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LAUNDRY LAUNDRIES H G design notes Hide and sleek JOINERY Custom, painted With striking finishes and all mod cons, Porter’s Paints Lead (triple this Sydney space shows there’s no limit strength). Armac Martin ‘Gaumont’ knobs in to how luxurious a laundry can be. Burnished Brass, $165 (small) and $280 (large), The STORY Annika Baker | PHOTOGRAPHY Ryan Linnegar English Tapware Company. While practicality was the priority, Sydney interior designer Jade Bury, BENCHTOP & director of architecture and interiors firm Harper Lane Design, always had style top of mind. “We wanted to ensure the space was as strong as the SPLASHBACK Calacatta surrounding living areas and didn’t feel like an afterthought, as laundries Vagli marble, $5390 often do,” she says. The room measures about 3.5x2.5 metres and (3.3x1.9m slab), Sydney functions as seamlessly as it appears. “We managed to fit overhead Tile Gallery. cupboards, a hanging rail, hampers, and tall storage. There’s even a hidden ironing board that folds out of one of the drawers,” says Jade. “The owners APPLIANCES Miele. loved the boldness and the level of finish; the extra functionality of the concealed components is an added bonus.” TAPWARE Perrin & Rowe single mixer in Natural Harper Lane Design; www.harperlanedesign.com.au. Brass, $1880, The English Tapware Company. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 5 SINK Oliveri ‘Santorini’ sink, $1009, Winning Appliances. FLOORING Custom marble tiles, Sydney Tile Gallery.



TRAVEL H G Poolside relaxation at its best at Mountfield, in the NSW South Coast region. Turn the page to read more about it and 49 other amazing properties. 50 luxe escapes A s we increasingly opt to holiday at home and enjoy the delights Beautiful, blissful and utterly unforgettable, these Australia has to offer, what is it dream destinations are waiting to take your booking. we now consider luxurious? Is it only the traditional five-star hotel, or are we also PRODUCED BY Kirstie Clements feeling nurtured by more quiet or quirky experiences? Luxury, more than ever, is a feeling or a moment: a well-considered interior, a salty ocean swim or a delicious meal made with fresh regional produce. From helicopter charters and fly-fishing to glamping and decadent spa treatments, here are 50 inspired destinations from around the country, unique and enriching travel escapes that may not be so very far from your own front door... Photograph by Abbie Melle. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 53

New South Wales Berrima Vault House Capella Lodge Bannisters 01 oysters, local king prawns, yellowfin bream, sommelier Linda Lambrechts, which Photography by David Griifin (02), Abbie Melle (03) & Kara Rosenlund (04). flathead, calamari and school whiting. An showcases Southern Highlands wineries. MOUNTFIELD inviting infinity pool, some fresh oysters, a For members and private diners, a ‘vault’ South Coast chilled Hunter Valley wine, dolphins frolicking features rare bottles of Burgundy, in the bay, and truly spectacular sunrises for Bordeaux and Champagnes. Add very A Contemporary Hotels property, Mountfield those willing to get up before dawn: Bannisters cool soundtracks by Dan Lywood (who is a newly renovated holiday home on the Port Stephens hits the sweet spot between has created playlists for the Chateau rolling slopes of Woodhill Mountain. It has high end and coastal casual. Marmont in LA) and you won’t think elegant, wide verandahs and an alfresco bannisters.com.au you’re in Berrima anymore, Toto. pizzeria. The house offers truly spectacular berrimavaulthouse.com views, from the escarpment right down to 03 the sea, and for those guests who can bear to 04 drag themselves away from the glorious pool, BERRIMA VAULT HOUSE or the snooker room, it’s only a short drive to Southern Highlands CAPELLA LODGE Drawing Room Rocks, a popular bushwalking Lord Howe Island trail. Mountfield sleeps up to 10 guests, and Berrima Vault House is a five-star the open kitchen and butler’s pantry are hospitality venue and private member’s Situated about 600 kilometres east of Port perfect for any would-be chefs – the managers club located in a complex of three Macquarie is Lord Howe Island. A World have lots of insider tips about where to buy magnificent buildings that date back to Heritage site in its own right, it’s also home the best local produce in nearby Berry, the 1800s. Today, there are both public to Capella Lodge, a stunning luxury lodge including sausages and craft beer. and private areas to enjoy, including in the style of a classic Australian beach contemporaryhotels.com.au/properties/ Taylor’s Inn Cafe, The Lodge restaurant, house. Conceived by Sydney architect the cosy Fireplace Lounge, King George’s Justin Long in collaboration with interior mountfield-berry Cell and Queen Victoria’s Cell (former design group Pike Withers, the glass and jail cells for private dining) and Hank & weathered-teak resort has just nine suites, 02 Molly’s Bar, as well as alfresco dining in all beautifully appointed to optimise the The Vinery and The Rose Garden. The panorama of mountains, lagoon and BANNISTERS PORT STEPHENS gastro-pub style menu was created by ocean. Go snorkelling with sea turtles, feed Hunter Coast executive chef Tommy Prosser for Taylor’s the fish at Ned’s Beach or soak in the Lotus Inn Cafe and The Dining Room, and bath under a frangipani tree. When you’re This 4.5-star boutique hotel is situated on features quality local produce, melding peckish, there are Nambucca oysters and the waterfront at breathtaking Soldiers Point, traditional English fare with Australian Yamba prawns to be enjoyed at the with uninterrupted views across both the bay staples in a nod to the history of the estate. outdoor lounge, Gowers Terrace. and bushland. Bannisters boasts a signature There’s a substantial wine list chosen by capellalodge.com.au seafood restaurant by celebrated chef and TV presenter Rick Stein, featuring delectable

TRAVEL H G 05 EMIRATES ONE AND ONLY Wolgan Valley A three-hour drive from Sydney, this luxury homestead is set on 2800 hectares in the Blue Mountains between Wollemi and the Gardens of Stone National Parks. It is renowned for its remote location (the soaring escarpment is majestic) and the fact that there are more kangaroos than guests. Staff drive visitors from the gates to the welcoming main lodge, and the 40 sumptuous stone and timber villas that await. Each has a private pool, where you can lazily contemplate the Australian bush and watch the magnificent mists that waft down the sandstone cliffs to settle over the valley. oneandonlyresorts.com/wolgan-valley > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 55

H G TRAVEL 06 BYNG ST BOUTIQUE HOTEL Orange The beautiful regional hub of Orange is continuing to grow as a bustling food and wine destination, and the 22-room Byng St Boutique Hotel is the ideal place to stay, occupying star position in the charming heritage precinct. Owners Thomas and Kirsten Nock have cleverly merged contemporary design with the existing homestead and the result is charming, sunlit and cosy. The original ‘Yallungah’ homestead was built circa 1896 and is a significant piece of Orange’s historical architecture. Relax by the fire in the lounge, nursing a delicious local wine, and enjoy a two-course a la carte breakfast with seasonal produce in the Yallungah Dining Room. Don’t miss the hazelnut and chocolate waffle with strawberry compote, chocolate sauce and double cream. byngstreethotel.com.au 56 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

New South Wales Photography by Pablo Veiga (06) & Georgina Egan (07). 07 10 & 11 Rosedale Farm ROSEDALE FARM COLLETTE DINNIGAN STAYS 14 Orange South Coast & Southern Highlands BOYDELL’S Interior stylist Steve Cordony and his Australian fashion designer Collette Hunter Valley partner Michael spent more than three Dinnigan and her entrepreneur husband years lovingly restoring Rosedale Farm, an Bradley Cocks have launched Collette Boydell’s African Safari Tent is an exclusive 1877, eight-bedroom Georgian homestead Dinnigan Stays, two exquisitely renovated glamping experience in the beautiful set on 49 hectares near Orange – and properties in NSW (and two more in Italy). Hunter Valley, a private couples’ getaway now you can stay there too. Guests are The White House in Milton is a luxurious on a property that’s home to grazing cattle, accommodated in two very chic self- three-bedroom farmhouse, the decor vineyards and mobs of kangaroos. The contained apartments created in what was reflecting the designer’s immaculate taste. spacious tent was imported from Africa once the servant’s quarters. The whole Black Barn in Bowral, meanwhile, has and is kitted out with an ultra-comfy property is impeccably Instagrammable, exposed beams and 500-year-old Belgian canopied king bed, a deep copper bath and features all the tasteful details that marble floors in the bathrooms. and a large deck area to watch the matter to Steve’s devoted followers, who collettedinnigan.com/stays spectacular sunset. flock to his styling masterclasses. boydells.com.au rosedalefarm.net.au 12 15 08 CROWN SPA Sydney THE SURF YAMBA ROWLEE WINES North Coast Orange If your schedule doesn’t allow for a long-distance trip, an afternoon (or lazy This newly opened 12-room boutique Rowlee is one of Orange’s premium wine ‘me day’) spent in the sumptuous Crown hotel is just a one-hour flight from Sydney, labels, so why not forget driving and treat Spa could be the start of a different or three hours’ drive from Brisbane. It’s a yourself to a two-night Ultimate Wine journey to wellness. The 2000m² spa cool, understated surfside alternative to Escape in the snug (and very inviting) overlooks the stunning Sydney Harbour the summertime frenzy of the Byron Bay private guesthouse on the grounds of skyline and includes two vitality pools, area. Dreamed up by Sydney’s Design the beautiful Rowlee vineyards estate? steam rooms and an infrared sauna. King Company, the distinctive curved Experience a guided leisurely tasting of Let your mind do the travelling and allow building references the classic ocean premium wines, paired with matching your skin to show the benefits. liners of the 1930s, while from the rooftop cheeses or chocolates and then select your crownsydney.com.au/stay/crown-spa Pool Terrace guests have panoramic views favourite Rowlee wines to take home. of the ocean. Guests will find Italian rowleewines.com.au 13 terrazzo tiles, Muuto chairs and beautiful works by leading Australian artists. 09 GAIA RETREAT & SPA thesurfyamba.com.au > Byron Bay hinterland UNION BANK RESTAURANT & BAR Gaia was founded in 2005 and it remains Orange one of Australia’s most-awarded wellness resorts. Set among the undulating green For a truly superb farm-to-table dining hills, imposing trees and lush flowering experience and superior local wines, plants of the Byron Bay hinterland, the try picturesque The Union Bank Gaia Day Spa is world-renowned for Restaurant & Bar, the flagship dining treatments that draw on elements of both space housed in a restored schoolhouse; traditional and modern healing practices. it has a casual alfresco space reserved The menu at the main lodge, Kukura for walk-ins. Farmer Doug’s potato House, is humbly called ‘spa cuisine’, but it scallops, charred jalapeno croquettes, is in fact the most flavourful, delicious and pork rillette and Ortiz anchovies are inventive gourmet dining in the region. just a few of the appetisers to begin Gaia manages to have six-star energy while your gastronomic adventure. feeling nurturing and peaceful. theunionbank.com.au gaiaretreat.com.au

