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Located around 9km from the CBD and very much a family oriented suburb, exclusive Vaucluse is all about large blocks of land, lush gardens, swimming pools and sweeping views, either back across Sydney harbour or out to sea.

One notable landmark is Vaucluse House and Tea Rooms, an historic property which formed an integral part of the area’s former Wentworth Estate, to which many of the suburb’s earliest homes once belonged.

Vaucluse House

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A number of boutique beaches, gorgeous reserves and harbourside attractions make the suburb both picturesque and popular with families and visitors, with Neilsen Park and Parsley Bay being two of the best known. Wonderfully peaceful and picturesque.

Macquarie Lighthouse – Australia’s oldest lighthouse

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Vaucluse’s architecture reflects a range of eras. The area is noted for its long established sprawling estates, some running down to the harbour’s edge and boasting superb waterfront facilities.

On the ocean side of the suburb, in an area known as Diamond Bay, a number of apartment buildings from varying eras provide a more affordable entry into this prestigious address.

Bidding can be exciting but stressful. To help you through it, here are our top bidding tips:

1. Come to the auction with a positive attitude. Even if you would have preferred not to compete at auction, look on the bright side. Unlike private treaty negotiations, you will know exactly what price your competitors are offering and once the hammer falls, the sale is final
2. Bring some photo ID. This is required for you to register to bid. Your ID must be issued by a government or financial institution and show your name and address. Examples include a driver’s licence or a council rates notice
3. Bring your cheque book – you have to sign the contract and pay the deposit immediately after the auction
4. If you are among several registered bidders, be glad. Take comfort that other people also think this is a great property! If you are the sole registered buyer, don’t assume you’re the only interested buyer. Other buyers might not be able to compete on the day due to delays with finance or their own homes not selling. Their circumstances could change within days!
5. Arrive with plenty of time to spare. Being rushed will make you more stressed. Go to the registration desk as soon as you arrive to register and receive your bidder’s card. If you like, you can pre-register with us before auction day
6. The auctioneer is entitled to make one bid on behalf of the seller. This is called a ‘vendor bid’. It is often used to start an auction if no one bids, or to raise the bidding to a level that is closer to the reserve price set by the seller
7. Show confidence. Bid in a loud, clear voice and be mindful of your body language and raise your bidder’s card high!
8. If you are going to make the first bid, be realistic. The auctioneer has the right to refuse any bid that is not in the vendors’ interests
9. If the property is going to pass in, make sure you are the highest or last bidder. The highest bidder is offered the first right to negotiate immediately after the auction. If no one bids, five other people could approach us immediately afterwards and you will end up in a quasi auction anyway!

For a list of our upcoming auctions click here

Set at the entrance of the peninsula which culminates in dramatic South Head, Watsons Bay has grown into an exclusive family address. Until the 1950’s, it was very much a peaceful fishing village, but in recent decades its sublime harbour and ocean views, immense character and relaxed ambience have seen it transformed into a prestigious suburb.

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Casual sophistication is the order of the day at its most famous restaurant, the iconic Doyle’s, and the neighbouring Watsons Bay Hotel (known as ‘Beach Club’). Commercial development has thankfully been contained here, and the waterfront is limited to a few small cafes and takeaway shops, with the odd eclectic specialty store thrown into the mix.

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At 11km from the CBD, it’s the outermost Eastern Suburb, but its boutique beaches, harbourfront parks, clifftop walks and spectacular views ensure that on a hot weekend it can be packed with locals and tourists. During the week however it’s lovely and quiet and retains that traditional ‘old Sydney’ ambience.

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Many of its charming original weatherboard fisherman’s cottages have been lovingly restored and are dotted among some historic sandstone manors and luxurious contemporary mansions. Just head to the shores of idyllic Camp Cove and you’ll get a glimpse of the handful of luxury properties lucky enough to enjoy direct access to its serene shores.

There’s nothing better than flopping down on your bed after a long day to unwind. Feeling the soft mattress, fluffing up your favourite cushion, and surrounding yourself with the serenity.

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Creating the perfect ambience in your bedroom isn’t rocket science  – it’s all about personal taste. However, just like every other room in your house, your bedroom should be constantly evolving to reflect not only your life but popular trends that emerge. Sometimes a whole-room overhaul may be needed – especially if you haven’t updated your room in a while ­– but other times it can be as simple as buying new linen or adding new soft furnishings.  In this blog, I’ll be discussing bedroom colour trends for 2016.

And the colour of the year award goes to…

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This year’s Pantone Colour of the Year is  – for the first time – a blend of two shades; Rose Quartz and Serenity. These two softer shades, the Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute Leatrice Eiseman, said “demonstrate an inherent balance between warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as a soothing sense of order and peace.”

I don’t know about you, but that description sounds like the perfect atmosphere for a bedroom. By following this colour scheme for your bed linen, throw rugs, pillows, cushions and other furnishings, you can create a harmonious atmosphere.

Now, just because the colour(s) of the year are these soft blue/pink shades, doesn’t mean you need to convert your room in to a nursery.  The last thing you want to create is a room that is more suited to a baby! Soft pastels are popular in children’s rooms as they do create a tranquil environment. So, how do you utilise these colours and still maintain a sophisticated, adult bedroom?

Less is best

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“Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”

So we’ve established these tones are perfect for a bedroom, but don’t feel inclined to change EVERYTHING in your room. As these two shades work perfectly with neutrals, work with what you’ve already got. For example, if your bed linen is mostly beige/white/cream, then add a throw rug in Rose Quartz and maybe a few throw cushions in Serenity. If you have heavy curtains on your windows, maybe think about adding a lightweight layer in one of the Pantone shades. This will add a whimsical element, yet not too dramatic. A few subtle changes can make a huge difference.

Add some sparkle and texture

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Following on the same colour scheme, another design trend that is making an appearance is rose gold. Metallics have been gaining popularity in bedrooms, living areas, kitchens and bathrooms. Adding a little bling in the form of a rose gold lamp, mirror, photo frame or even hat stand can accentuate the tones of the soft furnishings in your bedroom. Don’t go overboard, one or two shiny pieces will be enough.

Texture can add another dimension to a soft palette. Velvet is luxurious and provides an air of extravagance. Why not experiment with having one piece in your bedroom – an arm chair or cushion – covered in Rose Quartz velvet?

Have fun and play around with this year’s colours. As always, make it your own to enjoy and ensure you create a space for calm and relaxation.