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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3 min
At the northern tip of Point Piper, hidden from the street and positioned directly on Sydney Harbour, “Radford” combines cinematic views, rare waterfront access and a fascinating connection to one of Australia’s most storied estates.
The five-bedroom residence occupies land once belonging to Paradis Sur Mer, the celebrated three-block waterfront estate that made Australian property history in 1982. The original mansion became the country’s first home reported to have sold for more than $5 million—and may also have inspired one of its fastest and most profitable resales.
Property developer and yachtsman Bernard Lewis purchased the estate at auction for $5.25 million, only to sell it within hours to English betting magnate and thoroughbred breeder Robert Sangster. Lewis reportedly made a $500,000 profit in the process.
Sangster renamed the property Toison D’Or—French for “Golden Fleece” and the name of one of his racehorses—and established it as a Sydney base with his then-wife, Susan. The estate subsequently changed hands and identities again, becoming Paradis Sur Mer, or “Paradise on the Sea”, during Susan’s marriage to financier Sir Frank Renouf.
After another headline-making sale near the peak of Sydney’s late-1980s property boom, the original mansion was eventually demolished and the waterfront holding subdivided. “Radford” now stands on one of those prized parcels, carrying a thread of that extraordinary history into the present day.
Harbour views take centre stage
Designed by award-winning architect Victor Berk and constructed in the early 1990s, the three-level modernist residence has been planned around its exceptional position.
Panoramic views stretch from the Sydney Harbour Bridge across Shark Island and Rose Bay to Manly. A prized northerly aspect fills the home with natural light, while bedrooms and living spaces open to decks, balconies and terraces overlooking the water.
The main living areas flow to a broad alfresco entertaining terrace, sunny swimming pool and level harbourfront lawn. Beyond the garden, a private jetty completes the quintessential Sydney waterfront lifestyle.
Inside, generous proportions make the home equally suited to private family life and large-scale entertaining. The formal dining area can accommodate up to 14 guests, while a Gaggenau-appointed kitchen incorporates an island, walk-in pantry and casual breakfast area opening to the poolside deck.
A fireplace anchors the principal living space, complemented by high ceilings, travertine floors and expansive glazing that keeps the harbour present throughout the home.
A private sanctuary on every level
The main bedroom is accompanied by two walk-in wardrobes, a sitting area and an ensuite featuring a spa bath, separate shower and twin basins. Three further bedrooms each have an ensuite, while a gym with its own kitchenette, built-in storage and bathroom can serve as a fifth bedroom or private guest retreat.
Additional spaces include a fitted home office, an upper-level family area, sauna, two powder rooms and a substantial laundry. A lift connects all three levels, and the central staircase sits beneath an atrium-style glass roof fitted with an electric retractable blind.
Ducted and zoned air-conditioning, extensive storage and a security alarm add everyday practicality. Internal access leads to an oversized secure double garage, with additional driveway parking.
Set in an elite cul-de-sac on one of Australia’s most prestigious waterfront streets, “Radford” is close to Lady Martins Beach, Prince Edward Yacht Club, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Rose Bay’s marinas and leading schools. Double Bay’s restaurants, boutiques and village amenities are only minutes away.
It is an exceptional harbourfront residence in its own right—but its connection to the record-breaking Paradis Sur Mer estate gives it a place within the wider story of Sydney real estate.
Property details
Address: Wolseley Road, Point Piper, NSW
Bedrooms: Five, including a flexible gym or guest suite
Bathrooms: Five, plus two powder rooms
Parking: Oversized double garage and additional driveway space
Key features: Northerly aspect, panoramic harbour views, private jetty, swimming pool, level waterfront lawn, lift, sauna, home office and Gaggenau kitchen
Architect: Victor Berk
Agents: Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s & Brad Pillinger, Pillinger
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