PERIOD GREENWICH ESTATE A SLICE OF SYDNEY HISTORY
A rare slice of Sydney history, Coolabah blends Victorian grandeur with modern luxury in the heart of Greenwich; once home to Lane Cove’s first Lord Mayor and now listed with a $6.5m guide.
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Coolabah has earned its place in Sydney’s heritage for several reasons. The period Greenwich estate is not simply a prime example of Victorian era design; the property was also home to Lane Cove’s premier Lord Mayor, Jeremiah Roberts.
Dating back to 1883, the restored residence at 45 Greenwich Rd has only had a handful of owners, including vendor and interior designer Jo Ellis-Doty.
“Our family has lived here for 14 years,” says Ellis-Doty.
“It’s 142 years old and we’re only the fifth family to own it. We’ve loved every moment of restoring and living in this incredible home.”
Ellis-Doty and her husband are downsizing to an apartment, so Coolabah will be auctioned on May 31. It will be sold for a guide of $6.5 million via James Bennett of Belle Property Lane Cove.
Prior to its grand makeover, records show the property last exchanged in 2011 for $2.1 million.
The classic five-bedroom house has been masterfully enticed into the 21st Century by its owner, with meticulous attention to detail.
“Locals have told us how the sitting room was used to hold dances. They would open up the French doors to the porch and linger too late in the night,” Ellis-Doty adds.
“When we were renovating, we found a safe embedded in the primary bedroom wall, and a bag of jewellery was retrieved.
“It had been forgotten by the previous owners, and they were very happy to have it returned. We are so very honoured to have been the custodians of such a beautiful period property. We will miss it terribly.”
The original owner, Lord Mayor Roberts, made his name in publishing before entering politics. He came to office in 1895, marking the beginning of the area’s municipal independence from the borough of Willoughby.
“Homes like this don’t come around often. It’s a true Greenwich treasure,” Bennett says.
With a raft of period features, Coolabah has high ceilings and several ornate fireplaces, including an original made in the 1850s and later imported from England in the downstairs bathroom.
Now updated for modern family living, the heritage home on 663 sq m features two large living areas that spill out through French doors to terraces. In contrast, the state-contemporary provincial kitchen features a vast island bench and a walk-in pantry.
In addition to a ground-floor bedroom and palatial main bathroom, there are three more bedrooms on the upper level, including a primary suite with another grand bathroom and a private balcony showcasing city skyline views.
Outdoors, manicured hedges frame immaculate gardens and a travertine wraps around the backyard mosaic saltwater pool.
Although it was created in the 19th century, Coolabah has a host of modern day amenities from ducted air-conditioning and solar panels, to CCTV security and a gated carport. There is also a separate lock up garage.
Sitting on the corner of Greenwich and the aptly named Coolabah Ave, the stately home is close to village shops and cafes, as well as Wollstonecraft Station and a number of sought-after schools.
Coolabah at 45 Greenwich Rd, Greenwich, is being marketed by Belle Property Lane Cove Principal James Bennett with a $6.5 million price guide and will go to auction on May 31.
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Strong population growth, major infrastructure spending and comparatively affordable property are expected to cement Melbourne’s position as Australia’s most attractive long-term real estate market.
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Melbourne is poised to become Australia’s largest city within the next decade, with strong population growth, infrastructure investment and relative affordability driving long-term property demand.
A new research report from Knight Frank argues the Victorian capital remains one of the country’s most compelling markets for investors, businesses and residents.
The report highlights the city’s rapidly expanding population, diverse economy and major infrastructure pipeline as key factors underpinning future property growth.
Knight Frank Managing Director Victoria, Dominic Long, said Melbourne’s fundamentals continue to position the city strongly for long-term investment.
“Melbourne continues to stand out as one of Australia’s most compelling real estate markets,” he said.
“It is Australia’s strongest long-term growth city with the fastest growing population, the most diversified economy, world-class liveability and the most affordable major market for office, industrial and residential property.”
Population growth driving demand
Melbourne’s population has grown at an average rate of 1.8 per cent per year since 2000, faster than any advanced global economy, according to the research.
In the year to June 2025 alone, the city added about 123,500 residents, the largest annual increase of any Australian capital.
Population growth is expected to remain one of the key drivers of demand across residential and commercial property markets, including housing, offices and logistics space.
The report forecasts Melbourne’s population will overtake Sydney’s by the 2030s, reinforcing its position as the country’s fastest-growing major city.
Office market offering value
Melbourne’s CBD office market is also attracting renewed attention from investors.
Prime office rents remain significantly lower than in competing cities, with CBD office space about 46 per cent cheaper than Sydney and around 13 per cent cheaper than Brisbane.
That relative affordability is expected to drive long-term demand from occupiers and investors seeking value in Australia’s largest office markets.
The city’s office sector is also showing signs of recovery, with effective rents rising in 2025 and demand increasing for high-quality buildings in premium locations.
Industrial market benefiting from scale
Melbourne’s industrial sector continues to expand, supported by strong population growth, e-commerce demand and the scale of the city’s logistics network.
The city already hosts the country’s largest industrial market, with about 34 million square metres of warehousing stock and significant land available for future development.
Industrial rents remain competitive compared with other capitals, while Melbourne’s port handles the largest container volumes in Australia, further supporting demand for logistics space.
Infrastructure pipeline supporting growth
More than $200 billion in transport infrastructure investment between 2014 and 2036 is also expected to reshape the city and support future property values.
Major projects include the Metro Tunnel, the West Gate Tunnel, the North-East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop, which together will improve connectivity across Melbourne and its growth corridors.
Knight Frank’s Head of Research & Consulting, Victoria, Dr Tony McGough, said these investments would play a key role in supporting the city’s economic expansion.
“Melbourne is Australia’s most economically diverse city and has delivered stable growth for more than two decades,” he said.
“With strong population growth, a highly educated workforce and unprecedented infrastructure investment, Melbourne is well placed to remain one of Australia’s most attractive long-term property markets.”
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