Kate Murdoch Home Truths

The home style and party choices of Melbourne’s biggest power couple create instant frenzies on social media. The high-profile owner of their old Brighton pad shares life inside its lavish walls.

Author Kate Murdoch bought her home off Chris and Bec Judd in 2018.

Kate Murdoch is an author and painter. Her latest book is The Orange Grove (Regal House Publishing).

Where do you live?

In a contemporary, three-level, Balinese-inspired house in Brighton with my husband and our two children, aged 12 and 15. We bought the house in 2018 from (Melbourne power couple) Rebecca and Chris Judd.

What property do you own?

We own this house and share two holiday homes, at Mt Macedon and Sorrento, with the extended family.

What do you love most about your home?

The double-height ceiling in the main lounge, the light, the natural stone and marble, the pool and spa in the summer and the relaxed feeling of being at a resort.

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Chris Judd’s ‘man cave’ was often spoken about. This is how it looked when the property was sold.

Inside the lavish Bali-inspired pad when it was listed for sale.

Have you changed anything about your home?

We added solar panels for our electricity.

One more thing you’d change?

We would renovate the upstairs area so our son’s room would be big enough for when he’s older.

How many homes have you ever lived in?

I’ve lived in five.

The most memorable?

The first house my husband and I purchased together in St Kilda West before we married. It was a three-level contemporary townhouse. We loved being close to Fitzroy St and the city and it was very easy living. Most importantly, it was the house we brought our first child home to, so we always think of it fondly.

Three levels of bliss. Pictured when sold by the Judds.

The Judds threw ‘Juddchella’ at the ‘forever home’ they moved to.

Your first foot on the property ladder?

A three-bedroom apartment in East Melbourne. It was on the top floor of a classically styled complex near the MCG and had city views and gym facilities.

Are you a keen or reluctant property buyer?

I tend to want to stay where we are, and my husband is always behind our moves as he likes change more than I do. He seems to always know when it’s the right time, though.

How many homes have you ever bought and ever sold?

Bought four and sold three.

The highlights of your property journey?

Purchasing our latest home. It really suits us both, practically and aesthetically, and we plan to stay here for a long time. It has a great floorplan – there are lots of places to escape to.

Kate Murdoch.

Best property advice you’ve heard?

If you buy something that you love, it tends to appreciate in value longer term.

Worst property advice you’ve heard?

To overextend yourself financially in order to buy a property.

Tips for homebuyers?

Do your research, think about what your family might need in future years and if you have children, buy near schools.

Future property plans?

We might be rebuilding the family beach house at Sorrento.

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Originally published as Kate Murdoch Home Truths