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<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.<br />

<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Beaches</strong><br />

FREE – Take Me Home!<br />

buy / sell / rent<br />

Saturday July 18, 2020<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney<br />

NEW & Independent<br />

Heights<br />

of<br />

Fashi<strong>on</strong>


Welcome.<br />

From <strong>the</strong> PUBLISHERS<br />

Photos: Mark Mert<strong>on</strong> / Sydney Images<br />

Your new, local,<br />

independent, glossy<br />

weekly guide to<br />

buying and selling<br />

property.<br />

Is <strong>the</strong>re a better place to<br />

live (<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>, even!) than <strong>on</strong><br />

our beautiful Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

<strong>Beaches</strong>?<br />

It doesn’t matter whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />

you’re starting your climb<br />

<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> real estate ladder,<br />

upsizing, downsizing,<br />

relocating within your<br />

suburb, or looking to<br />

venture fur<strong>the</strong>r afield – <strong>the</strong><br />

35-kilometres stretch from<br />

Manly to Palm Beach, from<br />

<strong>the</strong> coast to <strong>the</strong> plateaus and<br />

heights, offers myriad choice.<br />

Introducing Dwell. <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Beaches</strong>: your<br />

new, local, independent,<br />

glossy weekly guide to buying<br />

and selling property.<br />

Our missi<strong>on</strong> is to showcase<br />

what’s out <strong>the</strong>re and assist<br />

agents and <strong>the</strong>ir vendors to<br />

sell <strong>the</strong>ir properties while<br />

keeping marketing expenses<br />

low by offering an affordable<br />

advertising price point.<br />

If you are hunting for a<br />

new property, you just might<br />

find it within our pages. Even<br />

if you’re not, we’ll keep you<br />

abreast of what your home is<br />

worth and movements within<br />

your suburb – who knows,<br />

you may be inspired to make<br />

a change! Plus, our engaging<br />

c<strong>on</strong>tent – compiled by our<br />

specialist team of property<br />

writers – will keep you<br />

informed and entertained.<br />

Dwell. <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

<strong>Beaches</strong> will be distributed<br />

every Thursday morning;<br />

you’ll find copies at all real<br />

estate agencies, or pick <strong>on</strong>e<br />

up in cafes, car washes,<br />

shopping centres and<br />

dedicated collecti<strong>on</strong> stands.<br />

Check out our website and<br />

Instagram – and if you are<br />

c<strong>on</strong>sidering selling, ask your<br />

agent about us, and how we<br />

can play an important role in<br />

your marketing mix!<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.<br />

<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Beaches</strong><br />

Your FREE, independent guide to buying & selling<br />

property from Manly to Palm Beach<br />

Published every Thursday / Ask your agent about us!<br />

Publishers: Nigel Wall, Lisa Offord<br />

C<strong>on</strong>tributing Editor: Kate Farrelly<br />

Advertising: info@<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney<br />

Ph: 0438 123 096 (no texts)<br />

W: <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney<br />

Design: Craig Loughlin-Smith<br />

Printer: ACM Print<br />

Distributi<strong>on</strong>: Fab Mor News<br />

The Publishers<br />

(Local residents<br />

for 30 years.)<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney<br />

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2 July 18, 2020 <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney


Dwell here.<br />

By KATE FARRELLY<br />

Balgowlah Heights<br />

18 Bungaloe Avenue<br />

$3.7 milli<strong>on</strong><br />

Agent:<br />

Cunninghams Real Estate<br />

James Haywood<br />

0402 897 660<br />

Clean and stylish aes<strong>the</strong>tic<br />

with a f lood of natural light<br />

Owner Steven Coulter says <strong>the</strong> best part of his<br />

entire build was watching his builder crane in <strong>the</strong><br />

massive steel i-beams that would form <strong>the</strong> skelet<strong>on</strong><br />

of his two-storey home. Set <strong>on</strong> a hillside<br />

in a coveted pocket not far from North<br />

Harbour Reserve, <strong>the</strong> home was built in<br />

2014 by Anchor Building Co.<br />

“Angus put all of <strong>the</strong> beams in place<br />

over a three-day period and not <strong>on</strong>e bolt<br />

was out of line, it was unbelievable,”<br />

Coulter says. “To watch a residential<br />

structure get built with such skill was a<br />

real privilege. Angus was kind of critical<br />

to <strong>the</strong> success of this block.”<br />

The home is clearly finding a new set of<br />

fans, with agent James Haywood showing<br />

74 groups through <strong>the</strong> property since <strong>the</strong> campaign<br />

launch two weeks ago.<br />

Perhaps <strong>the</strong> home’s most outstanding feature,<br />

al<strong>on</strong>gside <strong>the</strong> exposed steel beams, is its nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

exposure. It’s a wet, grey<br />

morning when <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g> visits<br />

