Property of the week: 16 Garema Road, Gwandalan
This much-loved family estate is being offered for the first time in more than 20 years
2 min
A retreat in every sense of the word, Lakeside Lodge has been a prominent property clan’s dream getaway since 2003. Surrounded by towering trees and framed by peaceful farmland beside Lake Macquarie, the Rose family have spent more than two decades visiting the estate, which also features a freestanding chapel, guest cottage, boathouse and private dock.
Stuart Rose of the Rose Group, a brotherly duo of property developers behind a string of successful real estate projects including the transformation of the former AGL gasworks site on the Parramatta River into Breakfast Point, bought the Gwandalan estate for $5 million according to title records.
“The property has been in our family for over 20 years and used as a retreat and place for us to gather together with our friends,” Stuart says.
“It‘s been a difficult decision for us to let go, but as our lifestyles evolve and our children grow up, we’ve decided its time for another family to enjoy it the way we have.”
Stuart and his brother Bryan are selling the 8ha estate after the February passing of their father and Financial Review Rich Lister, Bob Rose AM, who was chair of The Urban Taskforce from 2003 to 2009.
Listed with Mat Steinwede and Trevor Hamilton of McGrath Terrigal, the residence at 16 Garema Rd has a price guide of $20 million and is being sold through an ‘expressions of interest’ campaign closing at midday on November 27.
Positioned with a prime due north aspect overlooking the tranquil lake, the eight-bedroom lodge-style residence is a blend of coastal chic and farmhouse charm. While the lake is the main event, the spacious house wraps around a grand central courtyard complete with landscaping and a pizza oven, as well as a direct line of sight straight out to the water so the enviable view won’t be missed.
Each room opens to the shore, courtyard or paddocks with a choice of several living spaces, ideal for a multi-family holiday. There is a main lounge room, a second living space, a media room plus a large piano lounge area opening to its own covered terrace.
Most bedrooms have an ensuite or neighbouring bathroom while the vast main suite has a walk-in wardrobe, a dressing room, an adjoining study, bath ensuite and sweeping lake views. Additionally, another office space is next to the primary bedroom with an inspiring water outlook.
The expansive property features a charming chapel with kitchenette amongst the trees, making the rambling estate the ideal spot for a wedding venue, potentially offering an extra source of income. In the separate cottage, or independent games room, there is a bathroom and kitchen and the ground also feature a tennis court, a pool, fire pit, two large dams, fenced paddocks, a warehouse, a chicken coop, a private jetty and a boatshed with dry dock. Added elements include solar panels, security alarms, surveillance cameras and a private gated entrance.
Designed to entertain on a grand scale, the holiday home has garage parking for up to 10 cars with space for many more. Sitting on the shores of Lake Macquarie, Lakeside Lodge is approximately 130kms from Sydney’s CBD.
Lakeside Lodge is listed with McGrath Terrigal through an expressions of interest campaign closing on November 27 at midday.
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Randwick’s Swan Isle is a meticulously restored heritage estate. With a $14 million guide, the palatial residence blends Victorian grandeur with modern luxury.
2 min
As local legend has it, retired Colonel William Farrell Commanding Officer of the first infantry regiment, stood on the balcony of his new Randwick residence back in 1906 and watched his soldiers parade by, saluting his honour.
Today, more than a century later, Swan Isle itself deserves a salute as it remains one of Sydney’s most meticulously maintained heritage addresses.
The 1349sq m estate in Randwick made an appearance on the market in early 2024, at the time asking $20m – a figure that would have eclipsed the suburb price record of $14.35 million set that same year.
Ray White Double Bay’s Kate Smith, and principal Elliott Placks, have brought the palatial seven-bedroom home back to market with a new campaign and an amended guide of $14 million.
The $6 million price correction may seem significant, but the eastern suburbs’ prestige property scene evidently sets its own pace.
Just last week the period residential estate Iona in Darlinghurst – once owned by Hollywood elite Baz Luhrman and Catherine Martin – sold for top dollar after an apparent $13 million “discount”.
That heritage estate had been marketed unsuccessfully in 2024 with a $40 million guide, was then slashed to $27 million at the start of this month, but sold in just 12 days for $37.5 million.
Since Swan Isle last sold in 2002 for $2.02 million, the two-storey home at 87 – 89 Darley Rd has been lovingly restored by the current owners and retired hoteliers, Robert and Mary Lou Richards.
The Richards were the publicans of The Strand, in Darlinghurst in 1992 and the Rocksia in Rockdale between 2012 and 2020.
After Colonel Farrell and his wife Frances raised five children at the historic home, the property was later used by St Jude’s Anglican Church for monthly services.
By the mid-20th century it became a private hotel and was then returned to private hands in 1960.
Inside, the stately residence expertly balances period charm and contemporary convenience with formal and casual living rooms featuring high ornate ceilings, chandeliers, polished timber floors and intricate lead light windows.
There are also original fireplaces and bespoke joinery that has been crafted to suit the home’s Victorian past, while modern upgrades include a modern kitchen with stone surfaces, Ilve and Miele dishwasher and a butler’s pantry.
All seven bedrooms are spread across both levels, plus two of the four bathrooms have elegant freestanding tubs and dual vanities.
In addition to multiple entertainment spaces downstairs, the upper floor houses a study, media room, billiards room and several balconies capturing panoramic views of Centennial Parklands and the city skyline.
Outside, the expansive grounds are home to manicured gardens befitting the romantic era, and more 21st century inclusions such as a barbecue area, a heated swimming pool, and a self-contained pool house that doubles as a studio.
The block has dual street access with Huddart Lane and there is an automated four-car garage with ample storage.
Swan Isle is close to Royal Randwick Racecourse, Allianz Stadium, Moore Park Golf Course, the Entertainment Quarter and the SCG.
Swan Isle at 87-89 Darley Rd, Randwick is listed with Kate Smith and Elliott Placks of Ray White Double Bay. It is listed via private treaty with a $14 million price guide.
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