A property owner based in Bellevue Hill has entered into agreements to host dozens of wind turbines on regional land near Yass, drawing concern from nearby farmers.
Will Kelly, a resident of Bellevue Hill and member of an exclusive Sydney golf club, owns a large rural property near Yass in New South Wales. His brother, Sam Kelly, owns the neighbouring lot. Both properties have been selected to host a major portion of the proposed Bendenine Wind Farm.
The wind farm project, proposed by developer Wind Prospect, is planned for a site between the towns of Bowning and Binalong. It includes up to 90 turbines, each 260 metres tall. The Kelly brothers’ properties are expected to host a significant number of these turbines.
Contracts between Wind Prospect and the Kelly brothers were made privately and became known to neighbouring property owners earlier in the year. Some residents have raised concerns about the lack of transparency, as their properties border turbine sites but were not included in negotiations.
In response to rising local interest, Wind Prospect attended a community meeting on 21 May at Bowning Hall, hosted by the Bowning and District Progress Association. The session was used to introduce the project and provide details to residents.
Community Reaction and Concerns
Several residents have raised questions over the fairness of the arrangements, pointing to potential declines in land value and the visual impact of turbines located near their boundaries.
Public commentary shared online has ranged from objections about environmental and economic concerns to debate over whether such infrastructure should be built in rural areas. Some residents questioned why turbine infrastructure was not placed closer to metropolitan users.
Photo Credit: Wind Prospect
Project Status and Oversight
Wind Prospect maintains that it has engaged with the community in a respectful and transparent manner. The Bendenine Wind Farm remains in its early planning stages, with no formal development application yet lodged.
Officials have confirmed that landholders such as Will and Sam Kelly are within their rights to negotiate private land use agreements, subject to final planning approvals. Wind Prospect has stated it will hand over the project to Mint Renewables at a later stage, though no specific timeframe for this transition has been disclosed.
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by either of the Kelly brothers. The focus from nearby residents remains on the broader planning process and how similar arrangements are communicated to the wider community.
Caerleon, a red-brick mansion nestled in Bellevue Hill, quietly holds the title of being Australia’s first home built in the Queen Anne style, a design that would later shape much of the country’s Federation architecture.
Caerleon was completed in the mid-1880s for Charles B. Fairfax, a member of the well-known Fairfax family. At a time when most Sydney homes were built in the Gothic or Italianate styles, Caerleon marked a significant shift in taste and ambition. The house was one of the earliest signs that Australia was developing its own take on European design movements.
The Bellevue Hill home was named after the small town of Caerleon in Wales, a place famed for its Roman fortress and rich historical legacy. Its Welsh name (Caerllion) literally means “fortress of the legion”—an apt moniker given the town’s significance as a Roman military base. According to heritage records, Fairfax chose this name for his new Sydney home, likely to evoke the grandeur and historical weight associated with its Welsh namesake.
While Sydney architect Harry Kent created the first plans, they were later reworked in London by British architect Maurice Adams. The redesign caused some quiet tension. Kent’s contributions were overlooked in an exhibition in England, even though he remained the one who supervised its actual construction. This behind-the-scenes dispute never became a public scandal, but it shaped how the project was remembered within architecture circles.
A Home with a Distinct Personality
Unlike the uniform facades of other grand homes of its time, Caerleon stood out with its red brick walls, terracotta tiles, and timber detailing. It featured elements such as steep gables, tall chimneys, stained-glass windows and verandahs trimmed in timber, features that were then considered new and even risky. Over time, these would influence a whole generation of domestic architecture in New South Wales.
The home sits on a slope above the harbour, offering views that were rare when it was first built. Its Queen Anne style became widely admired and set a pattern followed by many other homes in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Recognised for its cultural and architectural significance, Caerleon is listed on both the New South Wales State Heritage Register and the former Register of the National Estate. These listings ensure that key elements of the home are preserved, not just for its owners but for the community and future generations to learn from.
While private, the house remains a quiet part of Bellevue Hill’s local identity. It reminds residents of the suburb’s place in the story of Sydney’s development, especially as heritage protections become increasingly important amid modern redevelopment pressures.