<strong>the</strong> five-bedroom property<br />

yet natural light floods<br />

effortlessly into every room.<br />

Coulter says his aim with<br />

<strong>the</strong> floorplan was for <strong>the</strong><br />

whole length of <strong>the</strong> house to<br />

encompass a nor<strong>the</strong>rn aspect<br />

and architect Kerry McGrath<br />

has more than met <strong>the</strong> brief.<br />

In winter <strong>the</strong> sun plays<br />

a big part in <strong>the</strong> home’s<br />

<strong>the</strong>rmal properties, heating<br />

up <strong>the</strong> steel and c<strong>on</strong>crete,<br />

while in summer, generous<br />

The trees<br />

provide privacy<br />

and are also a<br />

sanctuary for<br />

birdlife.<br />

eaves and adjustable shutters and awnings keep <strong>the</strong><br />

house cool.<br />

The sharp, clean aes<strong>the</strong>tic of white walls and<br />

swa<strong>the</strong>s of glass is balanced by goldenhued,<br />

blackbutt floors at entry level and<br />

a fabulous easterly view to a stand of tall<br />

gums lining <strong>the</strong> property boundary.<br />

The trees provide privacy and are<br />

also a sanctuary for birdlife, and create<br />

a terrific backdrop to <strong>the</strong> solar-heated<br />

pool. Coulter says <strong>the</strong> pool and alfresco<br />

entertaining areas made for memorable<br />

summers when his kids were younger.<br />

Of course it’s nice to have space away<br />

from <strong>the</strong> kids too and <strong>the</strong> thoughtful<br />

floorplan delivers with a master suite at<br />

entry level and <strong>the</strong> remaining bedrooms <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> lower<br />

floor. Of <strong>the</strong>se, <strong>on</strong>e is a studio set-up with its own<br />

en suite and separate entry making it ideal for an au<br />

pair, as a guest bedroom or a home office. For Coulter,<br />

it was <strong>the</strong> perfect size for<br />

setting up an impressive<br />

home gym.<br />

If you’re c<strong>on</strong>sistent with<br />

<strong>the</strong> workouts, tackling <strong>the</strong><br />

surrounding hilly streets<br />

w<strong>on</strong>’t seem so daunting!<br />

It’s a 600-metre walk to 40<br />

Beans café where you can sip<br />

your flat white gazing over<br />

<strong>the</strong> harbour, and a 15-minute<br />

walk to Forty Baskets Beach<br />

or to Dobroyd Headland<br />

where <strong>the</strong> bush trails offer<br />

sensati<strong>on</strong>al views and <strong>the</strong><br />

dogs can play off-leash.<br />

Recent Sales<br />

$3 milli<strong>on</strong><br />

10 Radio Avenue,<br />

October 2019<br />

$3.65 milli<strong>on</strong><br />

97 Beatrice Street,<br />

November 2019<br />

$4.5 milli<strong>on</strong><br />

1 Gertrude Street,<br />

April 2020 (pictured)<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney July 18, 2020 3


Market Watch.<br />

Eastern suburbs<br />

buyers seek<br />

nor<strong>the</strong>rn refuge<br />

Buyers from <strong>the</strong> eastern<br />

suburbs are prowling about <strong>the</strong><br />

nor<strong>the</strong>rn beaches looking for<br />

a well-priced permanent city<br />

escape and LJ Hooker Aval<strong>on</strong><br />

agent Tom Mackay reck<strong>on</strong>s he’s<br />

got just <strong>the</strong> property.<br />

With a price guide of $3.6<br />

milli<strong>on</strong> to $3.9 milli<strong>on</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />

relaunched home at 284 Huds<strong>on</strong><br />

Parade Clareville (above) offers<br />

excellent value given its north-west<br />

facing waterfr<strong>on</strong>t reserve positi<strong>on</strong><br />

and direct access to a sandy beach<br />

<strong>on</strong> peaceful Refuge Cove (inset).<br />

Last week LJ Hooker Aval<strong>on</strong> sold<br />

Edited by<br />

KATE FARRELLY<br />

a deep waterfr<strong>on</strong>t at 24 Cabarita<br />

Road Aval<strong>on</strong> Beach for more than<br />

its $4 milli<strong>on</strong> price guide and<br />

<strong>the</strong>re’s a McGrath Aval<strong>on</strong> listing at<br />

192 Huds<strong>on</strong> Parade with a guide<br />

of more than $7 milli<strong>on</strong>.<br />

“The home is immaculate, it’s<br />

been renovated so <strong>the</strong> next buyer<br />

just has to walk in and w<strong>on</strong>’t have<br />

to spend a cent,” says Mackay.<br />

“Refuge Cove is a great place to<br />

harbour a boat, it’s protected from<br />

<strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rlies and <strong>the</strong> water <strong>the</strong>re<br />

is very calm and nice to swim in<br />

making it great for families and<br />

young children.”<br />

Locals will need to compete with<br />

<strong>the</strong> potentially deeper pockets of<br />

eastern suburbs buyers for <strong>the</strong> fourbedder<br />

which comes with a pool <strong>on</strong><br />

a private 822 square-metre block.<br />

“With COVID-19 <strong>the</strong>re are more<br />

and more buyers wanting to get<br />

out of <strong>the</strong> city,” says Mackay. “The<br />

city is too c<strong>on</strong>gested and people<br />

have realised with [<strong>the</strong> technology]<br />

today you d<strong>on</strong>’t have to work at<br />

work and you can live somewhere<br />

beautiful like Clareville full time.”<br />

Perfect Palm<br />

Beach<br />

The past week has delivered<br />

two top Palm Beach properties<br />

to market, <strong>on</strong>e beachfr<strong>on</strong>t<br />

and <strong>on</strong>e claiming what are<br />

arguably <strong>the</strong> suburb’s best<br />

nor<strong>the</strong>rly views.<br />

The former is <strong>the</strong> stunning Iluka<br />

Road weekender bel<strong>on</strong>ging to<br />

Lisa Keighery, wife of late Marcs<br />

fashi<strong>on</strong>wear founder Mark<br />

Keighery and a dab hand at<br />

transforming nice properties into<br />

dream homes for Sydney’s ultra<br />

high-net-worth clique.<br />

The ink has barely dried <strong>on</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> sale of Keighery’s renovated<br />

