Can you tell us a bit about your vision for your home? 

We’re incredibly excited to have found a development like Brunswick Established, which goes beyond the basics of sustainability. So many places claim to be sustainable because the shared spaces are powered by solar, but Brunswick Established offers so much more. Things like heat pumps, rainwater tanks, clotheslines, composting, and solar power are all standard here. My partner Nik and I have both worked in sustainability, albeit in different fields, so we’re thrilled to live in a community of like-minded homeowners who have all actively chosen sustainable living.

How did the customisation options at Brunswick Established help you personalise your home? 

This is our ninth home, and most of the previous ones we’ve either renovated or modified, so we have a strong idea of what works for us. The customisation options at Brunswick Established, like accommodating our pendant lighting, tailored storage solutions, and adding extra power sockets, were features we didn’t expect to be able to include when buying off the plan, but Beulah made it happen. Since I’ve spent the last 17 years teaching cooking and leading food tours, having the perfect kitchen is essential. Beulah truly listened to my needs, and I’m confident my kitchen will not only hold all my equipment but also provide the space and functionality I need.

We also worked on transforming the second and third bedrooms into a flexible space that seamlessly shifts between a home office and a guest bedroom. It was crucial for us that the space didn’t feel like a bedroom, so we incorporated wall beds and removed wardrobes to create a more versatile environment. Throughout the process, Beulah’s approach was thoughtful and accommodating, which made us feel supported in creating a home that reflects our lifestyle and passions.

How did Beulah’s design and development team support you through the customisation process? 

I’ve never met a developer who would let us ‘start from scratch’—has anyone? Beulah are amazing. Other than, ‘this is the space where the kitchen will be,’ they’ve been happy to work with me on everything. This even includes little things like allowing me to choose new tiles for the bathrooms when we arrive in Melbourne in December. I drew up my redesign plan, and we met twice on Zoom to tweak the final layout. For the kitchen, this meant accommodating a different size fridge, adding a warming drawer, ceramic sink, different benchtops and laminate colours, more power sockets, pullout pantry cupboards, and incorporating the island into the design.

Replacing a brand-new kitchen in a home bought off the plan isn’t sustainable, yet that’s what so many people end up doing because developers aren’t willing to have the construction team accommodate custom designs. Beulah has shown they take sustainability seriously—even when it involves completely different finishes or, in our case, a complete redesign. Racheal and the Beulah Design Team have been incredible, accommodating our every need and making the whole process feel seamless. We feel confident that our home will be a true reflection of our style and needs.

What unique features of your home wouldn’t have been possible without the customisation options? 

The biggest standout is the completely redesigned kitchen. It’s rare to find a developer who supports this level of customization, but Beulah embraced it, even though it meant entirely rethinking a brand-new space. It shows their real commitment to sustainability and making sure we love our home from the start.

What was your key criteria when looking for a new home, and how did Brunswick Established meet this? 

Easy access to the CBD, not being on a main road, and enough space for our art and books were essential for us. Modern glass apartments just didn’t fit that. Brunswick Established checked all those boxes, but what has been an absolute bonus is the strong sense of community we’re moving into – it feels like we’re joining a group of like-minded people.

What were the benefits of buying off-the-plan for you? 

It allowed us to budget properly for our move, which was crucial. And knowing that Beulah, with their proven track record and sustainable values, was behind the project reassured us that this was the right choice. The fact that it’s already on track, with a set break ground date, made the whole process much smoother.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

I’m really looking forward to having a roof terrace, especially after spending the last eight years in the UK without an outdoor space or a BBQ. It feels like such a luxury to finally have that. It might sound odd, but I’m equally excited about not having the same kitchen and bathroom as my neighbours. After living in a staff compound in Hong Kong, it’s refreshing to have a space that feels truly our own. Given my background in food, moving to Melbourne—with its incredible access to fresh, local produce—is a dream. Having a tram right outside that goes directly to Queen Vic Markets, and CERES just a 13-minute cycle away, is the perfect combination. I can’t wait to dive into Melbourne’s food scene and make the most of everything this city has to offer. It’s all coming together in a way that feels like home.

As Kate looks ahead to moving into her new home at Brunswick Established, it’s clear that the journey is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about finding a space that aligns with her values, supports her lifestyle, and enhances her day-to-day living experience. The ability to customise her home to suit her unique needs, coupled with Beulah’s dedication to sustainability and community, underscores why Brunswick Established stands out as a truly special place to live.

At Beulah, we believe in building homes that reflect the individuality of our residents while fostering a sense of belonging within the wider community. With the flexibility to design a space that caters to her passions and the promise of an eco-conscious lifestyle, Kate’s story is just one example of how we’re helping shape future living for generations to come.