A perfect day. Picking up the summer edition of Coast magazine on a cloudless 35 degree day. A beach date with our editor Annette. Toes wriggling in the sand. A blue tongue lizard slinking past our bare feet, as he slipped into the scrub with a wiggle of his chunky tail. (Designed to mimic his head as a decoy for predators. Can you tell I like animal docos 😉) This issue is full of amazing stories including my features on fishing guru Chrissy Lomagno, boilermaker turned skipper Dave Johnson and young jeweller Lily-Grace Toohill who beat 600 other ‘tradies’ to take out Gold at WorldSkills. Edition #54 is 200 glorious pages of inspiration that will leave you feeling better about the world. Grateful to earn my living as a creative. Days like this make me remember that.

As you wander through the whimsical cottage gardens, the rose-lined arbors and the hidden ponds of 'Hillgrove', you come to understand the magic captured in Graeme Base's 'The Watering Hole'. That secret ecosystem which calls the animals to its hidden oasis feels like the perfect metaphor for what this property has meant to its family over the last 40 years.

This dramatic 5-level masterpiece is set amid soothing Japanese gardens to serve as an absolute sanctuary away from the busy world.

This grand entertainer is an absolute homage to modern living.

A unique Blackbutt bridge walkway, custom metal artwork and and a spectacular 5.8m skylight void set the tone for a home of astounding beauty.

My feature stories on soapie queen Rowena Wallace who played 'Pat the Rat' in Sons and Daughters and paleontologist Tim Ziegler who unearthed a 50,000 year old fossil in the Buchan Caves.

Prosper at Lucky 8 in a Prestige New Home

Some homes simply make a statement from the moment you walk in—and this is one of them.

At either end of the life cycle, this is a modern dream.

A show-stopping 80sq (approx.) mansion crafted over 18mths elevates the family living experience at the very heart of Glen Waverley's central district.

A celebrated position in Carlton's 'Little Italy' quarter of world class restaurants, offers all the potential of a mixed-use zone – so the next hot new restaurant could be on this prominent corner of Drummond and Pelham St.

Coast Magazine is back. Read my feature stories on surfer Sophie Fletcher (p28) and forest guardians Stuart Inchley and Victoria Johnson. (p52)

It’s rare to find a home at the heart of suburbia that’s barely visible from the street. This stunning display of architectural grandeur is screened by a tiered garden of ornamental pear trees which frame the north facing corner like a private green wall.

The next best thing to a European vacation is a stunning new French Provincial Manor inspired by the luxury chateaus of France.

Folia means nest in Greek, which is exactly the kind of nurtured retreat you'll come home to on level 5 of 'The Conservatory'.

In 1954 when this owner-built red brick charmer was built, Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia. It's a fitting connection given the absolute grace and elegance of this mint condition mid-century wonderland.

The meticulous design pedigree of Carter Grange is proudly on show across this stunning 2017 build gracing the 'Golden Mile' of Terrara Road.

One of the most exclusive estates to grace the prestigious cul de sac of Ngumby Court comes to market for the very first time since it was envisioned by esteemed Australian designer John Coote for A-lister owners.

A scintillating showcase of modern glamour, this 6-month new 60sq (approx.) residence exemplifies the very definition of the modern mansion.

The ultimate elegance of a Modern Hamptons home is proudly on display across this showcase build.