Posted on

Five Wall Street Investors Explain How They’re Approaching the Coming Year

The S&P 500 just completed one of its best three-year runs ever, rising around 80% from the start of 2023 through New Year’s Eve. Wall Street thinks the party is just getting started.

Few expect the good times to keep rolling indefinitely, but you would be hard-pressed to find a major bank predicting anything except more gains in 2026.

Yet worries abound about the stretched valuations of artificial-intelligence companies, the path of interest rates and the outlook in Washington, D.C.

So we asked five investors where they’re putting their money:

Alex Chaloff

Count Alex Chaloff among the investors concerned about a reckoning with the huge gains in AI stocks.

The chief investment officer at Bernstein Private Wealth Management fielded questions from clients on the topic all last year.

After several years of huge returns, he is advocating a more surgical approach to picking stocks.

“On one hand, they’re thrilled with the returns. On the other, they’re scared of what the next chapter is, because I’ve been telling them: It’s 1990-something,” Chaloff said, referring to the final years of the dot-com bubble.

“Our view is that we still have room to run, but there will be an end to this.”

Chaloff isn’t selling out of AI, but he is happy to help concerned clients seeking protection against declines in the whole index or a handful of individual big tech stocks.

One tool he is using is buffered exchange-traded funds, which seek to smooth out market swings. Those offer “some upside exposure with either defined or variable protection, and a great level of visibility, transparency and liquidity,” he said.

Bernstein is also working on an “AI loser” list, screening specifically for companies with high debt loads and low free-cash flow—those that have gotten AI hype, but might lack the fundamentals to survive an arms race.

He also holds an upbeat outlook for U.S. growth, especially if the Supreme Court ends up striking down President Trump’s tariffs: “I think that possibility is being overlooked a bit. It could reduce inflationary pressures, allow more rate cuts and accelerate the economy.”

Saira Malik

Tech bulls point out a key difference between now and the dot-com bubble: Today’s most-valuable companies, such as Nvidia, Microsoft and Alphabet, are some of the most profitable in history. And those profits are growing fast.

Saira Malik , who oversees $1.4 trillion as chief investment officer at Nuveen, thinks there is more upside ahead to the technology and AI trade, and she plans to add to some of her favorite holdings in 2026. It all comes down to profits.

The Magnificent Seven tech companies plus chip maker Broadcom —a group Malik is now referring to as the “Great Eight”—are forecast to grow earnings by 24% this year, well over double the forecast for the S&P 500 as a whole.

“We think the earnings growth and future growth justifies the premium valuations in tech, which will continue to dominate and lead the S&P 500 higher,” Malik said.

Tech stocks’ years long dominant run has made a handful of the biggest companies a larger share of the S&P 500 index than ever, making some investors fret over concentration risk. Malik shrugs those concerns off.

“I don’t necessarily say the market has to broaden out for it to be healthy. We’ve been living in this world of tech dominance for basically a decade straight…as long as the earnings power is there, the stocks will follow,” she said.

Outside of stocks, Nuveen expects municipal bonds and private equity both to bounce back in 2026.

Heavy supply of new muni bonds led to them lagging behind taxable bonds last year, a trend that Malik expects to reverse in a “catch-up trade.” Private equity, meanwhile, stands to benefit from lower interest rates and a pickup in deal activity, she has told clients.

Jack Ablin

Concentration risk isn’t just a stock-market issue, says Jack Ablin , chief investment strategist at Cresset Capital. He worries about the growing share of consumer spending coming from wealthy individuals, which he said puts the economy at risk as well.

“We have a narrowing prosperity on both Wall Street and Main Street, and it probably does create a vulnerability. A minority of the participants are accounting for most of the results,” Ablin said.

Stock owners are feeling a wealth effect that leads to freer spending. That could change quickly during a market downturn, however, leading to a scenario where a drop in the stock market could push the economy into a recession, Ablin said.

Cresset has leaned into value stocks and small-caps recently, expecting that both will benefit from interest-rate cuts and lower financing costs this year.

When it comes to AI, Ablin isn’t ready to pick winners and losers.

“I don’t have a crystal ball. So we buy everything for now, and the winners will ultimately pay for the losers.

Larry Adam

Raymond James Chief Investment Officer Larry Adam thinks stocks will have a more modest 2026, projecting around a 4% gain for the S&P 500.

Equity valuations will struggle to move higher than they currently are, meaning those gains will need to come from earnings growth, he said.

“I think the market is vulnerable to some disappointment after going so long with remarkably low volatility,” he said.

Raymond James is adding to bets on the industrials and consumer discretionary sectors this year. Industrials look like an indirect AI play, since they act as suppliers to utility companies and others helping build out AI infrastructure.

Consumer discretionary stands to benefit from a pickup in consumer spending, Adam reckons, with major tax refunds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act set to hit pockets this spring.

Rob Arnott 

Is there an AI bubble? Rob Arnott says yes, though the Research Affiliates founder and chairman cautions that it isn’t easy to profit on that idea.

“Shorting a bubble is a very fast way to go bankrupt. Bubbles can last longer and go further that you can imagine,” he said.

