Villa Florida: Major renovation plans for Barry Humphries former Rose Bay mansion land in court
A multimillion-dollar revamp of an old world 1920s-era Rose Bay mansion – once owned by beloved comedian Barry Humphries – is hanging in the balance with a date set for a legal showdown.
Wentworth Courier
Don't miss out on the headlines from Wentworth Courier. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The fate of an old world 1920s-era Spanish Mission-style mansion once owned by comedian Barry Humphries hangs in the balance after council rejected plans to transform the stately home into an ultra-modern glass structure.
The 22-room residence known as Villa Florida is set to be demolished by insurance brokerage director Jim Angelis, who purchased the property located on one of Sydney’s most exclusive harbourside streets for $45m in September 2021.
But the council and a raft of community members have pushed back against the renovations – estimated to cost $18.6m – leaving a decision to grant the Sydney CEO his dream trophy home languishing in the courts.
The stately home was owned by Australian icon, comedian Barry Humphries for about five years from 1986, when he bought the property for $2.52m.
While residents have remained tight-lipped about their opposition to the imposing structure, some have quietly claimed the visual bulk of the building was not in keeping with the area’s character.
An eastern suburbs resident with strong ties to the area, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they believed the grand old home should be heritage-listed and protected from development.
“Villa Florida should be retained as there are very few homes left like this in Sydney,” the resident told the Wentworth Courier.
“If Villa Florida were to be demolished and replaced with a new dwelling it would mean it would be lost forever,” they said.
Villa Florida, built in 1928, was designed by prominent US-based architect E W Sankey, now recognised as one of the key practitioners of the Spanish mission architecture style in Australia.
The resident argued because an E W Sankey-designed apartment building on Sir Thomas Mitchell Rd, Bondi Beach was listed as a heritage item, the mansion should also be considered for heritage status.
“I strongly believe that houses that offer heritage significance should be retained and appreciated for our generation and for generations to come.”
In August Mr Angelis submitted plans to council via Sydney architects firm Collins and Turner outlining the former Coverforce CEO and now chairman’s vision for the trophy home, which will feature three storeys of glass enclosing a four-bedroom home with a swimming pool, expansive terrace and waterfront garden.
The property will also include a basement-level gym and sauna, indoor golf range and large entertaining level with a separate chef‘s kitchen.
Woollahra Council received eight objections to the development and refused the development application in late October.
Now, the fate of one of the most expensive private property overhauls in Sydney lies with the Land & Environment Court, which has set a hearing for March 1, 2023.
Woollahra Council has not made its decision to reject the development application publicly available, adding to the mystery around the grand plans.
A Woollahra Council spokesman said the refusal could only be released via a Freedom of Information request.
“The DA for 12 Tivoli Ave, Rose Bay was refused and the applicant has launched an appeal with the Land and Environment Court,” the spokesman said. “Council is unable to provide comment while the matter is before the court.”
Nathan Gallon, director at developer Empire Project Management, which lodged the appeal to court, said he had been advised by his lawyers not to comment until after a decision had been reached.
‘Little purple patch’: Aussie SailGP crew dodge drama as storm looms
Record penalties, flying starts, close calls and cheeky moves - day one of the Sydney SailGP had it all and more. including one very happy Australian team.
Lowes owner lists Vaucluse home for $18m
The co-owner of Lowes Menwear has listed his Vaucluse home for sale with an $18m guide following an upgrade to a Rose Bay mansion that cost nearly $40m.