Woollahra terrace, handled<br />

by agent William Manning of<br />

New neighbours in Newport<br />

There’s a changing of <strong>the</strong> guard <strong>on</strong> Prince Alfred Parade Newport, where<br />

11 sales have been notched up over <strong>the</strong> past 11 m<strong>on</strong>ths, most recently<br />

Christie’s Internati<strong>on</strong>al high-profile sale of Jennifer Hawkins and Jake<br />

Wall’s Koichi Takada-designed home Casa Paloma. Agent Ken Jacobs is<br />

making no comment <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> sale price or new owners.<br />

LJ Hooker M<strong>on</strong>a Vale agent Lachlan Elder is hoping to make it 12 for 12 after<br />

listing 100 Prince Alfred Parade with a price guide of $9 milli<strong>on</strong>.<br />

Neighbours have told Elder <strong>the</strong>y’ll be sad to farewell <strong>the</strong> owners of 25 years,<br />

Marcus Blackmore, executive director of Australian vitamin giant Blackmores, and<br />

his wife Caroline.<br />

Perhaps <strong>the</strong>y’ll follow <strong>the</strong> form of <strong>the</strong> previous owners and find a way to retain a<br />

c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> to <strong>the</strong>ir much-loved deep waterfr<strong>on</strong>t: <strong>the</strong> Blackmores engaged <strong>the</strong> s<strong>on</strong>s<br />

of <strong>the</strong> former owner <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir extensive renovati<strong>on</strong>. Architect Rowan Stewart and his<br />

shipwright bro<strong>the</strong>r Kian completed <strong>the</strong> design and drawings for <strong>the</strong> upgrade.<br />

4 July 18, 2020 <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney


Secret sales<br />

Belle Property Manly agent Robert Killian is also busy<br />

doing deals with buyers from <strong>the</strong> south side of <strong>the</strong><br />

harbour, with two recent off-market sales going to<br />

purchasers from Clovelly and B<strong>on</strong>di.<br />

Perhaps it was an eastern suburbs buyer who has set a new<br />

2020 Curl Curl/North Curl Curl record in a c<strong>on</strong>fi dential, offmarket<br />

transacti<strong>on</strong> this m<strong>on</strong>th. Killian can’t reveal <strong>the</strong> price to<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g> or <strong>the</strong> address but c<strong>on</strong>fi rmed <strong>the</strong> sale is <strong>the</strong> third highest<br />

for North Curl Curl (where <strong>the</strong> record price of $10 milli<strong>on</strong> was<br />

set last August with <strong>the</strong> sale of 18 Dee Why Lane) and <strong>the</strong><br />

latest in a run of off-market sales for Belle Property Manly.<br />

“We’ve had seven off-market sales across <strong>the</strong> suburb<br />

in <strong>the</strong> past 13 m<strong>on</strong>ths, with an average sale price of $2.7<br />

milli<strong>on</strong>,” he says. “I fi nd <strong>the</strong> buyers we’re working with know<br />

<strong>the</strong> market, <strong>the</strong>y do <strong>the</strong>ir homework and <strong>the</strong>y’re pretty savvy.<br />

They’ve looked at a lot of property so when we show <strong>the</strong>m<br />

<strong>the</strong> right property off-market <strong>the</strong>y typically understand <strong>the</strong><br />

price point.”<br />

Killian says activity is centred around family homes, with<br />

buyers “really attracted to that little stretch from North Curl<br />

Curl through to Freshie,” keen to be in <strong>the</strong> z<strong>on</strong>e for Harbord<br />

and North Curl Curl public schools.<br />

Low stock levels are helping to fuel demand, but Killian is<br />

expecting some sellers will list so<strong>on</strong>er ra<strong>the</strong>r than later <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

back of recent str<strong>on</strong>g results.<br />

The Stats.<br />

Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Beaches</strong><br />

Total sales<br />

Houses:<br />

27<br />

(same<br />

*Week ending July 12<br />

Units:<br />

24<br />

(same<br />

time last<br />

year 56)<br />

time last<br />

year 54)<br />

Median price for houses<br />

$1,850,450<br />

McGrath Double Bay, who has<br />

also listed Iluka Road. With a price<br />

guide of $17 milli<strong>on</strong>, Manning is<br />

planning to smash <strong>the</strong> existing Iluka<br />

Road record of $15 milli<strong>on</strong> set<br />

back in 2007.<br />

“It’s in <strong>on</strong>e of <strong>the</strong> suburb’s most<br />

prestigious roads,” says Manning.<br />

“It’s been completely rebuilt<br />

over <strong>the</strong> past six to 12 m<strong>on</strong>ths<br />

by architect Alexander Roth with<br />

interiors by Marco Meneguzzi.”<br />

Manning says Keighery has<br />

a keen eye for architecture and<br />

design and loves a new project, so<br />

while she “adores this property”<br />

she’s letting it go and looking to<br />

diversify her portfolio.<br />

He agrees with LJ Hooker Aval<strong>on</strong><br />

agent Tom Mackay that COVID-19<br />

has resulted in a surge in demand<br />

for high-end holiday homes as<br />

buyers are denied <strong>the</strong>ir usual<br />

overseas vacati<strong>on</strong>s. He’s already<br />

fi elded “enormous enquiry” <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

fi ve-bedroom home and c<strong>on</strong>ducted<br />

some promising inspecti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />

Meanwhile <strong>the</strong> inbox of Andrew<br />

Blake from Blake Property took<br />

a hammering last weekend as<br />

38 email enquiries piled in after<br />

he launched an ic<strong>on</strong>ic 1970s<br />

residence up <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> ridge in<br />