Like many on Wall Street, Arnott is convinced that AI is the “real deal” and a technological revolution is coming.

But he also warned that technological revolutions take time to play out—and said it is far too early to know which companies will emerge from the pack. During the dot-com boom, he said, Lucent and Nokia numbered among the world’s most-valuable companies.

“Dating back to the industrial revolution, every time you see major disruption there are winners and losers. A lot of losers,” he said. “The disrupters get disrupted.”

Arnott is now running a strategy that automatically trims exposure to stocks if their valuations soar quickly. “Just like averaging in is a time-honoured way to build a position in something cheap, averaging out is a great way to reduce exposure to what’s frothy and expensive,” he said.

With the profits taken from trimming exposure to fast-growing names, Arnott is putting money into areas that look cheaper and less loved, such as international and value stocks, to boost diversification.

Posted on

A $72 Million Palm Beach Home Sale Is One of the Year’s First Major Deals

THE DEAL : In one of the first major home sales of 2026, a waterfront property in Palm Beach, Fla., has sold for US$72 million (approx $102 million AUD). The buyer wasn’t disclosed. undefined

THE SELLER : Pamela W. Starret, a British investor in the mining and energy industries, had owned the property since 2018, when she bought it for $21.355 million. Starret, who started wintering in Florida in the 1990s, spent about $25 million gut-renovating the house. She listed it for $95 million in 2024. Starret didn’t respond to requests for comment.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD : On the Intracoastal Waterway on the North End of Palm Beach island, the property is next to a home owned by actor Sylvester Stallone.

THE SPECS : Originally built in 2005, the Neoclassical house measures roughly 16,000 square feet with six bedrooms. The roughly 1-acre property also has a $2 million travertine pool and cabana.

THE MARKET : There were a number of high-priced deals leading up to the New Year in Palm Beach, where the median sale price for luxury homes was $17.2 million in 2025’s third quarter, according to Miller Samuel.

In December, chewing-gum heir William Wrigley Jr., sold a North Palm Beach compound for $97.5 million , while a property a few doors down from Starret’s traded for around $66.1 million, property records show.

“We have had a pretty incredible flurry in the last couple of months,” said Gary Pohrer of Serhant, who had the listing with Ryan Serhant.

Margit Brandt of Premier Estate Properties represented the buyer.

Posted on

OFF THE WALL: THE RISE OF TEXTURED ART 

In 2026, home interior trends are predicted to reflect our growing need for warmth, comfort and personal expression: a response, perhaps, to the fast-paced, always-on lifestyle many of us feel forced to embrace.

And where better to start than the four walls that define your living space? Unlike flat prints and traditional paintings, textured art invites engagement, creating a dynamic ambience in living rooms, bedrooms and outdoor entertaining spaces. 

Interior designers are increasingly looking to create a multi-sensory experience, and wall art is a key part of that: blending art and sculpture, creating a focal point, and showcasing changing light patterns throughout the day.

Weaving ways

Sydney-based fibre artist Catriona Pollard uses traditional techniques to transform foraged plant fibres and recycled materials into evocative, sculptural works.

“I discovered weaving more than a decade ago, at a time when I was searching for a slower, more mindful way of creating,” she says. 

“I had been working in a very fast-paced environment, and weaving became a way to reconnect with myself and with nature.”

Much of Pollard’s inspiration comes directly from the Australian landscape,  from the textures of bark, seed pods and leaves, to the movement of wind and water.

“I see weaving not just as a technique, but as a dialogue with nature, where the materials guide the direction of the work as much as I do,” she explains.

Textural wall art is credited with bringing another dimension to how we experience art. A flat canvas is viewed front-on, but fibre works extend into space and interact with their surroundings. 

They cast shadows that shift throughout the day, so the work is never static,  it is alive and responsive to light.

“There is something visceral about woven materials,” says Pollard. 

“People instinctively want to touch them, to feel the textures and patterns. Fibre carries its own history, whether it is a vine that once grew in the bush or copper wire that once carried electricity, and that embedded story becomes part of the artwork.”

Leaf Skeleton, Helen Neyland’s intricate metal wall art, captures the fragility of nature in sculptural form.

Metal magic

At the other end of the material spectrum, metal is also having a moment. Flexible, versatile and built to last, it brings a striking talking point to entertaining spaces indoors or out.

“I have been making sculptural wall art for over 30 years. I draw my ideas from organic shapes in nature and also from mechanical and architectural forms, and make work that has texture, depth and movement,” says Helen Neyland, artist and creative director at Entanglements Metal Art Studio at her Jasper Road studio in Melbourne’s Ormond.

“Metal wall art breaks away from a painting. It is 3D, it is textural, it works indoors or out, in foyers, large voids and bare walls. As the light passes through the day, the shadows change, stretching and falling across the wall. It gives you a work that is alive. You can backlight it for effect, or just let the light play naturally.”

Neyland notes that more people are seeking handmade, crafted pieces.

“There is more value placed on artisan work,” she says. “Sculptural wall art gives depth, presence and honesty that you do not get with mass-produced pieces.”

