Riverside living and contemporary style meet in this secret Sydney enclave

Putney is one of those suburbs in Sydney that can go under the radar. Positioned near the better known and possibly more desirable neighbourhood of Hunters Hill, it is ideally located along the Parramatta River with easy access to ferries, waterfront parks and Ryde Shopping Centre. While the adjacent suburb of Gladesville has an abundance of apartments, contemporary family homes can be harder to find.

Like many more coveted parts of the city, it is also experiencing a renewal of housing stock, as evidenced by this contemporary home at 111 Charles Street. Last sold in 2018 for $2.15m, the property on a 670.3sqm site has been transformed from a single storey 1970s brick residence into a five-bedroom, four-bathroom resort style home.

Interior and exterior spaces have been treated as one, with an integrated alfresco, pool and outdoor entertaining area to the rear surrounded by well-maintained gardens.

An architect’s eye is obvious in this design, with careful attention paid to access to natural light, including double height voids over the formal living area at the front of the house, as well as the open plan living space at the rear. While finishes, including natural stone and glass balustrading, add a sense of luxury, custom designed joinery and Miele appliances ensure it is a highly functional family home.

All bedrooms are on the upper floor, with a spacious master suite with dressing room leading into the ensuite, as well as three additional bedrooms, including one with an additional ensuite.

At a time when trades are difficult to pin down and construction costs are still a concern, this property offers considered contemporary living with nothing to do. For Sydneysiders, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Address: 111 Charles Street Putney

Price Guide: $5.25 million

Auction: 9.45am August 26

Agent: Lee Dowdall Property Partner leedowdall@theagency.com.au 0408 690 921

Stephanie O’Sullivan Property Partner stephanieosullivan@theagency.com.au 0419 485 504

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

Riverside living and contemporary style meet in this secret Sydney enclave

This property draws back the curtain on stylish family living and city convenience

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.