Ralst<strong>on</strong> Road (above). Blake’s<br />

ph<strong>on</strong>e has since been running<br />

hot for <strong>the</strong> home which boasts a<br />

perfect nor<strong>the</strong>rly aspect, dazzling<br />

views and a history hosting some of<br />

Sydney’s A-list guests.<br />

Blake says <strong>the</strong> fi ve-bedroom<br />

property, <strong>on</strong>ce dubbed ‘The Palm<br />

Beach Party House’, was “<strong>the</strong> place<br />

to be” in <strong>the</strong> 1970s and 1980s, with<br />

countless cocktail parties drawing<br />

<strong>the</strong> cream of Sydney society.<br />

It’s been tightly held by <strong>the</strong> same<br />

family since it was built and boasts<br />

an unobstructed, 180-degree<br />

outlook over Ku-ring-gai Chase<br />

Nati<strong>on</strong>al Park, <strong>the</strong> Central Coast,<br />

Barrenjoey Headland and Cape<br />

Three Points, with expansive views<br />

of Pittwater and <strong>the</strong> Ocean.<br />

Blake describes <strong>the</strong> architecture as<br />

“ahead of its time” and is expecting<br />

interest around $6 milli<strong>on</strong>.<br />

Median price for units<br />

$950,000<br />

*based <strong>on</strong> 12 m<strong>on</strong>ths to July 12<br />

Top reported weekly sales<br />

Houses<br />

$4.125 milli<strong>on</strong> 157 Seaforth Crescent, Seaforth<br />

$2.775 milli<strong>on</strong> 1 Hope Avenue, Manly<br />

$1.885 milli<strong>on</strong> 52 Powderworks Road, North Narrabeen<br />

*as of July 12<br />

Units<br />

$2 milli<strong>on</strong> 4/17 Fairlight Street, Manly<br />

$1.55 milli<strong>on</strong> 6/15-17 Central Road, Aval<strong>on</strong> Beach<br />

$1.43 milli<strong>on</strong> 928/17 Howard Avenue, Dee Why<br />

*as of July 12<br />

CoreLogic Data July 14<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney July 18, 2020 5


Suburb Profile.<br />

Collaroy,<br />

2097<br />

Photo: Mark Mert<strong>on</strong> / Sydney Images<br />

Locals say <strong>the</strong>re’s a generous touch of country town feel to this midpoint Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Beaches</strong> postcode.<br />

By Kate Farrelly<br />

After 11 years heading up <strong>the</strong> McGrath Collaroy<br />

office Jill Rafferty has noticed a trend: many of her<br />

transacti<strong>on</strong>s involve familiar faces moving within <strong>the</strong><br />

same neighbourhood.<br />

“Once you live in Collaroy, you just d<strong>on</strong>’t want to leave,”<br />

she says. “I’m predominantly moving families from <strong>on</strong>e<br />

street to ano<strong>the</strong>r, ei<strong>the</strong>r upsizing or downsizing.”<br />

Rafferty says many families migrate from Collaroy<br />

Plateau to “<strong>the</strong> flats” and local builder Todd Huggins,<br />

director of Collaroy C<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong>s, and his wife, televisi<strong>on</strong> presenter<br />

Johanna Griggs, are a case in point. The couple recently finished building<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir sixth Collaroy home, a four-level stunner in Collaroy Street.<br />

While Griggs grew up <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn beaches, Huggins led an<br />

itinerant life, including stopovers in several country towns, until moving<br />

to Collaroy in 2004.<br />

“I have a real affecti<strong>on</strong> for Collaroy, it’s got a good feel about it,” he<br />

says. “Every<strong>on</strong>e is really friendly to each o<strong>the</strong>r. After living in country<br />

towns Collaroy almost feels like <strong>on</strong>e.”<br />

Rafferty has lived in Collaroy for five years now and is equally smitten<br />

with <strong>the</strong> local vibe.<br />

“It’s such a great community, every<strong>on</strong>e knows <strong>on</strong>e ano<strong>the</strong>r,” she<br />

says. “You’ll go into a local café and see a group of older guys, <strong>the</strong> surf<br />

club guys, all <strong>the</strong> mums…it’s a really nice mix, and a very safe and very<br />

comfortable place to live.”<br />

Median house price:<br />

$2.3 milli<strong>on</strong><br />

Median unit price:<br />

$880,000<br />

Populati<strong>on</strong>: 7870<br />

Dwellings: 3257<br />

To <strong>the</strong> beach!<br />

While <strong>the</strong> local b<strong>on</strong>homie might bring country life to<br />

mind, <strong>the</strong> lifestyle is of course all about <strong>the</strong> coast. The<br />

beach offers good swimming c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s and is a great spot<br />

for beginner surfers. It’s also popular with windsurfers<br />

taking advantage of north easterly or south easterly winds.<br />

The 50-metre rockpool at <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn end of <strong>the</strong> beach is<br />

a favourite with families and is linked to a smaller wading<br />

pool following <strong>the</strong> curve of <strong>the</strong> rockface.<br />

For those less inclined towards getting wet, <strong>the</strong>re are plenty of active<br />

