UNRIVALLED LUXURY IN THE HEART OF WAHROONGA
A reinvented estate five years in the making, delivering unrivalled luxury in Sydney’s Upper North Shore.
3 min
Sydney has its fair share of trophy homes, but when it comes to a mansion with every modern must-have, few could compete with this reinvented Wahroonga residence that’s been five years in the making.
Owned by actuary Julian Lipman and listed with David Walker of Ray White Upper North Shore, the extraordinary estate is expected to sell in the vicinity of its $18 million price point.
From the tennis court built to Australian Open standards to the award-winning swimming pool; the home dance studio to the imported greenhouse, this lavish property has plenty of wow factor at every turn.
Curated to be the ultimate entertainer’s retreat, the dream house doesn’t disappoint with an unparalleled home theatre by Signature Cinemas, built to standards rarely seen in a private home.
Alberto Vangi of Signature Cinemas said there is an extraordinary level of detail used to create the space.
“We created a room within a room to give it the ultimate acoustic treatment and to soundproof it with the least chance of any vibration. It has silk leather seating, and four-way masking so that no matter if you’re watching normal TV content, or a CinemaScope movie, the masking can move in four directions, giving you the ultimate size screen,” he explained, adding that the cinema also has a separate projection room.
“There are cinema-grade speakers specifically chosen to give you the most realistic sound possible. The time, detail and work that went into this project is next level.”
The fully appointed space has a commercial-grade projector, extensive acoustic treatments, ATMOS surround sound and a 4.9m screen.
On a vast 4047sq m parcel with a head-turning 1271sq m of internal living space, the grand homestead is a whole lot of house over three levels.
Beyond the stately double height entry foyer, the ground floor footprint alone is larger than the average Aussie house with a collection of elaborate entertaining areas for all occasions. The open plan lounge and dining zone is anchored by a statement Real Flame gas fireplace separating the formal and casual spaces and sliding doors spill out onto the expansive grounds.
A commercial-grade kitchen is home to Valcucine cabinetry, granite and timber surfaces, two fridges, an under counter freezer, Washtech dishwasher, osmosis water filter, Waldorf gas cook tops, a teppanyaki plate and Rational combi oven. There is also a huge butler’s pantry, island bench and a breakfast nook, as well as a full outdoor kitchen overlooking the pool.
That unique 25m heated infinity pool by Premier Pools earned a gong from the Master Builders Association back in 2023 and features in-floor cleaning, waterfalls, automated pool covers, sound speakers, a spa and lane markings.
Beside the pool, the neighbouring Plexicushion Prestige north/south-facing tennis court, which has an adjoining cabana with a wet bar, is suitable for professional play. Throughout the designer gardens there are established plants, a vegetable patch, a Hartley Botanic green house with heat lamps, lighting and SONOS sound, plus golf course-rated Sir Grange lawns.
There is an abundance of additional living space on the ground floor including a combined play room and study for the kids, a separate home office, a media room, a professional gym or dance studio complete with sprung floor, as well as TV systems, speakers and mirrored walls. A guest bedroom on the same level offers privacy with a walk-in wardrobe, a courtyard and shower ensuite.
Upstairs, a wide balcony overlooks the grounds and there are four more bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes and ensuites, however the primary suite is the real showstopper. It includes a dressing room with backlit display shelving, ensuite with a solid cast-iron bathtub, Onyx fireplace and a personal terrace.
The list goes on with a host of five-star inclusions such as a climate-controlled 2500-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, a 100sq m workshop beside the four-car garage featuring two EV chargers, a Crestron home automation system, a lift to all levels, zoned ducted air-conditioning and filtered air, hydronic under floor heating of all tiled areas, 21mm solid Tallowwood flooring, Louis Poulsen imported light features, Markilux electric awnings and electric blinds, Toto Neorest toilets, 60,000L buried rainwater tank.
The estate is close to Wahroonga Public School, the local train station, Knox Grammar, Barker and Abbotsleigh.
The Carrington Rd home is listed with David Walker on 0414 184 911 and Belinda Edwards on 0451 672 977.
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Randwick’s Swan Isle is a meticulously restored heritage estate. With a $14 million guide, the palatial residence blends Victorian grandeur with modern luxury.
2 min
As local legend has it, retired Colonel William Farrell Commanding Officer of the first infantry regiment, stood on the balcony of his new Randwick residence back in 1906 and watched his soldiers parade by, saluting his honour.
Today, more than a century later, Swan Isle itself deserves a salute as it remains one of Sydney’s most meticulously maintained heritage addresses.
The 1349sq m estate in Randwick made an appearance on the market in early 2024, at the time asking $20m – a figure that would have eclipsed the suburb price record of $14.35 million set that same year.
Ray White Double Bay’s Kate Smith, and principal Elliott Placks, have brought the palatial seven-bedroom home back to market with a new campaign and an amended guide of $14 million.
The $6 million price correction may seem significant, but the eastern suburbs’ prestige property scene evidently sets its own pace.
Just last week the period residential estate Iona in Darlinghurst – once owned by Hollywood elite Baz Luhrman and Catherine Martin – sold for top dollar after an apparent $13 million “discount”.
That heritage estate had been marketed unsuccessfully in 2024 with a $40 million guide, was then slashed to $27 million at the start of this month, but sold in just 12 days for $37.5 million.
Since Swan Isle last sold in 2002 for $2.02 million, the two-storey home at 87 – 89 Darley Rd has been lovingly restored by the current owners and retired hoteliers, Robert and Mary Lou Richards.
The Richards were the publicans of The Strand, in Darlinghurst in 1992 and the Rocksia in Rockdale between 2012 and 2020.
After Colonel Farrell and his wife Frances raised five children at the historic home, the property was later used by St Jude’s Anglican Church for monthly services.
By the mid-20th century it became a private hotel and was then returned to private hands in 1960.
Inside, the stately residence expertly balances period charm and contemporary convenience with formal and casual living rooms featuring high ornate ceilings, chandeliers, polished timber floors and intricate lead light windows.
There are also original fireplaces and bespoke joinery that has been crafted to suit the home’s Victorian past, while modern upgrades include a modern kitchen with stone surfaces, Ilve and Miele dishwasher and a butler’s pantry.
All seven bedrooms are spread across both levels, plus two of the four bathrooms have elegant freestanding tubs and dual vanities.
In addition to multiple entertainment spaces downstairs, the upper floor houses a study, media room, billiards room and several balconies capturing panoramic views of Centennial Parklands and the city skyline.
Outside, the expansive grounds are home to manicured gardens befitting the romantic era, and more 21st century inclusions such as a barbecue area, a heated swimming pool, and a self-contained pool house that doubles as a studio.
The block has dual street access with Huddart Lane and there is an automated four-car garage with ample storage.
Swan Isle is close to Royal Randwick Racecourse, Allianz Stadium, Moore Park Golf Course, the Entertainment Quarter and the SCG.
Swan Isle at 87-89 Darley Rd, Randwick is listed with Kate Smith and Elliott Placks of Ray White Double Bay. It is listed via private treaty with a $14 million price guide.
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