A Partnership That Delivers.

James and Travers bring complementary skills to the table, creating a partnership built on trust, communication, and shared goals. James, a certified building designer, focuses on built form and the details that hold it together, drawing on over two decades of architectural experience. As F3’s interior designer, Travers creates functional spaces that meet the clients’ needs, and brings them to life with fixtures, finishes and textures.

This balance of skills ensures F3 Studio consistently delivers designs that exceed expectations. Clients praise their collaborative approach, attention to detail, and ability to listen Whether reimagining an inner-city home or creating a grand coastal retreat, F3 Studio translates visions into spaces that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable.

What is their secret sauce?

A house becomes a home not just through bricks and mortar, but through its relationship to place and the lives it shelters. F3 Studio’s success lies not just in their complementary skills but in their ability to humanise design. James and Travers understand the harmony between a houses physical form and the intangible forces that shape our experience of it.

Design goes beyond the practicalities of warmth, light, and ventilation. A home connects to its inhabitants on a deeply personal level. When design respects place and considers how people live and move, within a space, it transforms into something more—a humanised sanctuary that reflects its occupants’ identities and aspirations. This is where building design becomes an art form and F3 Studio elevate. By curating the needs, habits, and emotions of the people it houses, a space stops being merely functional and starts being alive. It embraces the daily rituals of its residents, creates moments of wonder and calm, allows for adaptation, and offers a sense of belonging. This holistic approach, weaving a sense of place with human-centric design, is what makes F3 Studio’s houses not just structures but a home— places that breathe and evolve with its inhabitants.

Designing for Today and Tomorrow.

F3 Studio is more than a design practice; it’s a philosophy. Travers and James believe in creating homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resilient, adaptable, and sustainable. In a world where families are living together longer, and spaces need to do more with less, their work stands out for its focus on efficiency and long-term value.

From Port Melbourne to Portsea: Projects That Inspire.

F3 Studio’s portfolio speaks volumes about their expertise and creativity. From the Edwardian elegance of their Malvern East renovation, where the kitchen is the heart of a vibrant family space, to the bold design of Brunswick House, which seamlessly integrates urban living with timeless design, their work showcases thoughtful planning and impeccable craftsmanship.

At Shoreham House, breathtaking views of Western Port and Phillip Island are complemented by a design that blends the warmth of a lodge with the openness of a beach house. Meanwhile Murrumbeena House brings a period home into the present, with a modern extension that also embraces the client’s love of mid-century design.

Merricks Beach House is another testament to their approach, transforming a modest three-bedroom cottage into a serene escape for a family of five. With a calming neutral palette and subtle design enhancements, this project proves that simplicity and functionality can coexist beautifully.

Why Choose F3 Studio?

What sets F3 Studio apart is their ability to thoroughly understand their clients’ needs and turn them into exceptional individual designs. Their collaborative approach and professionalism consistently leave a lasting impression. “F3 provided us with a sense of ease, collaboration and confidence. They were able to help us maintain a clear plan forward for our dream home, and always within a realistic budget.”

Their dedication to sustainability and timelessness ensures every project aligns with their clients’ values while standing the test of time. Serving clients across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula—from Port Melbourne to Portsea—they are a trusted name for those seeking thoughtful, high-quality residential design.

Designed to Last, Designed for You.

F3 Studio’s philosophy goes beyond trends. They create homes where every decision, from the placement of a window to the selection of finishes, is intentional. These are homes that feel good to live in—practical, beautiful, and designed with care for the environment and future generations.

With over 30 years of combined experience, James and Travers bring passion, expertise, and genuine care to every project. Their approach is collaborative, respectful, and grounded in a desire to create spaces that not only meet but exceed their clients’ expectations.

Our Journey with F3 Studio.

At Love the Pen, we don’t just write about design; we immerse ourselves in it. Our coverage of F3 Studio comes from hours of research, in-depth conversations with James and Travers, and visits to several of their stunning projects. From the thoughtful integration of form and function to the stories woven into every home they create, it’s clear they live and breathe their craft.

Seeing their work firsthand—and hearing their clients’ glowing testimonials—leaves no doubt in our minds: F3 Studio is shaping the future of residential design. By the end of our journey with them, we too were imagining a home designed by F3 Studio—a testament to the impact of their vision,

expertise and their capacity to foster trust.

Start Your Journey with F3 Studio.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy renovation, planning a new build, or envisioning a multi-generational space designed to evolve with your family, F3 Studio is your partner in creating a home that truly reflects your life and values. Take a moment to explore their folio, then say hi – perhaps grab a coffee – and take the first step towards designing a home you’ll love for years to come.