New South Wales Sierra Escape Soma The River Haus 16 Copenhagen lighting. Take a carriage premium accommodation and floor-to- Photography by Romello Pereira (19), Simon Whitbread (20) & Adam McGrath (24). ride pulled by Clydesdales, shop at ceiling views, a peaceful infinity pool and NIMBO FORK LODGE farm gates and taste award-winning a geodesic dome nestled among the Snowy Valley small-batch wines paired with a seasonal bamboo for shared activities. Soma menu at nearby Boydell’s winery. offers programs that meld modern science Sitting prettily at the fork of Nimbo Creek riverhaus.com.au with ancient practices and promises a and the Tumut River, Nimbo Fork Lodge is supportive space that is transformative comprised of a series of spacious cottages 18 and enriching for body and soul. and several suites in the main lodge; both somabyron.com.au options are sophisticated and relaxed. The SIERRA ESCAPE Snowy Valley surrounds call for a spot of Mudgee 20 horseriding and fly fishing, or a picnic by the river. The Lodge has joined forces with This is eco-glamping at its finest. Sierra BARRANCA the Three Blue Ducks restaurant group, Escape, only 20 minutes from Mudgee, Kangaroo Valley so the menu is a huge drawcard. ticks all the boxes. The five amazing tents nimbofork.com.au (100 metres away from each other for Set on more than 400 hectares of lush, complete privacy) include king beds, privately owned land, these spacious 17 glass sliding doors, designer kitchens, self-contained villas, designed by Grove fully flushing loos and lights operated Architects and furnished by Greg Natale THE RIVER HAUS by voice technology (thank you, Alexa), and MCM House, are nestled at the foot Hunter Valley not to mention your own private deck of a jaw-dropping escarpment, which and outdoor fireplace. changes colour dramatically through the This newly opened and beautifully sierraescape.com.au day. You can order an in-room massage renovated cottage in the heart of the in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, or historic river port town of Morpeth is 19 on the private deck. The indoor/outdoor situated just a short stroll to the old feel of Barranca calls for picnics and swims town’s picturesque main street. The River SOMA in nearby Barrengarry Creek, followed Haus has been restored with love by Byron Bay hinterland by wine and a cheese platter by the fire, travel writer Sheridan Rhodes and her or a magnificent meal cooked and property-developer partner Tom Szecsodi, Perhaps the ultimate escape of all is a delivered by a local chef. Barranca also has and the result is a stylish melding of dedicated immersion into meditation an equine therapy program, and this vintage treasures and modern comfort and spiritual growth, which is precisely spectacular, secluded property is home that can accommodate up to four guests. what Soma was designed for. This to donkeys, shire horses, pigs and, if Highlights include the striking bathroom minimalist designer retreat is set you’re lucky, wombats. with herringbone-tiled floors, freestanding on 9 hectares of rainforest – shaman barranca.com.au bath, generous shower and Normann central, one might suggest – with

Barranca ACT/Victoria East 21 & 22 restaurant, Bangalay Dining. Executive Kingston offers. Have a delicious breakfast chef Simon Evans learned his trade at in the Muse Cafe and bookstore, pop out SPICER’S VINEYARDS ESTATE Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK for some sightseeing, then head back to & SPICER’S GUESTHOUSE and has a passion for native Australian the hotel to dine on the fabulous Italian Hunter Valley ingredients, including saltbush, warrigal fare at the wildly popular Agostinis greens, finger limes, wattleseed and restaurant headed by Rome-born chef These are two of the most beautiful sister Illawarra plums. Highlights include a Francesco Balestrieri (try his bistecca alla properties in the Pokolbin region, each lemony pan-fried sole, sprinkled with fiorentina or the highly addictive frico, unique and both charming. At Vineyards, crunchy karkalla (a native succulent), and a crunchy, chewy cheese and potato book into the grand (and very private) a classic surfie breakfast option of hot pancake), or order a wood-fired pizza four-bedroom Vineyards House, with its chips (with umami salt for a gourmet and nurse a negroni or glass of superb outdoor pool and spa, barbecue and touch) and a flavoured milkshake. The regional wine in front of the fire in the firepit. Dine on modern Australian cuisine newest addition to the Bangalay Luxury newly refurbished lobby. Or just have at the Restaurant Botanica, which Villas offering is Anglesea by Bangalay. it all sent to your room. overlooks the vines, or visit the petite Spa A modern four-bedroom holiday house, easthotel.com.au Anise for a relaxing treatment. Down it’s built on the site of an original the road at Spicer’s Guesthouse, enjoy fisherman’s shack, in close proximity VICTORIA Italian/Australian cuisine at éRemo to the scenic Shoalhaven River and a few Restaurant, choose a fine drop from the minutes’ walk from Seven Mile Beach 25 impressive Wine Wall and finish with a National Park, the golf club and the main creamy tiramisu served by the fire in the property. The property is pet-friendly ROSS FARM warmly elegant sandstone surrounds. on application too. Gippsland spicersretreats.com bangalayvillas.com.au Originally a small working dairy farm, Ross 23 ACT Farm (which you’ll find on Airbnb) offers guests the opportunity to experience BANGALAY LUXURY VILLAS 24 country living while enjoying outstanding Shoalhaven contemporary design. Situated near the EAST HOTEL town of Meeniyan, the Cabin, Barn and Situated between Kiama and Jervis Bay, Canberra Dairy each offers a different aesthetic, just steps from the pristine white sands of with pieces by local craftspeople. The Seven Mile Beach, Bangalay Luxury Villas There is something very decadent about property is perfect for weekends away, is a clutch of Scandi-chic self-contained not having to leave your hotel for meals, a country escape with family or friends, suites, nestled by a golf course and and that is exactly what the warm and workshops or weddings. featuring a swimming pool glinting in friendly, family-owned East Hotel in rossfarm.com.au > dappled shade. There is a superb onsite AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 59

26 POETS LODGE Daylesford Just as romantic as it sounds, Poets Lodge is an exquisite, private luxury residence in the popular and verdant Daylesford region, dating from 1852. There are three stunning separate accommodation options, each with open fires. The Main House is a beautifully considered colonial four-bedroom weatherboard cottage with a charming verandah, a 12-seater dining table, comfortable leather sofas and a library with its heavenly collection of rare vintage books. Old Jack’s Cottage dates from the 1920s and has both a potbellied stove and a cast-iron bath, while the Garden Loft comes with a gorgeous, cosy eat-in kitchen. poetslodge.com.au

The Kilnhouses TRAVEL H G Brae Lon Retreat Photography by Abbie Melle (26), Nikole Ramsay (30) & Colin Page (31). 27 29 Set high on a hill overlooking the spectacular coastline, Lon features a THE KILNHOUSES THE LAKE HOUSE heated mineral pool, spa and seven luxury High Country Daylesford suites spread throughout the beautiful sandstone retreat. Awake to a delicious Situated on the outskirts of Mount Buffalo After 38 years of operations under farm-sourced breakfast before sailing across National Park, the Kilnhouses are a must the Wolf-Tasker family, this renowned Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento, where Pt Leo for those looking to bring nature and luxury lodge (with two-hatted restaurant Estate’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter will whisk together without mention of a tent. The and 10,000-bottle cellar) continues to guests away to enjoy a three-course meal three houses are set in the stunning beauty evolve. The latest addition, Dairy Flat in the one-hat Pt Leo restaurant followed of the Ovens Valley high country in Lodge and Farm, is located 10 minutes by a bespoke wine tasting. north-eastern Victoria and located on from Lake House and features an lonretreat.com.au a working cattle farm. Each house is in a established olive grove, ornamental different part of the property and offers gardens and vineyard. A 2-hectare 31 spectacular views of the surrounding heirloom orchard plus 2 hectares of mountains. The stunning, warm-as-toast productive gardens (which supply the BRAE houses draw on features of the old tobacco Lake House Restaurant) have been added, Otway hinterland kilns dotted throughout the region. as well as a spring-fed dam with kilnhouse.com.au freshwater trout, a bakehouse, cutting Set on a hillside, Brae is a working organic garden, hot tubs and firepits. There’s also farm with a top-class restaurant and guest 28 a newly created spa following the values suites. It has an ever-changing menu, of ‘farm to table’ (but in this case, ‘farm designed by chef and owner Dan Hunter MITCHELTON AIRSTREAM to spa’), with signature rituals to assist to showcase a unique Australian cuisine Goulburn Valley guests with relieving pandemic-related built on respect for nature, place and stress and anxiety. seasonality. Brae Farm uses regenerative A quirky alternative to the usual hotel stay lakehouse.com.au agriculture practices, and the property could be one of the five full-sized has dedicated walking paths designed Airstream RVs positioned in the Mitchelton 30 to connect visitors to the source of their Estate Vineyards. Each Airstream has an food. Brae is the perfect getaway for food ensuite, luxury linens and a private deck LON RETREAT lovers who’d like to enjoy more than one with a deluxe daily breakfast hamper and Bellarine Peninsula delicious repast. (It won the Good Food complimentary minibar. The vans have Guide Restaurant of the Year in 2020 access to all the estate’s facilities, including Set on 80 hectares about 90 minutes’ and Gourmet Traveller Regional Restaurant Muse Restaurant, the Nagambie Brewery drive from Melbourne, Lon Retreat of the Year, also in 2020.) and Distillery, and the day spa and pool. operates on a farm that has been in the braerestaurant.com > mitchelton.com.au/airstream-hotel owners’ family for seven generations. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 6