Stigmartyre by Brad Gunn evokes both reverence and unease.

Emerging artists

Bluethumb Gallery is Australia’s largest online gallery of original art, representing more than 30,000 emerging and established artists across the country.

Nadia Vitlin is one of them. Based in Sydney, she has a background in geospatial and biological sciences and describes her art as bringing together “the study of nature, humanity, emotions and sociological phenomena through the lens of the scientist”, via the tactile form of clay.

“I do also create two-dimensional works, and love having ‘flat’ art on my walls, but 3D and textured wall art is really having a moment,” she says.

“This may be because they are like hung sculptures more than they are paintings, and can contribute to the feel of a space rather than directly telling a visual story. Another thing may be that the tactility of a 3D object is quite irresistible.

“I always let gallery visitors touch my artworks – within reason! It is especially tempting because I make hard clay look soft, so the brain cannot help but want to feel it to understand it.”

Sculptor Brad Gunn agrees. “I think the element of depth captures the viewer’s eyes more quickly. It invites touch, and the tactile nature gives a secondary element to the work.

“Also, as the light changes in the room, either from the natural sun’s rays, overhead lighting or lamps, the work will cast its own shadows and feel different throughout the day.”

This story appeared in the summer issue of Kanebridge Quarterly Magazine. You can buy a copy here. 

Posted on

How Australia’s Business Leaders Really Switch Off

Months of running between meetings and breaking down the working week into 30-minute increments to get through a long list of tasks takes its toll on the most astute business leader.  

So, Kanebridge News asked corporate high-flyers where they holiday and how they value their time, which revealed a fascinating insight into not just what makes them tick.  

Many told stories of time away from the hustle, spent exploring the dark corners of Tokyo, the beaches of Bali and off-grid tiny homes with loved ones.

They agreed that taking a well-earned break from rigid scheduling and being ruled by a calendar in a high-pressure environment makes the hustle worthwhile.  

Karlie Cremin, CrestCom

Karlie Cremin, CrestCom 

High-profile Sydney leadership trainer Karlie Cremin leaves the city behind for a break by the beach with her husband and three children, all under 10 years of age.  

Having school-aged kids means she’s tethered to the school holiday period for her breaks, but the CEO of leadership program firm Crestcom makes the most of it, driving north of Sydney to the Central Coast for a two-week break at the end of each year at Pearl Beach.  

“We love the area because no one goes there, and yet it’s magical. It’s this little oasis away from the traffic jams, which gives us something to look forward to.” 

The family hires the same house every year, located within walking distance of the local beach, where they hang out during the day. 

“The kids arrive at the holiday house and know where everything is and how to get around. They love the familiarity of hiring the same house every year.” 

Karlie loves a bite at nearby eatery Bells at Killcare while in town, which is booked in advance. 

“There’s nothing much at Pearl Beach, which is how we like it. Mostly, we barbecue out back, serve salads, and keep it really simple. We enjoy not having complicated dinners when we’re on a break,” Cremin says.  

While she would love to completely switch off, the reality is that she does need to be available for work.

“There are some tasks that only I can do in the organisation, but I tend to handle those things that pop up once the kids are in bed, so it doesn’t interfere with family time.” 

Nic Brill, global CEO, Poolwerx , and family

Nic Brill, global CEO, Poolwerx  

Running the largest global franchise pool service brand as it continues on a strong growth trajectory is a big job for Nic Brill, who stepped into the global CEO role late last year. (SUBS 2025) 

He admits that leading a service business of scale requires clear thinking, good judgement and sustained energy.

“I’m at my best when I’ve had time to step back and reset, so I view downtime as a strategic necessity.”  

The company works hard to create environments that elevate people’s quality of life at home. 

“We also take a few international breaks throughout the year. For me, the ideal holiday is somewhere warm, relaxed and close to the water.” 

 “Time is one of those things you can’t manufacture, so I’m very deliberate about how I use it. When I’m taking a break, I try to protect it so I can be present with my family and properly recharge. At the same time, I lead a large franchise network, and I’m always mindful of my responsibility to our people.  

Small townships dotted along the northern NSW coastline has become a favourite, where he goes to switch off, spend time with family.  

“I’m happiest when the days are simple – time by the pool or ocean, good meals and a chance to slow down and reconnect.

“I also like to keep active, whether that’s swimming, getting out for a run or exploring somewhere new,” Brill says. 

Brad Krauskopf, CEO and founder, Hub Australia

Brad Krauskopf, CEO and founder, Hub Australia  

The founder of Australia’s largest privately owned flexible workspace operations has spent more than a decade building his business.  

Founded in response to the growing number of freelancers and entrepreneurs requiring workspace following the global financial crisis, the pioneering business model has been built on sweat equity.  

But when he’s away from the daily grind, Brad likes to book flights to somewhere in Asia, which has emerged as a favourite holiday spot for him and his family. Malaysia, Thailand and Bali are popular spots. 

He also recalls a great holiday in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Golden Gai, a collection of mismatched, tumbledown bars lining a darkened corner of the city.   

