JOHN KNOX HOUSE: FROM MANSE TO MANSION
Built in 1880, Brighton’s historic John Knox House blends Gothic Revival grandeur with a striking contemporary extension and resort-style living.
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Once the home of a Presbyterian minister, John Knox House has had a distinguished journey over the past century and a half.
The former manse next to John Knox Church on North Rd is now a glamorous Gothic landmark complete with a private tennis court, swimming pool, and a sophisticated 21st century addition.
Today’s John Knox House is a modern mansion offering all the creature comforts of a contemporary family home, with period details celebrating the residence’s holy history.
Built in 1880, the Gothic Revival manse was designed by prolific Melbourne architect Lloyd Tayler, who also drafted St John’s Anglican Church in Toorak and St Paul’s in Sale. Tayler’s other work includes Marden House in East Melbourne and the 1880s additions to the iconic Sunbury mansion Rupertswood, birthplace of The Ashes.
By 2026, John Knox House will remain a significant piece of Melbourne’s architectural history, even featuring on the John Knox Architectural Trail Walk.
It remained in the church’s hands for more than a century before the Uniting Church sold both the place of worship and the manse in 2007, with the latter selling for $2.701 million.
Since then, the Brighton trophy home has traded several times, most recently in 2017 for $6.75 million. Back on the market this month, John Knox House is listed with Kay & Burton Bayside agents Matthew Pillios and Melissa Grinter with a price guide between $10.5 million and $11.5 million.
The heritage-listed residence sits on a vast 1647sq m block in one of Brighton’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, less than 1 km to the bay.
While the grand estate has a colourful history, it also features a sophisticated modern renovation showcasing a blend of old-world charm and 21st-century flair fit for a growing family.
Original Gothic touches include ornate detailing, tessellated tiles, a period fireplace, and stained-glass windows. Meanwhile, the striking contemporary addition, with its unique cantilevered roof, is defined by concrete, steel, and glass walls.
At the heart of the newer wing is a large open-plan living zone with a stone kitchen featuring Miele appliances, a large island bench, and a walk-in pantry. The adjoining dining and lounge spaces spill out to the alfresco entertaining area with a built-in fridge, pizza oven, outdoor television, and integrated seating.
The long list of resort-style features includes a pool, an outdoor fireplace, a full-size tennis court that can be used as a basketball court, plus landscaped grounds, established trees, and a children’s playground.
A ground-floor palatial primary suite has a fireplace, dressing room, and a vast marble ensuite with a freestanding tub and twin vanities. Upstairs, there is a spacious rumpus room, a family-friendly bathroom, and four more bedrooms, each with built-ins.
Additional features at John Knox House include an underground cellar, hydronic heating, surround-sound systems, CCTV security, intercom and C-Bus home automation throughout.
The historic house is close to Brighton Beach, North Road Reserve, Kamesburgh Gardens and Martin St shopping and dining precincts.
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Held by the same family for 26 years, this Harbour Bridge-facing residence at Longueville is the type of property that rarely comes to market. Set on more than 1,100 sqm on one of Sydney’s most tightly held peninsulas, it combines complete privacy with uninterrupted views across the harbour to the city skyline.
It’s the sort of offering where the land is just as important as the home. Positioned directly opposite Aquatic Park with a prized northeast aspect, the residence captures sweeping harbour views from almost every main living space while remaining remarkably secluded from neighbouring properties.
Large picture windows frame the outlook throughout the home, flooding the interiors with natural light and making the harbour the centrepiece of everyday living.
Designed for family living
The home offers multiple living zones, including a formal lounge and dining rooms, a separate family room and an open-plan living and meals area. Blackbutt timber parquetry flooring, high ceilings and ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning feature throughout.
The kitchen sits at the heart of the home, with induction cooking, a generous island bench, and a walk-in pantry, connecting both the formal entertaining areas and the more casual family spaces.
A ground-floor master suite includes a walk-in robe, dressing area and ensuite, while upstairs are three additional bedrooms with built-in robes, together with a spacious home office or study.
The lower ground level adds another layer, with a temperature-controlled cellar and tasting room, plus a flexible gym, wellness or recreation space.
Resort-style setting overlooking Sydney Harbour
Outside, landscaped gardens wrap around a heated swimming pool, an expansive entertaining terrace, and a level lawn, creating a private resort-style setting against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
Additional features include a solar system with battery storage, remote lock-up garaging for three vehicles and generous storage throughout.
Beyond the home itself, the location remains one of Longueville’s biggest drawcards. Longueville Ferry Wharf sits around 150 metres away, providing direct access to the CBD while preserving the quiet character of one of Sydney’s most tightly held waterfront suburbs. The property is also within the catchments of Lane Cove Public School and Hunters Hill High School.
Simon Harrison and Kim Walters of Belle Property Lane Cove are marketing the property on a Contact Agent basis.
At a glance
Address: 3 Mary Street, Longueville NSW 2066
Configuration: 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 3-car garage
Land: Approximately 1,100 sqm
Highlights: Harbour Bridge and city skyline views, northeast aspect, heated pool, cellar, solar with battery storage
Held: First time offered in 26 years
Price: Contact Agent
Agents: Simon Harrison and Kim Walters, Belle Property Lane Cove
This article is produced by the Kanebridge Media editorial team. Property information has been supplied by the listing agent. Buyers should conduct their own due diligence before relying on any information contained in this article. Enquiries: propertyconcierge@kanebridge.com.au.
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