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A Cultural and Natural Haven

Mornington Peninsula National Park is a significant part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape, situated in the traditional Country of the Bunurong people. We acknowledge and respect the enduring connection the Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters and appreciate their ongoing care of Country. We pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging.

Best Times to Visit

February through April offers the most pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to explore the park. However, the park is a year-round gem:

• Spring: Enjoy vibrant wildflowers in full bloom.
• Summer: Perfect for beach days and swimming.
• Fall: Prime surfing conditions await.
• Winter: Fewer crowds mean serene ocean views.

Enhance Your Visit

Round out your adventure with a visit to one of the nearby vineyards, restaurants, or breweries, or enjoy a round of golf. Before you head out, be sure to check local weather conditions and updates, especially regarding bushfires.

Explore Mornington Peninsula National Park for a mix of natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, and cultural richness.

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Ten years on, Brad and Roong are now much loved locals who have made their home in the beautiful environment that is the Peninsula, where fresh produce inspires their seasonal fare.  Bringing together their five star cooking experience, their knowledge of global cuisines and their understanding of local produce, they created Finesse Catering Group.  They officially launched the business on May 13th last year with a function at Commonfolk (where Chef Roong continues to cook during the week), and their first summer has been extremely busy.

“We love all aspects of catering,” explains Brad. “We love the freedom of going to different places to cook, from amazing function spaces to peoples’ homes.  We cater for private parties, milestone birthdays, corporate events & weddings, and everything we do is all about finesse.  We love to bring our knowledge of food from around the world to our guests and present it with a delicate skill and artfulness that brings out the best in the food and is breathtaking to the eye. Our food really is built on our love of the culinary arts.”

Finesse Catering Group is just that.  A group of like minded chefs who come together with finesse to offer the most wonderful food in the most beautiful way.  Creative and seasonal, Finesse has developed an impressive and mouth-watering selection of menu packages that showcase their knowledge and skill with food styles from all over the world.  From a Shared Table Feast to a Gourmet BBQ Selection, and from Fine Dining Seated Degustation Menus to Canapes and Finger Food, and a “Celebration of Life’ menu filled with delightful sandwiches, baguettes and wraps, Finesse do indeed cater for all tastes.  You can even enjoy master cooking classes with Chef Roong in the comfort of your own home – perfect for an adult slumber party, hen’s night or corporate event.

Brad has travelled the world and is experienced with all cuisines, and Roong’s talent for Thai food is beyond compare.  The resulting menus offer worldly flavours with a taste of the Peninsula, using local seasonal ingredients wherever possible.  Roong’s talented sister Lucy is the pastry chef, and her dessert offering is equally impressive.  A member of the Mornington Peninsula Wedding Group, Finesse offers a complete catering service from food for all occasions (which can be specifically catered to any taste), to drinks and staff (front of house, wait staff and bar staff).

Some of the delights you can expect from Finesse include canapés like lemongrass and pork dumplings, spiced duck spring rolls, char-grilled lamb koftas and their signature gin and beetroot cured salmon.  A favourite is Roong’s special sausage rolls with her homemade ‘kick arse’ tomato chutney (who doesn’t love a sausage roll?).  A Shared Table Feast could feature Charcuterie, Antipasto, Mid East Mezze or Asian Inspired platters, and their Seated Dinner Menu is inspired with selections like Crispy Skin Pork Belly, Spice Marinated Quail, Slow Braised Duck Leg and Baked Saltwater Barramundi.  The dessert and cake offering is simply spectacular, with sweet taste sensations like Textures of White and Dark Chocolate, 7 Layer Salted Caramel Opera Cake and Spanish Churros with Raspberry Sauce and Malted Chocolate.

Fine food and first class hospitality are the signatures of Finesse Catering Group.  Says Roong, “We love hosting people, serving them the most beautiful food and taking care of them.  We love making people feel special.  Want to make sure they are happy.  We love working, we love food and we love people.”

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Drive. Take Peninsula link from Frankston until you reach the Dromana/Arthurs Seat exit (C789) then climb the famous route to the top of Arthurs Seat. This should take about 30 minutes from Frankston. Your first stop will be Arthurs Seat. The view from the top most days is breathtaking and captures Port Phillip Bay and through to the Moorooduc Plains. From here follow Arthurs Seat Road, then turn right into Main Creek Road. Follow this through until you meander to the end of Purves Road.

