MONA VALE BEACH HOUSE WITH RARE DIRECT BEACH ACCESS HITS THE MARKET
This four bedroom coastal classic has been remade for modern living, delivering 270 degree ocean views and rare direct beach access.
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A beautifully renovated New South Wales home in a never-to-be-built-out location by the beach is on the market.
The property at 61 Hillcrest Avenue, Mona Vale, in New South Wales, has a price guide of $7.5+ million and is being marketed by Ray White Northern Beaches agents Emma Blake and Sasha de Bilde.
The property is set to go to auction on October 26.
Ms Blake said the “historic home” with direct beach access was set at the end of a cul-de-sac in one of Mona Vale’s most prestigious streets.
“The property is in a never-to-be-built-out position and there are large open plan living spaces looking out to Mona Vale Beach and beyond,” she said.
“The elevated position offers uninterrupted 270-degree views across Mona Vale Beach, the ocean horizon, and surrounding headlands – with expansive open-plan living spaces designed to embrace the coastal lifestyle.”
The home was once owned by local surf entrepreneur Shane Stedman, founder of Shane Surfboards and credited with popularising the Ugg boot in Australia.
Over the years, the property became something of a local icon – hosting several well-known guests, including Richard Branson.
In 2021, the home was purchased by Justin Riddett and his family, who were living in Singapore at the time.
Together with design firm Whitney & Co and Northern Beaches Constructions, the owners undertook a major renovation that transformed the home into a contemporary beachside haven while preserving its original character.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home features a high-quality build with thoughtful architectural enhancements, blending timeless coastal charm with modern functionality.
The renovation was led by Julie Fisk of Whitney & Co and Elliot Ryan of Northern Beaches Constructions, in close collaboration with the owners.
“From the outset, we wanted to honour the spirit of the home while elevating it to a new standard,” Mr Riddett said.
“The result is something truly special – a place where our family has thrived and connected deeply with the beach and community.”
While the family is ready to downsize, Mr Riddett said the lifestyle will be hard to leave behind.
“Most days the kids and I go to the beach after school – there’s no road to cross,” he said.
“For us, this house was about the kids, and I think it would best suit another family who can enjoy its location just like we have.”
The property’s location is unmatched – one of the few homes in the entire Northern Beaches with direct beach access and panoramic views, he said.
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At the northern tip of Point Piper, hidden from the street and positioned directly on Sydney Harbour, “Radford” combines cinematic views, rare waterfront access and a fascinating connection to one of Australia’s most storied estates.
The five-bedroom residence occupies land once belonging to Paradis Sur Mer, the celebrated three-block waterfront estate that made Australian property history in 1982. The original mansion became the country’s first home reported to have sold for more than $5 million—and may also have inspired one of its fastest and most profitable resales.
Property developer and yachtsman Bernard Lewis purchased the estate at auction for $5.25 million, only to sell it within hours to English betting magnate and thoroughbred breeder Robert Sangster. Lewis reportedly made a $500,000 profit in the process.
Sangster renamed the property Toison D’Or—French for “Golden Fleece” and the name of one of his racehorses—and established it as a Sydney base with his then-wife, Susan. The estate subsequently changed hands and identities again, becoming Paradis Sur Mer, or “Paradise on the Sea”, during Susan’s marriage to financier Sir Frank Renouf.
After another headline-making sale near the peak of Sydney’s late-1980s property boom, the original mansion was eventually demolished and the waterfront holding subdivided. “Radford” now stands on one of those prized parcels, carrying a thread of that extraordinary history into the present day.
Harbour views take centre stage
Designed by award-winning architect Victor Berk and constructed in the early 1990s, the three-level modernist residence has been planned around its exceptional position.
Panoramic views stretch from the Sydney Harbour Bridge across Shark Island and Rose Bay to Manly. A prized northerly aspect fills the home with natural light, while bedrooms and living spaces open to decks, balconies and terraces overlooking the water.
The main living areas flow to a broad alfresco entertaining terrace, sunny swimming pool and level harbourfront lawn. Beyond the garden, a private jetty completes the quintessential Sydney waterfront lifestyle.
Inside, generous proportions make the home equally suited to private family life and large-scale entertaining. The formal dining area can accommodate up to 14 guests, while a Gaggenau-appointed kitchen incorporates an island, walk-in pantry and casual breakfast area opening to the poolside deck.
A fireplace anchors the principal living space, complemented by high ceilings, travertine floors and expansive glazing that keeps the harbour present throughout the home.
A private sanctuary on every level
The main bedroom is accompanied by two walk-in wardrobes, a sitting area and an ensuite featuring a spa bath, separate shower and twin basins. Three further bedrooms each have an ensuite, while a gym with its own kitchenette, built-in storage and bathroom can serve as a fifth bedroom or private guest retreat.
Additional spaces include a fitted home office, an upper-level family area, sauna, two powder rooms and a substantial laundry. A lift connects all three levels, and the central staircase sits beneath an atrium-style glass roof fitted with an electric retractable blind.
Ducted and zoned air-conditioning, extensive storage and a security alarm add everyday practicality. Internal access leads to an oversized secure double garage, with additional driveway parking.
Set in an elite cul-de-sac on one of Australia’s most prestigious waterfront streets, “Radford” is close to Lady Martins Beach, Prince Edward Yacht Club, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Rose Bay’s marinas and leading schools. Double Bay’s restaurants, boutiques and village amenities are only minutes away.
It is an exceptional harbourfront residence in its own right—but its connection to the record-breaking Paradis Sur Mer estate gives it a place within the wider story of Sydney real estate.
Property details
Address: Wolseley Road, Point Piper, NSW
Bedrooms: Five, including a flexible gym or guest suite
Bathrooms: Five, plus two powder rooms
Parking: Oversized double garage and additional driveway space
Key features: Northerly aspect, panoramic harbour views, private jetty, swimming pool, level waterfront lawn, lift, sauna, home office and Gaggenau kitchen
Architect: Victor Berk
Agents: Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s & Brad Pillinger, Pillinger
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