Historic Peppermint Grove Estate Hits the Market with $11m Price Guide
A period Perth property reimagined by a commercial interior designer brings the past and the present together in Peppermint Grove.
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It was the unique limestone that drew Janine Lauder in when she first set her sights on Minderup in Peppermint Grove 16 years ago. The commercial interior designer operates Janineous Design and has been a driving force on various renovation projects from Pymble Ladies’ College in Sydney to luxury hotels like the Pacific Hotels in Cairns and Brisbane. Her years of experience allowed her to immediately recognise the Victorian regency home’s great bones.
“One of the things that attracted us to the house is its history, and the limestone. The front section, hand-cut from local limestone in 1898, has withstood the test of time. The trees are well over 100 years old, and the house has a beautiful soul,” Janine said, adding that her vision for the revival of the historic home was clear from day one.
“My planning from the outset was to ensure form and function plus a connection from the front gate to the backyard. It all works together. The floor plan has not been static over the years, it has evolved with us. The living room was once used as a billiard room and my study – we have ‘his’ and ‘hers’ studies – was originally a children’s playroom for the family’s ever-changing needs.”
Throughout more than a century, the Irvine St residence has been home to several colourful residents including the previous owner, Olga Dickson, who lived there from the age of nine until her 80s. Olga established the Kindergarten of the Air during wartime. Edmund James Houghton Nicholson, who commanded the 10th Light Horse Regiment and also fought in Gallipoli, was the original owner.
“This is one of Peppermint Grove’s best houses, so rich in both character and sophistication,” said listing agent, Jody Fewster, principal of Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park. She is marketing the property with a $11 million price guide through an expressions of interest campaign closing on March 18.
Blending heritage charm with modern luxury, the 1819sq m Peppermint Grove property features five bedrooms, including a guest suite with a private entry, plus four bathrooms, two powder rooms, and an outdoor shower.
There is a choice of living spaces, with four fireplaces, a modern kitchen with two dishwashers, integrated fridges, and wine fridges. In the large wine cellar there is air conditioning and humidifier
In addition to the multiple indoor entertaining spaces, there is an outdoor room complete with a barbecue that features a wok station, and a South American-style Parrilla for fire cooking.
In the spacious back yard there is a grand 100-year-old Tuart tree, level lawns and a family-friendly pool.
“I really wanted to maintain a sense of history and connection to the newest parts of the home. The house truly flows and is very practical,” Janine said.
Completely updated for 21st Century living, the home has secure heritage windows and doors, an app-controlled alarm, nine CCTV cameras, and electric gates.
As well as a gated three-car space at the front of the property, there is also a five-car garage at the rear, and space for a further three vehicles.
The historic Peppermint Grove property is listed with Ray White Cottesloe/Mosman Park principal Jody Fewster with an $11 million price guide. Offers close on March 18, if not sold prior.
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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.
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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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