TOWERING AMBITION BY THE BAY ON THE MARKET
A grand, heritage-style beach house with a tennis court, tower rooftop and bay views is redefining Sorrento luxury living.
2 min
It’s a beach house, but not as you know it. Despite its heritage-inspired facade, Tower House in the coastal pocket of Sorrento has all the hallmarks of a grand estate with the benefits of a contemporary build.
Although the striking residence with a tennis court and pool on Victoria’s coveted Mornington Peninsula was only built in the 1990s, it oozes old-world charm, echoing the classic Sorrento tower houses that pepper the beachside suburb.
Sorrento real estate has had a rollercoaster ride in recent years after surfing a significant price wave during the pandemic.
The 12-month median house price in the area was down 23.9 per cent to $1.75 million over the June quarter last year, according to Domain data – the steepest drop on the peninsula. However, by the close of 2025, REA Group’s PropTrack figures showed Sorrento was down only 3.2 per cent over the 12 months to December, indicating that values are on a slow climb.
Tower House has been held by the same family since 2002, last changing hands for $1.47 million according to CoreLogic records. Today, Rob Curtain and Danielle Vains of Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty have listed the 1711sq m four-bedroom, four-bathroom property with a price guide of $7.3 million to $8 million.
Inside the palatial family residence, there are multiple living areas for formal and more casual entertaining spaces, which spill out onto traditional wraparound terraces.
The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, a double oven, a unique black-and-white checkered floor, and an adjoining sunroom.
All bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, three have their own ensuites and the fourth sits beside a full family bathroom. An additional multipurpose room could be a fifth bedroom or home office with a fireplace.
Beyond the entry portico and foyer, a statement spiral staircase rises up to the tower and vast rooftop terrace, complete with a built-in bar and sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay.
The grounds at Tower House have been designed for relaxed beachside living, ticking all the boxes for resort-style entertaining, from the full north-to-south-facing tennis court and heated pool to the spa and private manicured gardens. To showcase its peninsula setting, the property also features a row of iconic “Brighton beach boxes” as a colourful alternative poolside cabana.
Bonus features at the property include ducted heating, air-conditioning, and a double lock-up garage with loft storage.
Buyers seeking more space or an added income stream can seize a neighbouring opportunity with a three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage on seperate title fronting Hotham Rd for sale by the same owners.
Tower House is close to Sorrento’s shopping strip, Sorrento Park, the beach and coastal walking trails.
The property at 3395 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento is listed with Rob Curtain and Danielle Vains of Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty.
Two coming 2027 models – the first of the “Neue Klasse” cars coming to the U.S. early next year – have been revealed.
A&K Sanctuary unveils Kitirua Plains Lodge, a sustainability-focused luxury property shaped by landscape, local craft and contemporary safari architecture.
A landmark Sandy Bay estate with deep history, riverfront position and resort-style grounds returns to market with record-breaking ambitions.
2 min
Sentosa in Hobart has already spent its time in the history books, but now the historic estate in Sandy Bay is set to shine again.
The period home, which sits on a large 2300 square metres riverfront block, made headlines in 2017 when the then century-old mansion sold for a Tasmanian record of $6.5 million.
Fast forward to 2026 and the 1917 trophy home is returning to the market with $15 million expectations – a figure that could set a brand new price benchmark for the Apple Isle.
Owned by Sydney investors, Piers Dawson-Damer and his partner Kim, Sentosa has been used as a Tassie holiday home for almost a decade. The pair bought the riverside residence from locals Wendy and Barry Turnbull, who had paid $815,000 for it in 1993.
The current sale is expected to easily eclipse Hobart’s record, which stands at $8.5 million. That benchmark was set when Point Piper-based Taswegian, financier Greg Woolley, bought historic Waimea House in 2011.
Interestingly, Woolley took the keys to Waimea House – also in Sandy Bay – from the Dawson-Damers, who themselves had paid a then-record of $6.06 million.
Co-agents, Forbes Global Properties directors Tracey Atkins and Robert Fletcher, are tasked with marketing Sentosa.
“Sentosa has been set up perfectly by its interstate owners to serve as a top-tier second home, with state-of-the-art automation, technology and security now in place that allow it to be run seamlessly from anywhere in the world,” Fletcher said, adding that the unique Hobart home has been turning heads since it landed online this week
“There is no question it merits attention locally and internationally – it is a true Tasmanian trophy.”
Taking its name from the Malay word for “peace and tranquility”, Sentosa is once of the city’s most iconic properties. Even early Australian aviator Charles Kingsford-Smith reportedly visited the estate when he honeymooned in Hobart with his second wife Mary in 1931.
With 270-degree views of the Derwent River and mountain backdrop, the house on Blinking Billy Point has given its owners a front-row seat to the final sprints of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Now fully renovated, the arts and crafts era house has been restored to its former glory.
Fletcher said the Dawson-Damers wanted to respect the home’s heritage while updating the five-bedroom house for modern living.
The result is a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern luxury, all with a strong connection to the water.
There are many restored original details, like ornate cornices, lead-light windows, fireplaces, and intricate fretwork.
The renovation has also added several modern touches, including a new central staircase, updated joinery, sleek bathrooms, and an entertainer’s kitchen. Other modern features of the Sandy Bay home include advanced home automation and CCTV security.
Living areas include both formal and casual spaces, plus there is a grand main bedroom suite, all designed to capture uninterrupted views of the river and ranges.
Outside, the estate offers resort-style amenities, including landscaped gardens by award-winning designer Paul Bangay, with European-inspired green spaces, a statement water fountain, level lawns, and sandstone terraces.
Additionally, there is a fully equipped boat shed with a slipway right on the water’s edge.
Sentosa is close to beaches, popular schools, large parks, and Hobart’s CBD.
Sentosa at 650 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay is listed with price hopes of $15 million through an expressions of interest campaign with Forbes Global Properties agents Robert Fletcher and Tracey Atkins.
An opulent Ryde home, packed with cinema, pool, sauna and more, is hitting the auction block with a $1 reserve.
The PG rating has become the king of the box office. The entertainment business now relies on kids dragging their parents to theatres.
