Brisbane’s dining scene is getting better by the minute – you’ll have to try very hard to convince me otherwise. On a random Wednesday night, I enjoyed one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time, in the moody, brick bunker of the Thomas Dixon Centre.
It had been a while since my last trip to the ballet, but last week, a dear friend of ours snuck us into the dress rehearsal for Queensland Ballet’s season of Bespoke, so naturally, this was the perfect excuse to finally visit Layla. Nestled in the underbelly of the Thomas Dixon Centre, a war bunker morphed into Shane Delia’s first Queensland venue, adding the final touch to the heritage-listed building’s incredible refurbishment. If you haven’t had a chance to take a look yet, this is your sign to venture to West End for an incredible spice journey in a moody atmosphere!
Extraordinary venues tucked away in inconspicuous places seem to be all the rage at the moment and Hideki on Burnett Lane in the CBD ranks at the very top of my list. We couldn’t fault a single dish (don’t skip the wagyu tartare if you go!) and if you have a soft spot for modern Japanese, this newcomer has your name written all over it. It’s a rather intimate venue and there was not an empty seat in sight on a Saturday evening, so make sure you reserve a table in advance!
As this week’s header, inspired by Jules Verne’s iconic novel, hints at, the trip around the world may be more brief, but it doesn’t end here; we’re shifting from restaurant reviews to Woolstore features!
Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of the French capital’s grand Haussmanian architecture, 80/53 Vernon Terrace is a sight to behold. Wainscoting, herringbone floors and a sophisticated colour palette pair perfectly with the industrial Woolstore charm to create a unique, turnkey residence. Offers close on Thursday, 28 August, so I highly recommend braving the forecasted rain showers to discover this refined renovation at 11.30am!
We had a big day of open homes planned tomorrow, but after selling 709 Webster Road, our schedule allows us more time in the office and less time on the road. This development opportunity in Chermside sold last night after a brief negotiation post auction for $1,650,000.
Our original planned finish time of 5pm took me right back to my early days of real estate, running a morning and evening open home for every single listing I had on the market solo, allowing 15 minute intervals to rush from one property to the next. Admittedly, there may have been less people flocking to Teneriffe for their morning walk and matcha and easier parking options, but having my team by my side during inspections certainly makes the experience more enjoyable for both you and us.
While I don’t miss the frazzled frenzy of the open home lineups of my early twenties, it’s nice to look back on a decade in the industry and acknowledge just how much has changed. Just like I no longer run on a box of muesli bars and a can of green V gone flat and tepid, the Brisbane property market too has evolved, with house prices hitting a record high for the 32nd month straight, despite the RBA keeping the cash rate on hold in a surprise move in July!
Buyers are acting with renewed confidence and properties beneath the $1 million mark are experiencing a surge in interest. We just launched 84/6 Merthyr Road, John’s first campaign as lead agent, and unsurprisingly, it has garnered a lot of attention within the first moments online. If a large courtyard apartment in one of New Farm’s most attractive pockets, just steps from the river sounds like music to your ears, I hope we’ll see you there on Saturday at 9am.
On the opposite side of town in Clayfield, 3/587 Sandgate Road is a fantastic first home buyer or investment opportunity with a private courtyard, in a small complex of only six units, with low body-corporate fees. If you’d like to take a look at this neatly renovated property, we’ll be there on Saturday at 2pm.
The weather is looking a whole lot less grim than initially forecasted, and what better place to dodge the occasional rain shower than inside gorgeous properties? I hope we’ll see you there!
Talk soon,
Ben
