Award winning Glebe home breaks tradition

Straddling Sydney’s city fringe and the inner west, Glebe is known for its architectural heritage and peppering of period terrace houses.

This Ferry Rd house is none of that. It’s a boldly white, contemporary residence that merges futuristic curves and striking arches. The adventurous departure from the neighbourhood’s historic streetscape paid off for the innovative architects, snagging the top Australian design award.

In 2020, Surry Hills-based firm Chenchow Little earned the Wilkinson Award for Residential Architecture for Glebe House.

Now the rare real estate find is on the market with Harriet France of Sotheby’s International Realty, set to go to auction on June 3 with a price guide of $5.5m.

Tony Chenchow and Stephanie Little didn’t have much to work with, just a small 374 sq m site surrounded by Victorian terraces and modern apartment blocks.

Their goal was to maximise the capacity of the tight block and create a functional, liveable space for a growing family. The result is a head-turning two-storey home with curves in all the right places.

Unlike its traditional Victorian neighbours, number 38 is a modern marvel that is as remarkable as it is practical. The signature white-clad four-bedroom house is a grand design in a pint-sized spot.

A dilapidated cottage on the site was demolished to make way for the award-winning home, which the architects crafted to be sympathetic to the existing built environment. The arched openings and windows have been created to pay homage to the grand portico entrance of the Victorian house next door.

The ground floor houses the main living areas framed by vast arched windows and polished concrete floors. A multipurpose rumpus or work-from-home space features bespoke cabinetry. The Corian and oak kitchen has integrated appliances, and the open-plan lounge and dining room spill out onto a covered terrace and rock garden.

There is also a concealed powder room and laundry, plus a store room all on the lower level, further showcasing the savvy use of space.

Complementary to the external sculpted lines, a central curved staircase connects the two levels, while the double-height void allows for an abundance of natural light.

Inverted-arch windows upstairs create a scalloped framework to capture the Anzac Bridge and city skyline views while providing privacy for the upper-level bedrooms and bathrooms.

In the main bedroom, there is a shower en-suite with a skylight and built-ins, and the three remaining bedrooms share a full, family-friendly bathroom with a freestanding tub.

Additional features of the Glebe property include off-street parking, underfloor heating, Sonos sound system, double glazing, ceiling fans, and air conditioning.

Sitting less than 300m from the light rail and Glebe Rowing Club, the award-winning home is close to waterfront parklands, the eateries of Glebe Point Rd, as well as the University of Sydney and Broadway within easy reach.

Glebe House at 38 Ferry Rd, Glebe is listed with Harriet France of Sotheby’s International Realty, and will be auctioned on on June 3 with a price guide of $5.5m

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.

Award winning Glebe home breaks tradition

A bold, white vision of modern design, this award-winning Glebe home breaks from tradition with futuristic curves, arched windows and a $5.5m price tag.

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.