<strong>on</strong>shore opti<strong>on</strong>s, from <strong>the</strong> spectacular coastal walking track wrapping<br />

around L<strong>on</strong>g Reef Headland to golf at <strong>the</strong> L<strong>on</strong>g Reef Golf Club, <strong>on</strong>e of<br />

Sydney’s most picturesque courses.<br />

You can grab a drink and a bite to eat at Merivale’s The Collaroy, <strong>the</strong><br />

Beach Club and <strong>the</strong> Surf Life Saving Club, which all offer fr<strong>on</strong>t-row views<br />

over <strong>the</strong> sand and surf.<br />

Todd Huggins is a fan of <strong>the</strong> Collaroy Bakehouse across <strong>the</strong> road from<br />

<strong>the</strong> beach where you’ll also find Thai, Italian and Indian eateries plus<br />

cafes dishing up smoothies, fresh juices and of course all kinds of coffee.<br />

Down <strong>the</strong> road you can’t miss <strong>the</strong> art deco cinema, a suburb landmark<br />

built in 1938, while fur<strong>the</strong>r south, close to <strong>the</strong> tennis courts and golf<br />

course, you’ll find Alfresco Emporium’s flagship store which draws<br />

Sydney-wide clientele lured by its Hampt<strong>on</strong>s’-style homewares, furniture,<br />

florist and café.<br />

Market snapshot.<br />

Jill Rafferty says buyers are finally<br />

seeing Collaroy as a preferred<br />

suburb “following in <strong>the</strong> footsteps of<br />

Manly, Freshwater and Curly”.<br />

“The blocks are bigger, it’s less<br />

c<strong>on</strong>gested and <strong>the</strong>re’s good value for<br />

m<strong>on</strong>ey,” she says.<br />

The most expensive properties are<br />

found in <strong>the</strong> streets closest to <strong>the</strong> beach in<br />

<strong>the</strong> exclusive enclave known as <strong>the</strong> Basin,<br />

says Rafferty, where prices regularly tip<br />

over $7 milli<strong>on</strong>.<br />

The entry price for Collaroy apartments<br />

currently sits around $750,000 and for<br />

houses around $1.5 milli<strong>on</strong>.<br />

Todd Huggins has noted a trend<br />

towards more multi-generati<strong>on</strong> living in<br />

<strong>the</strong> suburb, with Collaroy C<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong>s’<br />

clients including a granny flat or provisi<strong>on</strong><br />

for a self-c<strong>on</strong>tained wing within primary<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>ings.<br />

“We’ve actually set our own new<br />

place up with <strong>the</strong> opti<strong>on</strong> for a two-bed<br />

apartment,” says Huggins, who has two<br />

adult s<strong>on</strong>s. “It’s easy to see why kids that<br />

grew up in such a beautiful envir<strong>on</strong>ment<br />

would want to stay!”<br />

6 July 18, 2020 <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney


You Must See.<br />

On Trend.<br />

Black kitchens<br />

6 Homestead Avenue<br />

If you like <strong>the</strong> idea of <strong>the</strong> kids<br />

hanging around well into <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

20s this two-storey home a<br />

two-minute stroll from <strong>the</strong> beach<br />

could be just <strong>the</strong> ticket.<br />

It comes with a separate granny flat<br />

perfect for <strong>the</strong> extended family or to<br />

generate a little extra income.<br />

The main house has four bedrooms<br />

upstairs, <strong>the</strong> master with a walkin<br />

robe, en suite and access to a<br />

balc<strong>on</strong>y where you can watch <strong>the</strong><br />

nor’easters roll in across <strong>the</strong> ocean.<br />

There are three living spaces and<br />

an island kitchen opening <strong>on</strong>to a<br />

covered deck where you can enjoy<br />

<strong>the</strong> built-in spa and views over <strong>the</strong><br />

solar-heated pool and manicured<br />

garden.<br />

$4.1 milli<strong>on</strong> – $4.5 milli<strong>on</strong>;<br />

Belle Property Dee Why –<br />

Brendan Pomp<strong>on</strong>io 0411 845 119<br />

11 Anzac Avenue<br />

The owners of this Basin beauty<br />

can leave <strong>the</strong> car in <strong>the</strong> double<br />

garage <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> weekends<br />

because just about everything<br />

you need is <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> doorstep.<br />

The golf course and tennis courts<br />

are directly across <strong>the</strong> road, <strong>the</strong><br />

beach is at <strong>on</strong>e end of <strong>the</strong> street and<br />

you’ll find a choice of eateries at <strong>the</strong><br />

o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

The family friendly floorplan is<br />

flooded with natural light and offers<br />

three living z<strong>on</strong>es <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> ground floor<br />

