Hobart Trophy Home Targets $15m

Sentosa in Hobart has already spent its time in the history books, but now the historic estate in Sandy Bay is set to shine again.

The period home, which sits on a large 2300 square metres riverfront block, made headlines in 2017 when the then century-old mansion sold for a Tasmanian record of $6.5 million.

Fast forward to 2026 and the 1917 trophy home is returning to the market with $15 million expectations – a figure that could set a brand new price benchmark for the Apple Isle.

Owned by Sydney investors, Piers Dawson-Damer and his partner Kim, Sentosa has been used as a Tassie holiday home for almost a decade. The pair bought the riverside residence from locals Wendy and Barry Turnbull, who had paid $815,000 for it in 1993.

The current sale is expected to easily eclipse Hobart’s record, which stands at $8.5 million. That benchmark was set when Point Piper-based Taswegian, financier Greg Woolley, bought historic Waimea House in 2011.

Interestingly, Woolley took the keys to Waimea House – also in Sandy Bay – from the Dawson-Damers, who themselves had paid a then-record of $6.06 million.

Co-agents, Forbes Global Properties directors Tracey Atkins and Robert Fletcher, are tasked with marketing Sentosa.

“Sentosa has been set up perfectly by its interstate owners to serve as a top-tier second home, with state-of-the-art automation, technology and security now in place that allow it to be run seamlessly from anywhere in the world,” Fletcher said, adding that the unique Hobart home has been turning heads since it landed online this week

“There is no question it merits attention locally and internationally – it is a true Tasmanian trophy.”

Taking its name from the Malay word for “peace and tranquility”, Sentosa is once of the city’s most iconic properties. Even early Australian aviator Charles Kingsford-Smith reportedly visited the estate when he honeymooned in Hobart with his second wife Mary in 1931.

With 270-degree views of the Derwent River and mountain backdrop, the house on Blinking Billy Point has given its owners a front-row seat to the final sprints of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Now fully renovated, the arts and crafts era house has been restored to its former glory.

Fletcher said the Dawson-Damers wanted to respect the home’s heritage while updating the five-bedroom house for modern living.

The result is a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern luxury, all with a strong connection to the water.

There are many restored original details, like ornate cornices, lead-light windows, fireplaces, and intricate fretwork.

The renovation has also added several modern touches, including a new central staircase, updated joinery, sleek bathrooms, and an entertainer’s kitchen. Other modern features of the Sandy Bay home include advanced home automation and CCTV security.

Living areas include both formal and casual spaces, plus there is a grand main bedroom suite, all designed to capture uninterrupted views of the river and ranges.

Outside, the estate offers resort-style amenities, including landscaped gardens by award-winning designer Paul Bangay, with European-inspired green spaces, a statement water fountain, level lawns, and sandstone terraces.

Additionally, there is a fully equipped boat shed with a slipway right on the water’s edge.

Sentosa is close to beaches, popular schools, large parks, and Hobart’s CBD.

Sentosa at 650 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay is listed with price hopes of $15 million through an expressions of interest campaign with Forbes Global Properties agents Robert Fletcher and Tracey Atkins.

Leading Australian development manager Fortis has secured a landmark off-the-plan sale at Richmond Square, with high-profile hospitality entrepreneurs Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh purchasing a 550sqm penthouse residence in Carmine House, establishing a new price benchmark for apartment living in Richmond.

The purchase underscores the continued demand for premium, amenity-rich residences in Melbourne’s inner east.

The transaction marks a significant milestone for the $330 million mixed-use precinct, reinforcing buyer appetite for integrated, lifestyle-led developments.

Richmond Square comprises two residential offerings – Carmine House and Wiltshire House – alongside a 57-room boutique hotel, strata office space and a curated mix of retail and lifestyle operators.

As part of Carmine House, residents have access to hotel-style amenities and services, including concierge, housekeeping, dry cleaning and in-residence food and beverage delivery.

Best known for building The Big Group into one of Australia’s leading luxury hospitality and events businesses, the Keebaughs were drawn to the precinct’s integrated lifestyle offering and its proximity to Melbourne’s hospitality, cultural and sporting precincts, while remaining well connected to the Mornington Peninsula, where they spend much of their time.

As well, Chyka is well known to Australian audiences as one of the original stars of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, appearing across three seasons of the hit reality series.

Alongside her business ventures with Bruce, she has built a public profile as a lifestyle authority, authoring two books on home and entertaining, Chyka Home and Chyka Celebrate.

“We weren’t simply looking for a luxury apartment,: the couple said. “We were looking for a home that delivers an exceptional lifestyle every day. The combination of design, walkability, security and the broader precinct vision for the broader precinct immediately stood out.”

Jordan Winada, Head of Acquisitions (Commercial) Victoria at Fortis, said the result highlights evolving priorities at the top end of the market.

“This sale reinforces that premium buyers are prioritising the complete lifestyle experience,” says Winada.

“They’re increasingly looking beyond the apartment itself and assessing the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood as well.”

Sean Cussell, Director at Christie’s International Real Estate Victoria, who negotiated the transaction, said the result reflects the lack of comparable product at this level of the market.

“There’s simply no direct comparison for this in Richmond. It’s not just an apartment; it’s part of a fully integrated precinct combining residential, hotel, workplace and lifestyle amenity,” Cussell said.

“Buyers are increasingly assessing the broader offering, from amenity and walkability to service and convenience. Projects that deliver a complete lifestyle experience continue to outperform.”

The sale contributes to Fortis’ strong national performance, with the business recording more than $124 million in sales since March, the last three all record-breaking penthouse sales across the country, reflecting sustained momentum across its portfolio and continued appetite for premium, design-driven developments.

This follows Fortis’ recent record-breaking Ruby House penthouse sale in Sydney’s Double Bay, which set a new benchmark for apartment living in the suburb and underscores the strength of demand at the ultra-premium end of the market.

Richmond Square will announce its hospitality and lifestyle operators in the coming weeks as the project progresses towards completion this year.

Hobart Trophy Home Targets $15m

A landmark Sandy Bay estate with deep history, riverfront position and resort-style grounds returns to market with record-breaking ambitions.

Hospitality entrepreneurs Bruce and Chyka Keebaugh have set a new price benchmark for apartment living in Richmond with their purchase of a Carmine House penthouse.