A Quiet Return to the Headlines
Caerleon drew national attention in early 2008 when it sold for $22 million, one of the highest private home sales at the time. The buyer was media executive Lachlan Murdoch, whose purchase added a modern chapter to the home’s long story. The sale confirmed Caerleon’s status not just as an architectural icon but also as a major property of interest in Sydney’s competitive high-end market.
Despite its celebrity connection, Caerleon has remained out of the spotlight. Neighbours know it not for the headlines but for its long-standing presence—unchanged, dignified, and steeped in the area’s local memory.
A newly completed student centre at The Scots College in Bellevue Hill has prompted commentary on architectural authenticity, educational equity, and the role of tradition in school design.
The John Cunningham Student Centre marks a significant transformation of the former Stevenson Library, originally completed in 1988. Once described as a stark, flat-roofed structure lacking character, the library was considered unsuitable for a contemporary educational environment.
Rather than proceed with a full demolition, sections of the original building were retained. This decision, based on the structural viability of the existing form, required complex integration with the new design, which adopts a historic architectural style.
The old Stevenson Library building and the new John Cunningham Student Centre
A Calculated Departure from Modernism
The centre features Scots Baronial architecture, a revivalist style from the 19th century that draws on medieval and Renaissance influences. Key design elements — including stone arches, turrets, and a cantilevered stair — were constructed using genuine materials such as structural stone, Welsh slate, and bronze.
Led by architect John Cockings of JCA Architects, the project drew inspiration from Craigends House in Scotland, the ancestral home of alumnus John Cunningham’s family. This stylistic choice diverges from prevailing global design trends, positioning the building as a conscious departure from the uniformity of modernist architecture.
Revisiting Authenticity in Design
Photo Credit: The Scots College/Facebook
The $60-million student centre has drawn mixed reactions. Some in the architectural community labelled the design a “pastiche” — a term commonly applied to works perceived as stylistically imitative. Others, however, have noted the project’s detailed execution and commitment to architectural tradition as a considered counterpoint to contemporary norms.
Beyond the design, Scots College explains their vision:
With the generosity of our majority donor, Mr John W Cunningham, AM SCM (’50), our vision for the John Cunningham Student Centre is far more than an impressive building. Housed within it are learning spaces and spaces for students to meet and learn together. This allows for the normalisation of counselling and other support services to ensure that all students receive the proactive resources that they need to be not just a student, but to flourish and thrive and graduate as fine young men.
The project has become a reference point in ongoing architectural commentary about authenticity, originality, and the role of style. The decision to embrace a historical form challenges entrenched values that favour abstraction and minimalism, questioning whether historical references in architecture should be dismissed or embraced.
Rather than adhering to the aesthetic conventions of current educational buildings, the structure incorporates ornamentation, locality, and historical symbolism, reintroducing design elements often omitted in contemporary construction.
A Statement Beyond Its Walls
While the execution of the building was noted in some architectural commentary, concerns persist regarding cost and access. Now housing the school’s library, pastoral care rooms, and professional learning spaces, the facility reflects values of wealth, permanence, and tradition often associated with elite institutions.
The John Cunningham Student Centre stands as more than a facility upgrade. It reflects an institutional identity rooted in heritage and permanence. Whether it remains an exception or influences broader trends in educational architecture, the conversation it has sparked in design circles underscores its symbolic weight.
We’ve combed Bellevue Hill for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Tasty Sydney ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Returning after a long time, I completed a variety of sauce combinations than before and the taste got better. Marron and Toothfish were a bit disappointing to pay extra for, but the crab crumpets were good. The fish tacos were still delicious and the steak was very good. As expected from a dessert restaurant, the ending was good, so overall it was good.