South Australia The Frames 32 timber panelling, decorative mouldings Doot Doot Doot restaurant. For a change Photography by Italo Vardaro (35) & Richard Field (36). and cast-iron grilles on the casement of scenery, the 5.4-kilometre Bushrangers UNITED PLACES windows. History buffs can take a Bay bushwalking trail has breathtaking Melbourne self-guided digital tour to learn the origins beach views. of the building. With the new Luci jackalopehotels.com Luxury boutique hotel United Places is Restaurant and Douglas Club located situated a five-minute drive from the CBD on the ground and mezzanine levels, SOUTH AUSTRALIA and directly opposite the glorious Royal you may never even make it to the city’s Botanic Gardens Victoria. It markets itself famous laneways nearby. 35 as a space for the ‘eternally curious and hilton.com/en/hotels/melamhi-hilton- design-conscious traveller’, and includes melbourne-little-queen-street THE FRAMES just 12 private suites, some of which have Riverland incredible overhanging terraces. 34 unitedplaces.com.au The Frames is a luxe accommodation JACKALOPE experience of three beautifully designed 33 Mornington Peninsula and secluded clifftop retreats overlooking the Murray River. Each private retreat THE HILTON Situated on a pristine private vineyard in has its own sizeable heated pool, spa, Melbourne the heart of the Mornington Peninsula barbecue area and private balcony, and wine region, an hour’s drive from guests have the option to cook themselves A CBD stay in Melbourne is always a treat Melbourne, Jackalope’s bold, jet-black or to book a private chef for in-house and the newly updated Hilton hotel in exterior is a modernist surprise set in a dining. What to do while you’re visiting? Little Queen Street lets you do that with rolling landscape of vines and bushland. Well, you could take a sunset cruise sophistication. The hotel underwent Floor-to-ceiling windows and private on a 100-year-old restored gondola, significant restoration last year, unveiling terraces offer views over the 30-metre sipping sparkling wine and admiring the five heritage suites on the first floor in infinity pool and the Willow Creek Riverland sunsets. In-house massages what were once the Equity Chambers, Vineyard beyond. There is a major focus are also available. designed by Bates Smart and featuring on food and wine here, especially at theframesluxuryaccommodation.com.au beautiful period details such as original

TRAVEL H G 36 ARKABA Flinders Ranges One key luxury aspect of Arkaba is space – 24,000 hectares of private wildlife conservancy shared with just 10 guests at a time. Situated in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, Arkaba’s five-room 1850s homestead provides the opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the story of the bush – its ancient geology, diverse wildlife and the chance to get ‘hands on’ with the conservation programs on the property. Enjoy open-top safari drives or walk with a local Adnyamathanha elder for a chance to listen to her stories of the land and her people, and to gain a new perspective on the region. There is the opportunity for swag camping under the stars, landscape photography tours and, from May 29 to June 2, a tour with revered chef Christine Manfield for a flavoursome Wild Bush Luxury Experience. arkabaconservancy.com > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 63

H G TRAVEL 37 MYSA MOTEL created a pretty, minimalist motel featuring breeze blocks, fibreglass sunloungers and an Gold Coast iconic neon sign, made by the same family who were responsible for much of the What’s not to love about the retro-cool ’60s Gold Coast’s neon signage in the 1960s. Gold Coast feel of the Mysa Motel? It’s a The contemporary touches include self sustainable, luxury seven-room boutique check-in, and a kidney-shaped magnesium hotel in Palm Beach and its pastel pink, pool, which is great for hair, skin and, peach and aqua tones (plus the single palm apparently, a good night’s sleep. tree against the bright Queensland sky) are a reminder of when the strip was buzzing with themysamotel.com brandy alexanders and bikinis. Husband- and-wife team Eliza and Jason Raine have 64 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Queensland The Calile Photography by Trent Mitchell (37) & Sean Fennessy (40). 38 39 most outstanding collections of the best Australian wines, including a museum- THE LOUISE KINGSFORD, THE BAROSSA quality collection of Penfolds Grange and the only complete collection of Barossa Valley Barossa Valley Henschke Hill of Grace wines in the world. kingsfordbarossa.com.au A retreat among the vines in the beautiful Kingsford, The Barossa is full of history Barossa Valley, The Louise has just 15 and emotional connections: owner QUEENSLAND suites, each with a private terrace (some Stefan Ahrens used to play on the property with outdoor rain showers), to drink in himself as a young boy growing up in 40 the serenity – excuse the pun. Destination the Barossa (down the road, in the historic restaurant Appellation is located at The town of Sheaoak Log). The homestead THE CALILE HOTEL Louise, with a culinary team focused was sold to Channel 9 in 2000 and Brisbane on locally sourced produce, seasonal became Drover’s Run, featured in the selections and a daily changing chef’s TV series McLeod’s Daughters. When it Finally, an urban hotel with the feeling tasting menu. Appellation’s extensive came back on the market, Stefan and of a cool and contemporary tropical resort. wine list presents the best from each his wife Leanne bought the property The Calile, situated in James Street, is the major wine region of the world as well as determined to restore its former glory type of city hotel Australians always wished local offerings – the Barossa alone boasts and in 2021, the property reopened as we had: sleek and purist with an emphasis more than 100 wineries and more than Kingsford, The Barossa. There are 14 on the chic outdoor pool area, not an 70 cellar doors. Private tastings and luxury suites, including Meg’s, a three- airconditioned conference centre. winemaker introductions can be arranged bedroom cottage, and each has been Designed by Richards & Spence, the for guests of The Louise. Possible pastimes individually designed to showcase local hotel’s muted pinks and pale moss are include hot-air ballooning or scenic Barossa and South Australian artists sophisticated and soothing. For anyone helicopter rides over the vines, cycling, and craftspeople, with no two rooms travelling to Brisbane for work, the Calile hiking, the acclaimed Barossa Farmers’ the same. Kingsford has two wine cellars; provides a perfect opportunity to mix Market for foodies, and breakfast with the the circa 1856 cellar and the new stone- business with pleasure. kangaroos for the marsupial lovers. clad wine tunnel with six separate thecalilehotel.com > thelouise.com.au charming vaults. In them you’ll find the

