Notebook

Selling a home doesn’t always have to start with a loud announcement to the market. More and more, homeowners are choosing to sell quietly, softly, and with intention. At home.byholly, we call this a Whisper Campaign. A considered, design-led approach that begins before your property ever hits the real estate portals.

What is a whisper campaign?

A whisper campaign is a soft launch, sometimes called an off-market campaign. Instead of opening your doors straight away to the entire market, we first speak directly to buyers already known to us. Our team works carefully to nurture relationships with buyers, and that trust translates into an opportunity: often we can introduce a ready buyer from our tangible and extensive database.

Why whisper?

The beauty of a whisper campaign lies in intrigue. We reveal glimpses, not the whole story. Editorial imagery, short-form teaser videos and thoughtful storytelling draw people in, giving them a feel for the lifestyle your home represents without overselling.

In the heart of Braddon—between bold street art, artisan bakeries, and the electric buzz of a Canberra winter—there’s something powerful happening. Something bigger than just business.

Lifeline Canberra has long been the quiet hero behind the scenes. When someone dials 13 11 14, they’re not just calling a number. They’re reaching for help, for connection, for hope. Every answered call is a life-changing moment—and every single one needs funding.

That’s why it’s been so inspiring to see Braddon businesses stepping up—literally.

Over the past month, if you’ve been out and about in Braddon, chances are you’ve seen someone dropping to the pavement or office floor for a burst of push-ups. From footpaths to foyers, local legends have been getting behind the Push-Up Challenge to raise awareness—and critical funds—for Lifeline.

In a video filmed at Raiders HQ, our own Holly Komorowski joined for the final push:

“Elsa has been very diligently, every single day, doing her push-ups to raise funds for Lifeline.

Winemaker Hamish Young from MADA is a true believer in the potential of Canberra, Hilltops and Tumbarumba wines, Hamish works tirelessly to ensure our region is at the forefront of Australia’s wine landscape through collaboration, generosity and passion.

Culture, colour, and community spirit — right on your doorstep.

We’re lucky to live in a city that’s bursting with creativity, connection, and charm. From festivals and food to music, markets, and more, there’s always something happening in our corner of the world.

Here’s your curated guide to what’s coming up this month in and around Canberra — experiences to inspire, delight, and bring us together.

🌿 Ongoing Events

🍷 Truffle-Infused Winter Tastings – Mount Majura Vineyard
June 7 – August 31
Indulge in a winter-long celebration of truffles and wine at Mount Majura. Think rich flavours, warm hospitality, and seasonal treats.

🎨 Arts & Exhibitions – Belconnen Arts Centre
Until July 6
Explore powerful visual stories from local and national artists across a variety of mediums.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

🚌 June 6 (Friday): Fantastic Bus Trip
A fun-filled social day trip, bringing connection and community to life around Canberra.

A curated dose of creativity, community, and vintage style.

Each month, we shine a light on a local maker, mover, or doer doing incredible things in our neighbourhood — the people who are shaping Canberra in their own unique and inspiring way.

This month, our very own Ash takes us inside Canberra Garms, Braddon’s freshest vintage fashion destination. 🎥

👇 Watch the story unfold here:

From Side Hustle to Streetwear Staple

What started as a simple Depop side hustle has grown into something seriously special. Canberra Garms was founded by five 19-year-old friends — Gaby, Tom, Amaru, Aiden, and Finn — who turned their passion for vintage fashion into a thriving storefront on Lonsdale Street.

Their curated collection pays homage to the iconic looks of the ‘90s and early 2000s, spotlighting standout pieces from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Juicy Couture.

— A vibrant village in the heart of Canberra, full of colour, character, and creative soul.

There’s a hum to Braddon — a quiet buzz that rolls through the leafy streets and drifts from the cafes each morning. It’s more than the aroma of locally roasted coffee or the clang of cocktail glasses at dusk — it’s a feeling. A sense of connection. Of belonging. Of place.

In Braddon, lifestyle leads the way. This is where Canberra comes to life. Lonsdale Street, the suburb’s beating heart, pulses with creativity — from independent boutiques and pop-up galleries to beloved bakeries, stylish bars, and design-led eateries. It’s urban but unpretentious. Fast-paced but never rushed. A neighbourhood built on expression, diversity, and community — this is the Braddon lifestyle.

And just beyond the buzz, nestled into quiet corners of this vibrant precinct, are two homes that reflect exactly what it means to live in Braddon, not just near it.

Asian style roast chicken

This recipe was provided by Cris from the hbh team!

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1.5kg whole chicken
• Half a lemon
• Half an onion
• 3 tbsp honey

Marinade:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp dark sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp finely grated ginger
• 3 garlic cloves – crushed
• 1 tsp Chinese Five-Spice

Method:

1. Preheat oven 180°C/356°F.
2. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel and put aside.
3. Combine soy sauce, sweet dark soy sauce, ginger, garlic and Chinese 5 spice in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss well to coat. Allow to marinate at least 10 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, reserve marinade for later.
5. Place lemon and onion pieces into the chicken cavity. Use kitchen twine to tie legs together. Place chicken on a roasting rack, sitting in roasting tray lined with foil, this will stop marinade burning on base of tray.

Whether you’re a local moving to a new neighbourhood or are a newbie to this beautiful city, let’s make your move as pleasant as discovering a hidden café in Braddon or catching the first light atop Mount Ainslie.

There’s something special about stepping into a new home—fresh spaces, new routines, and endless possibilities to make it your own. There’s also a lot to think about and plan—which comes with a lot of headaches and stress. Well, let’s put you at ease. For all of you who just started looking at properties, or are feeling overwhelmed about the prospect of packing and booking the right removalists, here’s a personalised guide to settling into your new home with ease and style.

Picture your new Canberra lifestyle

Why not immerse yourself in the local vibe before making it permanent? Wander the streets, explore nearby activities and amenities and speak to locals before you buy your new home in Canberra—offering charming stays in neighbourhoods like Kingston or Yarralumla.

Thanks to AirBnb, you can now picture yourself living in one of these gorgeous properties – literally. So pack your bags and say goodbye to sitting on the fence.

Stay in the centre of attention 

Get a taste for your new life of style, comfort and ease in this bright and airy apartment situated in the centre of everything. 33/15 Braybrooke Street, Bruce has all the qualities of a stand-alone home with an enormous balcony, internal laundry, large bedroom and open plan living area. You’ll want to whip out the tape measure on the balcony as you’ll be torn between an outdoor dining table or luxury cain suite. I can just imagine myself here cuddling up with a waffle throw, Sally Rooney book and a glass of red wine on a Friday night. 

So fresh, so clean (and tidy)

Like the great Outkast song, this apartment is the epitome of so fresh and so clean.