Chris Ellis, Sandrina Postorino lodged Watsons Bay mansion plan
They already own two of the finest homes in Watsons Bay with picture postcard views. But a Sydney power couple has revealed plans to bulldoze them and replace with a palatial harbourside home complete with an art studio, gym, meditation room, lookout and even an aquarium. SEE THE STUNNING PLANS
Wentworth Courier
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A husband in coal plus a wife in venture capital equals plans for two waterfront Watsons Bay homes to be bulldozed to make way for a jaw dropping mega mansion.
Excel Coal co-founder Chris Ellis and his wife Sandrina Postorino lodged $7.6 million plans with Woollahra Council last month for the trophy home on Pacific Street.
The palatial home will boast both formal and casual living and dining spaces, two powder rooms, an art studio, aquarium, gym, rumpus room, cellar, meditation room and a lookout built specifically to enjoy their unsurpassed view of Camp Cove.
The plans also manage to squeeze in four bedrooms, his and hers studies and ensuites, a handful of sculptures and a choice between taking the lift or stairs.
The couple purchased their first home on the street, which is destined for demolition despite only being built in 2002, back in 2014 for $12.9 million.
They closed on the neighbouring property in August last year for a cool $16.8 million – a bargain considering the previous owner Hong Kong press baron CK Ma, also known as Walter Marr, originally listed it for $20 million five years prior.
The new build brings the total bill for their enviable home to $37.3 million.
Ms Postorino, who is on the committee of well known start-up investment group Sydney Angels, and her husband will also be able to enjoy time on their rooftop garden or out on the water from their personal jetty.
While the proposed 11.618m mansion towers the local height limit of 8.2m it is a significant improvement on the non compliant homes currently on the site which measure in at 12.03m at the upper most point.
One of the homes is listed on the Development Control Plan as a “significant contributory item” to the area’s heritage but documents with Woollahra council argue this was a mistake.
“This identification was found to be in error, as a result of extensive changes the building lost its genuine Federation character,” the documents read.
“In light of the lack of cultural value of the existing house, it is clear that the development meets the planning principles … for the demolition of a (so called) contributory building within a heritage conservation area and there are no adverse impacts arising from the demolition.”
There will be no lack of high flying house-warming guests should the swanky home get the green light.
Neighbours include property developer Phillip Wolanski, Mad Max director George Miller and Westfield’s co-chief executive, Steven Lowy.