Queensland & Northern Territory Lizard Island Discovery Kings Canyon Tiwi Island Retreat 41 from come close? Snorkelling on the reef guided wilderness walks to Kakadu to visit Photography by Elise Cook (45), Nick Pincott (46), Nikole Ramsay (47) and courtesy Journey Beyond (48). is accessed straight from the turquoise ancient rock art. Bamurru is reached via QUALIA beach, a magical underwater world charter flight from Darwin, or it’s a thrilling Hamilton Island brimming with soft coral and sea turtles. three-hour drive. Check the timing of your Private island picnics can be reached via visit because sometimes chefs such as There is nothing quite like walking into the your own dinghy. Order a seven-course Christine Manfield will join guests for an main pavilion of Qualia – whether it’s your dinner served in one of two beach exploration of Top End cuisine. first time or 10th – to be unexpectedly pavilions, or have a drink at the Driftwood bamurruplains.com greeted by one of the world’s most Bar and Wine cellar to watch the jaw-droppingly beautiful views, overlooking spectacular ocean sunsets. 44 the shimmering Coral Sea (except perhaps lizardisland.com.au the pleasure of sipping tea in bed in your MOUNT MULLIGAN LODGE own generous pavilion, watching the NORTHERN TERRITORY yachts sail past on a glorious blue-sky day). Far North Queensland Every guest has an electric buggy for 43 combing the island, providing a real sense About 150 kilometres north-west of of fun and freedom, although the option BAMURRU PLAINS Cairns, this all-inclusive luxury outback to stay lounging on your own sun deck Kakadu National Park lodge is set on a secluded working cattle beside a plunge pool all day is also quite station in Far North Queensland and tempting. Charter a boat or a helicopter A true bush experience, Bamurru Plains is among a spectacular back-country and explore the reef, relax by one of an exclusive lodge located on the flood landscape (Ngarrabullgan) with Indigenous Australia’s greatest pools next to Pebble plains of the Mary River, close to Kakadu significance dating back 37,000 years. Beach, and enjoy breakfast watched by National Park and with 10 safari-style Mount Mulligan Lodge lies in the humbling kookaburras at the Long Pavilion. bungalows. The region’s Indigenous, shadows of an 18-kilometre escarpment qualia.com.au hunting and pastoral history has been and fascinating historical sites on the referenced, with Aboriginal artworks, property include the old Mount Mulligan 42 buffalo horns, explorer’s maps and fish township and cemetery, Tyrconnell gold traps providing guests with a sense of the mine, and the old Cobb & Co staging LIZARD ISLAND human heritage of the area. Each room posts. The property is accessible via a Great Barrier Reef contains local flora and fauna reading 35-minute scenic helicopter flight from materials, species lists and binoculars for Cairns or a 2.5-hour 4WD adventure As the northernmost island in the Great the keen twitcher. Explore the spectacular from Cairns. Guests can experience Barrier Reef Marine Park, the natural surrounds with airboat trips on the paddleboarding, barramundi fishing, splendour and relative isolation of Lizard wetlands, crocodile cruises, a private picnic bushwalking, float in a eucalyptus fringed Island is hard to put into words – does 20 in the treetops, quad-bike safaris and waterhole or simply dine under the stars. powdery white-sand beaches to choose mountmulligan.com 66 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Sal Salis Western Australia El Questro 45 guests options such as a hike along the Chamberlain Gorge cruise and tours Kings Canyon Rim Walk, drinks on a to ancient caves. Seize the opportunity TIWI ISLAND RETREAT sunset-viewing platform, educational to splash about under one of the many Bathurst Island cultural journeys with local Indigenous waterfalls on the property or take a leaders, and heli-tours or quad biking helicopter ride to a secluded waterhole. The Tiwi Islands Retreat is an off-the-track through red sands. Opt for glamping in Despite its remote location, the food and haven, a pristine paradise hidden away on premium tents with king-size beds, wine is truly sophisticated, with fresh the western side of Bathurst Island and the sumptuous linens, airconditioning and ingredients sourced from the neighbouring perfect place for the more adventurous outdoor decks to star gaze under a desert Ord River Valley and the state’s abundant traveller. Guests can relax and enjoy one moon. Just add the vast and awe-inspiring coastlines and farmlands. Visitors can fly of world’s most exclusive and pristine natural beauty and the remoteness of the to Kununurra airport via Darwin, Broome beachfronts or experience extraordinary Red Centre, and you can expect to or Perth and begin their adventure from fishing adventures, cultural tours (Tiwi experience utter tranquillity. the moment they arrive, with a variety Island Retreat works closely with the discoveryholidayparks.com.au of different transport options to get to traditional owners of the Tiwi Islands to the property – maybe opt for your own honour their land and culture) and myriad WESTERN AUSTRALIA 4WD and later hit the Gibb River Road wildlife encounters. Three-night all- for a real sense of adventure. inclusive accommodation and experience 47 elquestro.com.au packages can be customised for your stay. Fancy a heli-adventure, anyone? A EL QUESTRO 48 mudcrabbing tour? The retreat features The Kimberley 18 coastal-style rooms, with shared shower SAL SALIS and toilet facilities – all part of the resort’s Experience some of the most majestic Ningaloo Reef casual charm. All rooms are adjacent natural vistas in Australia at the famed to a bar and bistro, and of course the El Questro Homestead, perched high on Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is a stunning picture-perfect beach. a clifftop in the midst of a mind-boggling eco-safari camp located on WA’s Coral tiwiislandretreat.com.au 405,000 hectares of rugged East Coast, with 16 wilderness tents and a main Kimberley landscape. Accommodation lodge perched in the dunes and situated 46 ranges from the exclusive luxury of The near the water’s edge. This glorious camp Homestead, tented cabins at Emma Gorge is open from March through to November DISCOVERY KINGS CANYON or family-friendly digs at the El Questro and has been designed to respect the Station (campsites are also available) and fragile environment of the national park, Watarrka National Park guests can enjoy horse trekking, bird with strict principles of minimal impact and Not too far from Uluru, Discovery watching, a day soaking in the Zebedee sustainability. Sal Salis is all-inclusive, with Kings Canyon makes the most of the Thermal Springs, fishing tours, a guests dining on a contemporary menu > extraordinary outback landscape, offering

Tasmania Pumphouse Point Saffire Freycinet featuring seasonal, local produce created stunning retreat is hidden at the lake’s 50 Photography by Adam Gibson (49) & Stuart Vesty (50). by the resident chef and accompanied by edge, surrounded by magnificent World Western Australian wines. Guest activities Heritage wilderness and ancient myrtle SAFFIRE FREYCINET can involve sea kayaking to secret spots forest. The Pumphouse features locally Freycinet Peninsula on World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef – crafted furniture, ceramics, bath products which teems with fish, rays and turtles – and two deep tubs for soaking (one under This is quite possibly the most luxurious drift snorkelling just a few metres offshore, the stars) and is inclusive of all food, eco-stay in the whole of Australia. wildlife and bird spotting and guided walks including farmhouse-fare dinners at shared Located on a peninsula on the east coast at Mandu Mandu Gorge. Take the tables or picnics and pinot noir in your of wild and wonderful Tasmania, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim room. The Shorehouse dining room boasts Freycinet is a postcard of striking pink- with the world’s largest fish, the whale an expanded larder stocked with the very granite peaks, white-sand beaches and shark, or even a humpback whale if the best local produce, wines and Tasmanian moody, mystical landscapes. It is truly heavens happen to align. craft beers, ciders and spirits. You can drift one of the world’s great wilderness salsalis.com.au away on the lake in a Pumphouse dinghy getaways. Architecturally stunning, a and explore hidden caves, or consider food and wine haven, a spa destination TASMANIA joining the Walk Into Luxury tour, a and gastronomic favourite, Saffire four-day small-group walking experience Freycinet has it all. Palate restaurant 49 based out of Pumphouse Point, which offers gourmet delights using produce starts and ends in Hobart, visiting Russell grown onsite, and multi-course PUMPHOUSE POINT Falls, the Western side of Mount Field degustation menus are matched with Lake St Clair National Park and alpine lakes before delicious local wines and designed arriving at Lake St Clair. around what is freshly sourced from Switch off, reconnect and restore. the fields and sea that very morning. Designed in 2017 by Jaws Architects, this pumphousepoint.com.au saffire-freycinet.com.au # 68 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

Stay I N L U X U R I O U S C O M F O R T A N D U N I Q U E S T Y L E 62 Byng Street Orange NSW 2800 P 02 5317 8200 | [email protected] W W W. B Y N G S T R E E T H O T E L . C O M . A U

BRAND PROMOTION 1 ADD TO CART 2 3 We’ve curated the ultimate gifts to treat yourself – or someone else 5 6 4 SCAN TO SHOP Shop now hardtofind.com.au 1. Ixxi ferns wall art, $59.95. 2. Sheer linen curtain panel in Perfect White, $218.90. 3. Succulent glass vase, $99.95. 4. Ceramic thermo mug, $79.95. 5. Fireglobe fire pit, $899. 6. Coat rack entryway organiser with mail holder in Oak, $168.73.

TRAVEL H G BRIGHT SPA RK For a little town, Bright is big on adventure and offers the perfect gateway to Victoria’s alpine region. STORY Elizabeth Wilson Elizabeth Wilson travelled to Bright courtesy of Big Sky Retreats. V ictoria’s High Country is a picturesque destination at any time From the moment we open the front door, we’re all smitten – not of year, but it has a special magic in the cooler months. And least because of the hamper of local produce waiting for us in the the tree-lined township of Bright, three-and-a-half hours’ ktichen. For the teenagers, the place is Insta heaven. The interiors drive north-west of Melbourne, is a perfect place to sample the wonders are modelled on North American-style mountain lodges and this of the region. Nestled in the Ovens Valley and encircled by the Victorian aesthetic runs through the home. The living spaces have cosy, luxe alps, it’s a town mapped out with European trees that are ablaze in log-cabin vibes with multiple areas for each member of the family – autumn and frame perfect views of snow-capped peaks in winter. or two families – to relax. There’s also an indoor gym. Outside, there’s a private plunge pool and a firepit with postcard-worthy views. To our Travelling as a family – two adults, two teenage daughters – our aim delight, a mob of resident kangaroos visits at dusk. was to find a country retreat that would serve as a base for outdoorsy activities, for a three-night stay. Big Sky Ridgeview, a sprawling Down the road, the town is Bright by name and nature. Located four-bedroom weatherboard home surrounded by bushland, on the Ovens River, it’s a heritage town with obvious natural assets delivered that – and more. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, it’s and an equally rich cultural life. The eateries are numerous and one of four local properties owned by Big Sky Retreats, a collective of sophisticated, with a strong focus on local produce and a Melbourne- family investors focused on creating family-friendly luxury getaways. style bar culture. The town is geared for outdoorsy endeavours, > AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 7