Danijela M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing an unforgettable dining experience at Catalina. The establishment truly impressed me with its outstanding food and impeccable service. From the moment we arrived, the ambiance set a warm, inviting tone that perfectly complemented the culinary adventure ahead. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the 7-course autumn tasting menu, which featured a selection of dishes celebrating the season’s freshest ingredients. Each course was artfully presented and carefully balanced in flavor, evoking a sense of both comfort and sophistication. One of the standout moments of the day was when the head chef personally presented the first dish. This personal touch not only underscored the passion and commitment behind every plate but also provided a unique insight into the creative process and inspiration for the menu. The chef’s introduction made the dish feel even more special, setting the stage for the exceptional courses that followed. Every course was a testament to Catalina’s dedication to culinary excellence, with each dish delivering beautifully fresh flavors and innovative combinations that left a lasting impression. The service was equally commendable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff ensuring that the entire dining experience was seamless and thoroughly enjoyable. Overall, Catalina provided great food, impeccable service, and a personal touch combined to create a truly memorable experience.
Hami M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently dined at Washoku Restaurant in Rose Bay, and it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting. I had the wagyu, which was absolutely delicious, perfectly paired with rice. Highly recommend it!
Amy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gorgeous spot, the food is so fresh & service was spot on. Recommend kingfish sashimi, salmon taco, prawn lettuce cup, wild lion king roll.
Mark ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Neighbourhood gem! The best, freshest food and a phenomenal selection. Stand outs salmon taco, pork gyoza, wagyu yaki soba and salmon curry! We’ve been at least once a month since it opened! And BYO
Maya N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is honestly the best food I’ve ever had! I ordered a Greek salad which was so good, a vegetarian pizza which was made with such care and it was delicious and my favourite of all – a classic tiramisu. This tiramisu was one of the best I’ve ever had – it was so good
Will R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very enjoyable al fresco dining experience – pizza was the best I’ve had in Sydney and the pasta was delicious too. BYO as well. An absolute gem in Bellevue Hill 🙂
Yoanita P ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I came for the food, but stayed for the cozy, welcoming vibe. Inside and out, it feels like you’re dining right in the heart of Italy—complete with a rustic wood-fired oven for that perfect, authentic touch. 🇮🇹 Their menu is simple yet bursting with classic Italian flavour, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Sicily. It’s a perfect spot for a casual dine-and-wine date with friends or a warm gathering with loved ones. And watching the legendary owner, Arazzi, hand-craft the pizzas in his wood-fire oven? Pure theatre. 🍕🔥
Leon D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rained off work so I went for lunch as usual and what a good call that was. Had the chicken parmigiana. The chicken was cooked properly with a store bought tomato sauce on it. The cheese was good and plentiful and the chips were thin cut so they did go cold fast. The plate not warmed up. The salad was a good size and only leafy with a nice dressing on it. 4.5 plates cleaned
Pauline M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Body Came here on a rainy Sunday for roast. $28, you can pick between pork and chicken. The place was completely packed over the 2 levels. Find a spot and take it. Service was rather slow but most likely due to the number of people. There’s a fire place downstairs.
Randy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The ragu steak was good, but i prefer the one with sauce rather than the home butter. The beer selection in here was also great. Great deal 18$ for the ragu steak on tuesday. Car park just behind the pub. Pretty tight and have to look around to get the spot
Michelle D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delightful all round… prompt and efficient, serving consistently good Thai dishes that are more on the authentic side. Deep fried barramundi on this occasion was more steamed than crisp. Sticky rice with beef and pad Thai are favourites.
Cora B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of my favorite Thai restaurants in Bondi, lovely staffs and food, my favorite go to meal is pineapple and prawn with fried rice, and BBQ pork with sticky rice. I always had a great time when visiting the restaurant, love it❤️
Em ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Thai food and probably the best beef salad I’ve had. The beef is perfectly marinated and cooked. Service was on point. Highly recommend!!
The 16-year-old, who previously played for The Southport School on the Gold Coast, joins Scots as part of a unique dual pathway that also links him to the Sydney Roosters through a development deal.
Lote-Felo, a powerful No. 8, has drawn attention for his athleticism and impact at the schoolboy level. His arrival is seen as a statement by Scots College, which continues to invest heavily in top-tier rugby talent to bolster its First XV program.
Photo Credit: The Scots College
The Roosters development contract allows Lote-Felo to train with the NRL club on a weekly basis while remaining eligible to play schoolboy rugby union. That arrangement, though rare, has been carefully structured to ensure that the student-athlete meets school and sporting commitments without breaching existing competition rules.
