Seclusion and sophistication without leaving the city

Exclusivity is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot. In real estate circles, often it’s a case of style over substance, with an emphasis on expensive finishes and high security.

This property understands exclusivity on a whole other level. Just one of 55 properties in the Pittwater enclave of Cottage Point, this waterfront home set in leafy surrounds with Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park as a backdrop is a million miles from care.

Set over three levels, the architect-designed home has four bedrooms on the lower ground floor, including a master suite with spacious walk-in robe that leads into a large ensuite. The master suite enjoys views to the water and, along with the second bedroom, leads directly onto a covered terrace with spa. Two more bathrooms service the additional bedrooms on this level, while a large family room offers space as a play area or teen hang out.

Upstairs, the split level main living area includes the kitchen, dining and lounge room, which leads on to a generous covered alfresco space ideal for entertaining while taking in the expansive water views. Beautifully presented with tiled floors and white walls, the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces is seamless, with stacker doors and highlight windows offering direct connection with the natural environment. For those reluctant to leave the sanctuary of the property to commute, there’s a spacious crow’s nest style study or home office on the top floor, which could also serve as a fifth bedroom.

Those seeking to access the water can take the meandering option via a walk along the garden path to the studio and boat house, which is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and loft space. This leads to a private jetty designed for watercraft or just dangling toes in the water. When it’s time to head back to the house, the inclinator makes the journey a little less arduous.

There’s room for four cars on site, with garaging for two and carport space for another two. Cottage Point Inn and the Kiosk are within walking distance.

It doesn’t get much more exclusive than that.

Address: 64 Cowan Drive, Cottage Point

Expressions of interest

Inspection: By appointment only

Agent: Nik Vuko 0416 029 417 Rowan Webb 0411 555 444 Domain Residential

64 Cowan Drive, Cottage Point is now on sale. Email property@kanebridge.com.au to learn more.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

Seclusion and sophistication without leaving the city

It’s a hard ask working from home when you have these views on your doorstep

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.