H G TRAVEL with cycling, hiking and kayaking all popular. This is a town famous for Photography by Elizabeth Wilson (interior and front facade) and courtesy of Bright and Surrounds (streetscape). its bike trails and the options range from flat-level tours of wineries and local producers through to serious adrenaline-pumping action at the mountain bike parks. There’s also the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, a 150 kilometre-long bike path built on former railway track. We choose a gentler option that takes in both the natural scenery and culinary rewards: we hire bikes and ride 8 kilometres along the river to the Wandiligong Hotel (aka the “Wandi pub”) for a delectable lunch on trestle tables under the trees. Highly recommended. Back at Ridgeview, there’s a range of post-cycling dial-up therapies on offer: personal training, yoga session or retreat massage, anyone? “Can we just stay here forever?” asks our 15 year old. I wish. # Big Sky Ridgeview sleeps up to 10. From $1000 per night (minimum 3-night stay); bigskyretreats.com.au. For more on Bright, go to visitbright.com.au. For cycling tours of wineries and local producers, go to alpinevalleygetaways.com.au. Eat, drink and be merry ● Reed & Co Tasty share plates in ● Tomahawks Amazing burgers an uber-cool bar setting. and other delicious fare. reedandcodistillery.com tomahawksbright.com.au ● Elm Dining Local produce- ● The Wandi Pub Excellent driven modern Australian cuisine lunches and dinners. And in a heritage 1857 cottage. you can cycle there! elmdining.com.au thewandipub.com ● Nightingale Bros The ● Feathertop Winery Home region’s best seasonal produce to 22 different varietals, in direct from the grower. the heart of alpine country. nightingalebros.com.au feathertopwinery.com.au ● Dr Mauve Bar & Lounge ● Bright Brewery Award-winning Asian-fusion share plates and ales and a destination in itself. cocktail bar. drmauve.com.au brightbrewery.com.au CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The spectacular mountain views of Big Sky Ridgeview. The streetscapes of Bright are postcard-pretty in autumn and spring. Ridgeview’s accommodation is luxe and welcoming. The car, courtesy of BMW, ensured an effortless 3.5-hour trip from Melbourne. Ridgeview’s interiors are modelled on US-style mountain lodges. 72 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN





T he Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) Gardens made a triumphant return to Carlton Gardens this year, following a two-year Covid-induced hiatus. And plant lovers turned out en masse to celebrate, with more than 100,000 people attending the five-day botanical extravaganza. As always, the biggest crowd-pleasers were the meticulously designed display gardens by a who’s who of garden designers from around the country, including a guest appearance by 2022 Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott. On the following pages, we showcase some of the medal-winning designs… PRODUCED BY Elizabeth Wilson & Tammy Huynh PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Griffiths MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

MIFGS 2022 Gold Medal and People’s Choice PA R A DISE FOU N D A favourite with the judges and crowds alike, this plant-filled wonderland created by landscape designer Robert Boyle, in collaboration with Warners Nurseries, won a Gold Medal and the People’s Choice award.

Text by Tammy Huynh. WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS GARDEN? A celebration of plants! We designed it as four outdoor rooms, each showcasing a different planting style: traditional parkland, Mediterranean, urban woodland and a food garden. While each zone was distinct, there were elements that linked and unified the design. An avenue of birch trees (Betula pendula) underplanted with a sea of soft pink Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sundae Fraise’ connected the rooms, while a strategically positioned arbour festooned in grapevines provided a viewing point of the garden. YOU NAMED THE GARDEN ‘MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS AT WORK? Plants enrich our lives; so much can be said about the immense benefits and uses of plants, but the undeniable fact is, we cannot live without them. Plants and gardens give us that bit of paradise, enriching our mind, body and soul. This garden invited people to explore its rooms, take the time to discover its subtleties, immerse their senses and realise it’s ‘More Than Meets The Eye’. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS YOU WANTED TO SHOWCASE? A rich, diverse plant palette was integral to the design; to celebrate their diversity and versatility in a landscape. The weathered paling fence along the boundary was installed to help the garden feel like an everyday suburban backyard. HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THIS KIND OF GARDEN? This garden was designed to be simple and achievable. There are a lot of little take-home ideas, like how to transform a paling fence into a feature or how an espaliered lemon tree is an efficient use of space. YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN? That’s too hard to answer. Every plant deserves its moment in the spotlight. It’s about enjoying what they have to offer, whether it changes with the seasons or an even shorter time frame. KEY MESSAGE? Gardens are life-changing. We’re all longing for a piece of paradise and gardens offer a place for our mind, body, and soul to feel grounded again. HOW DO YOU SEE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A GARDEN AND THE HOME? The house and landscape are inseparable. And they need to interrelate: there should be views to the garden and the house should feel part of the wider landscape. A late friend, architect Allan Powell, always said at the completion of a home, “Now, Robert, cover it up.” YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON GARDEN DESIGN? Gardening is a collaborative effort but the outcome is so much more than just a garden. A beautiful outdoor space encourages people to come together – family, friends, strangers – uniting to appreciate and respect the unbridled beauty of nature, particularly in this manufactured world we live in. > Boyle Landscape; boylelandscape.com.au. Warners Nurseries; warners.com.au. TOP Landscape designer Robert Boyle in front of his show garden ‘More Than Meets The Eye’, encircled by massed Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sundae Fraise’: the flowerheads turn from whisper pink to a deeper, dusky rose the longer they are in bloom. ABOVE A gravel pathway and seating nook is flanked by clipped spheres of Teucrium and box, a cloud-pruned olive tree and square-topped pencil pines. Groundcovers include lamb’s ear and Teucrium, with pops of colour from salvia and agapanthus. OPPOSITE An avenue of birch trees (Betula pendula) underplanted with Hydrangea paniculata ‘Sundae Fraise’ formed the central axis of the design while an arbour festooned in grapevines provided a viewing point of the garden. The purple-flowering shrub is Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’; in the background is the borrowed landscape of Melbourne’s Carlton Gardens. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 77

MIFGS 2022 Gold Medal and Best in Show SERENIT Y NOW Awarded a Gold Medal and Best in Show, Christian Jenkins’ tropical sanctuary – complete with mirror-surfaced lagoon – evoked a heavenly haven, promoting stillness amid the chaos.

Text by Tammy Huynh. WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS GARDEN? I wanted to design a tropical oasis, but one that is completely functional. At the rear is a Polynesian-inspired pavilion, which acts as an outdoor living area overlooking a lagoon. To one side of the pavilion is an outdoor kitchen; to the other side is a sunken seating area complete with a fire bowl. The planting palette is mostly soft, large-leaved, tropical-style greenery punctuated with the bold architectural details of dragon trees (Dracaena draco) and Chinese fan palms (Livistona chinensis). YOU NAMED YOUR GARDEN ‘INNER CALM’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS BEHIND IT? The recent world events have taken a toll on us all. It’s changed how we live, function and communicate. I designed ‘Inner Calm’ to promote the idea that gardens are spaces to bring people together, where they can relax and reconnect in the surrounds of a tranquil environment. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS YOU WANTED TO SHOWCASE? The Chinese fan palms – there are 11 of them at varying heights. They have such a presence in the garden, with their crown of sculptural foliage atop short, hairy trunks. And the two dragon trees – they provide drama and are arguably one of the most architecturally bold plants you could use in a garden. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN AND WHY? It’s unfair to have a competition between the Chinese fan palm and dragon trees. All plants in the design are here on their own merit, so I can’t play favourites. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE? Spend more time in a garden – that’s it. Immerse your hands in the soil. Can you get any more grounded than putting your hands in soil? YOUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE GO-TO PLANT AND WHY? It’s hard to choose, but let’s say there’s a top five: Chinese fan palm, dragon tree, bromeliad, cycad and Japanese maple. Plants with architecturally striking features are always a drawcard. HOW DO YOU SEE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A GARDEN AND THE HOME? There has to be a connection. Internal courtyards are the best thing you can include in a design, but if that’s not possible, at least a window looking out onto the garden. YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON GARDEN DESIGN? It’s about wellness. The garden provides a space where you can recharge and reconnect with yourself (or others). But ultimately, it still should be functional – you should be able to walk in it and have a place to sit. > Christian Jenkins Landscape Design; christianjenkins.com.au. TOP RIGHT Christian Jenkins stands at the entrance to his show garden ‘Inner Calm’. Two antique carved-stone elephants sourced from Bali stand guard. RIGHT The palette of tropical foliage plants included Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, red-flowering firespike (Odontonema tubaeforme) and lomandra. OPPOSITE Giant dragon trees and Chinese fan palms were just two of the wonders in this garden, which also featured a limestone walkway interplanted with kidney weed (Dichondra repens), a black-tinted lagoon, a Polynesian-style pavilion lined with wallpaper and antique stone carvings. Outdoor furniture, Satara. Wallpaper, Grafico. Pots, Martin Kellock Pots & Planters. Pendant light, Red Socks Design. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 79

MIFGS 2022 Silver Medal WELL PLAYED Australian of the Year and tennis champion Dylan Alcott collaborated with Carolyn and Joby Blackman from Vivid Design to produce a garden that celebrates inclusion.

