TOWERING AMBITION BY THE BAY ON THE MARKET

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.

Sydney watch collectors can now explore the world of Rolex at the dedicated Rolex boutique inside Chatswood Chase, one of the North Shore’s best-known luxury shopping destinations.

Operated in partnership with specialist watch retailer The Hour Glass, the boutique is located on Level 1 of the redeveloped Chatswood retail precinct. It is the eighth dedicated Rolex boutique in Australia and forms part of the Swiss watchmaker’s growing presence across Oceania.

More than simply a place to view watches, the Rolex boutique at Chatswood Chase Sydney has been designed as an immersive environment. Its architecture, materials and private consultation spaces create a setting in which visitors can learn about Rolex watches, their craftsmanship and the history behind the brand.

A Rolex boutique inspired by an iconic design

The boutique’s exterior draws inspiration from one of the most recognisable details in Rolex watchmaking: the fluted bezel.

Originally developed to help seal the Oyster case, the fluted bezel has evolved into a signature Rolex design element. At Chatswood Chase, this familiar motif is translated into a façade of vertically fluted travertine stone.

The architectural reference is subtle but distinctive, connecting the boutique’s physical design with the watches displayed inside.

Travertine continues throughout the interior, where it is paired with walnut accents, deep green upholstery and sculptural lighting. Together, these materials create a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere suited to both experienced collectors and people exploring Rolex for the first time.

A personalised experience for watch collectors

The layout has been developed to support a more personal approach to choosing and learning about a Rolex watch.

Generously sized consultation tables provide space to examine individual timepieces closely, while two private VIP rooms accommodate more detailed appointments. The boutique can welcome individual clients, couples and larger groups without losing its sense of privacy.

Specialist staff from The Hour Glass are available to explain the features, materials and heritage of the Rolex collection. This expert guidance is particularly valuable given the breadth of Rolex watches and the technical differences between models.

Displays and photography throughout the boutique offer additional context, connecting the watches with the brand’s wider history of precision, performance and exploration.

Rolex and the world of sport

Visitors will also find references to Rolex’s longstanding relationships with leading international sports.

The brand has established strong connections with tennis, yachting and motor sport, supporting major competitions and prominent athletes across each discipline. Imagery inside the Chatswood boutique highlights these partnerships and features selected Rolex Testimonees—the champions and leading figures who represent the brand.

These displays place Rolex watches within a broader story of achievement and endurance. They also demonstrate how the brand has built an identity that extends beyond traditional Swiss watchmaking into sport, culture and exploration.

Rolex watchmaking and the pursuit of precision

Rolex is an independent Swiss watch manufacturer headquartered in Geneva. The company designs, develops and produces most of its watch components at its own facilities in Switzerland.

Its manufacturing capabilities cover numerous stages of production, from casting proprietary gold alloys to machining and finishing cases, dials, bracelets and mechanical movements. This integrated approach gives Rolex close control over the quality and performance of its watches.

The movements used in Rolex Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are tested and certified in-house for precision, reliability and performance. Watches that meet the company’s criteria receive its Superlative Chronometer certification, represented by the green seal.

The word “Superlative”, inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch, expresses the brand’s pursuit of continual improvement. That philosophy can be traced to founder Hans Wilsdorf and the innovations that shaped the modern wristwatch.

Among the company’s best-known milestones are the Rolex Oyster, introduced in 1926 as the first waterproof wristwatch, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, developed in 1931. Rolex has registered more than 700 patents over the course of its history.

The Hour Glass and Rolex in Oceania

The Chatswood Chase location is operated by The Hour Glass, a specialist luxury watch retailer with an established Rolex presence across Oceania.

The company represents Rolex through 10 regional points of sale, comprising five dedicated boutiques and five authorised dealerships. Its stores combine carefully designed retail environments with teams of specialists who assist watch enthusiasts and collectors.

For The Hour Glass, the Chatswood boutique expands access to Rolex for clients on Sydney’s North Shore. Its location within Chatswood Chase also places the brand alongside a curated selection of premium fashion, lifestyle and dining businesses.

Rolex recently celebrated 100 years since it introduced its Rolex Oyster watch back in 1926. To celebrate the milestone they released the Oyster Perpetual 41, which pays homage to the historic original.