This Urban Laneway Is One Of Architect Phillip Arnold’s Favourite Gardens Architect Phillip Arnold, founding director of Plus Minus Design, says some of Sydney’s best streets — those designed for humans first over vehicles — can only be explored on foot.
One of his favourites is Cat Alley, aka McElhone Place, famous for its footpaths shrouded in potted plants, and resident felines basking in the sun.
Tucked in the back streets of Surry Hills and maintained by residents, this laneway is a reminder of the power that plants and people can have in transforming urban streets into productive and generous green spaces.
Phillip shares why the garden inspires him, as part of our ongoing series with the National Gallery of Australia, bringing you stories about Australia’s most unique and special gardens.
https://thedesignfiles.wpengin....epowered.com/2025/08

Ocean Views Take Centre Stage In This Earthy Anglesea Home The Great Ocean Road is home to some of Victoria’s most picturesque coastal landscapes, and this new holiday home in Anglesea captures the region’s beauty in the best way.
Eckersley Architects director Tom Eckersley designed the serene house for his parents — and their extended family — to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings, framing vast ocean views at every turn.
https://thedesignfiles.wpengin....epowered.com/2025/08

Inside An Elegant 1850s Adelaide Homestead, Restored Over Four Years Nestled between the famous vineyards of Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale, this 1850s homestead has been carefully revived in a four-year renovation.
After purchasing Hillenvale Estate sight unseen, the owners worked with Fabrikate for the extensive transformation of the main residence, known as Glengrove House.
The restored 163-year-old homestead is now a celebration of craftsmanship, both past and present, and its serene surroundings.
https://thedesignfiles.wpengin....epowered.com/2025/08

Stay At A Scandi-Inspired Mornington Peninsula Retreat The Blackwood House in Rye is a short-stay property designed for pure relaxation.
Not long ago, it was a very simple 1980s shack in need of some major love indoors and out.
Suzi Rose purchased the property with her husband, kickstarting an 18-month renovation to create the Scandi-inspired retreat you see today, surrounded by new coastal landscaping.
The cosy stay encourages getting back to nature and exploring the local area, and it’s available to book now!
https://thedesignfiles.wpengin....epowered.com/2025/08

This Northern Rivers Farmhouse Is A Family’s Tropical Paradise Holly McCauley and Nich Zalmstra have built an enviable life in the Northern Rivers, since moving to the NSW region 15 years ago.
Now parents of three young children, they reside in a traditional timber farmhouse beneath towering palm trees, set on five acres of tropical paradise!
https://thedesignfiles.wpengin....epowered.com/2025/08