Bellevue Hill Archives - Bellevue Hill News

Pilates Queen Marries CEO in Bellevue Hill Extravaganza

Bernadette Fahey, the owner of a prominent Bondi pilates studio, and Jordan Sukkar, CEO of construction company Buildcorp, were married in a star-studded ceremony at Scots College in Bellevue Hill, followed by an extravagant reception at the Sukkar family’s estate.

The wedding took place on Saturday, 30 November 2024, and was attended by some of Sydney’s most recognisable socialites, business figures, and celebrities. The bride and groom, who have been together for just under a year, celebrated their union in what attendees described as a highly curated and elegant affair.

Bellevue Hill, a suburb known for its wealth and prestige, served as an ideal backdrop for the event. Long recognised as one of Sydney’s top suburbs, Bellevue Hill’s reputation was prominently showcased at this high-profile gathering.

A Bellevue Hill Wedding to Remember

The ceremony at Scots College set the tone for the evening, with the reception moving to the Sukkar family’s multi-million-dollar compound nearby. The location, steeped in luxury, highlighted the social and financial standing of the couple.

Bernadette, 35, wore a satin gown designed by Steven Khalil, featuring layered skirting and intricate lace details. She completed the look with a 1920s-style veil and diamond earrings, keeping accessories minimal. The groom opted for a traditional black tuxedo with a bow tie, complementing the formal black-tie theme.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bernadette Sukkar (@mrsbernadettesukkar)

Notable Guests and Glamour

The guest list read like a who’s who of Sydney’s elite. The attendees included Socialites Jade and Jasmine Yarbrough, model Montana Cox, and media personality Karl Stefanovic. Jasmine, a shoe designer, wore a striking emerald satin gown, while her sister Jade opted for a chic green structured dress.

Model Madeline Holtznagel, pregnant with her first child, arrived late with partner Justin Hemmes. She wore a rust-red gown that accentuated her baby bump, drawing compliments from other guests. Artist Dina Broadhurst made a bold statement in a sheer red dress, while Anthony and Annika Bell, fresh from their own wedding, also attended in elegant attire.

From Greece to Sydney

In July, Jordan proposed during a romantic getaway to the Greek island of Tinos. Bernadette announced their engagement on Instagram, showcasing a diamond ring that quickly caught public attention. Since then, they have shared glimpses of their preparations, including Bernadette’s search for the perfect wedding dress and her unique hens celebration, which incorporated her passion for fitness.

Bernadette, who runs the popular Body By Berner pilates studio in Bondi, is well-known for her fitness expertise and connection to Sydney’s socialites. True to her brand, her pre-wedding celebrations included a workout-themed hens party. She also shared fashion inspiration with guests to ensure a cohesive aesthetic, focusing on vibrant colours and elegant designs. While this approach sparked discussion, it was ultimately praised for adding a creative flair to the event.

Bellevue Hill’s role as the epicentre of the event reinforces its status as a hub for high-profile gatherings. The suburb’s combination of luxury and exclusivity mirrors the success and influence of the newlyweds, who celebrated their union surrounded by family, friends, and the broader Sydney community.

Published 5-Dec-2024

Bombs Uncovered at Bellevue Hill Home Renovation Site

Photo Credit: Tribe Studio Architects

A home renovation project in Bellevue Hill took an unexpected turn when the construction crew uncovered several live, unexploded bombs on the property.

The homeowners, lawyers Rebecca Michelides and Glen Sauer, had hired award-winning architect Hannah Tribe of Tribe Studio Architects to oversee the renovation of their century-old arts and crafts home.

During excavation work to install a required 65,000-litre stormwater tank, the builders discovered what appeared to be a bomb. Authorities were immediately notified, leading to the arrival of NSW Police and Australian Army personnel to assess the situation.

Over the following days, more unexploded bombs, smoke bombs, and mortar rounds were unearthed across the property. In one incident, a disintegrating grenade had to be detonated on-site, requiring a controlled explosion and the evacuation of nearby neighbours.

The source of the arsenal is believed to be a former resident who may have been in the army reserve during World War II and collected the ordnance. Bellevue Hill was previously shelled by Japanese submarines in 1942, leaving a legacy of unexploded shells across the area.

Despite the unsettling discoveries, Tribe says the family’s love for the heritage-listed home’s quirky features inspired a playful design touch – the kitchen island’s legs were fashioned to resemble the unearthed bombs as a tribute to the renovation’s dramatic events.

“We always warn our clients to expect the unexpected during construction,” said Tribe. “No one expected the bombs.”

