Prestige Property: 43 Franklin Road, Portsea, VIC
An expansive pile near Portsea’s best.
< 1 min
Set within serene established gardens over 3725sqm comes this lovingly maintained family estate on the doorstep of Portsea’s scenic village, foreshore, and pier.
Inside the 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 3-car garage residence is two separate wings with multiple formal and informal living areas that envelope the central poolside entertaining zone.
Here, a picture window frames the open living and dining room whilst the formal living area and dining room with open fireplace is adjacent to a timber panelled bar room complete with leafy green outlooks.
Designed for effortless entertaining the deluxe kitchen is a salient figure in the home – seamlessly connecting to the outdoors where the sun-drenched entertaining area offers space to relax overlooking the solar-heated swimming pool and championship sized tennis court.
Of the accommodation, two master suites flank the central living zones – each with ensuite and walk-through dressing rooms. A further three bedrooms, each of which arriving with ensuite complete the accommodation.
Elsewhere the home offers a carport for three cars, while the gardens feature built-in irrigation.
The listing is with The Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty’s Rob Curtain (+61 418 310 870) or $8-$8.8 million; melbournesothebysrealty.com
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There’s no shortage of design inspiration online but nothing beats the joy of spending an afternoon immersing yourself in a good interior design book. Edited, carefully curated and, above all, designed, these titles take you behind the scenes of some of the world’s most beautiful interiors in a considered way. Think of it like the difference between listening to a few tunes on Spotify versus releasing a thoughtfully crafted studio album. We’ve assembled our top six of interior design books on the market right now for your viewing and reading pleasure.
1. Interiors beyond the primary palette
Step inside the world of award-winning interior design duo Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke in this, their first compendium of their work. A ‘best of’ over more than 15 years working together, it’s a masterclass in working with colour and pattern as seen through 18 projects from around the country. With a focus on the idea of home as sanctuary, this hefty tome offers insight into the mind of the designer with points on where to find inspiration, meeting client briefs and the importance of relationships. Thames & Hudson, $120
2 House of Joy
If there was ever a book title for our times, then this is it. With a subtitle of Playful Homes and Cheerful Living, this book champions fun in interior design, with bold and bright homes from around the world to delight and inspire. While there’s a good dose of the unexpected, like a disco ball in the garden, there’s no mayhem in these spaces. Instead, they’re beautifully executed to tempt even the most colour shy. Gestalten, $105
3. Abigail Ahern Masterclass
Some design books are beautiful to look at, and that’s it. This is not one of those books. A master of colour and pattern, UK designer Ahern offers a practical foundational guide to beautiful interiors, mixing form with function in her latest book, Masterclass. Find the inspiration you need to create a gorgeous home. HarperCollins, $65
4. Interiors Now!
Looking for a visual crash course in international design trends with longevity? This is the book for you. Featuring homes across the globe, from New York to Auckland via Avignon, the biggest dilemma for readers is settling on a style. Many of the projects are owned by designers and creatives, lending a dynamic edge to this tome, now in its 40th year. Taschen, $50
5. Home by the Sea
For many Australians, the ocean holds an almost hypnotic appeal. Home by the Sea by Natalie Walton lets you imagine, for a little while at least, what it’s like living the dream in a beach shack in Byron Bay. The book tours 18 homes in and around the region and the hinterland owned by artists, designers and makers. With photography by Amelia Fullarton, it champions the good life. Hardie Grant, $60
6. The Layered Interior
Released last year, this is the third volume from award-winning interior designer Greg Natale. Different in format from his earlier books, the eight projects featured are Australian but with a slight Euro-centric focus. The writing is conversational, almost intimate, inviting the reader into the most luxurious spaces beautifully captured by photographer Anson Smart. This coffee table tome is perfect for dreamers and doers alike. Rizzoli, $110
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