Property of the week: 6 Bulkara St, Wagstaffe
Agave is the epitome of Instagramable coastal vibes in an exclusive deep waterfront setting.
2 min
Agave may only be six years young, but the glamorous Central Coast beach house is already a record holder two times over.
Crowned HIA-CSR Australian House of the Year in 2018, the Dennis Rabinowitz-designed waterfront residence set a price benchmark for the region in 2020 when it sold for $9.5 million, then again in 2022 after reportedly achieving “well above” its $13.5 million price expectations.
Cathy Baker, principal of Belle Property Central Coast, sold the property each time and has just listed the insta-worthy retreat again with a $16 million guide.
“This is a world class offering. The parcel of land is incredible and it has such a unique north-facing aspect in an exclusive gated community,” Ms Baker said.
“It’s rare to find properties like this one which tick all the boxes for a beautiful home or luxury holiday house.”
Set in the private San Toy Estate on 2188sq m, the Wagstaffe weekender is a sophisticated snapshot of laidback coastal design blending the great outdoors with carefully curated interiors featuring clean white lines and a minimalist palette.
Created for outdoor entertaining on a grand scale, or just lazy days on the water’s edge, Agave’s savvy open-plan design flows freely from three separate living zones onto alfresco decks a lanai-style internal courtyard with welcoming palm trees and feature tiles.
The grand central deck is focussed on capturing the tranquil water outlook and has an integrated barbecue area with ample room for all year round dining or soaking up the sun by the saltwater pool or private sandy beach.
Boating enthusiasts can pull right up to the jetty with deepwater mooring suitable for a super yacht or luxury cruiser while a separate deck is home to a private boathouse retreat that is ideal for yoga or meditation. There is also plenty of space for kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
At the heart of the home an open plan dining area takes centre stage and the state of the art kitchen has sleek marble bench tops, high-end appliances and a big butler’s pantry.
The indulgent seven-bedroom layout features five deluxe ensuites including a luxury hotel-inspired primary suite on the ground floor privately positioned away from the main living areas and other bedrooms. A second level houses six more bedrooms including a bunk room, ideal for multiple family getaways.
Previously listed as a luxury holiday rental earning in excess of $4000 a night, Agave can sleep up to 14 people comfortably, and with multiple entertaining areas and lounging spaces there is a place for everyone to retreat to inside and out.
In addition to landscaped gardens, there is a a top-of-the-line security system, air-conditioning and a double lock-up garage.
Agave is close to Lobster Beach, the Palm Beach and Ettalong ferries and the Bouddi National Park.
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Australia’s castles are rare, but this one is real. Built in 1849 and held by the same family for 50 years, Overnewton Castle in Melbourne is now seeking its next custodian.
3 min
Australia’s castles are few and far between, and the opportunity to buy one rarely pops up. There is, however, now a bona fide 35-room chateau for sale in suburban Melbourne.
Listed for the first time in half a century, Overnewton Castle in Keilor, north west of the city, has launched to market through Sean Cussell of Christie’s International Real Estate with a $6 million to $6.6 million price guide.
The 176-year-old Scottish Baronial-style property has been home to the Norton family for the past 50 years, but was originally built for Scottish settler, grazier and former Mayor of Keilor, William James Taylor.
On a sprawling 2.25ha estate surrounded by rolling grounds filled with sculpted gardens and 170-year-old elm trees, the ivy-clad seven-bedroom three-bathroom residence is layered with a blend of Scottish, French and English influences.
Inside the heritage-listed mansion, there is a grand ballroom seating up to 150 guests, a lavish dining room, and a private chapel that was converted from the original billiards room.
Gastroenterologist Dr LJ Norton and his family have invested five decades in Overnewton Castle, partly preserving its period features while also updating the house for the 21st Century. After a devastating fire in 1979, the Nortons upgraded the infrastructure, installed mains water and access roads, and created a 100-vehicle car park.
Many of the 1849 estate’s original features, including drystone walls, period fireplaces and the dramatic western turret – accessed via a 40-step spiral staircase with a mahogany handrail – have been meticulously maintained. Even the turret’s slate “fish scale” roof tiling and ornate wind vane are straight out of the 19th century.
“Overnewton Castle is not just a property; it is our home and a piece of local history that we have cherished for 50 years,” says Norton family member and managing director of Overnewton Castle, Emma Stott.
“Living here, respectfully updating the facilities and operating our business has been a labour of love. As a family, we have created so many fond memories here, as well as played an important role in countless weddings and other events hosted on our grounds.”
In addition to hosting weddings at Overnewton Castle, the Norton and Stott families also run historical tours and high teas on the property.
Cussell says the unique listing represents an opportunity of historical significance. “Overnewton Castle is one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture in the Southern Hemisphere and an ideal setting for a private residence, luxury retreat, education facility or event venue,” he explains.
“It represents a rare convergence of architectural grandeur, cultural heritage and enduring family legacy. The listing truly is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Australian history.”
Overnewton’s cultural footprint reaches beyond local tourism, with the castle making its mark in Australian cinema. It played a role as the fictional Monclare mansion in the 1982 cult horror film Next of Kin.
Earlier this year, the period Victoria Racing Club nominated property to display the Melbourne Cup during its prestigious Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, and in 2024, the site was also a finalist in the Victorian Tourism Awards.
Beyond the grand residence, there are several restored outbuildings suitable for entertaining or accommodation, including The Stables for up ten guests, The Loft which sleeps eight, The Cottage that accommodates six, and The Cabin with space for four people.
The stately address is soon to become even better connected with the forthcoming Suburban Rail Loop and Sunshine Superhub infrastructure projects, improving access to the city. Overnewton is about 20kms from Melbourne’s CBD and 8kms from Melbourne Airport.
Overnewton Castle is listed with Sean Cussell of Christie’s International Real Estate with a price guide of $6 million to $6.6 million. The expressions of interest campaign closes on November 21 at 3 pm.
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