Hobart Trophy Home Targets $15m

Sentosa in Hobart has already spent its time in the history books, but now the historic estate in Sandy Bay is set to shine again.

The period home, which sits on a large 2300 square metres riverfront block, made headlines in 2017 when the then century-old mansion sold for a Tasmanian record of $6.5 million.

Fast forward to 2026 and the 1917 trophy home is returning to the market with $15 million expectations – a figure that could set a brand new price benchmark for the Apple Isle.

Owned by Sydney investors, Piers Dawson-Damer and his partner Kim, Sentosa has been used as a Tassie holiday home for almost a decade. The pair bought the riverside residence from locals Wendy and Barry Turnbull, who had paid $815,000 for it in 1993.

The current sale is expected to easily eclipse Hobart’s record, which stands at $8.5 million. That benchmark was set when Point Piper-based Taswegian, financier Greg Woolley, bought historic Waimea House in 2011.

Interestingly, Woolley took the keys to Waimea House – also in Sandy Bay – from the Dawson-Damers, who themselves had paid a then-record of $6.06 million.

Co-agents, Forbes Global Properties directors Tracey Atkins and Robert Fletcher, are tasked with marketing Sentosa.

“Sentosa has been set up perfectly by its interstate owners to serve as a top-tier second home, with state-of-the-art automation, technology and security now in place that allow it to be run seamlessly from anywhere in the world,” Fletcher said, adding that the unique Hobart home has been turning heads since it landed online this week

“There is no question it merits attention locally and internationally – it is a true Tasmanian trophy.”

Taking its name from the Malay word for “peace and tranquility”, Sentosa is once of the city’s most iconic properties. Even early Australian aviator Charles Kingsford-Smith reportedly visited the estate when he honeymooned in Hobart with his second wife Mary in 1931.

With 270-degree views of the Derwent River and mountain backdrop, the house on Blinking Billy Point has given its owners a front-row seat to the final sprints of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Now fully renovated, the arts and crafts era house has been restored to its former glory.

Fletcher said the Dawson-Damers wanted to respect the home’s heritage while updating the five-bedroom house for modern living.

The result is a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern luxury, all with a strong connection to the water.

There are many restored original details, like ornate cornices, lead-light windows, fireplaces, and intricate fretwork.

The renovation has also added several modern touches, including a new central staircase, updated joinery, sleek bathrooms, and an entertainer’s kitchen. Other modern features of the Sandy Bay home include advanced home automation and CCTV security.

Living areas include both formal and casual spaces, plus there is a grand main bedroom suite, all designed to capture uninterrupted views of the river and ranges.

Outside, the estate offers resort-style amenities, including landscaped gardens by award-winning designer Paul Bangay, with European-inspired green spaces, a statement water fountain, level lawns, and sandstone terraces.

Additionally, there is a fully equipped boat shed with a slipway right on the water’s edge.

Sentosa is close to beaches, popular schools, large parks, and Hobart’s CBD.

Sentosa at 650 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay is listed with price hopes of $15 million through an expressions of interest campaign with Forbes Global Properties agents Robert Fletcher and Tracey Atkins.

Australia’s housing debate is often dominated by affordability and supply, but a new collaboration between Brickworks and acclaimed architecture firm Kennedy Nolan argues the conversation should also focus on the quality and longevity of the homes being built.

The project, titled Our Next Neighbourhood, examines how suburban housing could evolve in response to shrinking block sizes, rising energy costs, increasing density and changing family structures.

Rather than proposing luxury dream homes, the initiative focuses on what its creators describe as achievable suburban housing models that are more flexible, sustainable, and better suited to modern Australian life.

Brickworks commissioned Kennedy Nolan to investigate what suburban housing might look like if “design, long-term liveability and enduring materials were placed at the centre of the conversation”.

The result is two housing concepts, known as the Street Terrace and Canopy Terrace, which explore higher-density living while maintaining access to green space, natural light and privacy.

The designs incorporate adaptable floorplans that can evolve as family needs change, along with passive design principles intended to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

Brett Ward, General Manager of Marketing at Brickworks, said the company wanted to broaden the discussion around housing beyond simply increasing supply.

“Much of the housing conversation today is understandably focused on supply and affordability, but there is an equally important discussion to be had about the quality and longevity of the homes we build,” he said.

“We wanted to explore how thoughtful design, combined with durable, resilient materials, could create homes that not only function well today, but continue to support Australian families and communities long into the future.”

Kennedy Nolan said the project was partly inspired by concerns that contemporary housing often struggles to adapt to changing household structures and environmental pressures.

The architects said innovation in suburban housing was “essential” to address changing family groupings, energy use, urban heat island effects and growing disconnection from place.

According to the design team, the concepts draw on lessons from some of Australia’s most influential housing projects while seeking to create neighbourhoods with stronger links to landscape, community and local identity.

Rachel Nolan, founder of Kennedy Nolan, said the practice saw an opportunity to reimagine suburban housing as something “more connected to our climate, our landscape, our communities and our Australian identity”.

The project comes as policymakers, developers and planners continue searching for ways to deliver more housing without sacrificing liveability, neighbourhood character or long-term sustainability.

Hobart Trophy Home Targets $15m

A landmark Sandy Bay estate with deep history, riverfront position and resort-style grounds returns to market with record-breaking ambitions.

Brickworks has enlisted acclaimed architecture studio Kennedy Nolan to explore how homes could become more adaptable, energy-efficient and connected to community.