Property of the week: 52 Wendell Street, Norman Park, Queensland
2 min
It launched with fanfare earlier in the year at an exclusive black tie event with entertainment by top violinist Yena Choi, but the head-turning Gill House — named after its form resembling a shark’s gills — has only now surfaced for sale with an expressions of interest campaign.
The unique four-bedroom riverside residence has become a local landmark and talking point since developer Max Panettiere first planned the unique design. Despite its notoriety, the house nearly didn’t come to fruition after Brisbane City Council originally rejecting the plans, declaring them in “extreme conflict” with neighbours. Panetierre eventually appealed, and won, in the Planning and Environment court.
Panettiere forged ahead, and the iconic pre-cast concrete home was born on the banks of the Brisbane River in Norman Park with sweeping views of New Farm Park and the city.
Within its striking concrete skeleton, the four-level floor plan features curved internal lines, wave-inspired ceilings, full-height windows and marble accents, as well as engineered oak and polished concrete floors.
Created to be a great entertainer, the ground floor at Gill House is dedicated to open plan living and dining with a seamless flow to the alfresco spaces and the riverfront. The jagged “gills”create a striking framework for the water views and a 6.3m void adds to the drama. A designer chandelier illuminates bespoke joinery and a marble-clad gas fireplace.
Grand sliding doors open to a riverside terrace and an infinity-edge swimming pool surrounded by an enviable backdrop overlooking the Brisbane River and established gardens down to a private pontoon.
With all the ingredients for an ultimate party pad, the gourmet kitchen has a vast stone island bench, Gaggenau appliances, and a fully equipped butler’s pantry.
Down on the basement level, a designer den features a huge media room with an adjoining sauna and powder room.
The top two floors are home to all four bedrooms including three on the first floor, each with ensuites and built-ins. One suite doubles as a home office complete with private wraparound balcony.
The crowning glory of Gill House is its palatial top floor primary suite with river views through the “gills” as well as a covered balcony, a lavish dressing room and a marble ensuite with a circular bath perfectly placed below a matching skylight.
Gill House, Norman Park is close to sought after schools, Brisbane’s CBD, Bulimba’s popular eateries and boutiques as well as the Howard Smith Wharves retail precinct.
A price guide has not been revealed for this property. Gill House is on the market with Place New Farm with an expressions of interest closing at 4pm on September 25.
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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.
3 min
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.
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