With the site now cleared by a deep penetration X-ray, the Michelides family can finally move forward with their long-awaited home renovations, albeit with a newfound appreciation for the history buried beneath their property.

Published 11-November-2024

Bellevue Hill Boys’ School Plans $7 Million Pool Upgrade for Water Polo

Photo Credit: DA376/2024

Scots College, a prestigious private boys’ school in Bellevue Hill, has submitted a development application to Woollahra Council to upgrade its swimming facilities.

Scots College Bellevue Hill — *Photo Credit:* *DA376/2024*

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.

The development application for Scots College is currently under review by Woollahra Council.

Published Date 22-October-2024

Bellevue Hill Home Sells for $50-Million Profit after Three Years

Food blogger Stephanie Conley-Buhre has sold her extensively renovated Bellevue Hill mansion for approximately $80 million, marking a staggering $50 million increase from its purchase price just three years ago.

The sale occurred in June 2024, with Ray White Double Bay’s Ashley Bierman confirming the off-market deal for the Spanish Mission-style residence, Alcooringa, on Victoria Road. According to a caveat placed on the property’s title, overseas-based expat Hannah Chapman has been revealed as the buyer.

Property Details

The 2000-square-metre home sits on a 1560-square-metre block and has undergone a lavish renovation since its purchase in 2021. The property now boasts an internal swimming pool, three kitchens, a gymnasium, a day spa (converted from a former chapel), and a rumpus room (formerly a ballroom).

Whilst exact renovation costs remain undisclosed, sources suggest more than $20 million was spent on the improvements. Bierman described the scale and finish as “extraordinary,” noting that every part of the house had been touched.

Bellevue Hill — *Photo Credit: realestate.com.au*

Previous Ownership and Sale History

Conley-Buhre and her venture capitalist husband, Oskar Buhre, bought the property in 2021 for $28.5 million from Dr Louis Klein and his wife Claire. The Kleins had purchased the home in 1993 for $2.9 million and struggled to sell it for six years before the 2021 sale.

Alcooringa was built around 1929 for graziers Mary and Hugh Taylor. It later served as the Tunisian consul until 1965 before passing through various owners. The recent renovation, inspired by a trip to Spain, has modernised the property while preserving its heritage features.

The renovated home recently appeared in Home Beautiful magazine, showcasing its transformation. The property is known for having some of the best views in Bellevue Hill, which the renovation has maximised.

Bierman commented on the transformation: “It was a diamond in the rough to start with and both Steph and Oskar put all their efforts into transforming what was a beautiful heritage home and getting the most out of it.”

Market Context

This sale sets a new record for Bellevue Hill, surpassing the previous high of $76 million set by the Federation mansion Leura a year ago. It also highlights the area’s rapid appreciation of trophy homes, with several other notable sales in recent years.

The buyer, Hannah Chapman, was reportedly introduced to the property by buyer’s agent Simon Cohen. Meanwhile, the couple is searching for their next project with a budget of $40-60 million, also with Cohen’s assistance.

This is not the first successful property flip for the couple. Their previous home, also on Victoria Road, was bought for $17.1 million in 2018 and sold three years later for $30 million after renovations and landscaping.

Ms Conley-Buhre, a fashion designer turned lifestyle blogger, is the daughter of the late aviation pioneer and philanthropist John Conley. Her success in flipping trophy homes has garnered attention in the high-end property market.

Published 26-Aug-2024

Prestigious Bellevue Hill Strikes Again with $27-M Sale

The prestigious Bellevue Hill continues to see high-value property sales, with capital growth driven by substantial transactions like Taphouse Group managing director David Mattick and wife Georgina’s $27 million home purchase in this affluent suburb.

Read: See Palomar, The Luxury Apartments Set To Rise In Bellevue Hill

The Matticks won’t need to move far, having lived nearby for years. Their new property at Holland Park was previously owned by venture capitalist Michael Seder, who with his wife Kim had purchased it just two years prior for $15 million. This demonstrates the exponential property value increase occurring in Bellevue Hill.

The Matticks join other notable buyers in the suburb, including former Dow Chemical head Andrew Liveris, ACFS Port Logistics chief Anthony Tzaneros, and flower wholesaler Leo Lynch. Demand for Sydney’s high-end real estate continues to surge, as reflected in Bellevue Hill’s market.

The house at Holland Park, Bellevue Hill (Photo credit: realestate.com.au)

David Mattick heads The Taphouse Group, founded by his father Peter Mattick of marketing giant Salmat fame. The group recently sold the Port Macquarie Hotel for $57 million and has listed the Kingscliff Beach Hotel for around $100 million. This illustrates the family’s extensive hospitality portfolio.