plus an all-white kitchen.<br />

There are four bedrooms plus two<br />

bathrooms upstairs and <strong>the</strong> wraparound<br />

balc<strong>on</strong>ies <strong>on</strong> both levels dish<br />

up tantalising ocean glimpses.<br />

$4 milli<strong>on</strong>; McGrath Collaroy –<br />

Jill Rafferty 0416 140 012<br />

Can your beachside kitchens cross over to <strong>the</strong> dark side?<br />

From catwalk fashi<strong>on</strong> to cutting<br />

edge cars and cool tech, black<br />

has l<strong>on</strong>g been a colour associated<br />

with high-end design. It can add<br />

glamour, sophisticati<strong>on</strong>, even<br />

sex appeal to <strong>the</strong> most mundane<br />

of objects.<br />

But black in <strong>the</strong> kitchen? Not so<br />

popular… until now.<br />

While white-<strong>on</strong>-white remains<br />

<strong>the</strong> go-to scheme for <strong>the</strong> average<br />

kitchen reno, <strong>the</strong>re’s a push<br />

towards a more dramatic palette.<br />

Statistics from architecture and<br />

interior design website Houzz<br />

showed searches for ‘black’ interiors<br />

appeared in <strong>the</strong> most popular list<br />

for <strong>the</strong> first time in 2019, with ‘black<br />

kitchen’ in particular increasing 46<br />

per cent year <strong>on</strong> year.<br />

But when you live beachside,<br />

where bright sunshine and<br />

sparkling seas are <strong>the</strong> lifestyle<br />

hallmarks, it’s <strong>the</strong> “<strong>the</strong> beachy look”<br />

that reigns supreme. It’s all about<br />

neutral t<strong>on</strong>es with whites, blues,<br />

soft greys and sandy yellows.<br />

“The thinking <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />

beaches is all white and light,”<br />

says Anders Lawaetz, director and<br />

designer at Brookvale’s Seabreeze<br />

Kitchens. “I think that’s what we<br />

most often associate with this<br />

area – a light kitchen and a light<br />

benchtop.”<br />

Interior designer Charlie Cooper<br />

agrees.<br />

“There’s a tendency with clients<br />

<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn beaches to opt for<br />

a beach look, which is light and<br />

bright,” she says. “I do get clients<br />

who approach me and say because<br />

of where we live this is [<strong>the</strong> style] we<br />

should do.”<br />

But Lawaetz says <strong>the</strong>re has been a<br />

handful of local homeowners happy<br />

to challenge <strong>the</strong> status quo.<br />

“It happens more often than it<br />

used to and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

can look quite<br />

stunning,” he says<br />

of kitchens with<br />

black cabinetry.<br />

“There are a lot<br />

of nice designs,<br />

often with white<br />

or c<strong>on</strong>crete-look<br />

benchtops that can<br />

come up really well.”<br />

Cooper says if you<br />

love black, embrace it – and d<strong>on</strong>’t<br />

try to be beachy with it.<br />

“You shouldn’t have to do a<br />

particular style just because of<br />

where you live.”<br />

If you’re still not c<strong>on</strong>vinced,<br />

perhaps you prefer to take style<br />

cues from overseas. Look no fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />

than Netflix’s hit makeover show,<br />

Queer Eye. Last year interior<br />

designer Bobby Berk revealed an<br />

all-black kitchen in San Diego, a city<br />

<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pacific coast of California<br />

known for its beaches, parks and<br />

warm climate. Showcasing black<br />

cabinets, black marble waterfall<br />

benchtops, all-black appliances and<br />

black light fittings, <strong>the</strong> <strong>on</strong>ly reprieve<br />

from <strong>the</strong> all-black palette was <strong>the</strong><br />

rich timber facing <strong>on</strong> ei<strong>the</strong>r side of<br />

‘You shouldn’t<br />

have to do a<br />

particular style<br />

just because of<br />

where you live.’<br />

<strong>the</strong> island bench.<br />

Berk described it as “classic yet<br />

edgy, fun yet sophisticated” and<br />

says homeowners shouldn’t be<br />

scared of black.<br />

Lawaetz reck<strong>on</strong>s <strong>the</strong>re are two<br />

keys to a successful black kitchen<br />

by <strong>the</strong> beach: lots of natural light<br />

and some c<strong>on</strong>trast,<br />

with black cabinetry<br />

teamed with a lightcoloured<br />

benchtop a<br />

great opti<strong>on</strong>. Cooper<br />

says if you’re not<br />

comfortable “going<br />

full steam” with <strong>the</strong><br />

black palette, you<br />

could have <strong>on</strong>e wall<br />

of black cabinetry or<br />

black base cabinetry<br />

with a lighter choice for upper level<br />

cabinets.<br />

You can also add c<strong>on</strong>trast with<br />

handles, tapware and appliances.<br />

Finishes in brass, gold or brushed<br />

nickel can provide a glamourous<br />

note, and black pairs well with<br />

timber which adds instant warmth.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> Seabreeze Kitchens<br />

showroom, Lawaetz says you’ll find<br />

an eye-catching kitchen with “some<br />

black hues, perfect for a beachy<br />

lifestyle”.<br />

His advice to locals thinking<br />

about installing a black kitchen is to<br />

“go for it!”.<br />

“It’s nice that <strong>the</strong> white kitchen<br />

is being challenged,” he says. “A<br />

black kitchen d<strong>on</strong>e well can look<br />

stunning.”<br />

– KF<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney July 18, 2020 7


Latest developments.<br />

By MARTIN KELLY<br />

New Year’s resoluti<strong>on</strong><br />

becomes Newport reality<br />

Like so many o<strong>the</strong>r people, architect and developer<br />

Mark Hurcum awoke <strong>on</strong> New Year’s Day 2017 and<br />

decided to change things up.<br />

His resoluti<strong>on</strong> was to swap <strong>the</strong> house he had lived in<br />

for 15 years and move to a new abode and lifestyle <strong>on</strong><br />

Pittwater.<br />

The good news is that, unlike so many o<strong>the</strong>r failed<br />

New Year’s resoluti<strong>on</strong>s made early that year, Mark<br />

delivered <strong>on</strong> his visi<strong>on</strong>.<br />

It has been quite <strong>the</strong> process, but <strong>the</strong><br />

result, Mitala Newport, is more than worth<br />

it – four beautiful homes tucked in <strong>the</strong><br />

trees <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> shores of Pittwater.<br />

