10 per cent rise in prestige homes leased over $1,000 per week, with activity intensifying even further at the ultra-premium level.
“The $3,000-plus per week market – executive residences, furnished estates, architect-designed homes – is fiercely competitive right now,” Bongiorno says.
Looking ahead, Bongiorno is optimistic. “We’re heading into spring with healthy stock levels and a highly engaged buyer base. There’s been a reset in sentiment, not a pause. Wealth is here. Buyers are ready. And as always, quality will lead the market. Prestige property isn’t about panic or pace. It’s about excellence. And excellence never dates.” ■
and
ROAD,
GORDON STREET, MONT ALBERT
DEVELOPED BY DESIGNED BY BUILT BY GARDENS BY
A 2-4 B 2-2.5 C 2
From $1,630,000
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.
Positioned in Malvern East’s prestigious Gascoigne Estate, this grand five-bedroom Edwardian blends period elegance with modern luxury. Featuring refined living areas, a marble kitchen, separate guest retreat, and an expansive indoor-outdoor entertaining zone, it offers unmatched family living close to parks, schools, and transport. A rare lifestyle opportunity. ■
Management FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT GRACE MORLEY 0428 618 345
HUMPHREYS 0439 000 503
HEWSTONE 0477 200 121
Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206 (03) 9822 9999
High Street, Armadale VIC 3143 (03) 9822 9999
2/379-381 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn VIC 3103 (03) 9822 9999
