Live where Molly Meldrum shot Kylie Minogue to Aussie stardom

A new garden neighbourhood is taking shape in Melbourne’s culturally rich south-east. Set on the old ABC Studios site, it was home to Countdown, one of Australia's most well-known music shows in the 80s. Molly Meldrum catapulted Kylie Minoque, AC/DC and Olivia Newton-John among many others into the Aussie spotlight.

Thoughtfully designed by renowned architects Woods Bagot, K.P.D.O., and Flack Studio, developer Milieu’s latest offering is a masterful expression of thoughtfully created living.

With several private gardens on-site and a private access gate to the Rippon Lea Estate, Elsternwick Gardens combines architecture, nature, and lifestyle in one harmonious offering. Set across multiple buildings, each low-rise building boasts green views of the surrounding parklands to create a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle.

A historically connected neighbourhood

A key highlight of the Elsternwick Gardens is its integration of the ABC Lane which runs through the development. This provides residents a historical connection to the site’s rich broadcasting legacy, with the retained broadcast tower standing as a nod to this history. At the same time, the public ‘Countdown-themed’ park will add an element of nostalgia, honouring the beloved music show that was once filmed on location.

ABC Lane will also feature a dedicated media wall, becoming a dynamic cultural space that ties the past to the present. This unique lane provides a pathway to communal spaces and serves as a gathering point for residents and visitors, fostering a true sense of community.

Three bespoke interior designs

One of the standout features of Elsternwick Gardens is the offering of spacious apartments thoughtfully designed to accommodate the demands of modern living. Each residence features abundant storage, high-quality fixtures and fittings, and carefully curated finishes that ensure these homes are as functional as they are refined.

Three architectural practices – K.P.D.O., Woods Bagot, and Flack Studio – have been entrusted with the design of each of the three buildings, allowing buyers to select from three distinct interior design philosophies.

Here’s a closer look at two of them…

K.P.D.O.: Gordon Place 

K.P.D.O.’s approach to Gordon Place heroes on the surrounding landscape through a beautiful, neutral scheme. Complete with functional considerations and highly flexible interiors, the team crafted light-filled homes that deliver comfort and seclusion, with ample space to support a social life.

“The spaces are guided by soft geometry, generosity of space, and a neutral palette,” reflects Kerry Phelan, K.P.D.O.’s director of interiors.

“It was important to us that these homes provide the amenity of a larger home, distilled into an apartment interior. 

"Clear and logical planning, expressive materials, and meticulous detailing were key to getting this right.”

Their approach is evident in the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing parkland views to become a natural extension of the living environment.

Inside, the homes are grounded in natural tones, with a soft almond white colour scheme complemented by warm caramel timbers and textured, speckled carpets. This subtle foundation provides a canvas for residents to add their personality through art, furnishings, and decor.

The inclusion of thoughtful features like welcome stations and cloak cupboards, even in one-bedroom apartments, integrated joinery, and cleverly positioned lighting ensures that these homes are as functional as they are beautiful.

Woods Bagot: Ripponlea Terrace 

Woods Bagot’s design, Ripponlea Terrace, integrates the development with its natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the historic gardens and distinctive coastline nearby. Principal Peter Miglis and senior associate Laura Haywood led the design, achieving an outcome that is both timeless and enduring, rooted in its environment.

“We always try to put people at the centre of the design process,” says Peter.

“The gardens and striking bay views surrounding these homes will be truly remarkable, so it was important to us that the homes at Ripponlea Terrace connect people to that landscape in a meaningful way. 

"Throughout the design, we’ve sought out ways to frame views to that rich tapestry of nature beyond.” 

Woods Bagot has prioritised a biophilic design approach, ensuring the building’s facade acts as an interface between the indoors and outdoors. Intuitively designed, each apartment is oriented to receive abundant natural light, promoting wellness and enhancing circadian rhythms.

Inside, homes are designed around natural and tactile materials, such as warm timber flooring and beautiful stone, creating a space that evokes a quiet refuge while providing views stretching across the expansive gardens to the nearby Port Philip Bay.

Including sustainable design principles, such as cross-flow ventilation and fossil-fuel-free energy solutions, further highlights Woods Bagot’s commitment to creating healthy and environmentally conscious living spaces.

No matter your design preference, you can rest assured that Elsternwick Gardens offers an exceptional choice for those seeking sophisticated living in one of Melbourne’s most desirable locations. With a variety of apartment sizes and price points available, there truly is an option to suit every buyer.

The Garden Pavilion, with interiors by Flack Studio, will be a premium offering and is set to be released in 2025.

For now, you are invited to register your interest in the developer’s exclusive VIP launch. Here, you will experience firsthand the unparalleled design and lifestyle offerings of Elsternwick Gardens by Milieu.

Elsternwick Gardens’ apartments are now selling, with one beds from $689,000, two beds from $995,000, and three beds from $1,775,000

Click here for more information or to enquire.