Essendon: AFL legend’s iconic Windy Hill:
Football and aviation have long defined Essendon’s identity for generations of Melburnians.
However, to those unfamiliar with the history of Windy Hill and Essendon Airport, it appears as a tranquil, affluent haven.
In this context, yoga and pilates instructor Saskia Morris found her niche with her partner, Marcus.
Eighteen months ago, they opened At One Studio on Buckley Street, aiming to enrich the community.
Originally from England, Morris was living in Preston and had little knowledge of Essendon.
Nevertheless, she noticed the allure of prestigious real estate and a significant number of school-aged families, which were promising signs.
“We explored the streets extensively to get to know the area and found it very appealing,” she recalls.
Moreover, the presence of numerous schools indicated a thriving community, which added to their optimism.
Morris anticipated a clientele mainly composed of mothers with school-aged children attending her classes.
Surprisingly, it turned out to be a much more diverse demographic than she expected.
Her offerings include gentle hatha and dynamic vinyasa flow yoga, mat pilates, and guided breathwork sessions.
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The north-western suburbs are thriving, especially known for their vibrant cafe culture.
Morris often visits popular spots like St Rose and Benny & Me.
These cafes are conveniently located on the Rose Street strip, close to her studio.
After evening events, she frequently takes clients for dinner at Indian Tukka on Buckley.
Essendon’s appeal is largely due to its excellent connectivity to the city.
This connectivity contributes to its median house price of $1.59 million, significantly higher than the Melbourne average.
Situated just eight kilometers from the CBD, Essendon is one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs.
It effectively combines train, tram, and bus services, which Morris appreciates.
She states, “If I have corporate clients in the city, I simply jump on the train.”
In less than 20 minutes, she arrives at Flinders Street, making travel seamless.