Do. Stop at Artists Proof, Johnny Ripe and Main Ridge Dairy for some incredible art, food and farmgate experiences. These places are located on Main Creek Road and are within a stones throw of each other. They all have variable operating hours so please check beforehand. Along Main Creek Road you will be driving though beautiful country roads, market gardens, wineries, beautiful homes, properties and farm-gates – road conditions vary but you will mainly encounter sealed single lane roads in each direction.

Drive. As you come to the end of Main Creek Road, turn left into Purves Road and continue until you get to the intersection of Browns Road and Baldrys Road where you will veer left into Baldrys Road and follow this all the way to Mornington-Flinders Road where you will turn right and continue for approximately 250m. As soon as you see Meakins Road, turn right and follow this through until you reach Boneo Road (C777) where you will turn right and head to Flinders.  All up, this route should take approx. 40 minutes – you will mainly encounter unsealed country roads so please take care and take in the incredible scenery.

Do. Flinders is a great stop to stretch your legs, grab a coffee or sit down for a main meal and there are many good options including the Flinders Hotel and Pony Express to name only a couple. If your after some organic fare go to Flinders Sourdough or if your after snacks and a coffee then head to the Flinders General Store.

Drive. From Flinders head north east on Frankston-Flinders Road (C777) and by the time you reach Shoreham turn left onto Red Hill Road. Continue on this road until you reach Arthurs Seat Road where you will turn left. Follow this until you reach Arthurs Seat – you have come full circle. From here head back on to the link – your homebound. All up this route would take no more than 60 minutes but there are plenty of interesting places to see and do – weight up the time of day, season and your mood and go from there.

Do. If you’re looking for some inspiration in the garden then a stop at Nobbies View Plant Farm in Shoreham is a must. In Red Hill South there’s coffee time at The Cellar & Pantry (a local institution) Darling Park Winery (casual European fare), Polperro (sophisticated surrounds and menu) – two top notch experiences involving wine and food on the Peninsula.

Make sure you enjoy the ride but above all drive safely.

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What really makes the Mornington Peninsula so unique? Beautiful vistas, rugged coastlines, exhilarating walks, chefs who champion local and sustainable produce, wine, beer, cheese and scenic drives equal to any of the best in the world and within an hours drive from MEL. Escape to the country is a half day trip allowing you the grace to experience some of the finest things on the Pen.

Drive. Take Peninsula link from Frankston until you reach the Dromana/Arthurs Seat exit (C789) then climb the famous route to the top of Arthurs Seat. This should take about 30 minutes from Frankston. Your first stop will be  Arthurs Seat. The view from the top most days is breathtaking and captures Port Phillip Bay and through to the Moorooduc Plains. From here follow Purves Road, then Browns Road through Main Ridge and Rosebud until you reach Boneo Road where you will turn left and you will follow this through to Flinders. All up, this route should take approx. 70 minutes.

Do. Stop at Arthurs Seat State Park (Seawinds Gardens) to see kangaroos and stretch your legs but from here on it’s about a 40 minute drive to Flinders. Along the way you will be  driving though beautiful country roads, picturesque and rugged coastal scenery, market gardens, see some beautiful homes and properties and farm-gates – road conditions vary but you will mainly encounter sealed single lane roads in each direction. Along the way you can stop at Bushrangers Bay, The Blowhole, Flinders Tomatoes to name a few but sit back, get comfortable and enjoy the open road. Once in Flinders pick up some organic bread at Flinders Sourdough, or if it’s lunch, take a seat on the deck at the Flinders Hotel for some local fare and hospitality.

Drive. From Flinders head north east on Frankston-Flinders Road (C777) and by the time you reach Shoreham turn left into Tucks Road. You will be driving on an unsealed roads here for at least 20 minutes – they are wide and well groomed most of the time. When you get to Shands Road, turn right and follow this through until you reach Shoreham Road. Turn left and continue to Red Hill South. Continue on this road until you reach Merricks North and Bittern Dromana Road (C788) where you will turn right. Follow this until you reach Balnarring Road (C784) where you will turn left and you will follow this road through to it’s completion – the Peninsula Link underpass. From here head back on to the link – your homebound. All up this route would take no more than 40 minutes but there are plenty of interesting places to see and do – weight up the time of day, season and your mood and go from there.

Do. If you’re looking for some inspiration in the garden then a stop at Nobbies View Plant Farm in Shoreham is a must. On Tucks Road you can visit Whistlewood (opening hours vary so please do not drop-in without checking), Harts Farm, exclusive B&B’s and a Rose Farms.  In Red Hill South there’s coffee time at The Cellar & Pantry (a local institution) Darling Park Winery (casual European fare), Polperro (sophisticated surrounds and menu) The Gordon Studio Glasslowers for exemplary glass works.

