Renovation round up for eastern suburbs Sydney

They are some of the richest and most powerful families in the city. And they are determined to get 2021 off to a flyer, with multimillion-dollar reno plans.

Reno plans of Sydney's rich and famous

Getting stuck into the renos is the New Year’s resolution for the eastern suburbs elite with many a well known address popping up on development applications.

Both Waverley and Woollahra councils saw a flurry of applications in the lead up to Christmas, many of which had hefty price tags attached.

This terrace has been home to both a PM and a celebrated director. Photo: NSW real estate.

MALCOLM TURNBULL’S FORMER TERRACE

Goodhope Street, Paddington

As well as a home to a former Prime Minister, this five bedroom 1880s terrace was once the abode of a famed film and television director.

Michael Jenkins, a previous owner of the terrace, is best known for writing and directing cult Aussie television series Heartbreak High.

Current owner, lawyer Nicole O’Brien, lodged a $4.6 million development application with Woollahra Council last month for the five bedroom, three storey, Andrew Nolan designed home.

The Heartbreak High director also lived in the house at one point.

The renovations involve replacing the existing two-storey rear addition to the property.

There will be little change to the view from the street save a fresh coast of off white paint and a few new windows – all incorporated to complement the home’s Victorian Italianate style.

Ms O’Brien tried to sell the terrace in 2018 and although it attracted a $14 million bid, it fell $1 million short of the reserve price.

SCOTT CAM’S CHILDHOOD HOME

Chris Bang Crescent, Vaucluse

The new owner of the site where The Block star grew up has ruffled a few feathers with neighbours of late.

Cam’s mother sold the 1950s era house to a developer for $2.6 million in 2015 who gained approval for a $443,000 development application to turn the site into two three-bedroom houses in 2016 before selling it again.

The house as it appeared when Cam called it home.

The new owner has demolished the old house and commenced construction on the 2016 DA but lodged a mid-build bid to modify it in early December.

“(We propose to) undertake modifications to the approved alfresco roof, enclosure of small portion of the front balcony and internal stairs at first floor level. These modifications represent a minor portion of the overall approved works and all other works on the site will be consistent with plans as approved,” documents before Waverley Council read.

An artist impression of the approved design.

Neighbours weren’t impressed, namely with the roof plans, and more than a dozen objections were lodged.

Council refused to modify the application the week before Christmas as the proposed changes exceeded the height and floor space ratio controls and impacted views of neighbours.

“(The proposal) creates an unreasonable loss of visual and acoustic privacy to existing residential properties through the roof terrace,” the council decision read.

“(It) provides an excessive roof terrace, which is uncharacteristic within the area; creates direct views into adjoining properties’ private open spaces; and results in the obstruction of views.”

POWER COUPLE’S WOOLLAHRA PAD

Weeroona Ave, Woollahra

Journalist and television presenter Vicky Jardim and her husband, Citigroup managing director Dragi Ristevski, plan to spend $740,000 zhooshing up the backyard.

The Jardim/Ristevski clan plan to redo their already incredible pool area.

The Channel 9 favourite and mother has big plans to replace the rear decks and pergolas on the ground floor, reconfigure the existing swimming pool and landscape.

Vicky Jardim is a much loved Channel 9 personality.

The application also covers some internal works such a new bathroom, knocking down a few walls and infilling a couple of windows.

The couple bought the modernised 1930s home for $6.4 million in August 2019.

The application comes just months after they received approval to spend $275,000 doing up the front of the home including the carport.

STAR STOCKBROKER’S MANSION

Olola Ave Vaucluse

High-profile stockbroker Angus Aitken and his wife Sarah have wasted no time lodging a $4.9 million DA for the home they purchased late last year for an eye watering $15.6 million.

The couple sold their Woollahra home, Cooper Park House, to shock jock Jackie O for $11 million in June before purchasing the Vaucluse address from FAI boss Rodney Adler and his wife Lyndi.

This sprawling Olola Ave home was previously owned by Rodney Adler.

The plans include a new garage, swimming pool and associated landscape works.

Angus Aitken is a highly regarded stockbroker. Picture: John Feder/The Australian.

The mansion boasts seven bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, and six carparking spots.

When the renovations are complete (and COVID is conquered) there’s going to be one hell of a house warming party.

Comedian Hamish Blake and his cosmetics entrepreneur wife Zoe Foster Blake bought a neighbouring property on Olola Ave in recent weeks.