Revealed: A $70m “fixer upper” in one of Australia’s richest suburbs
A once-grand Vaucluse estate with knockout harbour views and a legacy as remarkable as its outlook hits the market for $70 million.
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The mid-century mansion at 38 Vaucluse Rd might not have the same street presence as its glamorous neighbours, but the $70m “fixer upper” still has all the right ingredients to be an enviable eastern suburbs estate.
If the old adage is true – and it’s all about location – then this 1400sq m dual access parcel with postcard views of the Harbour City’s heavy-hitter icons actually has it all.
With the Harbour Bridge and Opera House at centre stage, the outlook propels the listing into its multi-million dollar category, but the owners are also a talking point.
The original five-bedroom residence has been the home of 98-year-old philanthropist Isaac Wakil and his late wife, Susan, for the past 65 years.
Although the perfectly positioned Vaucluse home with the hefty price tag is impressive enough, the one-time high society couple have a history of making headlines with their rundown, yet eye-watering, portfolio.
For decades, the duo held onto several abandoned, but enviably placed properties, including the iconic Griffiths Teas building in Surry Hills and the Terminus Hotel in Pyrmont.
After building their wealth in the garment industry and then property, the pair, who had no children, began selling off their real estate in 2014. The huge cache of properties earned more than $200m, which all went to charity.
They donated millions to The Art Gallery of NSW, Opera Australia, St Vincent’s Hospital and the Sydney Jewish Museum. In 2016, the couple handed a record $35 million to The University of Sydney through the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation.
With their Vaucluse residence expected to be a “knockdown”, it could be the most expensive “land” sale in Sydney.
Despite predictions it could be bulldozed, the listing through Ray White Double Bay’s Elliott Placks and Riki Tawhara, depicts “grand interiors waiting modern refurbishment” and describes the homes as offering “character of a bygone era”.
As is, the unique two-storey house has a ground floor dedicated to everyday living and entertaining with a full-width balcony capturing the show-stopping outlook, a formal dining room, library, office, and three bedrooms, including a main with the landmark view and an ensuite.
The same level also houses two full bathrooms, a powder room and a garage.
Downstairs, there is an original kitchen and vast rumpus room with a bar and French doors opening onto a grand terrace, a level lawn with established palm trees, and a huge swimming pool facing the sweeping harbour panorama.
The property, which also has access to Carrara Rd, has two more lock-up garages below and is close to Hermitage Foreshore track, harbour beaches, and Kambala School.
Listed with Elliott Placks and Riki Tawhara of Ray White Double Bay, inspections for 38 Vaucluse Rd, Vaucluse are by pre-arranged private appointment.
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A sprawling French Provincial-inspired estate on two hectares has hit the market with a $17 million to $18 million price guide.
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A grand 2ha family compound in Sydney’s north west has come to market with expectations it could break through the current price benchmark for the sprawling semi-rural suburb.
The Middle Dural estate at 65 Cranstons Rd is listed with William Brush of Manor Real Estate and has a price guide of $17 million to $18 million.
If the trophy home hits its target, the six-bedroom, five-bathroom residence will become the district’s priciest property.
Currently, the house price record for Middle Dural and the broader Hills District sits with 3 McLeod Rd. That stately mansion, also on 2ha, achieved $15 million last June through Manor Real Estate.
American architect John Henry designed the elaborate two-storey Cranstons Rd house, which merges French Provincial sophistication and Hamptons glamour alongside indulgent resort-inspired amenities.
Beyond security gates, a sweeping driveway and statement fountain announce the modern mansion with its classic columns and elegant porch.
Inside, a dramatic entrance foyer immediately captures attention upon arrival, with soaring 6m ceilings, a chandelier, and an elegant double-curved staircase as a standout centrepiece.
The home’s spacious floorplan covers approximately 1200 sq m of living space, specifically crafted to accommodate every event, from intimate family gatherings to large-scale entertaining.
Formal and informal lounge and dining areas flow out to multiple alfresco spaces, including the vast casual family zone and a stone kitchen complete with a fireplace, high-end integrated appliances, a long eat-at island bench, and a fully equipped butler’s pantry.
There is also a home theatre, a billiards room with a marble cocktail bar, a walk-in wine cellar and tasting room, a large home office or guest suite with bathroom, and a fully equipped gymnasium.
The detailed craftsmanship throughout the home includes herringbone timber floors, coffered ceilings, bespoke joinery and walls of windows framing the leafy outlook and grounds.
Upstairs, a mezzanine gallery separates two accommodation wings. On one side, the palatial main bedroom has a sitting area, a private balcony, and a large dressing room featuring two accessory tables. In the spacious ensuite, there are dual vanities, two showers and a freestanding bathtub.
Five more bedrooms, each with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, and an upper-level library that is ideal for children’s study or as a second home office.
The outdoor amenities at the Middle Dural compound rival a five-star resort with a 20m swimming pool, a championship-sized floodlit tennis court, and a separate entertainer’s pavilion that includes an outdoor kitchen, an open fireplace, a bathroom, and a sauna.
Additional features include elaborate chandeliers and feature lighting, a wine display wall, ducted air conditioning, decorative wainscoting, wallpaper, carpeted bedrooms, security and solar panels.
Surrounding the manor, the manicured gardens consist of expansive lawns and sculpted hedges, with an established neighbouring forest.
Popular schools, shopping centres, cafés and everyday amenities are within easy reach, with Sydney’s CBD approximately 40 km away.
The Middle Dural estate at 65 Cranstons Rd is listed via private treaty with William Brush of Manor Real Estate.
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