While adventure holidays were a favourite in years gone by, that’s not so much the case these days as a family man. He often spends time trying local cuisine, wandering through retail areas and seeing the local sights, which are his favourite.  

Holidays across Australia are also a favourite. “When I’m away, the out of office is on, and the team know that if they need me, they need to call or text me. I’m not contactable on email when I’m on a break, which means I’m not buried in my inbox while I’m away. Keeping yourself off the emails or Slack or whatever it is gives you that distance from work that enables you to take a good break.”  

He also likes to take a break by himself occasionally to recharge. “I try to take all my leave each year, because it helps me be better when I’m at work.”  

Brad has taken a few breaks at an Unyoked Cabin, an off-the-grid cabin in a remote area, both alone and with his daughter.

Quick little nature getaways that mean you’re completely disconnected are the best. And I never finish a holiday without having booked your next one,” he admits.     

Justin Gilmour, managing partner, Integro Private Wealth.

Justin Gilmour, managing partner, Integro Private Wealth  

Spending his working days at the helm of a Perth-based wealth management and financial planning firm is where Justin Gilmour belongs.

But when he’s on a break, he prefers to get in the car rather than a plane, driving to the regional area of Yallingup in the southwest of Western Australia in the Margaret River region.  

He loves to slow down and enjoy warm, sunny days and gentle coastal breezes when relaxing. “The beaches in the south-west are world-class, offering pristine sands and crystal clear waters that rival any international destination. For me, there’s simply nowhere better to unwind and recharge than this spectacular corner of the country.”  

His break is spent with his wife and kids, but he admits half of Perth heads up to Yallingup as well.

“We’re always bumping into people (and even clients) that we know. But spending time in Yallingup allows me to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasure of life with my family.” 

He prefers not to stay in touch with the office too much while he’s down there, using the time to reset and recharge, but does chat to clients when he bumps into them. 

“I think it’s important to have that period of clear headspace and take a step back and look at the bigger picture, both in terms of my personal life and for the business. A daily swim is certainly a must when I’m down there.”   

Posted on

Sonny Bono’s Palm Springs Home Hits the Market for Nearly $7.5 Million

Sonny Bono’s former estate, a piece of local history in Palm Springs, California, has come up for sale.

The desert residence, on the market for $7.49 million, was home to the singer, songwriter, congressman and Palm Springs mayor from 1986 until his death in 1998, records show.

“Opportunities like this simply do not come around often,” said listing agent Louise Hampton with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California, who brought the home to the market last month.

“A hillside estate of this size, with this level of privacy and this historical connection stands among the most compelling offerings in today’s desert market.”

Bono was perhaps most famously the other half of singing duo Sonny & Cher, but also served as the mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992, and as the U.S. representative for California’s 44th district from 1995 until he died in a skiing accident in 1998 at the age of 62.

Located in the city’s Mesa neighbourhood on a hillside parcel, the colourful seven-bedroom property combines Mid-Century Modern design with Italian influences across its almost 9,000 square feet and multiple structures.

The house last changed hands in 2021 for $4.35 million. The sellers couldn’t be reached for comment.

There’s a great room, a formal dining area with a rock fireplace, a chef’s kitchen with two wine fridges.

The seven bedrooms include a primary suite with a walk-in closet and a “spa-style” bathroom with a soaking tub and steam shower, according to the listing. Several of the home’s guest suites include private patios or separate entrances.

Outside, there are lawns, olive trees, date palms and cacti alongside terraces, a new travertine pool deck, a pool, a tennis court and an oversize motor court with space for more than a dozen vehicles.

Posted on

New Luxury Nile Riverboat Opens for 2026 as Grand Egyptian Museum Ignites Tourism Boom

A new luxury riverboat set to sail the Nile from late 2026 has opened for bookings, as Egypt experiences its biggest surge in international tourism in more than a decade following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Nile Seray, the latest vessel from A&K Sanctuary, will launch in October and operate four-night voyages between Aswan and Luxor.

The boat will accommodate just 64 guests across 32 suites, placing it firmly at the premium end of the fast-expanding Nile cruising market.

The launch coincides with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in November 2025, a project more than 20 years in the making.

Located near the Giza pyramids, the museum spans more than 480,000 square metres and is now the largest archaeological museum in the world.

It houses more than 100,000 artefacts, including, for the first time ever, the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures displayed together in one place.

The museum’s opening has been widely credited with transforming global interest in Egypt, driving record visitor numbers and sparking a wave of new hotel openings, aviation capacity and high-end travel investment across the country.

Photo: A&K

Interior renderings released this week show Nile Seray adopting a contemporary design approach that blends modern lines with heritage references.

The 32 suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Nile, with natural materials and colour palettes drawing from Egypt’s desert landscape.

Two onboard restaurants open onto deck spaces, while the top deck includes a swimming pool and shaded daybeds designed for daytime cruising and sunset views.

Each voyage will include guided access to key archaeological sites on the West Bank, including the tombs of Seti I and Ramses VI, along with private openings of the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Amenhotep III. Excursions are led by specialist Egyptologists, with daily touring built into the itinerary.