This cross-border move is significant for a few reasons. First, it involves a direct transfer between two elite GPS rugby programs — The Southport School in Queensland and Scots College in New South Wales — which is uncommon at this level. Second, it signals a potential shift in how elite rugby and league pathways intersect at the school level, particularly when driven by NRL club development interests.
Scots has not made public comment on the signing, but the news has drawn attention across school rugby circles, particularly in Queensland where rival GPS schools have taken notice of Lote-Felo’s departure.
The arrangement reportedly allows the young forward to remain focused on his education and his rugby union development, with the Roosters offering a supporting role that doesn’t conflict with Scots’ rugby program.
As rugby league and rugby union continue to compete for emerging talent, moves like this one — blending schoolboy union with NRL development — could become more visible in the seasons ahead.
For now, Scots supporters can look forward to seeing Lote-Felo in action when the First XV season resumes, with expectations high that the Queensland recruit will make an immediate impact.
A luxury residence in Bellevue Hill, owned by a stakeholder in the Manly Sea Eagles, remains on the market with a revised guide price of $16.5–$17.5 million.
A five-bedroom home in Bellevue Hill is still for sale after an earlier campaign did not result in a transaction. The property at 5 Bulkara Road was first marketed in October 2024 with expectations exceeding $20 million. The guide price has since been adjusted to between $16.5 million and $17.5 million.
The home is owned by Michele Brooks, the wife of Andrew Michael, a part-owner of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Michael shares ownership of the NRL club with chairman Scott Penn. Records show the couple acquired the site in 1997 for $1.575 million. The residence was rebuilt and later underwent significant renovations approximately a decade ago.
Photo Credit: Ray White Double Bay
Michael has worked in the fashion sector for more than four decades and is currently a director at the Apparel Group. He and his wife recently purchased a penthouse in Elizabeth Bay for $24 million.
Property Features and Layout
The home, designed by Arent & Pyke, offers single-level open-plan living. It contains five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a bespoke home office, and a marble kitchen with a butler’s pantry. Outdoor features include multiple courtyards and an in-ground swimming pool.
Photo Credit: Ray White Double Bay
Access is available via a landscaped stairway or a garage-connected inclinator. The property spans a 967-square-metre block on a sought-after street.
Location and Views
Located in a prominent part of Bellevue Hill, the home provides views over Double Bay, the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney city skyline, and Bondi Junction. It is also close to several leading private schools in the eastern suburbs.
The Scots College in Bellevue Hill officially opened the John Cunningham Student Centre—a new facility that blends heritage architecture with contemporary educational design. The building, years in the making, represents a major addition to the Bellevue Hill campus and a key milestone in the school’s long-term vision for student learning and wellbeing.
The Centre’s architectural style draws inspiration from the 16th-century Scottish Baronial tradition, chosen specifically to reflect both the heritage of the College and the evolving needs of modern education.
Photo credit: The Scots College/Facebook
“It has stood the test of time,” the school stated, referencing similar structures found across Scotland, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. Designed as both a visual landmark and a functional space, the building serves as a modern-day castle for learning and connection.
“This Scottish design style highlights significant traits of the proposed student support programs within. The original concept of this style was as a fortified building, a defensible structure, a safe stronghold; in short, a sanctuary,” said Scots College.
Inside, the Centre offers a wide array of facilities, including activity-based workspaces that support collaborative learning, quiet ‘deep zones’ for independent study, and open social areas that encourage relationship-building and peer support.
It also houses consultation hubs, where students, families, educators, and allied health professionals can come together to provide integrated care. Conference rooms and advanced observation classrooms further support teacher training and global engagement.
Photo credit: The Scots College/Facebook
The project was formally launched with a sod-turning ceremony in March 2020, symbolising the start of a vision that would take shape over several years. Following planning approvals—including support from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment despite objections from Woollahra Council and local residents—construction officially commenced nearly a year later.
