Property of the Week: 26-27 Olola Rd, Vaucluse

A Sydney trophy home which has been no stranger to the property market in recent years has reappeared this week, listed with new agents and an amended price guide of $45 million.
The grand Vaucluse estate on coveted Olola Avenue is currently owned by shipping container king Arthur Tzaneros and his wife Maude who paid $32 million for the expansive 2266sq m estate just three years ago. Tzaneros is currently the CEO of Australian Container Freight Services Port Logistics.
Despite purchasing in 2021, but reportedly only settling on the prestige property in 2022, the
palatial residence was back on the market mid last year with $50 million to $55 million price
expectations. That 2023 listing of Olola Rd was likely prompted by Tzaneros spending $61.5
million for another luxury home in nearby Bellevue Hill last year.
Prior to the Tzaneros’ acquisition, the high profile house was on the market in 2018, when it
exchanged for $17 million, and 2012 when it fetched $8.5 million.
Now the extravagant five-bedroom home, complete with resort-style grounds including a pool and tennis court, is being marketed with co-agents Michael Pallier of Sydney Sotheby’s International and David Malouf of Highland Double Bay.
The vast compound sits opposite historic Vaucluse House and Vaucluse Park, featuring northerly harbour views out to The Heads and a long wish list of designer finishes.
A stately home with grand proportions, the elevated three-storey property has a winding private driveway to a large forecourt fit for multiple cars in addition to the six-car showroom garage.
An imposing foyer and gallery with herringbone floorboards and a statement staircase make a
great first impression, while formal rooms open up to a pergola and water views. This spacious ground floor footprint has multiple zones for entertaining and the sleek state-of-the-art kitchen features a huge marble island bench, big butler’s pantry, Miele ovens and an induction stovetop.
There is also a separate home office with external access on the same level.
Upstairs, five bedrooms all have their own ensuites with Calacatta marble surfaces and heated floors. The hotel-style primary suite is a home to a Hollywood-inspired dressing room, and a fireplace, and features balcony access with a harbour outlook, a deluxe bathroom with double showers and vanities plus an oval freelancing bathtub.
The converted attic is the ultimate retreat or guest bedroom with a wide terrace, kitchenette and bath ensuite.
For outdoor entertaining, the property also has a combined tennis and basketball court, a
swimming pool, an alfresco pavilion with integrated barbecue and bar fridge, a level lawn, as well as landscaped private grounds.
The long list of luxury features at the residence includes a five-person lift to three levels, a wine cellar, cloak room, two powder rooms and a self-contained street-level studio ideal for live-in staff.
Surrounded by VIP homes, the Olola Ave house is close to harbour beaches and sought after
schools.
26-27 Olola Rd, Vaucluse is listed with a $45 million price guide with co-agents Micheal
Pallier of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty and David Malouf of Highland Property
Double Bay.

Australia’s castles are few and far between, and the opportunity to buy one rarely pops up. There is, however, now a bona fide 35-room chateau for sale in suburban Melbourne.

Listed for the first time in half a century, Overnewton Castle in Keilor, north west of the city, has launched to market through Sean Cussell of Christie’s International Real Estate with a $6 million to $6.6 million price guide.

The 176-year-old Scottish Baronial-style property has been home to the Norton family for the past 50 years, but was originally built for Scottish settler, grazier and former Mayor of Keilor, William James Taylor.

On a sprawling 2.25ha estate surrounded by rolling grounds filled with sculpted gardens and 170-year-old elm trees, the ivy-clad seven-bedroom three-bathroom residence is layered with a blend of Scottish, French and English influences.

Inside the heritage-listed mansion, there is a grand ballroom seating up to 150 guests, a lavish dining room, and a private chapel that was converted from the original billiards room.

Gastroenterologist Dr LJ Norton and his family have invested five decades in Overnewton Castle, partly preserving its period features while also updating the house for the 21st Century. After a devastating fire in 1979, the Nortons upgraded the infrastructure, installed mains water and access roads, and created a 100-vehicle car park.

Many of the 1849 estate’s original features, including drystone walls, period fireplaces and the dramatic western turret – accessed via a 40-step spiral staircase with a mahogany handrail – have been meticulously maintained. Even the turret’s slate “fish scale” roof tiling and ornate wind vane are straight out of the 19th century.

“Overnewton Castle is not just a property; it is our home and a piece of local history that we have cherished for 50 years,” says Norton family member and managing director of Overnewton Castle, Emma Stott.

“Living here, respectfully updating the facilities and operating our business has been a labour of love. As a family, we have created so many fond memories here, as well as played an important role in countless weddings and other events hosted on our grounds.”

In addition to hosting weddings at Overnewton Castle, the Norton and Stott families also run historical tours and high teas on the property.

Cussell says the unique listing represents an opportunity of historical significance. “Overnewton Castle is one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture in the Southern Hemisphere and an ideal setting for a private residence, luxury retreat, education facility or event venue,” he explains.

“It represents a rare convergence of architectural grandeur, cultural heritage and enduring family legacy. The listing truly is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Australian history.”

Overnewton’s cultural footprint reaches beyond local tourism, with the castle making its mark in Australian cinema. It played a role as the fictional Monclare mansion in the 1982 cult horror film Next of Kin.

Earlier this year, the period Victoria Racing Club nominated property to display the Melbourne Cup during its prestigious Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, and in 2024, the site was also a finalist in the Victorian Tourism Awards.

Beyond the grand residence, there are several restored outbuildings suitable for entertaining or accommodation, including The Stables for up ten guests, The Loft which sleeps eight, The Cottage that accommodates six, and The Cabin with space for four people.

The stately address is soon to become even better connected with the forthcoming Suburban Rail Loop and Sunshine Superhub infrastructure projects, improving access to the city. Overnewton is about 20kms from Melbourne’s CBD and 8kms from Melbourne Airport.

Overnewton Castle is listed with Sean Cussell of Christie’s International Real Estate with a price guide of $6 million to $6.6 million. The expressions of interest campaign closes on November 21 at 3 pm.

Property of the Week: 26-27 Olola Rd, Vaucluse

Five bedrooms, harbour views, a lift, a tennis court, a wine cellar and accommodation for the live-in staff — this palatial home redefines luxury

Australia’s castles are rare, but this one is real. Built in 1849 and held by the same family for 50 years, Overnewton Castle in Melbourne is now seeking its next custodian.