Live, work and play in this stylish Tassie property

There’s nothing standard about this gracious property in Tasmania’s East Launceston that has just hit the market. From the staggered steps leading past an outdoor spa to the front door to the stylish, light-filled interiors and grand master bedroom suite, everything about this three-bedroom home at 48 Mary Street East Launceston has been considered.

Last sold in 2017 for $615,000, it is now on the market for more than twice that price, a reflection of soaring property values across Tasmania. While this property sits well above the Launceston median house price of $770,000, it offers considerable lifestyle benefits, including multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, two bathrooms and parking for five cars set across 1096sqm.

Designed with a yin-yang floorplan, the two living areas either side of the reception foyer face onto the front veranda. The well-appointed Shaker-style kitchen is finished in black and white – the predominant colour scheme for the house – and leads directly onto the dining area, which is positioned below three raked skylight windows. An additional door to the kitchen leads onto a leafy deck at the rear, providing easy access to a separate laundry and home office.

Perhaps the real showstopper for this property, however, is the master bedroom suite, which includes a spacious ensuite with double shower and vanities off the bedroom. This then leads onto a large, well-lit dressing room, with purpose-built storage for shoes and clothing and glass fronted cabinetry.

The second bedroom overlooking the rear courtyard and deck also includes a dressing room, while bedroom three has a walk-in robe. These additional bedrooms are serviced by a stylish family bathroom complete with freestanding bath as well as double shower and vanities.

Address: 48 Mary Street, East Launceston

Inspection: By appointment

For sale: Offers Over $1,975,000

Agents: Eric Anderson 0412 625 070 and Georgena Fragoulis 03 6333 3600, The Agency, theagency.com.au

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

Live, work and play in this stylish Tassie property

The master bedroom suite in this monochromatic home is a showstopper

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.