Hercules Hits the Market: Byron Hinterland Estate with Breathtaking Ocean Views Listed for $30M

Befitting its majestic name, Hercules is a mammoth 5.59ha property occupying the largest parcel of flat land along the Byron escarpment. Thanks to its prime position, the estate has head turning ocean views out to Broken Head National Park and the famous Cape Byron lighthouse.

Two homes share the unparalleled parcel along with a tennis court, two pools, separate guest accommodation, a function centre, music studio, a dam and even a thriving citrus orchard.

Billionaire developer and CEO of retirement development group GemLife, Adrian Puljich, and his wife Jessica, who runs interior design firm House Society, are selling Hercules after less than three years of ownership.

The prominent over-50s developer launched his latest venture Allure in September last year. With a $500 million pipeline of land lease communities to roll-out in Queensland by late 2025, Allira will house more than 1000 homes for seniors.

Listed with Nick Dunn of McGrath Byron Bay, the prestige property is sporting a $27 million to $30 million price guide. Although the hefty sum is an impressive price tag for a regional non-waterfront property, the greater Byron benchmark is significantly higher. That record was set in 2023 when tech entrepreneur Benjamin Bray reportedly paid $37 million for The Range, a 48ha luxury escape nearby, also in Coopers Shoot.

Mr and Mrs Puljich bought the estate for $22 million in June 2022 from previous owners Robert and Deborah Wild, co-directors of the Evolve College school of massage training. Back in 2014, the Wilds had bought the retreat for $7.9 million from international music producer Tom Misner, founder of SAU University College.

Although Hercules is not located on the coast, the ocean is still the headline act with a sweeping Pacific panorama from almost every turn, including two observation decks at the cliff face and a ionised horizon pool which appears to be at one with the big blue.

In the five-bedroom main residence there are multiple formal and informal rooms for grand scale entertaining, a wide ocean view terrace for alfresco gatherings, as well as an internal Travertine barbecue courtyard.

The contemporary kitchen has a full suite of German appliances, and each bedroom has its own ensuite. Other features of the 895sq m primary dwelling include a private office, a wine cellar, a first-floor games room and a six-car garage.

Throughout the rest of the resort-like property there is a modern two-storey three-bedroom health retreat with its own pool, a championship-sized tennis court with flood lights, a gym and steam room, plus a 100sq m state-of-the-art film and sound recording studio with a make up room, bathrooms and adjacent offices. A conference centre offers 200sq m of training space, as well as consulting, treatment and meeting rooms, a kitchen and toilets.

Additional features of the expansive property include a solar system, gated entry with video security system, an extensive data network, high electrical power connection capacity with substation upgrade to 315kVA, a water bore with irrigation and a 200,000L rainwater tank.

Hercules is an approximate five-minute drive to Byron Bay or Bangalow and about 30 minutes from Balinna Gateway Airport.

Listed with McGrath Byron Bay’s Nick Dunn, Hercules is on the market via private treaty sale with a price guide of between $27 million to $30 million.

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.

Hercules Hits the Market: Byron Hinterland Estate with Breathtaking Ocean Views Listed for $30M

A property that packs a powerful punch, Hercules in Byron Bay’s hinterland is an estate to go down in history.

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.