Text by Elizabeth Wilson. WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS GARDEN? Dylan Alcott: We wanted to show that designing an outdoor space with accessibility and inclusion in mind – when done from the outset – is actually sexy and cool. Looking at this garden you wouldn’t even know it includes a lot of different accessibility features. Carolyn Blackman: Dylan said he wanted to create a garden that looked like a space where he could have beers with his mates. He didn’t want it to look like a ‘disability space’. Everything in this garden is accessibility compliant, but it’s not obvious. YOU NAMED THE GARDEN ‘TRAMLINES’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS DRIVING THAT? CB: We named it ‘Tramlines’ because that is the nickname given to the sidelines of a tennis court – so it’s a reference to Dylan’s career in sport, but we didn’t want it to be too contrived or overt. Joby designed the white pergola structure as an abstract representation of a tennis court. It was in keeping with Dylan’s request for a funky space. We factored in lots of seating because meeting everyone at eye level is really important for inclusivity: it’s much better than having everybody standing and one person in a wheelchair – that’s an awkward dynamic. There are armrests in the raised garden beds – that was Dylan’s suggestion – so people in wheelchairs can swing out of their chairs and sit on the wall if they choose. For vision-impaired people, we included sensory plants – plants that are beautiful to touch and smell – and stripes on the raised planter boxes for high-contrast corner references. There was also a crunchy gravel skirt around the firepit to create an auditory safety cue for visually impaired people. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS SHOWCASED? DA: I love native plants – bloody oath. I’m very proud to be Australian and it was important to me to have natives in the garden. It was also vital to include yellow flowers because, for visually impaired people, yellow is the last colour they register. CB: We filled the beds with beautiful Australian plants you could touch and feel. To bring yellow into the scheme, we planted yellow kangaroo paws. The firepit is 400 millimetres higher than it would be in a standard garden: at that height, people in wheelchairs can toast marshmallows, pop the wood in safely and scoop out the ashes. KEY MESSAGE? DA: This design shows that when you factor in accessibility from the outset, it’s cheaper, it’s inclusive and it looks cool – you don’t even notice it. Retrofitting is expensive and looks like an afterthought. Good accessibility helps everyone, not just people with a disability. It makes everybody’s life easier. IS GARDENING PART OF YOUR LIFE? DA: It is now! I finally have a garden. It’s the first garden I’ve ever had in my whole life. My girlfriend Chantelle and I got it installed last October. We have a tiny pool and a small selection of plants. We weren’t originally green thumbs but we’re trying our best. > Vivid Design; vividdesign.com.au. Dylan Alcott Foundation; dylanalcottfoundation.com.au. Get Skilled Access; getskilledaccess.com.au. TOP RIGHT Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott (right), with garden designers Joby and Carolyn Blackman. RIGHT The firepit and conversation area was designed for wheelchair access and useability. OPPOSITE Wide paths, generous circulation space, abundant seating and discreet handrails featured in the garden. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 8

MIFGS 2022 Silver Medal WHAT LIES BEYOND With an intriguing ‘portal’ as its centrepiece, this garden by Vivid Design explored the contrasts of light and shade, social and private, and open versus protected spaces.

Text by Elizabeth Wilson. WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THIS GARDEN? Carolyn Blackman: We wanted it to be a plant-driven design where the plants aren’t just about adding greenery or softening the architecture – they are an architectural inclusion in the composition. To convey this idea of ‘green built form’, we featured an espaliered olive on a 5.4x2.7-metre frame [designed by Vivid Design, built by Semken Landscaping and developed over three-and-a-half years by Merrywood Plants]. We cut a portal in the middle and this formed a living, sculptural centrepiece in the garden. To this, we added canopy trees, masses of evergreen foliage plants, whimsical grasses, romantic flowering classics and open lawn. YOU NAMED THE GARDEN ‘APERTURA’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS DRIVING IT? ‘Apertura’ is Latin for opening. The most evocative gardens, the most memorable ones, are those that have a sense of mystery, a ‘what lies beyond’ quality. We wanted to explore that notion. We also wanted to highlight the importance of manipulating light throughout the seasons. The front of the garden was more open, lively, light and sunny; beyond the aperture, it was shadier, more immersive and lush. It was an interplay between open, social spaces and cocooning, private spaces. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS SHOWCASED? The espaliered olive drove everything, from the proportions of the pergola to the paving lines which ran to the centre of the opening. We also love showcasing classic materials – bluestone and recycled local red bricks. We’ve been drawn to the same palette for our whole career, since before they were trendy. HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THIS IDEA IN A REGULAR SUBURBAN GARDEN? Easy. Olives love being espaliered. Sunny wall and away you go – you just have to wait five years! All the plants we used here are pretty easy to grow, and the important concept was that plants don’t only belong along the boundaries. YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN? The vertical grasses (Miscanthus sinensis). I love the way they bring height, intimacy, balance and drama to the garden without bulk or blocking. KEY MESSAGE? Plants are king. WHAT DO GARDENS BRING TO OUR LIVES? Connecting with nature through our gardens makes people’s lives better and promotes wellness in very real ways: activity and movement, exercise, drinking tea in the sun, reading a book in the shade. Everything that is good in the world. YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON GARDEN DESIGN? Creating spaces where people can relax and come together has always been our prime goal: in a post-Covid world, these spaces are critical. It’s also important to design for all seasons, designing gardens that embrace light and warmth in winter while providing canopies of natural shade and ever-changing dappled light in summer. > Vivid Design; vividdesign.com.au. FROM TOP Carolyn and Joby Blackman of Vivid Design. The pergola was designed with views across the lawn to undulating garden beds; in the foreground, a crepe myrtle tree (Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’) is underplanted with Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’ and Sedum ‘Matrona’. The plantings at the front were “lively and light-loving”, says Carolyn; species include Buxus japonica (clipped into spheres to echo the circular aperture), Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’, Mexican lily (Beschorneria yuccoides), Sedum ‘Matrona’ and Ceratostigma plumbaginoides. OPPOSITE The ‘portal’ in the espaliered olive was designed as a living sculpture: through the opening is Japanese elm (Zelkova serrata). Rosemary cascades over the retaining wall, while Agastache ‘Blue Boa’, Buxus japonica and Stachys by antina ‘Big Ears’ is planted at the base. Paving is bluestone and recycled brick. Furniture, GlobeWest. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 83

MIFGS 2022 Silver Gilt Medal MOTHER’S WA Y Designer Mark Browning drew on very personal experience in his creation, paying tribute to his late mother and her eclectic, experimental style of gardening.

Text by Elizabeth Wilson. WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THE GARDEN? This garden was in memory of my mother, Audrey, who died four years ago with Alzheimer’s. Mum was a mad keen gardener – not necessarily a good one, but super keen. I wanted to create an organic garden that felt like my childhood backyard in Syndal [in outer Melbourne]. Our backyard had a creek going through it and every time we had a downpour, something would change. THE GARDEN WAS NAMED ‘AUD’ IN HONOUR OF YOUR MUM. HOW DID IT REFLECT HER? The eclectic nature of the garden reflects Mum’s planting style. Her garden had a mismatched quality to it. She would plant rhododendrons with begonias and gardenias – no plan, just whatever she liked. She loved ferns. I think she went to the nursery at least twice a week. I also deliberately made the garden difficult to view because my mother was a very private gardener. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS SHOWCASED? The incredible basalt stone from Bamstone – it comes out of Port Fairy in Victoria’s Western District. I used it for the stepping stones and the flooring of the pergola. I also love the wall of chainmail mesh used on the pergola: it’s polycarbonate with a copper finish and it works beautifully as a screening material. Plant-wise, I used some species that are new to Australia, such as Distylium ‘Vintage Jade’, which is an evergreen shrub and seems pretty bulletproof, like Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’. Another one is Pseudopanix ‘Cyril Watson’, an evergreen with lush, lobed leaves and looks prehistoric. It suits the quirkiness of my mother. KEY MESSAGE? It’s about having passion both for your garden and the garden centre you love. My mum would go to the same nursery weekly and buy plants she liked the look of. She’d always find a spot for them. That’s how I designed this show garden – a homage to passion, not necessarily horticulture. HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THIS KIND OF GARDEN? Totally. Having some funds, a great local nursery and a wild spirit is all it takes. Lots of love and talking to the plants also helps. I can still hear my mum having conversations with her plants, urging them on. YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN? The Sambucus nigra ‘Black Beauty’. It’s like a super-soft Japanese maple in full autumn glory all the time. ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PLANT? I love ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba); the fan-shaped leaf is so beautiful. They’re so adaptable and you can grow them in all climates. And I adore dragon trees (Dracaena draco) – they’re living sculptures. WHAT DO GARDENS BRING TO OUR LIVES? Gardens give us an opportunity to stop and take a breath. They create a microcosm, a micro environment. I’m a big one for planting more trees; they are the solution for avoiding urban heat islands. And I’m a fan of deciduous trees – it’s uplifting to see seasonal change. > Mark Browning Landscape Design; markbrowning.com.au. TOP Landscape designer Mark Browning paid homage to his “mad keen” gardener mother, Audrey, by featuring newly released and never-before- seen plants – including Distylium ‘Vintage Jade’ at his feet and, behind him, a new crabapple, Malus ‘Strawberry Pear’, both from Fleming’s Nurseries. ABOVE Replicating elements of Mark’s childhood backyard, stepping stones reach through an eclectic plant palette. OPPOSITE Russet-coloured foliage of smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’), weeping Japanese maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Atropurpureum’) and the very rare Villa Taranto Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Villa Taranto’) echo the tones of the timber pergola and copper-finished polycarbonate chainmail screen. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 85

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MIFGS 2022 Bronze Medal A NEW LEAF A flame-coloured tree was the focal point of landscape designer Inge Jabara’s symbolic and plant-infused garden, themed around moving forward and flourishing again. AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 87