Make sure you enjoy the ride but above all drive safely.

The post Escape to the Country appeared first on Love the Peninsula.

Enjoy the open vista you command from the upper level as you laze away the hours on the wide sun deck.

Ground level comprises games room with wood heater, bedroom, bathroom and laundry whilst upstairs there is room to move due to the huge open plan design which comprises spacious living area, kitchen, 2 double bedrooms and recently updated bathroom & toilet.

• Central location
• Walk to Flinders shops & eateries
• Cul-de-sac location
• Short walk to beach access
• 3 double bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Games room
• 627sqm allotment

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Recently, Holly embarked on a transformative educational journey to the historic town of Cognac, France, the mecca of brandy production. The experience left her in awe of the region’s rich history and profound influence on the spirit she holds dearly. Amidst the modest and quiet French countryside, Holly witnessed the magic of distillation season, where distilleries hummed with activity, transforming millions of litres of wine into spirit after the harvest.

The profound sense of camaraderie among the producers captured Holly’s attention the most in Cognac. They understood they were part of a greater story, each with their tricks and tips passed down through generations, resulting in unique and diverse spirits. Holly was humbled by the warm welcome and hospitality from the Cognac producers, emphasizing that anyone in the brandy-making community is an ally, not a competitor.

Drawing inspiration from her Cognac experience, Holly aims to apply the learnings and knowledge from the world leader in brandy production to the Australian landscape. Bass & Flinders, now entering its 14th year, has been a trailblazer in the local brandy scene, constantly innovating to produce a distinctly Australian brandy. Holly understands that innovation is an amalgamation of knowledge, wisdom, and gut instinct, and she embraces a constant learning journey to enhance the quality of their products.

Balancing tradition with innovation is a hallmark of Holly’s work as a distiller. She is excited to apply some of the new techniques she learned in Cognac, such as treating the wine differently, experimenting with distillation approaches, and adopting various barrel maturation methods. These subtle tweaks will not steer Bass & Flinders away from its own unique style of brandy but rather elevate it to new heights. Creating high-quality spirits come with its challenges, and Holly is determined to address misconceptions about brandy.

Despite the excellent work done by Cognac in educating consumers about the spirit’s quality, Holly believes there is still a role to play in promoting artisanal Australian-made brandy. Encouraging people to try local brandies in innovative ways, such as with tonic or in cocktails, are part of her mission to challenge stereotypes and expand the brandy market.

When it comes to flavour profiles, Holly approaches brandy much like she does gin, seeking a harmonious balance between front, mid, and back-palate flavours, texture, and overall balance. Each barrel contributes its unique characteristics, and Holly skilfully blends them to create a brandy that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Every aspect of the brandy-making process influences the final taste and aroma. Each step plays a pivotal role in shaping the spirit’s character – from the grape varieties and the vinification process to the distillation cuts, oak maturation, and aging period. Holly’s dedication to the craft of distilling shines through in her willingness to tweak the recipe for her brandy blends constantly. With each batch, she starts anew, respecting the essence of the previous blend while seeking that elusive balance between fruit, spice, texture, and length.

As the head distiller at Bass & Flinders Distillery, Holly Klintworth stands as a beacon of innovation, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Cognac while carving a distinct path for Australian brandy. Her commitment to the craft, willingness to embrace new techniques, and passion for challenging perceptions make her a true pioneer in the world of spirits. With Holly at the helm, the future of Australian brandy looks exceptionally bright, promising a new era of appreciation and recognition for this exquisite spirit.

Bass and Flinders Distillery
40 Collins Rd, Dromana VIC 
(03) 5987 3893
www.bassandflindersdistillery.com/

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In partnership with Iwantja Arts

Vibrant new paintings by 10 Yankunytjatjara women artists from Indulkana in the APY Lands of South Australia feature both interpretations of Country and the work of women in celebration of International Women’s Day 2023.

Included are paintings by Emily Cullinan, Julie Yatjitja, Maringka Burton, Priscilla Singer, Raylene Walatinna, Rosalind Tjanyari, Trisha Singer and Yajtiki Cullinan as well as a collaborative work by four artists and those by mother and daughter painting duo Jeannie and Katie Walatinna.