With only 64 guests onboard, the vessel is aimed at travellers seeking a more intimate alternative to the larger Nile cruise ships that dominate the route during peak season.

Luxury hotel availability across Egypt remains tight during busy periods, particularly following the museum’s opening.

Nile Seray becomes the fifth vessel in A&K Sanctuary’s Nile fleet, joining the Nile Adventurer, Sun Boat III, Sun Boat IV and Zein Nile Chateau. A sister ship is also scheduled for launch in 2028.

Voyages include visits to the temples of Luxor, Karnak and Aswan, felucca sailing around Elephantine Island, Egyptian cooking demonstrations and traditional entertainment. All meals, excursions and onboard activities are included.

Each sailing will also contribute to A&K Philanthropy programs in Egypt, including long-running partnerships in Luxor and Aswan focused on youth education and cardiac care.

Posted on

Luxury, Refined: Abadeen’s Boutique Vision Reshapes the Lower North Shore

Luxury means different things to different people. On the Lower North Shore, it often means the everyday things are well considered and exceptionally executed.

House-like proportions. An abundance of natural light. Security and privacy. Materials crafted with care.

Homes built for the way people truly live, shaped by industry expert and Lower North Shore local resident at the helm, Justin Brown, whose attention to detail is constant and uncompromising.

This is the space Abadeen has occupied for more than 25 years.

The developer has delivered premium residential, commercial and mixed-use projects across Australia, but the Lower North Shore has become the clearest expression of its philosophy.

A recent example is Cremorne Point Estate, completed in 2020.

Its craftsmanship is so enduring that the penthouse is now reselling for almost twice its original price in only four years. Smaller buildings. Real liveability. Design that retains its elegance over time.

Abadeen’s current portfolio also includes The Villas, Mosman Residences, Park Residences, Northcote Collective and the newly announced Burran Residences in Balmoral. But three completed buildings now take centre stage: The Hampden in Mosman, ENSO in Neutral Bay and KOYO in Crows Nest.

All are complete, move-in ready, and only a limited number of residences remain. At The Hampden, only one whole-floor residence remains available.

North-facing luxury living with sweeping Middle Harbour views, The Hampden.

The Hampden, 1/8 Warringah Road, Mosman: A Whole-Floor Masterpiece with Middle Harbour Views

Meticulously crafted by acclaimed Mathieson Architects and delivered by Abadeen, The Hampden offers a rare level of refinement within an exclusive collection of only three residences.

The final available home is a brand-new, whole-floor residence capturing sweeping Middle Harbour views over Chinamans and Clontarf Beaches from a prized northerly aspect. It delivers a house-like ambience with floor-to-ceiling glass that draws in natural light, paired with exquisite finishes in natural stone and warm timber.

Expansive open plan living and dining areas are anchored by a premium fireplace and flow out to a generous north-facing entertainers’ terrace overlooking boat-studded waters. The high-spec kitchen includes a full butler’s pantry, WOLF appliances, an integrated Sub-Zero fridge and freezer, a wine fridge and a Taj Mahal Quartzite island.

Residences include:

  • Three bedrooms positioned away from the living areas and designed as peaceful retreats. Each has built-in wardrobes, while the master suite features a dressing room, a walk-in wardrobe and a deluxe ensuite with stone finishes and a rainwater shower. There is a second stone bathroom, a powder room and a large laundry adjoining the butler’s pantry.
  • Ducted air-conditioning, engineered oak floors, premium wool carpet, extensive storage and lift-to-foyer access from secure basement double parking.
  • Perfectly positioned, The Hampden is a short walk to the water’s edge at Rosherville Reserve, Balmoral and Chinamans Beach, and close to Mosman Village.
  • Best suited for buyers seeking a high-end, low-maintenance luxury with elevated craftsmanship and effortless indoor-outdoor living.
ENSO’s serene open-plan living with warm materials and curated finishes.

ENSO, 34 Grosvenor Street, Neutral Bay: Nine Bespoke Homes Shaped for Daily Rituals

With only nine residences, ENSO is a boutique collection where Koichi Takada’s architecture focuses on calm, contemporary living.

Natural stone, timber and soft curves create a sense of warmth, while generous glazing and landscaped outlooks bring light and greenery into the heart of each home. Rooms are designed for real daily use, with integrated joinery, considered storage and floor plans that prioritise ease and comfort. The result is a series of homes that feel composed, tactile and effortless to live in every day.

 Residences include:

  • Three-bedroom residences and a spectacular, whole-floor, four-bedroom penthouse are yet to be released to the market.
  • Ground floor garden residences that extend living outdoors with private landscaped courtyards or balconies, while elevated homes enjoy quiet village outlooks.
  • Gourmet stone kitchens with premium V-Zug, Fisher & Paykel and Liebherr integrated appliances and abundant storage.
  • Restful bedrooms appointed with refined finishes and thoughtful proportions.
  • Three-bedroom layouts with generous open-plan living.
  • Contemporary homes with secure parking, storage and lift access.
KOYO’s sculptural, light-filled living framed by lush, private landscaping.