With reported costs reaching $60 million—almost twice the original estimate—the development has attracted public criticism, with some questioning the necessity and scale of the undertaking, particularly in the context of broader educational and community needs.
Despite the debate, the completed Centre was celebrated with a series of events in March 2025, including a Tattoo performance honouring the College’s Scottish heritage.
From its ceremonial beginnings to its grand opening, the John Cunningham Student Centre now stands as both an architectural landmark and a symbol of Scots College’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, globally minded students prepared for life beyond school.
A Bellevue Hill mansion at 12 Benelong Crescent has emerged as a testament to the suburb’s architectural significance, offering a glimpse into the suburb’s high-end real estate market.
Situated in one of Sydney’s most exclusive eastern suburbs, the seven-bedroom Château de Benelong represents the pinnacle of local residential design. Bellevue Hill, known for its harbourside mansions and architectural diversity, adds another distinctive property to its prestigious landscape.
Constructed in 1977 by designer Lesley Santy, the property exemplifies the Hollywood Regency style that has found a unique home in Bellevue Hill’s architectural narrative. The 2011 renovation further enhanced its appeal, blending historical design with modern luxury.
The listing reflects Bellevue Hill’s continued prominence in Sydney’s luxury real estate market, showcasing the suburb’s ability to attract high-end property investors and architectural enthusiasts.
The $130 million sale of the Elaine estate in Point Piper has been confirmed to be a consortium led by Acce Investments CEO Patrick Shi, following months of speculation surrounding the record-breaking deal.
At the time, it set a national house price record. The heritage-listed mansion, sitting on a 6,986 sqm waterfront block, has drawn significant public interest due to its potential for redevelopment. In 2022, Mr Farquhar set another record with the purchase of UIG Lodge in Point Piper for $130 million.
Buyer Revealed
Recent reports confirm that the buyer of Elaine is a consortium that includes Mr Shi, CEO of Acce Investments Group. Initially seeking to purchase the property for $100 million, Mr Shi joined forces with investors to secure the deal. The consortium’s identity has remained undisclosed since the purchase in October 2024.
Property Features and Potential Plans
Elaine occupies a prime waterfront location with direct access to Seven Shillings Beach, surrounded by towering Norfolk Island pines.
Sources suggest the new owner may consider subdividing the property into smaller lots, with two blocks facing New South Head Road potentially valued at $40 million each.
If the land is divided into four parcels, the total value could exceed $200 million. However, it remains uncertain whether the historic mansion will be retained or demolished.
Point Piper continues to attract high-value property transactions. In 2018, the neighbouring Fairwater estate was sold to Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes for $100 million.
Additionally, a 2019 off-the-plan penthouse at One Sydney Harbour remains Australia’s most expensive residential sale, fetching $140 million.
Community Sentiment
Local residents have expressed varied opinions about potential redevelopment, with some raising concerns over preserving the suburb’s heritage character.
Mr Farquhar’s previously proposed $37 million renovation plans for Elaine were met with opposition from neighbours and ultimately abandoned.
Future Implications
The consortium’s future plans for Elaine will play a significant role in shaping the evolving luxury real estate market in Point Piper.
Whether the property is subdivided or preserved as a single residence, its development is expected to influence market trends and property values in the area.
Scots College, a prestigious private boys’ school in Bellevue Hill, has submitted a development application to Woollahra Council to upgrade its swimming facilities.
The school proposes to replace its current pool with a new, expanded 14-lane heated pool at an estimated cost of over $7 million. The upgrade will include a new 14-lane heated pool to accommodate water polo training and matches. It will also offer improved amenities for spectators, including a new store building.
School officials say the $7 million upgrade aims to modernise existing facilities and ensure they meet modern standards.
This development comes as many independent and private schools across Sydney are investing in upgrades to their sporting facilities.
MLC Burwood is planning a new sports centre and performing arts hub, while Barker College in Hornsby has received approval for a new aquatic centre and tennis courts. Santa Sabina College in Strathfield and Ravenswood School for Girls on the North Shore also have similar projects.
Independent Schools Australia noted that funding for such projects typically comes from parent donations and investments, which account for approximately 86 per cent of funding for private school projects across the country.
