Former Melbourne Lord Mayor and Grand Prix promoter Ron Walker’s lavish Sorrento estate hits the market

Former Melbourne Lord Mayor and F1 Grand Prix promoter Ron Walker’s “not to be sold” clifftop estate has hit the market with a cool price tag of nearly $16m. SEE INSIDE

The late business mogul Ron Walker’s Sorrento estate has hit the market despite his wishes for it to be kept in the family.

The Mornington Peninsula holiday home of former Melbourne Lord Mayor and Formula One Grand Prix promoter the late Ron Walker has hit the market — against his final wishes.

Title documents confirm the tenacious late Lord Mayor’s ties to the six-bedroom, four-bathroom estate at 9 Kildrummie Court, Sorrento, which has been listed with a $14.75m-$15.95m asking price.

In 2018, the Herald Sun reported details of Walker’s will, revealing an impressive $8m in Victorian real estate assets at the time, including his grand Toorak mansion, which fetched over $60 million in 2023, and a cherished beachfront retreat in Sorrento.

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“It is my fervent wish the (Sorrento) property is not sold and remains available to my family for future generations,” the will stated.

Famed for his business and leadership roles, including as chair of the Grand Prix, and various property development and media companies, Walker was a formidable force in Melbourne’s cultural and business landscapes.

The Mediterranean-inspired exterior of the main residence, bathed in sunlight and exudes charm and sophistication.

The home’s lavish kitchen featuring views of the bay.

His tenure as Melbourne’s Lord Mayor spanned from 1974 to 1976.

The listing paints Laguna, the late mayor’s Sorrento retreat, as an exceptional clifftop paradise offering unmatched luxury and privacy, commanding panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay.

“A dream clifftop location, a beach below, panoramic views … the utmost privacy” the listing states.

Luxurious interiors: The home contains modern and luxurious interiors with sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay.

The late Ron Walker watching the Couta Boat Race at Sorrento in terry-towelling dressing gown or robe.

Residing at the pinnacle of a secluded court, reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa shimmering in the sunlight, this property offers direct beach access via an inclined lift, and expansive garden terraces designed for al fresco enjoyment for a cashed-up buyer.

With a secondary three-bedroom abode on the grounds, this estate promises opulent family living and entertaining.

Every detail, from wide oak floorboards to dramatic full-height windows, highlights a serene and sophisticated ambience, to the late business mogul’s liking, focused on its breathtaking panoramic seascape.

The tranquil garden terraces of the Walker estate is perfect for al fresco dining and entertainment.

The home includes dramatic full-height windows that frame the magnificent seascape, enhancing the home’s serene ambience.

Wilckens Roche co-director and principal lawyer Les Kohegyi said (not directly speaking to this case) that generally people who wanted to put such direction not to sell a property in their will is not legally binding.

“My advice would be (to the testator) to set up a testamentary trust which is triggered by their death,” Mr Kohegyi said.

“It’s more of an expression of wishes of the testator's hope their executors would do.

“If it doesn’t say you must hold this in trust, in Victoria a trust can’t last more than 80 years, apart from South Australia.”

Walker also owns several Queensland properties in Noosa.

Kay and Burton Portsea’s Gowan Stubbings said the estate was an a unique opportunity for Mornington Peninsula clifftop properties with waterfront views.

Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo with the late Melbourne Grand Prix Chairman Ron Walker, at a media launch for the 2015 Melbourne Formula 1 in front of Flinders St Station. Picture: David Crosling

A view from the clifftop edge, demonstrating the privacy and vistas the estate offers, which also includes a lift down to the beach.

“It’s a finite resource, rare and beautiful,” Mr Stubbings said.

“That home is a lovely property, well-maintained by the vendors, and now ready to be passed on.

“There are many interested parties.”

Mr Stubbings said several prominent Melbourne families have shown interest in clifftop homes on the Mornington Peninsula and had some firm advice for cashed-up interested buyers.

“Don’t miss this chance, as it might be a while before another opportunity like this arises,” he said.

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Originally published as Former Melbourne Lord Mayor and Grand Prix promoter Ron Walker’s lavish Sorrento estate hits the market