Bellevue Hill Archives - Page 3 of 3

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.

Buying than Renting a House Cheaper in Bellevue Hill

New research has revealed that at least 37 percent of suburbs across the country have better mortgage repayments that cost a lot less than a renter’s weekly payment. This is more apparent in Bellevue Hill and some suburbs in the outskirts of Sydney’s cities.

Domain.com.au senior research analyst Dr Nicola Powell said that this is great news for first-time buyers who want to invest in their own house but it’s also good news for renters who would receive more payment.

Whilst it is generally cheaper to rent than repay mortages in Sydney, the difference is only minimal and hardly noticeable, giving renters a savings of at least $10 to $62 a week.

According to their latest data, house rental vs mortgages has ballooned to $2,782 a week in Bellevue Hill and it is the biggest rate in Australia. In 2018, Corelogic also released data indicating that the advertised weekly median rents in this suburb were at $2,695 a week.

The research was based on the 2020’s median sales and rent data, and did not include housing costs like maintenance, Council rates and stamp duty.

This quiet hillside hideaway is a sanctuary for many high rollers as it is close to the beach yet located within minutes of shopping and dining choices at the CBD or neighbouring suburbs like Bondi Junction or Rose Bay.

Families also settle in these rolling hills as it has some of the best private schools in the region.

Meanwhile, here are the suburbs with higher weekly rent payments than mortgage repayments in the country.

Suburb	State	Weekly repayment	Weekly Rent	Difference between buying and renting
Mollymook Beach	NSW	$645	$1,260	-$615
Middleton	SA	$466	$1,050	-$584
Port Elliot	SA	$433	$1,015	-$582
Malua Bay	NSW	$532	$800	-$268
Newman	WA	$206	$451	-$245
Nickol	WA	$429	$670	-$241
Port Hedland	WA	$383	$601	-$218
Muirhead	NT	$418	$615	-$197
Moranbah	QLD	$231	$420	-$189
South Hedland	WA	$223	$400	-$177
Cable Beach	WA	$426	$600	-$174
Tuross Head	NSW	$422	$590	-$168
Gillen	NT	$355	$510	-$155
Bulgarra	WA	$348	$500	-$152
Box Hill	NSW	$424	$575	-$151
Broken Hill	NSW	$125	$270	-$145
Rasmussen	QLD	$184	$325	-$141
Goolwa South	SA	$295	$435	-$140
Woodridge	QLD	$165	$300	-$135
Manoora	QLD	$248	$383	-$134

Bellevue Hill Cooper Park Community Garden Celebrates Year 1 With an Open Day

Photo Credit: Cooper Park Community Garden/Facebook

The Cooper Park Community Garden on Cooper Park Road in Bellevue Hill is having an Open Day to celebrate its first year anniversary. Set for Saturday, the 30th of March, the relaxing afternoon event will begin at 12:30 p.m. and anyone from the neighbourhood may attend.

There will be a sausage sizzle during the Open Day and families who bring along their kids are in for some exciting games. Members of the Cooper Park Community Garden will also be talking about the progress of this initiative.

*Photo Credit:* *Cooper Park Community Garden/Facebook*

Before the celebration, however, there will be an Autumn Veggie Gardening Workshop at 10:30 a.m.

Interested participants will be taught the following basics:

Preparing the veggie patch for autumn
Best greens to plant
Seeds versus seedlings
Soil maintenance
Patch maintenance for a good harvest

The workshop is also free of charge, but an advanced online registration is required.

Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn gardening or share your gardening skills, you may sign up to be a member of the Cooper Park Community Garden. This is open to everyone, regardless of their gardening experience.

As a member, you will need to share at least an hour’s worth of your time every week to tend to the garden. A yearly membership fee will also be required, which shall go to the construction and maintenance of the garden beds.

The Cooper Park Community Garden, which was officially formed on the 10th of March 2018, is recognised by the state government.

5 Arts and Crafts Classes for Kids In and Around Bellevue Hill

Is your child showing interest in arts and crafts? Would you like to nurture your child’s creativity in an art school in Bellevue Hill? They say that kids raised to love art become smarter children and joining art classes could definitely improve their creativity, cognition, and intuition.

Here are five art schools in and around Bellevue Hill where you may ask about art classes for your children and teenagers.

1. Kids Art Centre

Kids Art Centre is already accepting enrollees among kids ages five to 12 years old for Term 2. The classes will begin on the 20th of April and sessions will be held Monday to Friday at 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The student, however, to come once a week only.

Art materials will be covered in the term’s fee but students may bring their own tools as well. Classes will be customized based on the child’s interests. The centre is at 42 Streatfield Road in Bellevue Hill.

2. Eastern Suburbs Artistic School

The Eastern Suburbs Artistic School is about 1.5 kilometres off Bellevue Road. The school offers arts, music and language classes for children, teens and adults with different schedules held from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The school may also arrange for private classes at the students house aside from the studio. For inquiries regarding the classes, parents may phone +61 2 8040 0900.

*Photo Credit:* *Eastern Suburbs Artistic School/Facebook*

3. Arts Cool

The Arts Cool is located in Double Bay and classes are done in private based on a time and date that suits the child or teenager best. Each session is for 90 minutes long but interested students may avail of the one-time trial class before committing to the art sessions.

The Arts Cool teaches drawing, painting, sculpture, cartooning, design, printing, and ceramics. There are 10 lessons per term. Inquire by calling 9362 0780 or contact the artist and teacher Kim Smith on their website.

4. Plaster Master Fun Centre

Plaster Master Fun Centre has half-day sessions or full day sessions for kids ages five to 12 years old. Arts and crafts lessons offered include puppet making and performing, ceramic painting, plaster figurine creation, clay pottery, Van Gogh inspired painting, mosaic painting, and recycle sculpturing.

Those keen to learn and have fun may book a slot online or visit the school at 333 Old South Head Road in North Bondi, which is about 2.4 kilometres from Bellevue Hill. Artists at the the Plaster Master Fun Centre may also be booked for children’s parties.

*Photo Credit:* *Plaster Master Fun Centre/Facebook*

5. Creative Kids Co.

Creative Kids Co has art classes for budding artists as young as two years old. Each session runs for 45 minutes for the two to five-year-old classes.

The school also offers art classes for 4.5 to 10-year-old kids and 8 to 14-year-old children. Aside from learning how to draw, paint or sculpt, the kids will also be taught sessions on art history and artist profiles. The classes for bigger kids run for 8 to 10 sessions.

This school is at Paddington, which is about 4.2 kilometres from Bellevue. Call 0410 637 859 for inquiries.