With a median house price of $8.51 million and median unit price of $1.58 million, the prestigious Bellevue Hill is Sydney’s fourth most expensive suburb. It leads a prestige area encompassing nearby Tamarama, Vaucluse and Darling Point. The exceptional capital growth and intense demand here looks set to continue.

Read: Art Deco Low-Rise to Be Transformed Into Stunning Three-Level Apartment on Fairfax Road

The combination of harbour views, privacy, prestige schools, and proximity to the city centre entrenches Bellevue Hill as one of Australia’s most desirable neighbourhoods. As demand shows no signs of cooling off, expect more record sales and further capital growth in this harborside haven for the rich and influential.

Published 11-February-2024

See Palomar, The Luxury Apartments Set To Rise In Bellevue Hill

A Mediterranean style residential project, called Palomar, will soon rise at Drumalbyn Road in Bellevue Hill.

Read: Buying than Renting a House Cheaper in Bellevue Hill

Works are underway for Palomar, which will be a luxury residential community that offers three-bedroom units with state of the art finishes, open plan kitchen, and spaces for indoor and outdoor entertaining.

For this project, RnB Property Group drew inspiration from the Spanish mission style building which originally stood on the site. Although the developers created a brand new building, they kept the same name and the overall look of Palomar, which was designed in 1928.

Designed by renowned firm MHN Design Union, –the award-winning group behind some of extraordinary buildings like The Crescent in Darling Point, the Kaunas M. K Concert Centre, and Bondi Beach Penthouse–the residential building will have expansive gardens and terraces and interior designed units.

Future residents will have access to a state-of-the-art security locker and mailbox system, with refrigeration facility, designed specifically for online orders and postal system packages.

The new residential project, which was already sold out, also features high ceilings, herringbone timber floors, fully integrated appliances, double security parking, and landmark architectural design.

“A striking facade comprising white, brick finish and arched bronze windows overlooks one of the world’s celebrated North harbour aspects,” the developers said.

“Palomar captures the architectural romance of ancient port cities such as Tangiers and Casablanca, infusing every day with a rare other-worldliness that assures its residents of a life less ordinary.”

Read: Former Bellevue Hill Banker Starts Building Design Business After Training at TAFE NSW

The luxury residential, located at 49 Drumalbyn Road, Bellevue Hill is conveniently located near cafes, shops, public transport as well as Rose Bay waterfront and places of worship.

Agents for the property revealed the project caught the interest of expats and local downsizers who would like to stay in the eastern suburbs, whilst enjoying apartment-living.

Tradie Rushed to the Hospital in Bellevue Hill Rooftop Brawl

A tradie working on a Bellevue Hill house fell five metres down headfirst after a rooftop brawl with a co-worker.

The accident happened in the middle of the day on the 7th of December 2022 at a property on Old South Head Road. Witnesses said they could hear three tradies arguing with each other on the rooftop and some of the neighbours were able to capture videos right before the man fell to the ground.

Paramedics were immediately called to the scene and brought the tradie, who was 44 years old, to St Vincent’s Hospital. He was seen on a stretcher with a brace around his neck.

Waverley Police, on the other hand, took the two other men, who were the ages of 41 and 45, to the station but no charges have been made as of press time.

John, who works as a site supervisor in another construction next door, said that blood was coming out of the tradie who fell and he appeared to be disoriented. Initially, he thought his workers were fighting but he could not make out what they were screaming about until someone told him that the fight was at another site.

The worksite was closed the following day, leaving the roof unfinished with a gaping hole. According to John, WorkCover ordered the shutdown pending an investigation with SafeWork NSW and the police.

The men have been renovating a house that belonged to a family for more than 30 years. The tenants of the house said that they were unaware of the fight and thus could not comment on what happened.

Bellevue Hill Veterinary Clinic Establishes Dog Blood Bank in the Eastern Suburbs

Southern Cross Vet, a Bellevue Hill veterinary clinic, has been set up as a donation hub and dog blood bank for pets in need in the Eastern Suburbs.

Sam Kovac, the owner of the Southern Cross which also has an outlet in Surry Hills, realised the need for the blood bank due to the increased frequency of the number of dogs requiring transfusion at his clinic.

Mr Kovac also plans to extend the service to cats and rabbits in the near future but the focus, for now, is to establish the dog blood bank.

