I have known Maria Rampa now for 18 years and she is one of the most stylish and genuine people I know. An astute business woman and entrepreneur, as well as a consultant and fundraiser for “Act for Kids” for many years, she is to be admired for her drive and compassion. Complimented by her wonderful husband Mark Pembroke, this duo is a true delight and were the first people who came to mind when I wanted to write a feature on Newstead owner-occupiers.
I first sold to Mark and Maria in 2013. They purchased a beautiful two-level, top floor sky home in Mirvac’s “Park” building at Waterfront, Newstead with beautiful park and river views. In conjunction with a Sunshine Coast interior designer, they did an outstanding renovation which saw them sell at absolute top dollar in a very tough market at the time.
Enclave Property Group had just opened when they sold their apartment and we had the chance to reconnect with them again and help them find their next home. Cashed up and ready to go, the long and lengthy search was on and in the end the decision came down to two properties: Unison by Mirvac at Newstead and Ascot Green by Mirvac. After inspections on both, the stunning 135 sqm corner apartment with river and city views located in the heart of Newstead was going to be the winner. Let’s see why they call Unison home:
EPG: “What are the features and qualities you look for when buying a property?”
Maria: “The number one requirement is that you need to know who the developer is!” “When it comes to Mirvac apartments, they are a blank slate and they have the quality so you can add your own style.”
EPG: “What do you particularly like about Mirvac properties?”
Maria: “Quality of build, fixtures and fittings, acoustics and quality of the floor coverings.”
Apart from the quality of the developer, the most important criteria for Maria is the location. “I love walking everywhere including restaurants, hairdressers, dentist and the gym. I work at King Street Bowen Hills and Mark works in Montpelier Rd in Fortitude Valley, so everything is very accessible.”
Maria also loves living in a vibrant connected Newstead hub. “I love being connected to the community and to life – the fact that you can see and hear life around you – I never feel alone. I also love living near the water and seeing the moon rise.”
Maria commented that Unison is a social building. The landscaped podium with the two swimming pools is a central hub for people to connect and the two restaurants Drum and Pantry 360 directly under the Unison building are also a great point of connection.
As with the ‘Park” apartment, Mark and Maria have done some incredible additions. The custom joinery features use of travertine and bespoke timber with the Television doubling as a piece of wall art. The light fittings are from Space and they have incorporated rich tapestries from Warwick fabrics on several key pieces of furniture. The major centrepiece is the fireplace and in her own words Maria says, “even in Queensland, I would never be without a fireplace!”
Without question, they have turned a blank canvas into an inviting sanctuary exuding style and sophistication and a warmth that can only come from them.
Thanks Mark and Maria for giving us your time and insight into your home and your lives.
Bye for now