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
2 min
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.
A 30-metre masterpiece unveiled in Monaco brings Lamborghini’s supercar drama to the high seas, powered by 7,600 horsepower and unmistakable Italian design.
Once a sleepy surf town, Noosa has become Australia’s prestige property hotspot, where multi-million dollar knockdowns, architectural showpieces and record-setting sales are the new normal.
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.
Australia’s market is on the move again, and not always where you’d expect. We’ve found the surprise suburbs where prices are climbing fastest.
A bold new era for Australian luxury: MAISON de SABRÉ launches The Palais, a flagship handbag eight years in the making.