YOUR VISION FOR THE GARDEN? It was a reflection piece Text by Tammy Huynh. on the last two years of this pandemic. I wanted each element to be visually appealing, but also highly symbolic. In the background, I positioned a single bench chair resting on a bed of gravel, with a trio of Corten steel arches framing the outside world. Beyond the arches, the ground surface transformed into cobblestones with outdoor furniture pieces selected to facilitate connection and conversation. The feature tree, Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’, provided seasonal interest and echoed the overall theme: after losing leaves and going into a period of darkness, rebirth and renewal awaits in spring. YOU CALLED THE GARDEN ‘GRANUM FLORERE’. WHAT WERE THE IDEAS DRIVING THE DESIGN? It’s a representation of how I personally felt and what I observed others feeling. ‘Granum’ is Latin for grain or seed and ‘florere’ means flourish. The design was intended as an embodiment of the negative emotions and struggles, but also the strength and growth as we move forward. KEY PLANTS AND MATERIALS SHOWCASED? The inclusion of large rocks was important. Two boulders are positioned in opposing corners as a display of strength and resilience. The plant palette is quite autumnal. The feature Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’, elevates the space, a hedge of Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’ frames it, and drifts of feathery Miscanthus sinensis and Loropetalum ‘Purple Prince’ add softness and movement. HOW ACHIEVABLE IS THIS KIND OF GARDEN? Extremely achievable. There are plenty of simple elements – like the cobblestone paving, arbour and planting scheme – that can be easily translated into a small courtyard. YOUR FAVOURITE PLANT IN THIS DESIGN? Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’. It’s an extremely hardy tree that holds its gorgeous russet-toned foliage for 6-7 weeks, unlike most deciduous trees, which drop their leaves at one breath of wind. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE? Gardening is easy. Just get out there and do it – it’s as simple as picking up a couple of planter boxes, some soil and choosing some plants. Experiment with what you like, but work within your limitations. Don’t choose plants that require regular maintenance if you can’t tend to your garden often. ALL-TIME FAVOURITE GO-TO PLANT? Miscanthus sinensis is the best plant in the world. It’s included in almost all my designs because it offers movement. With just a breath of wind, it sways and elevates the space. WORDS OF GARDENING WISDOM? Look at how much time you can dedicate to the garden and work within your limitations. Having a large garden doesn’t mean you need to fill every corner with plants – the upkeep is physically demanding! Everyone has limitations. Simply acknowledge them and create a landscape that suits your needs and lifestyle. # Inge Jabara Landscapes; ingejabaralandscapes.com.au. TOP Designer Inge Jabara. LEFT The fiery-leafed Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’ with Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’ and white- flowering oleander in the background. PREVIOUS PAGE The rust colour of a Corten steel arbour was echoed in the planting scheme, including the golden flowering heads of Miscanthus sinensis and red tones of Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’. Outdoor furniture, Provincial Home Living. LED lighting, Gardens at Night. 88 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

ARE YOUR LIGHTS TURNED ON BY USED TYRES? MAKE A CHOICE THAT SUPPORTS If not discarded properly, your SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES WHEN The next time you need new old tyres can have a massive YOU REPLACE YOUR USED TYRES tyres, choose the tyre brands environmental impact. Luckily, that are contributing to find Tyre Stewardship Australia is sustainable solutions from the committed to finding new uses for your old tyres, like tyre retailers who are committed to responsibly disposing turning them into roads, pavements and light fittings. of your old tyres. By doing this, you can help light the way. For a complete list of TSA Accredited tyre brands and tyre retailers, visit mytyresmychoice.com.au Photo: Made locally from Australian recycled car tyres, TSA’s objective is to develop the Brutalis linear pendant light by Acustico Lighting new markets for Australia’s used (www.acusticolighting.com), is designed to absorb tyres and ensure that they do noise while beautifully illuminating a workspace, not cause environmental or kitchen bench or hospitality space. social harm.

WHERE TO BUY Locate your nearest stockist by contacting the following suppliers. A Abey 1800 809 143; abey.com.au Caroma 131 416; caroma.com.au Fisher & Paykel 1300 650 590; Jardan (03) 8581 4988; Adairs 1300 783 005; CDK Stone (03) 8552 6000; fisherpaykel.com.au jardan.com.au adairs.com.au cdkstone.com.au Floorspace (03) 9882 2477; JD Lee Furniture jdleefurniture.com Aeria Country Floors 0413 841 590; www.floorspace.com.au aeria.com.au Central Coast Granite Freedom 1300 135 588; Jerico Contemporary (02) 4324 2930; freedom.com.au (02) 9380 6524; AHW Georgia Ezra centralcoastgranite.com www.jericocontemporary.com ahwgeorgiaezra.com Coco Republic 1300 000 220; Freestyle Joinery Jetmaster 1300 538 627; Andi-Co 1800 685 899; cocorepublic.com.au www.freestylejoinery.com.au jetmaster.com.au www.andico.com.au Fyber 1800 239 237; K Kazari+Ziguzagu (03) 9510 2528; Anibou (02) 9319 0655; Coton Collective fyber.com.au kazari.com.au anibou.com.au cotoncollective.bigcartel.com G Gap Joinery (08) 8250 6552; Kelly Wearstler kellywearstler.com Cult Design 1300 768 626; www.gapjoinery.com.au Kethy (02) 9542 4991; kethy.com.au Anthropologie cultdesign.com.au Ke-zu (02) 9669 1788; kezu.com.au www.anthropologie.com Cultiver cultiver.com Garbo&Friends King 1300 546 438; Apex Stone (03) 9360 0133; Curatorial+Co curatorialandco.com www.garboandfriends.com kingliving.com.au www.apexstone.com.au Cutek www.cutek.com.au Garden Life (02) 9517 3633; Kmart 1800 634 251; kmart.com.au Armadillo (02) 9698 4043; gardenlife.com.au Kristina Dam Studio kristinadam.dk armadillo-co.com D Debonair Curtains & Blinds Georg Jensen 1800 536 736; L L&M Home (03) 9419 6800; Articolo Lighting (03) 8595 8011; debonaircurtainsandblinds.com.au georgjensen.com.au lmhome.com.au articololighting.com Delta Design (02) 9999 1310; Gitani Stone (02) 9838 8880; Laal (03) 8692 0024; laal.com.au Astra Walker (02) 8838 5100; @delta_designs_joinery www.gitanistone.com Laminex 132 136; laminex.com.au astrawalker.com.au Glendyne www.glendyne.com Laura Kincade (02) 9667 4415; Avant Stone (02) 9817 0037; Designer Doorware GlobeWest (03) 9518 1600; laurakincade.com avantstone.com.au (03) 9300 8888; globewest.com.au Les Interieurs (02) 9380 4975; B Baina shopbaina.com designerdoorware.com.au lesinterieurs.com.au Barefoot Living (02) 9976 6324; Di Lorenzo Tiles dilorenzo.com.au H Hale Mercantile Co Libeco www.libeco.com barefootliving.com.au Dinosaur Designs (02) 9698 3500; halemercantilecolinen.com Becker Minty (02) 8356 9999; dinosaurdesigns.com.au Hali 1300 131 120; hali.com.au Libertine Parfumerie beckerminty.com Divine Designs (02) 9905 9944; Hardtofind hardtofind.com.au (03) 9661 1258; Belfast Sinks 1800 111 566; www.divinedesigns.com.au Harrods www.harrods.com www.libertineparfumerie.com.au belfastsinks.com.au Dulux 132 525; dulux.com.au Harvey Norman 1300 464 278; Life Interiors (03) 9005 8303; Bemboka (02) 9360 1224; E Eadie Lifestyle (02) 4969 8998; harveynorman.com.au lifeinteriors.com.au bemboka.com eadielifestyle.com.au Hay (02) 9358 0855; Living by Design (08) 8399 1250; Bisque Traders (02) 6658 0699; hayshop.com.au livingbydesign.net.au www.bisquetraders.com.au Eclectic Boogaloo Haymes Paint 1800 033 431; Lo & Co (02) 9071 0020; Briggs Veneers (02) 9732 7888; www.eclecticboogaloo.com.au haymespaint.com.au loandcointeriors.co.au www.briggs.com.au Eco Outdoor 1300 131 413; Horgans (02) 9557 7800; Loewe www.loewe.com Brodware (02) 9421 8200; ecooutdoor.com.au horgans.com.au brodware.com.au Electrolux electrolux.com.au I I Love Linen 1300 859 773; Lucy Montgomery Bunnings (03) 8831 9777; Elso Collective elsocollective.com.au ilovelinen.com.au lucymontgomery.com bunnings.com.au En Gold engold.com.au Ikea (02) 8020 6641; LuMu Interiors 0427 427 752; Escea 1800 730 140; escea.com ikea.com.au lumuinteriors.com Business & Pleasure Co Euroluce (02) 9356 9900; Ilve 1300 694 583; ilve.com.au businessandpleasureco.com euroluce.com.au Lydie du Bray Antiques C Caesarstone 1300 119 119; F Fanuli (02) 9908 2660; In Vogue Kitchens & Joinery (02) 4872 2844; caesarstone.com.au fanuli.com.au www.invoguekitchens.com.au lydiedubrayantiques.com.au Feast Watson 1800 252 502; Island Luxe @islandluxeofficial M Maison Balzac 1300 342 662; Calce Company www.feastwatson.com.au J Jade Upholstery (02) 9418 6400; www.maisonbalzac.com www.calcecompany.com Fenton & Fenton (03) 9533 2323; www.jadeupholstery.com.au Maison et Jardin (02) 9362 8583; Candana (02) 9389 8631; fentonandfenton.com.au www.maisonetjardin.com.au candana.com.au Few & Far (02) 4441 8244; James Dunlop Textiles Malawi Cane malawicane.com.au fewandfar.com.au jamesdunloptextiles.com