“I went looking for a house for myself<br />

<strong>on</strong> Pittwater and found a whole paddock<br />

basically,” he tells <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.<br />

What he bought was a 3600 sqm block<br />

over two titles with an old house pl<strong>on</strong>ked in<br />

<strong>the</strong> middle, owned by <strong>the</strong> same family since<br />

<strong>the</strong> 1950s.<br />

“It’s just a magic site, an amazing piece of Pittwater.<br />

It’s between <strong>the</strong> two yacht clubs, and <strong>the</strong>y’re here for a<br />

reas<strong>on</strong> because it’s <strong>the</strong> most protected part of Pittwater.”<br />

The site had a few development restricti<strong>on</strong>s but a lot<br />

of freedoms as well.<br />

“As an architectural challenge it was exciting and<br />

interesting.”<br />

One of <strong>the</strong> main development requirements was<br />

to mimimise <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> remnant gum forest<br />

which surrounds and frames <strong>the</strong> four properties.<br />

“We worked around <strong>the</strong> trees and let <strong>the</strong>m determine<br />

<strong>the</strong> form and shape of <strong>the</strong> buildings to some extent<br />

which is <strong>the</strong> reas<strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong>y fit in so nicely,” Mark says.<br />

He adds it was liberating to work independently<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r than being at <strong>the</strong> whim of clients, although as<br />

developer <strong>the</strong> design had to meet <strong>the</strong> market.<br />

‘On a site<br />

like this <strong>the</strong>re<br />

are different<br />

microclimates.’<br />

“Doing four houses meant I could really maximise<br />

how to live <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire site – all <strong>the</strong> issues of<br />

community, privacy, envir<strong>on</strong>ment – which you can’t<br />

normally do in a single house.”<br />

Typically, many developers work <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> cookie<br />

cutter approach, applying a core design across <strong>the</strong><br />

entire site because of time c<strong>on</strong>straints and costs.<br />

“But <strong>on</strong> a site like this <strong>the</strong>re are different<br />

microclimates and it was important each<br />

house relates to its specific envir<strong>on</strong>ment,”<br />

says Mark, who has been designing homes<br />

in Sydney for <strong>the</strong> past 30 years.<br />

“They share some similarities – <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

palette and materials for example – but<br />

<strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y resp<strong>on</strong>d and work with sun<br />

and light and space is different.<br />

“I think that’s <strong>on</strong>e of <strong>the</strong> things people<br />

find when <strong>the</strong>y walk in here – each house<br />

is really well thought out and individual.<br />

“If you are doing good design, it should relate<br />

exactly to where you are. It’s a far more enjoyable way<br />

to work and creates a real richness and sense of place<br />

and space.”<br />

Mark and his wife Linda, who work toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

at MHDP Architects, now live in <strong>on</strong>e of <strong>the</strong> two<br />

waterfr<strong>on</strong>t houses and absolutely love it. Their dream<br />

matches <strong>the</strong> reality.<br />

Time for you to make a resoluti<strong>on</strong>?<br />

There are still two properties available at Mitala<br />

Newport: <strong>the</strong> sec<strong>on</strong>d waterfr<strong>on</strong>t house (complete with<br />

jetty and boat house, pictured main + kitchen) is for<br />

sale with a price guide of $10 milli<strong>on</strong>, while <strong>on</strong>e of<br />

<strong>the</strong> two street-fr<strong>on</strong>t houses is also <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> market with<br />

expectati<strong>on</strong>s of $5 milli<strong>on</strong> (pictured living room).<br />

If you’d like to arrange an inspecti<strong>on</strong>, call Nick Vuko<br />

from Domain Residential <strong>on</strong> 0416 029 417.<br />

42 July 18, 2020 <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney


Inspecti<strong>on</strong>s This Weekend.<br />

Opening Times.<br />

AVALON BEACH<br />

10.00am – 10.30am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 15/08 5Br 13 Therry Street – McGrath Aval<strong>on</strong> 0421 272 692<br />

11.00am – 11.30am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 29/07 5Bdr 5 Elvina Avenue LJ Hooker Aval<strong>on</strong> 9973 2999<br />

11.30am – 12.00pm Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 09/08 5Br 75 Therry Street – McGrath Aval<strong>on</strong> 0421 272 692<br />

By appt / For Sale 3Br Avana 701-703 Barrenjoey Road – Domain Residential 0412 527 071<br />

BALGOWLAH<br />

12.00pm – 12.30pm Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 01/08 2Bdr 3/68 West Street Cunninghams 9949 7077<br />

BALGOWLAH HEIGHTS<br />

1.00pm – 1.30pm Sat / For sale; Aucti<strong>on</strong>/ 5Bdr 18 Bungaloe Avenue Cunninghams 9949 7077<br />

CLAREVILLE<br />

10.15am-10.45am Sat / EOI closing 4pm Wed 19th Aug 4Bdr 284 Huds<strong>on</strong> Parade LJ Hooker Aval<strong>on</strong> 9973 2999<br />

COLLAROY<br />

10.00am – 10.30am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 15/08 4Br 50A Anzac Avenue – McGrath Collaroy 0416 140 012<br />

11.00am – 11.30am Sat / Private Treaty 4Br 11 Anzac Avenue – McGrath Collaroy 0416 140 012<br />