All the artists describe their Country (Ngura) as both beautiful (wiru) and rich in important creation sites and meaning. The most senior of the group – Maringka Burton – is also a traditional healer whose paintings incorporate reference to her healing practice; mid-career artist Julie Yatjitja’s paintings of Iwantja Soakage depict the creek alongside which she was born, adjacent to which the Indulkana community developed. Her friend and painting colleague Rosalind Tjanyari’s new works capture the spirit and energy of her country while showing a stylistic development for this mid generation artist in use of a more painterly style and bold magentas, greens and yellows while Jeannie and Katie Walatinna’s elegant new paintings feature dotted rippling lines and spare imagery.

Exhibiting artists: Emily Cullinan, Jeannie + Katie Walatiinna, Julie Yatjitja, Maringka Burton, Priscilla Singer, Raylene Walatinna, Rosalind Tjanyari, Trisha Singer, Yatjiki Cullinan

Exhibition dates: March 10-28

EVERYWHEN Artspace is open daily 11am-4pm

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Still, a passion for adventure and a desire to create high quality, artisanal gins, brandies and liqueurs with a point of difference is what makes Bass and Flinders Distillery a must visit today.

Following in the footsteps of her founder father, Wayne, Holly Klintoworth is now Head Distiller and Managing Director of the distillery (since 2016). She becomes one of a very select group of second-generation distillers in Australia. The original inspiration for the family was drawn from a love of classic brandies produced in France. Using many of the same traditional production techniques, they set out to create a premium aged spirit. Their Ochre brandy has proven year-in, year-out just how good Australian brandy can be. That is now followed by other award-winning brandies, including The Distiller’s Selection Single Cask and seasonal Spiced Christmas Brandy.

As a family-owned distillery, their focus is always on quality over quantity. Quality is managed by distilling in small batches and sourcing fresh, local ingredients wherever possible to produce unique, genuine Mornington Peninsula artisan spirits. Their desire to reflect the heritage and location of the Mornington Peninsula Region is also their crucial point of difference. It is found in their ‘eau de vie – their handcrafted grape-based spirit via traditional methods learned from the Charente region of France. In essence, Victorian wine crafted explicitly to their desired flavour profiles that is double distilled in small batches using a gas-fired alembic pot still. This method is designed to celebrate the flavour and viscosity provided by the grapes. Their gins of note include Maritime, Orient, Gin 10, Monsoon, Angry Ant, cerise, and limited released Heartbreak Pinot Noir Gin.

The other main focus for the family at Bass and Flinders is the desire to give guests an immersive experience when they journey to the distillery. They love nothing more than to create an environment where visitors can relax, indulge, learn and enjoy the distillery experience. Every drop is distilled here, there’s blood, sweat and tears and a strong spirit of entrepreneurship and adventure and this alone is intoxicating – it’s got nothing to do with the alcohol. Bass & Flinders are firmly embraced by locals and beyond. There’s a distinct romance when you enter this distillery with the warmth and glow of its copper still (named Trim, after Matthew Flinders cat). There’s also the intangible and rare feminine spirit found in the exacting standards of master distiller Holly Klintworths unique grape-based Gin or French styled Brandies. Come here for the tastings, gin blending masterclasses, and to celebrate with friends. leave with award-winning gins and brandies and something to toast your life’s journey when you get home.

A note on their pioneering Masterclasses

Bass and Flinders offer a selection of unique masterclasses. With their Gin and Spiced Brandy masterclasses, they constantly explore new flavours and aromas to ensure a fun, interactive taste experience, where you have an opportunity to create your very own bespoke gin or brandy. During their Gin Masterclasses you will delve into the wonderful world of gin making. Learn the long and fascinating history of gin and how it is made. You will discover the techniques and exotic botanicals used in gin production and experience for yourself how these affect the flavour and quality of gin. Bass & Flinders Distillery are always scouting for new and interesting botanicals so the classes remain distinctive. During the classes, you will also be guided through the process of blending up your own gin recipe from a vast range of vapour infused botanicals. Once you have created “your gin” tailored to your taste preferences, you will be able to take home a 500ml bottle with you for you and your friends to enjoy.

To book a Gin Masterclass click here

With their Spiced Brandy Masterclass you have the opportunity to create your very own bespoke spiced brandy. The process takes on an intimate two hour talk, taste, learning and blending experience where you will delve into the history, production, flavours and aromas of brandy. Swirl, sniff and sip on a range of brandies and allow yourself to become acquainted with this classic spirit of elegance and finesse and you will uncover the magic behind the ‘winemakers spirit’. During the class, you will be guided through the process of blending up your own spiced brandy recipe from a vast range of botanical-infused spiced brandies. Once you have created “your spiced brandy” tailored to your taste preferences, you will be able to take home a 500ml bottle with you for you and your friends to enjoy.

To book a Spiced Brandy Masterclass click here

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