KOYO, 5 Rodborough Avenue, Crows Nest: Treetop Homes Defined by Sculptural Calm

Designed by Koichi Takada, KOYO is a boutique collection of 27 residences shaped by natural textures, soft curves and a refined sense of luxury.

Its low-rise form sits within a leafy cul-de-sac, offering privacy only moments from Crows Nest village and the new Victoria Cross Metro station.

Inside, every space is crafted for daily ease. Timber, stone and sculptural details create a warm, tactile palette, while full-height glazing draws light into the heart of each home.

Integrated joinery, intuitive circulation and thoughtful storage keep rooms open, calm and effortless to live in.

KOYO reflects Abadeen’s approach to modern living: refined, confident and beautifully functional. KOYO is modern, confident and created for daily life without unnecessary embellishment.

Residences include:

  • A three-bedroom whole-floor penthouse with dual terraces, panoramic views, private lift access and sculptural interior detailing
  • Three-bedroom apartments with generous indoor-outdoor layouts and private balconies or landscaped courtyards
  • A garden residence with secure direct entry and a house-like feel
  • An upper-level home with district views and sun-filled living spaces
  • Designer kitchens with V Zug appliances, premium stone and integrated Liebherr refrigeration
  • Sculptural interiors with timber accents, curved joinery, study spaces and in-built bars
  • Refined bedrooms including master suites with walk-through wardrobes and well-appointed en-suites
  • Elegant bathrooms with stone vanities, brushed platinum tapware and ambient lighting
  • Fireplaces in selected residences for warm, inviting living spaces
  • Lift access, secure parking, storage cages, ducted air conditioning and video intercom
  • A landscaped rooftop terrace with garden seating and a BBQ area
Justin Brown, Executive Chairman & Founder, Abadeen
Justin Brown, Executive Chairman & Founder, Abadeen

Abadeen’s Philosophy

Abadeen’s philosophy is shaped by Executive Chairman & Founder Justin Brown, whose three decades in the industry have defined a distinct approach to residential development on the Lower North Shore and beyond.

Justin believes luxury should feel effortless. A home should work beautifully every day, with planning that makes sense, materials that age gracefully and detailing that supports calm, comfortable living long after the first inspection.

This philosophy is embedded early in the design process. Acoustic comfort, natural shading, solar orientation and circulation are resolved from the outset.

Landscapes are designed to welcome residents rather than simply frame buildings. Interiors prioritise clarity and ease, with joinery, storage and spatial proportions refined to deliver homes that feel composed, tactile and intuitive to live in.

Justin’s values-led approach unifies Abadeen’s Lower North Shore projects. Each reflects the same commitment to certainty, longevity and quiet architectural excellence. These are homes built to be lived in, not performed, shaped around the daily rituals, warmth and comfort that define enduring residential design.

 The Lower North Shore Advantage

This part of Sydney reflects Abadeen’s values. Established neighbourhoods. Walkable villages. Tree-lined streets. Natural light and natural rhythm. It is a quieter style of luxury that holds its value and relevance over time.

 Abadeen is a leading Australian property developer with premium residential and mixed-use projects across NSW, VIC, QLD and WA. Limited residences remain at The Hampden in Mosman, ENSO in Neutral Bay and KOYO in Crows Nest. Private appointments and viewings are now available. Call Jay Carter on 0417 248 117.

Posted on

Sydney’s priciest streets widen the gap in Australia’s luxury market

Sydney has cemented its status as the nation’s luxury capital, with Kambala Road in Bellevue Hill being Australia’s most expensive street this year, posting a median house price of $39.35 million.

And, according to Ray White senior data analyst Atom Go Tian, last year’s leader, Wolseley Road, was excluded from this year’s rankings due to limited sales.

“Wolseley Road recorded only three sales this year and was therefore excluded from the rankings, though its $51.5 million median would have otherwise retained the top position,” he says.

Bellevue Hill continues its dominance, accounting for six of the nation’s top 10 streets. Tian says the suburb’s appeal lies in its rare blend of location and lifestyle advantages.

“The suburb’s enduring appeal lies in its rare combination of proximity to both the CBD and multiple beaches, harbour views, and large estate-sized blocks on tree-lined streets.”

Vaucluse remains a powerhouse in its own right. “Vaucluse extends this harbourside premium with even more direct beach access and panoramic water views,” he says.

The gulf between Sydney and the rest of the country remains striking.

According to Tian, “Sydney’s most expensive streets are more than five times more expensive than the leading streets in Perth and Brisbane, and more than 10 times the premium streets in Canberra and Adelaide.”

He attributes this to Sydney’s economic role and geographic constraints, describing it as “Australia’s financial capital and its most internationally connected city.”

Beyond Sydney, each capital city has developed its own luxury hierarchy. Tian highlights Melbourne’s stronghold in Toorak, noting that “Melbourne’s luxury market remains centred around Toorak, led by Clendon Road, St Georges Road and Linlithgow Road.”

