Licence To Thrill Glamour is a way of life for entrepreneur Michelle Walsh.
For chef and entrepreneur Michelle Walsh, there’s no finer feeling than being behind the wheel of her classic convertible, writes WhichCar presenter and motoring expert, Elise Elliott.
MichelleWalshlookslikeshecouldhave stepped out of a James Bond film. But she’s less Bond girl, more glamorous MI6 agent, and neither shaken nor deterred by the presence of her pet python, Doug, draped around her neck. She looks similarly prepossessing while stroking her cat, a giant white Maine Coon named Gary. What’s more, her getaway car is a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II — the exact vehicle driven by 007 in Dr No. Even its hue, Lake Blue, is the same.
For Bond buffs, the Sunbeam is significant: it’s used in Sean Connery’s first-ever car chase. The two-seater convertible sports car, with its distinct fins at the rear, remains a style icon.
Michelle,herhusbandMartinandtheirtwo children Montana, 16 and Makenzie, 13, live in a bright beachside home in Sydney’s east. The main bedroom, living room and balcony overlook the spectacular cliffs of Tamarama; thethunderofwavesrollsthrougheveryroom.
For Michelle, an accomplished chef and the owner of luxury-experiences company Luxe Attaché, the heart of her home is the kitchen – or in this case, two small but well-appointed andorganisedkitchens.Onoffer?Adrymartini with lemon peel, shaken not stirred. What is it about the Sunbeam that appeals?
Apart from the fact it’s James Bond’s car, I love the fins and 1960s styling. It’s a convertible, but with the hard top on, it looks like the quintessential coupé. She’s seen a couple of modifications like the Webber carburettor and electronic ignition. You also drive a 2017 Ford Mustang. How do you feel behind the wheel?
Plain awesome! My previous cars were classic mum-mobileswithroomforbabyseats,prams, bags,bikes,musicalinstrumentsandchildren. It has gold wheels, red leather interior and racing stripes — so fun for the school run! As a bona fide adrenaline junkie, I would love to take it for a spin on a race track. What makes your home so breathtaking?
It started out as two apartments. Martin bought the first one in 1988, while he was living in New York City. We bought the >
“I love being in the kitchen. It’s connected to the dining area and balcony, which enables me to interact with my family or guests while I cook. There is as much joy in creating the food as sharing it.”
“When I’m driving the Sunbeam, I get the toughest-looking guys in the most manly vehicles pull up next to me at the lights and say ‘cool car!’.”
apartment next door when it came up for sale in 1999 and joined them together to create a family home. The apartments were built in the 1920s, in an Art Deco style – I think that gives the home more character than recent builds. The proximity to the beach is wonderful as we all enjoy swimming. I adore running along the coastal path at sunrise too.
What are the interior highlights? The ocean view, hands down. In addition, I have a random collection of interesting items, including a pair of boxing gloves from Portobello Road Market in London, a feather headdress from a market in Ibiza, a sword sourced in the medieval town of Gubbio [in Italy], and a horse statue from Positano, Italy. In terms of artworks, my favourite pieces are Her byBramReijnders; Love, Passion, Devotion by Shane Martin; a sculpture by Montana and Makenzie’s self-portrait. I also collect vintage cameras. How important is a well-appointed
kitchen? It gives any cook the best chance at success. While I have two kitchens, I also have an absurd amount of equipment. Thankfully, there’s plenty of storage – organisation is the key.
I love being in the kitchen. It’s connected to the dining area and balcony, which enables me to interact with people while I cook. There is as much joy in creating the food as in sharing it. We eat together as a family every night. I enjoy creating multiple dishes and experimenting with flavours while we chat about our days. Who influences your style and creativity? Italian restaurateur Massimo Bottura is one of the most inspiring individuals on the planet. His marriage of contemporary art and avant-garde cuisine is a gift to the world. How have you parlayed this skill into your new business venture? I recently started Luxe Attaché (luxeattache.com.au) with two friends. It’s about creating luxury experiences by design – maybe a dinner party with a private chef, bespoke menu and a live performance by an opera star. Or a day spent racing Formula Fords followed by lunch overlooking Sydney Harbour. Our customised experiences are truly unique.