A Bellevue Hill estate dating to 1925, with a second-storey addition designed by Professor Leslie Wilkinson in 1939, has sold for $17 million after more than 50 years with one family.
More Than 50 Years With One Family
The heritage-listed property occupies about 1,346 square metres of north-facing land and was previously owned by doctor Robert Talbot. The residence has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and parking for two cars.
The latest sale ends a period of more than 50 years in one family’s ownership. The house was built in 1925 and substantially altered in 1939, when a second storey designed by architect and professor Leslie Wilkinson was added.
The grounds include lawns, a fountain, a sheltered courtyard and a terraced lower garden. Harbour views extend across Rose Bay towards Mosman and Manly from the upper-level bedrooms and ground-floor living areas.
1939 Addition Shapes Bellevue Hill Estate
The home is Inter-war Mediterranean in style, with a balanced front elevation and central loggia among its exterior features. Four bedrooms are upstairs, including the main bedroom with built-in storage and a dressing room, while a fifth bedroom with an ensuite is on the ground floor.
The remaining upper-level bedrooms also have built-in wardrobes. Downstairs, the internal layout includes formal living and dining rooms, a family room, study, kitchen, casual dining area, powder room and laundry.
The casual dining area opens to the garden courtyard, while the kitchen overlooks the same sheltered outdoor space. Separate pedestrian and rear vehicle access serve the property, with a tandem two-car garage at the rear.
The home is also close to schools, Plumer Road village and the harbour.
New Owners Plan Minor Work
Nicole O’Neil and her husband, hedge fund manager Adam O’Neil, bought the property. Nicole O’Neil appeared in all three seasons of The Real Housewives of Sydney and was crowned Miss Australia in 2002.
The purchase follows the couple’s sale of their Vaucluse residence for $23.35 million in July. Di Wilkenfeld and Michael Pallier of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty handled the Bellevue Hill sale.
For now, the O’Neils plan only minor changes to the house, including new carpets and fresh paint.
Published 31-August-2026