11.30am – 12.00pm Sat / For Sale 5Br 6 Homestead Avenue – Belle Property Dee Why 0411 845 119<br />

COLLAROY PLATEAU<br />

11.00 – 11.40am Sat / For Sale 6Br 61 Aubreen Street – Domain Residential 0421 998 998<br />

CURL CURL<br />

9.00am – 9.30am Sat / For Sale 5 Bd 12 Seaview Avenue – Belle Property Dee Why 0411 845 119<br />

DEE WHY<br />

10.00am – 10.30am Sat / For Sale Guide $875,000 2Bdr 8/24 The Crescent Cunninghams 9949 7077<br />

12.00pm – 12.30pm Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 05/08 2Br 46/1-3 Delmar Parade – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

FAIRLIGHT<br />

12.00pm – 12.30pm Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 22/07 3Br 7/52 Griffiths Street – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

12.30pm – 1.00pm Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 25/07 3Br 50a Fairlight Street – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

FRESHWATER<br />

10.00am – 10.30am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 25/07 4Bdr 118 Harbord Road Cunninghams 9949 7077<br />

12.00pm – 12.30pm Sat / For Sale 4Br 28B Marlborough Avenue – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

MANLY<br />

9.15am – 9.45am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 08/08 2Br 5/30 Cliff Street – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

10.00am – 10.30am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 22/07 1Br 7/2A Kangaroo Street – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

10.00am – 10.30am Sat / For Sale 1Br 305/61 Osborne Road – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

10.15 – 10.45am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 01/08 4Br 9 Carlt<strong>on</strong> Street – Clarke & Humel 9977 3300<br />

10.45am – 11.30am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 22/07 3Br 10/1 Cerretti Crescent – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

MANLY C<strong>on</strong>tinued<br />

11.30am – 12.00pm Sat / For Sale 2 & 3Br 2 West Promenade – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

11.30am – 12.00pm Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 01/08 2Br 6/25 Marshall Street – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

1.00pm – 1.30pm Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 25/07 1Br 5 Laws<strong>on</strong> Place – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

1.00pm – 1.30pm Sat / For Sale 1Br 8/22 Eurobin Avenue – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

MONA VALE<br />

10.00 – 10.45am Sat / For Sale 4Br 18 Fazzolari Avenue – Domain Residential 0425 333 864<br />

11.00 – 11.30am Sat / For Sale 3Br 2/33 Darley Street – Domain Residential 0418 229 224<br />

11.00 – 11.30am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 21/07 4Br 174 Narrabeen Park Pde – Domain Residential 0416 029 417<br />

MOSMAN<br />

9.30am – 10.00am Sat / Aucti<strong>on</strong> 22/07 1Br 13/102 Spit Road – Belle Property Manly 9976 6444<br />

NARRABEEN<br />

By appt / For Sale 3Br S.A.L.T 129-133 Lago<strong>on</strong> Street – Domain Residential 0418 229 224<br />

NEWPORT<br />

12.00 – 12.40pm Sat / For Sale 3BR 6/6 Foamcrest Ave Newport – LJ Hooker Newport 9979 1111<br />

12.00 – 12.40pm Sat / For Sale 3BR / 9 Queens Parade Newport – LJ Hooker Newport 9979 1111<br />

12.45 –1.15pm Sat / For Sale 3Br 36 Myola Road – Domain Residential 0416 029 417<br />

1.30 –2.00pm Sat / For Sale 4Br 97 Bungan Head Road – Domain Residential 0416 029 417<br />

2.30 – 3.00pm Sat / For Sale 3Br 2-4 Foamcrest Avenue – Domain Residential 0412 527 071<br />

By appt / For Sale 5Br & 3Br 6 & 6a Mitala Street – Domain Residential 0416 029 417<br />

PALM BEACH<br />

9.45am – 10.15am Sat / For Sale 4Bdr 6 Canara Place LJ Hooker Palm Beach 9974 5999<br />

1.15pm- 1.45pm Sat / For Sale 4Bdr 888 Barrenjoey Road LJ Hooker Palm Beach 9974 5999<br />

WARRIEWOOD<br />

1.00pm – 2.00pm Sat/ For Sale 1,2 & 3 Br 27 Warriewood Road – Domain Residential 0412 527 071<br />

WHEELER HEIGHTS<br />

12.00 – 12.40pm Sat / For Sale 3BR / 43 Lantana Ave Wheeler Heights – LJ Hooker Newport 9979 1111<br />

DISCLAIMER: Editorial and advertising c<strong>on</strong>tained in <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>. <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Beaches</strong> has<br />

been provided by a number of sources. Any opini<strong>on</strong>s expressed are not necessarily those of <strong>the</strong><br />

C<strong>on</strong>tributing Editor or <strong>the</strong> Publisher of <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>. <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Beaches</strong> and no resp<strong>on</strong>sibility<br />

is taken for <strong>the</strong> accuracy of <strong>the</strong> informati<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tained herein. Readers should make <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

enquiries directly to any organisati<strong>on</strong>s or businesses prior to making any plans or taking any acti<strong>on</strong>.<br />

Inspecti<strong>on</strong>s This Weekend is a support service for Advertisers for <strong>the</strong>ir properties as advertised in <str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>. <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Beaches</strong> per week. Listings will <strong>on</strong>ly<br />

be included when submitted as per style above by stipulated deadlines. Please c<strong>on</strong>tact info@<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney for more informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />

<str<strong>on</strong>g>dwell</str<strong>on</strong>g>.sydney July 18, 2020 43

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