Property of the Week: Woodside, 55 Blessington St, St Kilda
This residence has been home to not one, but two well-known Australian artists, who left their mark on the interiors
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Just knowing a formidable artist has once live in a home gives a property plenty of creative clout, but having two celebrated artists as former residents really takes the cake. And the cherry on top at this recently listed Melbourne residence is that the presence of those legendary homeowners are still tangible today.
Woodside in St Kilda was once owned, at different points in history, by celebrated expressionist painter Albert Tucker AO and his wife Barbara, then was later home to contemporary artist David Bromley.
Across from the lush St Kilda Botanical Gardens on Blessington St, the landmark Victorian-era villa is a testament to artistry, creativity, and architectural heritage all within reach of the bustling waterfront esplanade. George R Johnson – the mastermind behind the stately Collingwood and Daylesford town halls – designed the four-bedroom period property in the 1860s.
The Blessington St house was owned by six-time Archibald Prize finalist Bromley between 2008 and 2011. During his time there, Bromley painted a uniquely raunchy mural in the dining room which remains in place today. The Tuckers lived there from 1979 to 2008, during which time they created an artist’s studio out the back.
Tom Staughton of Kay & Burton Boroondara is marketing the 1177sq m property today with a price guide of between $8.4 million and $8.95 million through an expressions of interest campaign closing on October 29.
Thoroughly modernised, Woodside still retains a number of historic features from the high ornate ceilings and lead light windows, to multiple marble fireplaces and stately archways.
There are both formal and informal entertaining zones with either picturesque bay windows, or French doors leading out to a choice of front or rear alfresco areas.
In the impressive kitchen, high-end Miele and Liebherr appliances firmly set the home in the 21st Century and a spacious butler’s pantry makes it an avid entertainer’s ideal space. For outdoor dining there is also a bluestone-paved courtyard with pizza oven and barbecue as well as a wisteria-covered patio.
The palatial primary bedroom suite houses dual built-in wardrobes and a marble ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms each feature big built-ins and fireplaces and share a grand family-friendly bathroom.
Additionally, a large study in the main house is a perfect work from home space and the freestanding two-storey guest house – formerly the original stables complete with a combined living and dining room, a full kitchen, upper level bathroom and ensuite – is another option for work, rest or play. The Tuckers’ inspired studio space in the backyard offers yet another spot for creative reflection.
Woodside is a slice of St Kilda history with carefully considered modern touches like hydronic heating, ducted air-conditioning, a basement wine cellar, and a 10,000-litre rainwater tank.
The property is near vibrant Acland St, the local botanical gardens, cafes, restaurants, schools, and the St Kilda Marina.
Woodside, at 55 Blessington St, St Kilda is on the market with Tom Staughton of Kay & Burton Boroondara and Darren Lewenberg of Kay & Burton Stonnington with a price guide of $8.4
The 1860s Darlinghurst mansion Stoneleigh could become Sydney’s most expensive home ever sold under the hammer when it goes to auction. Clint Ballard is giving buyers a $28 million guide for the heritage-listed mansion on Darley Street, opposite Iona, the former home of Hollywood royalty Baz Luhrmann. Stoneleigh is being offered for sale for the …
Set on one of the city’s last absolute riverfront sites, The Riversdale by Mosaic combines irreplaceable waterfront ownership with one of Brisbane’s most significant residential opportunities.
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At the northern tip of Point Piper, hidden from the street and positioned directly on Sydney Harbour, “Radford” combines cinematic views, rare waterfront access and a fascinating connection to one of Australia’s most storied estates.
The five-bedroom residence occupies land once belonging to Paradis Sur Mer, the celebrated three-block waterfront estate that made Australian property history in 1982. The original mansion became the country’s first home reported to have sold for more than $5 million—and may also have inspired one of its fastest and most profitable resales.
Property developer and yachtsman Bernard Lewis purchased the estate at auction for $5.25 million, only to sell it within hours to English betting magnate and thoroughbred breeder Robert Sangster. Lewis reportedly made a $500,000 profit in the process.
Sangster renamed the property Toison D’Or—French for “Golden Fleece” and the name of one of his racehorses—and established it as a Sydney base with his then-wife, Susan. The estate subsequently changed hands and identities again, becoming Paradis Sur Mer, or “Paradise on the Sea”, during Susan’s marriage to financier Sir Frank Renouf.
After another headline-making sale near the peak of Sydney’s late-1980s property boom, the original mansion was eventually demolished and the waterfront holding subdivided. “Radford” now stands on one of those prized parcels, carrying a thread of that extraordinary history into the present day.
Harbour views take centre stage
Designed by award-winning architect Victor Berk and constructed in the early 1990s, the three-level modernist residence has been planned around its exceptional position.
Panoramic views stretch from the Sydney Harbour Bridge across Shark Island and Rose Bay to Manly. A prized northerly aspect fills the home with natural light, while bedrooms and living spaces open to decks, balconies and terraces overlooking the water.
The main living areas flow to a broad alfresco entertaining terrace, sunny swimming pool and level harbourfront lawn. Beyond the garden, a private jetty completes the quintessential Sydney waterfront lifestyle.
Inside, generous proportions make the home equally suited to private family life and large-scale entertaining. The formal dining area can accommodate up to 14 guests, while a Gaggenau-appointed kitchen incorporates an island, walk-in pantry and casual breakfast area opening to the poolside deck.
A fireplace anchors the principal living space, complemented by high ceilings, travertine floors and expansive glazing that keeps the harbour present throughout the home.
A private sanctuary on every level
The main bedroom is accompanied by two walk-in wardrobes, a sitting area and an ensuite featuring a spa bath, separate shower and twin basins. Three further bedrooms each have an ensuite, while a gym with its own kitchenette, built-in storage and bathroom can serve as a fifth bedroom or private guest retreat.
Additional spaces include a fitted home office, an upper-level family area, sauna, two powder rooms and a substantial laundry. A lift connects all three levels, and the central staircase sits beneath an atrium-style glass roof fitted with an electric retractable blind.
Ducted and zoned air-conditioning, extensive storage and a security alarm add everyday practicality. Internal access leads to an oversized secure double garage, with additional driveway parking.
Set in an elite cul-de-sac on one of Australia’s most prestigious waterfront streets, “Radford” is close to Lady Martins Beach, Prince Edward Yacht Club, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Rose Bay’s marinas and leading schools. Double Bay’s restaurants, boutiques and village amenities are only minutes away.
It is an exceptional harbourfront residence in its own right—but its connection to the record-breaking Paradis Sur Mer estate gives it a place within the wider story of Sydney real estate.
Property details
Address: Wolseley Road, Point Piper, NSW
Bedrooms: Five, including a flexible gym or guest suite
Bathrooms: Five, plus two powder rooms
Parking: Oversized double garage and additional driveway space
Key features: Northerly aspect, panoramic harbour views, private jetty, swimming pool, level waterfront lawn, lift, sauna, home office and Gaggenau kitchen
Architect: Victor Berk
Agents: Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s & Brad Pillinger, Pillinger
The 1860s Darlinghurst mansion Stoneleigh could become Sydney’s most expensive home ever sold under the hammer when it goes to auction. Clint Ballard is giving buyers a $28 million guide for the heritage-listed mansion on Darley Street, opposite Iona, the former home of Hollywood royalty Baz Luhrmann. Stoneleigh is being offered for sale for the …
Australia’s housing market rebounded sharply in 2025, with lower-value suburbs and resource regions driving growth as rate cuts, tight supply and renewed competition reshaped the year.
