TOTNES, A BRIGHTON ICON SINCE 1890, RETURNS TO THE MARKET

There’s nothing middle of the road about Middle Crescent in Melbourne’s coveted bayside suburb of Brighton.

The celebrated semi-circular street is not only known for its Victorian-era architecture, but it has also been home to a long list of remarkable residents.

Number 32 was famously owned (not once, but twice) by the late, great test cricketer Shane Warne, while 43 Middle Crescent featured in the final season of The Bachelor Australia. Brighton’s “White House” at number 31 is also another architectural icon.

Right across the road, at number 36, Totnes has come to market with $9.25 million to $9.75 million price expectations through Kay & Burton Bayside agents Alex Schiavo, James Driver and Shantelle Francis.

The four-bedroom parkside residence last sold in December 2013 for $3.752 million.

Completed around 1890 for local dentist John Davy, the elegant period property is situated on a vast 1,169 sq m block surrounded by a mix of ultra-modern mansions and heritage dream homes.

For more than 130 years, Totnes’ storybook facade has remained largely unchanged, making it one of the neighbourhood’s most iconic homes.

Beyond its fairytale frontage, complete with wrought-iron fences and ornate lacework, Totnes features a traditional tessellated-tile veranda and manicured gardens.

Behind the commanding front door with stained glass detailing, an elaborate entry hall awaits, featuring stately archways, herringbone parquetry, and high patterned ceilings that set a great first impression for the rest of the house.

Centred on the spacious footprint, there is an illuminated open-plan family room with a conservatory-style glass ceiling and a kitchen featuring Miele appliances, a huge island bench, and a wine room. The icing on the architectural cake is the combined butler’s pantry and laundry with a secret wrought-iron spiral staircase leading up to the “tower” office and roof top terrace showcasing city and bay views.

Spoiled for choice, homeowners have two separate living rooms with fireplaces, as well as a louvred alfresco dining area and an integrated barbecue for poolside entertaining all year round.

In the palatial main bedroom suite, there is a long walk-in wardrobe and a deluxe ensuite, while two more bedrooms share another ensuite, and a third family-friendly bathroom has a tub.

Additional highlights at Totnes include intricate stained-glass and sash windows throughout, garden irrigation, a security system, and a two-car garage.

Facing Wilson Reserve from its corner block, Totnes is close to Brighton and Firbank Grammar Schools, Bay and Church St eateries, local shopping, swimming beaches, and the foreshore’s Yacht Club.

Totnes at 36 Middle Crescent, Brighton is listed with Kay & Burton Bayside with a price guide of $9.25 million to $9.75 million.

Australia’s housing debate is often dominated by affordability and supply, but a new collaboration between Brickworks and acclaimed architecture firm Kennedy Nolan argues the conversation should also focus on the quality and longevity of the homes being built.

The project, titled Our Next Neighbourhood, examines how suburban housing could evolve in response to shrinking block sizes, rising energy costs, increasing density and changing family structures.

Rather than proposing luxury dream homes, the initiative focuses on what its creators describe as achievable suburban housing models that are more flexible, sustainable, and better suited to modern Australian life.

Brickworks commissioned Kennedy Nolan to investigate what suburban housing might look like if “design, long-term liveability and enduring materials were placed at the centre of the conversation”.

The result is two housing concepts, known as the Street Terrace and Canopy Terrace, which explore higher-density living while maintaining access to green space, natural light and privacy.

The designs incorporate adaptable floorplans that can evolve as family needs change, along with passive design principles intended to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

Brett Ward, General Manager of Marketing at Brickworks, said the company wanted to broaden the discussion around housing beyond simply increasing supply.

“Much of the housing conversation today is understandably focused on supply and affordability, but there is an equally important discussion to be had about the quality and longevity of the homes we build,” he said.

“We wanted to explore how thoughtful design, combined with durable, resilient materials, could create homes that not only function well today, but continue to support Australian families and communities long into the future.”

Kennedy Nolan said the project was partly inspired by concerns that contemporary housing often struggles to adapt to changing household structures and environmental pressures.

The architects said innovation in suburban housing was “essential” to address changing family groupings, energy use, urban heat island effects and growing disconnection from place.

According to the design team, the concepts draw on lessons from some of Australia’s most influential housing projects while seeking to create neighbourhoods with stronger links to landscape, community and local identity.

Rachel Nolan, founder of Kennedy Nolan, said the practice saw an opportunity to reimagine suburban housing as something “more connected to our climate, our landscape, our communities and our Australian identity”.

The project comes as policymakers, developers and planners continue searching for ways to deliver more housing without sacrificing liveability, neighbourhood character or long-term sustainability.

TOTNES, A BRIGHTON ICON SINCE 1890, RETURNS TO THE MARKET

Brighton icon Totnes hits the market with history, luxury and a $9.25m price tag.

Brickworks has enlisted acclaimed architecture studio Kennedy Nolan to explore how homes could become more adaptable, energy-efficient and connected to community.