“We have a growing database of generous, healthy, strong dogs who donate their blood every 6 months. After the careful collection, we type it, test it, label it and store it until it is needed,” Southern Cross Vet stated.

“The supply of fresh, typed, clean blood is ready to be delivered via our Concierge service to local veterinary clinics who need units of blood for transfusions, traumas, to prepare for risky surgeries or even to boost animals suffering with chronic diseases like cancer and chronic kidney disease who are experiencing a type of lethargy that worsens their quality of life.”

With this initiative, veterinary clinics around Southern Cross Vet in Bellevue Hill, particularly Wentworth, Grayndler and Kingsford-Smith LGAs, may phone in for free delivery of emergency blood.

However, Mr Kovac is also looking for donors to supply the dog blood bank. The animal doctor is hoping that more pet owners of greyhounds would consider donating. Greyhounds apparently have the richest in iron and is the breed only known universal blood type for dogs. A universal blood type means any breed may receive a blood transfusion from a greyhound.

Dog blood donation donors are ideal for pets who do not need to be sedated due to their calm demeanor. Larger dogs could also be able to donate to more patients in need.

Stop-Work Order Issued for The Acre in Bellevue Hill

A stop-work order has been issued for The Acre in Bellevue Hill following the discovery of serious defects by inspectors.

Whilst the stop-order is in effect, the developer is prevented from making settlements with apartment buyers.

Units of this posh residential complex, found along Cooper Road Park on the former site of the Bellevue Hill Bowling Club, sold off a few years ago for $1.8 million (two-bedroom) $2.2 million (three-bedroom), and $4.5 million (penthouse). The Acre was planned for 27 units and four penthouses overlooking Cooper Park.

In May 2021, NSW Building Commissioner (NSWBC) David Chandler ordered the builder, Maryland Developments, to fix the issues after a routine audit. According to reports, the inspectors cited areas with serious defects that did not comply with the state’s building standards, such as the apartment’s waterproofing in the bathrooms and planter boxes, fire-safety systems, and the load-bearing component.

Highlights

Building work for The Acre in Bellevue Hill has been temporarily stopped.
Inspectors from the NSW Building Commissioner’s office found issues with the project during a routine audit.
Maryland Developments was ordered to replace the builder and have six months to fix the issues.

The inspectors also found slabs of concrete covers that were insufficient and ineffective within the basement. There had exposed reinforced steel that could lead to corrosion and eventually compromise the building’s structural integrity.

Mr Chandler’s office stated that the stop-work order was necessary to prevent any unsupervised work whilst a replacement builder has to plan how to fix the issues and determine the scope of works.

The developer said that whilst the inspection was thorough, the issues seen were not “defects” but work that has yet to be completed. The NSWBC has given them six months to fix the issues.

Maryland Developments said that this should not impact the values of the apartments since the issues will be rectified. They said that they continue to receive enquiries and interest for the apartment.

The NSWBC said it will monitor The Acre. Its work is to ascertain that building issues are found and fixed before people move into the property.

New Proposal at Cranbrook Boys’ Private School Considers Co-Education

Cranbrook, a private school in Bellevue Hill, Sydney is considering opening its doors to female students for the first time in 102 years following a plan backed by Scott Farquhar.

Mr Farquhar, the co-founder and co-CEO of the software company Atlassian, has shown his support for the plan which aims to gradually transform Cranbrook, one of the most prestigious boy schools into a co-educational institution.

The proposal, which has yet to be lodged, came about after the school’s principal Nicholas Sampson and other senior members of staff conceptualised the initiative. Though specific details have not been released, Cranbrook head prefect Asher Learmonth mentioned in a school assembly that the students from boys-only schools seldom interact with girls outside of parties and mixers.

As a result, this proposal aims to provide girls with new educational opportunities while simultaneously allowing boys and girls to interact with one another and work together. If endorsed, female students at Cranbrook will be able to join International Baccalaureate Diploma classes in 2022, and over the years, girls will be able to enroll into the rest of the school.

Despite this, the proposal has drawn some controversy, with attention being drawn to the culture that boys’ private schools tend to foster. Hundreds of Sydney students have claimed they were sexually assaulted during their school years, and there are growing concerns over the safety of the girls who will enroll at these previously-all-boys schools.

Though nothing is currently concrete, it is estimated that the plan will be proposed to the school council shortly, though the councillors have mostly been supportive of the proposal for the school to become co-educational, there has been opposition from members who believe that Cranbrook should retain its all-male heritage.

Cranbrook can be found at 5 Victoria Rd, Bellevue Hill.