Sydney’s Hidden Chateau: Bellevue Hill’s Regal Landmark on the Market

Sydney isn’t known for its castles, but Chateau de Benelong is a local landmark with a difference. The regal seven-bedroom 1970s residence with its Roman archways and Greek columns stands tall among its neighbouring contemporary homes on Benelong Cres in Bellevue Hill.

The eastern suburbs palace was created by award-winning designer Lesley Santy in the neo-classical style. Santy wasn’t known for architecture, but did win a gold medal in the 1957 international furniture exhibition in Milan.

Benelong Crescent’s landmark property stood largely untouched for decades before getting an extensive custom renovation in 2011 by former owners Nare Elio and Makedonka Del-Ben of the Big Dig Build Group. The pair had paid $3.67 million for it in 2009 and set about adding a pool, a pavilion, a home theatre and wine cellar.

It was back on the market by 2012 with a $7.5 million price guide, but ended up selling for $4.995 million. The chateau last exchanged hands in 2015 for $5.9 million.

Fast forward a decade, and Bellevue Hill is now home to Australia’s most expensive property according to Domain’s December House Price Report showing a median sale price of $8.51 million.

Today, the home described as “one of Sydney’s most iconic residences” has resurfaced with price expectations of $13 million to $15 million via Paul Biller and Ben Torban of Biller Property – the agency behind the sale a decade ago.

The impressive three-storey home is a blend of European style and theatrical Hollywood grandeur.

Thanks to its elevated position, Chateau de Benelong has sweeping views over the harbour from a variety of vantage points.

Across the ground floor there are several living spaces for casual and more formal entertaining, as well as wide north and south-facing terraces to follow the sun all year long. Throughout the grand home there are stylish interiors including grand hallways, high ceilings and a series of iconic arched windows which open out to private terraces.

This ground floor layout is home to two kitchens with a separate wing suitable for guest or staff accommodation. The primary kitchen has been reimagined in a French Provincial style with an adjoining outdoor kitchen and Travertine terrace for alfresco gatherings. Beyond the barbecue area, the yard has a heated mosaic-tiled pool and landscaped gardens.

There is even more space for entertaining in style with a poolside cabana, a lower level rumpus room or home theatre plus a gym or yoga room.

Up on the accommodation level a main bedroom suite has a dressing room, a large ensuite and balcony, while four more bedrooms on the same level have Travertine ensuites or balcony access.

Additional features include internal access to a four-car garage, a wine cellar, ducted air-conditioning and DA approval for a rooftop terrace capitalising on harbour views.

Chateau de Benelong is positioned close to sought after schools, popular harbour beaches, Bondi Beach, Double Bay shopping, and the Rose Bay ferry wharf.

Bellevue Hill’s Chateau de Benelong is listed with Paul Biller of Biller Property with a $13 million to $15 million price guide.