Brisbane’s prestige pockets are more dispersed: “Brisbane’s luxury real estate shows a more diverse pattern,” he says, led by Laidlaw Parade at $6.5 million. Perth’s top-end market remains anchored in the Peppermint Grove–Dalkeith corridor, with Forrest Street at $7.5 million.

He also points to the stark contrast at the lower end of the spectrum. “Darwin presents a mirror image, hosting all 10 of the country’s cheapest streets,” Tian says. Austin Street in Southport sits at just $117,500.

The national spread reaches its extreme in New South Wales. “Sydney emerges as the most polarised market, spanning an extraordinary range from Railway Parade in Katoomba at $385,000 to Kambala Road’s $39.35 million,” Tian says.

Methodology: Tian’s analysis examines residential house sales between November 2022 and November 2025, with only streets recording at least five sales included. Several streets with higher medians, including Black Street, Queens Avenue and Clairvaux Road in Vaucluse, were excluded because they did not meet the sales threshold.

Posted on

One Man’s Quest to Reunite With His First Love: A 1971 VW Bug

Locals in Pawleys Island have a special affection for classic vehicles. The coastal South Carolina town is home to many nostalgic retirees, and on weekends its streets see plenty of restored ‘60s-era muscle cars.

Of all the classics motoring past Parlor Doughnuts on Ocean Highway, none has captured the community’s attention like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Volkswagen.

“Everybody in town rubber necks and waves when this Beetle drives by,” says Rev. Wil Keith, a 47-year-old priest. “It’s one of the much-adored cars in our little town right now.”

It is a 1971 red Super Beetle and its story is special.

Jeff Siegrist was a student at the University of Tennessee when he first set eyes on her at a Knoxville dealership.

Siegrist pounced, handing over his father’s old Ford Falcon and $2,278.54 for the Bug. He kicked in $67.45 for an AM radio and $5.95 for a cigarette lighter.

“So that was my car from that day forward,” says Siegrist, an executive search consultant specialising in the forest products industry.

The Beetle was a sales phenomenon and a pop-culture hit that ushered in the era of mass European auto imports. It was also a Hollywood star, thanks to Herbie from the “Love Bug” movie franchise.

Siegrist road-tripped his Beetle all over. When he met his future wife, Mary, he took her on a first date in the red Bug. When the couple had their first child, the baby boy came home in the backseat.

“It was part of the family,” says Siegrist. Mary gave the car its name, around Christmas time in 1972: Rudolph.

The couple had two more children and ultimately sold the car in 1996. “It just wasn’t practical anymore,” he says. “There were tears in my eyes.”

Up to this point, the story isn’t much different from many of the more than 21.5 million original Beetles that Volkswagen sold.

But during the pandemic, things got interesting.

“I kept thinking, ‘Boy, I wish I knew where my old Beetle was,’” says Siegrist. “I wondered whether other people loved it the way my wife and I did.”

Eventually he got serious. He dug up the car’s original bill of sale, which had a vehicle identification number. He had sold the car to someone in Georgia, a quarter century earlier.

So he called the Georgia department of motor vehicles. Turns out the car was still registered and on the road. But that’s all the office would say.

Siegrist got an attorney involved. Two weeks later, the lawyer called with a name and a phone number for a woman he believed to be the current owner. So Siegrist called.

“I was shocked,” says Tracy Swift, who teaches dental hygiene at Albany State University in Georgia. “He started the conversation with, ‘You’re going to find this phone call very weird.’” Swift thought she had a stalker, and recalls Siegrist saying, “I’m not crazy, I promise. Just let me tell you my story.”

Swift did drive a 1971 Beetle. She checked the VIN number and it was a match.

Siegrist traveled to Georgia, met Swift at her office, and drove the car in the parking lot. “I didn’t want to sell the car,” she says, “but because of his story, I felt like it needed to go back to its owner. It was the sweetest story.”

They agreed on a price (he says “many times over the original cost”) and the car showed up on a truck in Siegrist’s driveway days later. It was just before Christmas in 2022.

The first thing Siegrist and his wife did was drive around the block, with tears in their eyes. “Rudolph is back!” his wife yelled as they drove.

Siegrist went digging in a bucket full of coins and junk for a key chain. At the bottom, he found Rudolph’s original key. He didn’t remember saving it.

The Beetle needed restoration. So Siegrist asked advice from someone he trusted. Enter Keith, the rector at Siegrist’s church.

“When you’re at church,” Keith says, “and the service is over and everyone is filing out, that’s when folks share, often, important information about their lives.”

Keith, it turns out, had grown up the son of a car restorer and worked on cars himself in his garage. He was not a professional. He worried if he would have enough time. But a parishioner needed help. How could he say no?

It took about a year. “Aside from the paint and some engine work,” Keith says, “I ended up doing more than I was expecting, with no complaints whatsoever. In some ways, it was like I gained a parishioner. Only it was a car.”

In 2024, Siegrist began driving Rudolph around Pawleys Island. “Rarely can I go anywhere where somebody doesn’t stop me,” he says.

