Agents & Their Spaces – John Bongiorno

With a formidable reputation in the Melbourne property industry, Marshall White director and auctioneer John Bongiorno – or Jack as he is widely known – is one of the most respected and recognised names in the real estate industry in Australia.

John and his family reside in the Bayside suburb of Brighton. The family home, situated on the beachfront ‘Golden Mile’, was inspired by its prominent position on the coast. After purchasing the home several years ago, they embarked on a complete renovation, the result of which is contemporary and luxurious, relaxed yet fresh and visually striking.

Featuring a calming palette of marble and blonde timber, relaxed open plan living is at the heart of the domain. Oriented towards the water, vast expanses of glass frame the uninterrupted views of Port Phillip. The lavish kitchen is a focal point for family meals around the extensive island bench and balmy summer night dinner parties. Family photographs take pride of place on the walls, with a considerable collection of coffee table books and a unique curation of special one of a kind pieces creating an inimitable, homely feel. Accents of lush greenery add texture and depth to the overall style.

‘For me, a home is created not by the possessions within it, but by the people and the times you share together,’ says John.

Inspired by time spent with his family on a Christmas trip to Washington DC where John and his children saw the flying kangaroos decorating the Australian embassy, the idea for Santa and his Brother Down Under was conceived. Originally a story for his four children, the book has been published with stunning illustrations by Caroline Keys. All proceeds from the book sales go to Koala Kids Foundation, a volunteer driven organisation supporting children with cancer.

This year John and his family will be spending Christmas on the Mornington Peninsula. While they don’t traditionally spend Christmas in the same place each year, they do make a point of being together.

‘Christmas for our family is about spending time together, eating great food and making new memories to cherish,’ says John.

After studying economics and accounting at university, John made the switch to real estate and hasn’t looked back. Having been in the industry for close to four decades, more than half of which has been with Marshall White, John thrives on the variety and fast paced nature of working in property.

‘What we’re seeing now is more of a balanced market. It’s a great time to sell and it’s a great time to buy,’ says John.

When it comes to selling, John emphasises the importance of decluttering and clearing out the space so the flow of the home is highlighted, while being realistic in managing expectations.

‘It’s all about presentation and pricing correctly,’ says John.

His advice to buyers is to look at everything, never assume and to keep an open mind.

See more of John’s stunning bayside home here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP_976LhnkE

You can help make a difference to the lives of children and young people undergoing cancer treatment and their families by purchasing ‘Santa and his Brother Down Under’ here: https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/our-people/santa-and-his-brother-down-under/