STOCKISTS H G Marable (02) 9666 7772; Orient House (02) 9660 3895; Schots Home Emporium The Wood Room (02) 9970 8480; www.marable.com.au orienthouse.com.au schots.com.au thewoodroom.com.au MCM House 1300 997 975; Sheridan 1800 625 516; These Walls thesewalls.com.au mcmhouse.com Original Parasol Co sheridan.com.au Thonet 1800 800 777; thonet.com.au www.originalparasolco.com Simple Studio (02) 9557 4322; Tigmi Trading 0418 602 231; Michael Reid Northern Beaches Oski+Lottie oskiandlottie.com.au simplestudio.com.au tigmitrading.com (02) 8353 3505; P Palmer & Penn (02) 9328 4800; Smartstone 1300 888 607; Tiles by Kate (02) 9949 4300; michaelreidnorthernbeaches.com.au www.palmerandpenn.com.au smartstone.com.au tilesbykate.com.au Miele 1300 464 353; Pickawall 1300 567 877; SNB Stone (02) 9793 2001; shop.miele.com.au pickawall.com.au snb-stone.com Tongue N Groove Flooring Milk & Sugar (03) 9338 1955; Space (02) 8339 7588; (02) 9699 1131; tngflooring.com.au milkandsugar.com.au Platinum Glass spacefurniture.com.au Trit House www.trithouse.com.au Milligram milligram.com platinumglassandglazing.com.au Mineral Fox www.mineralfox.com.au Polite Society polite-society.com.au Spartan Electrical V Vintage Art Emporium Morganstok www.morganstok.es Pond (02) 9969 5800; spartanelectrical.com.au www.vintageartemporium.com www.pond-pond.com Spence & Lyda (02) 9212 6747; Vola www.bathroomx.com.au Mother of Pearl & Sons Trading Porter’s Paints 1800 656 664; spenceandlyda.com.au (02) 8332 6999; motherofpearl.com porterspaints.com Surface Gallery (02) 9566 2002; W Wallpaper Direct Mud Australia (02) 9569 8181; Precision Flooring (02) 9690 0991; surfacegallery.com.au wallpaperdirect.com mudaustralia.com www.precisionflooring.com.au Surrounding (03) 9005 6253; Warranbrooke (03) 9763 1923; Myer 1800 811 611; myer.com.au Provincial Home Living 1300 732 surrounding.com.au www.warranbrooke.com.au N National Tiles 1300 733 000; 258; provincialhomeliving.com.au Warwick Fabrics 1300 787 888; www.nationaltiles.com.au R Reece 1800 032 566; Sydney Tap and Bathroomware warwick.com.au New Age Veneers (02) 9457 9622; reece.com.au (02) 9550 4628; Water Tiger watertiger.com.au newageveneers.com.au Resene 1800 738 383; sydneybathroomware.com.au West Elm 1800 239 516; resene.com.au westelm.com.au Nightworks Studio Sydney Tile Gallery Wills Furniture (03) 9815 0111; www.nightworksstudio.com Restoration Online www.sydneytilegallery.com.au www.willsfurniture.com.au Noble Elements (02) 8057 5707; www.restorationonline.com.au Winning Appliances 1300 050 050; www.nobleelements.com.au T Tara Dennis Store winningappliances.com.au Nooshy Design www.nooshy.com.au Robert Gordon Australia taradennisstore.com WK Stone (02) 9772 9888; Norm Architects normcph.com robertgordonaustralia.com Teranova (02) 9386 0063; wk.com.au Nuevue (02) 9300 8830; teranova.com.au Woodcut (02) 9319 6050; www.nuevue.com.au Routleys Bathroom Kitchen woodcut.com.au Nu Space Joinery (02) 9386 4542; Laundry (08) 8291 3000; Tessellated Tile Factory WorldStone (02) 9363 3513; www.nu-space.com.au www.routleysonline.com.au (02) 8964 3430; www.worldstone.com.au Nutech Paint (02) 9638 7089; Royal Oak Floors (03) 9826 3611; tessellatedtilefactory.com.au X Xavier Furniture (07) 3806 5370; nutechpaint.com.au royaloakfloors.com.au xavierfurniture.com.au O Oliveri (08) 8348 6444; Rudi Rocket @rudirocket The Balcony Garden Z Zanui 1300 668 317; zanui.com.au oliveri.com.au Rue de France ruedefrance.com.au thebalconygarden.com.au Zepel Fabrics 1800 651 510; Ondene (02) 9362 1734; S Saardé saarde.com zepelfabrics.com ondene.com Samarkand Gallery sgrugs.com.au The English Tapware Company Zip 1800 947 827; zipwater.com Samsung 1300 362 603; 1300 016 181; englishtapware.com.au samsung.com.au The Natural Floorcovering Centres (02) 9516 5726; naturalfloor.com.au The Society Inc thesocietyinc.com.au PRIVACY NOTICE This issue of Australian House & Garden magazine is published by Are Media Pty Ltd. 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H G THE CREATIVE TYPE Stephanie Kelly Gordine The director of the Sydney and Melbourne A ordable Art Fairs is driven by a passion for art and the desire to make it accessible for all. PHOTOGRAPHY Prue Ruscoe 94 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

“I’ve always been a culture vulture. Museums, the theatre and art galleries are my happy places.” Hair & make-up by Kelly Tapp. Emily Persson and Johnny K artworks reproduced courtesy of Wentworth Galleries. Home is wherever you hang your art. My We are so lucky to have a strong community STEPHANIE’S husband and I have moved houses and countries more times than I can count, but of galleries and artists here in Australia. I am FAVOURITE THINGS within the first 24 hours in a new place, we currently coveting the work of two landscape always hang our art to make it feel like a home. painters: Johnny K, who specialises in striking A Dry Summer artwork by Our collection tells the story of our journey and quite romantic depictions of Australian Emily Persson. Educated book together and the different countries, artists scenes, and Emily Persson, who portrays more by Tara Westover. Design #1, and galleries we have met along the way. traditional ones. Travel, too, is endlessly inspiring. London is Edition 1 chair, Revology. I’ve dabbled in different art forms, but my possibly my favourite city. At our annual You Are Breathtaking artwork conference I always take a few days to visit skills lie in promoting art rather than making it. museums, theatres and galleries. The vast by Johnny K. array of culture on offer in London provides Every day my passion for the industry grows food for thought when planning the next fair. and I am amazed by the different ways in which artists can make you see the world differently. Juggling three children and working across I bought my first artwork at the Affordable multiple time ones feels like a circus Art Fair London in 2012. My husband and performance. Some days I’m a trapeze artist I were planning our wedding and I saw the who glides with ease from meetings to school Affordable Art Fair was launching. I emailed pickup and late night video calls. Other days, the organisers to enquire about wedding I feel like I’m dropping balls and tripping over registries and ended up landing my dream things like a clown. I’ve set some big personal job and finding an incredible artwork (as well and professional goals this year so I try to start as getting hitched!). In 2019, I moved to each day by ‘eating the elephant’. That is, Australia to launch Affordable Art Fair in breaking down bigger tasks into smaller ones, Melbourne and I’m delighted to now be and prioritising them by deadline before I get bringing the fair to Sydney. lost in my emails. I love helping people fall in love with art. Over the last 10 years, I have helped more than After years of nomadic living and flatpack 12,000 artworks find happy homes. My advice for novice art collectors is don’t be furniture, I am now focused on buying legacy afraid to immerse yourself in the art world. Galleries may seem intimidating but their pieces that are either vintage or sustainably raison d’être is to share the artworks. Trust your made. One of my favourites pieces at the instinct but beware – buying art is addictive! moment is a Design #1, Edition 1 chair by New Zealand firm, Revology. It’s made from 100% The Sydney Affordable Art Fair showcases recyclable and sustainably sourced materials. thousands of artworks from 35 galleries across I’m currently reading Educated by Tara Westover. Australia and around the world. It’s a great It’s a story of resilience and the determination of place to discover new creatives and buy all a woman who achieved a PhD after no formal kinds of art, from photography and limited- education. After two years of homeschooling edition prints to oil paintings and watercolours my children, it really resonated. to life-size sculptures. There’s something to suit My dream project? I want to shine a spotlight every taste, space and budget. on artists who work on the edges, and the The aim of the Fair is to help people discover the charities supporting them. At the Sydney Fair, joy of collecting art, which springboards artists’ we are working with Studio A which will exhibit careers and gives galleries a boost too. Since a selection of works from their exceptional its launch in London in 1999, over 2.8 million artists who have intellectual disabilities. When people have visited an Affordable Art Fair with the Fair returns to Melbourne in spring, we will a staggering 538,000 artworks sold, valued be working with The Torch, a not-for-profit at more than $740 million. agency that showcases an incredible selection of works by Indigenous artists currently in or Our Young Talent program features five recently released from prison. Our charity partnerships provide opportunities for emerging artists and is always a collector’s unrepresented artists to exhibit and sell their works, and charities to grow and build their favourite. Hand-picked, the Sydney Fair’s networks and fulfill their greater purpose. # Young Talent line-up includes Daniel Bodey and Giorgia McRae, who are recent graduates Affordable Art Fair Sydney, June 2-5, of the National Art School, as well as Gabrielle Penfold, Maya Barnstone and Cat Yenn, who Royal Randwick Racecourse, Randwick. are all exceptional painters. For more, go to affordableartfair.com. OPPOSITE Stephanie at Harvey Galleries, one of the galleries taking part in Affordable Art Fair Sydney. Empty Interior, Europe by Bernard Ollis (left) and Nuytsai and the Lemon Tree by Anita West.