“Because probably 50% of the people of my generation have owned a Beetle or have had an adventure in a Beetle. People want to know the car’s story. So I tell it.”

As for Keith, he says, “It’s a point of pride that I had a hand in it.” Like most classic car stories, this one continues.

“As soon as Jeff stops finding little things for me to fix, then the story will be over,” he says. “But he keeps finding things for me to do! Which I don’t mind one bit.”

Posted on

NEW WAVE: THE EVOLUTION OF AUSTRALIA’S COASTAL LUXURY

In the land down under, the beach is in our DNA. So is it any wonder that Australian architecture is leading the world in luxury coastal design?

With about 85 per cent of our population living within 50 kilometres of the coastline, we’ve perfected the art of the beach house. Yet over the past two decades, there’s been a sophisticated shift in the traditional coastal cottage.

The residential revolution that has washed over our most valuable waterfront locations has replaced the original weatherboard “shacks” by the sea with a contemporary design movement shaped by admiration and respect for the natural environment.

No longer simply about the view, today’s coastal architecture is about creating beautiful homes that perform seamlessly in an increasingly volatile climate while meeting the rising tide of high-net-worth buyers who want it all.

From infinity pools to wellbeing spaces that connect with nature, one-time weekenders have been transformed into permanent escapes, providing year-round indulgence.

The Wamberal beach house.

An island home

Belgian-born, Tasmania-based architect Lara Maeseele believes the quintessential coastal home has become a finely tuned instrument. With more vacant land to experiment with, and lower entry prices, she says the Apple Isle is perfectly placed for architects and homeowners to explore the new-age beach house.

“A highlight in Tassie is you can find these amazing vacant blocks on the coastline, and still be blown away by the unexpected views,” she says.

Having studied in Belgium and worked in London, Maeseele brings a northern European minimalist sensibility to the Australian beach house.

“Our way of life is so complex. When we get home, it’s nice to slow down, to declutter and find some peace and quiet.”

Nebraska House on Bruny Island took home the 2025 HIA Tasmanian Home of the Year and earned a commendation at the Houses Awards, but Maeseele still affectionately refers to her design overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel as a “shack.”

“What we tried to do was make sure that from the foreshore, it was kept small and consistent with the neighbouring properties, and that’s the luxury element that I see in the shack. It sits quietly in its setting.”

With a water backdrop from most rooms, she says the ocean was a primary player when designing the house, but light was just as important for the clients.

“Both the western and eastern elevations slide wide open so it feels like a bit of an umbrella,” she says. “Then in winter, it’s fully insulated and glazed. When the sun sets, you have the most beautiful evenings, feeling cosy and sheltered while watching the wind and water outside.”

True to her European roots, Maeseele believes that when it comes to aesthetically pleasing and functional coastal design, the less-is-more approach should drive every project.

“We’re on an island, so we’re very aware any build leaves an impact,” she says. “We chose lightweight materials so, in the end, the house could be dismantled and the timber reused.”

Light pours into the Wamberal Beach house dining room.

Thriving by the sea

Sydney architect Jon King, who has designed both beach houses and boutique hotels, says the new generation of coastal design is a balancing act between luxury and environment. 

Even in today’s dazzling designs, he believes comfort should still overshadow spectacle.

“If you’re going to make an exceptional beach house, it has to adapt. It needs to be beautiful when the sun is shining and the whales are jumping out of the water, but the next day it needs to withstand horrendous southerlies and wild storms,” he says.

“The material choices are vital because they need to look great, but last in that salty environment and in extreme winds and rain.”

What was once the domain of fibro cottages has developed into a sea of enviable, state-of-the-art designs.

“For a long time, we lived simply in beach environments because the land was cheap and our buildings were unsophisticated. But now, living on the coast has become coveted, even fetishised. People are making statements through architecture, and that changes everything.”

He says that in an effort to connect with nature, the temptation can be to build with vast walls of glass to capture the ultimate panorama, but subtle design can be more successful when it gives the dramatic backdrop a curated cameo.

“Most coastal locations are suburban in nature with small blocks and neighbours either side, so you can’t always get the view you want,” he says. 

“But you can frame it beautifully rather than opening everything up to the elements.”

Cheyne Fox of White Fox Gold Coast, who has recently listed one of only two houses on Hayman Island in the Whitsundays, agrees that Australia’s coastal homes are unparalleled.

“Gone are the days when people wanted their properties to stand out and look at odds with the surrounds. Today’s luxury designs are very much about fitting in,” Fox says.

The Residence at Hayman spans three levels and offers more than 1,400 square metres of internal and external living space.

Designed by the late, internationally renowned architect Kerry Hill, it also features breezeways, terraces and an infinity pool designed to embrace the subtropical environment.

“When you get to Hayman Island, you get calico bags. There are no plastic bottles or even cars. There is a true respect for the environment, being so close to the Great Barrier Reef. And as such, the architecture reflects that ethos.”

She says high-net-worth buyers will pay top dollar for such indulgent and considered coastal designs.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime proposition for a purchaser, but also a once-in-a-lifetime proposition for an agent.”

Read the full story here.