What these prestige properties have in common is that there are no other homes like them
FROM a stately English manor to an ultra-modern resort pad, the one thing these prestige properties have in common is there is nothing else like them.
PRETEND buyers attending home openings ten times in a row and passers-by knocking on the door to beg for a glimpse inside, there is no doubt these are some of Australia’s most amazing homes.
For their owners these properties are worth more than their hefty price tags.
“It’s hard to put into words how I truly feel about the home,” one of the owners of 28 Godwit Rd, Bedfordale said.
Currently on the market for $11m, the awe-inspiring gothic English manor was built by the owners, a retired English couple, in 1992 using timberwork from Fremantle Woolstores.
“It’s as authentic as we could make it,” one of the owners said.
“It’s in a hidden valley and whenever I step through the gates I feel like I’m in another world.”
Equally astounding pictorially is La Forêt Enchantee in Margaret River.
The dreamy estate is being used as an international tourist destination and has been creating a steady buzz since it was first advertised in June.
“It’s one of the most unique properties I’ve ever seen,” said Acton agent Travis Coleman.
“Margaret River is increasingly gaining an international reputation and we’ve been getting interest from everyone from people who have stayed there before, to people interested in using it as a business venture.”
Striking a more contemporary note is 42 Hobbs Avenue, Dalkeith.
Almost futuristic in its aesthetic, the home has been heralded as “architectural perfection” winning both HIA 2014 Australian Home of the year and HIA 2014 Australian Best Custom Home of the Year.
Claude Giorgi of Giorgi Exclusive Homes, who built and designed the property, said the home was built as a showcase of the company’s designer prowess.
“You hear a lot of homes described as resort, but actually managing to make a home feel like a resort, not just look like one, is another thing altogether,” said Mr Giorgi.
And adding a touch of fame to the star-studded list is Cottesloe’s “Tukurua”.
A grand mansion on a whopping 5001sq m of exclusive Cottesloe beachfront land, the property is up for sale for the first time in its 118-year history and has been speculated to sell for more than $50m.
“The home is a crucial part of Cottesloe history, so unsurprisingly it’s generating a lot interest,” said House Real Estate Agent Frank Torre.
“I get 50 people a day asking me about what will happen to the home.”
Agent to the stars William Porteous, of William Porteous Properties, is currently managing 32a Jutland Parade in Dalkeith among a number of other high-end properties and says selling homes with luxury price tags is a “delicate process”.
He has heard stories of tourists enlisting other agents to spend days “driving them around and showing them premium properties”, without having any real interest in buying.
“Genuine buyers tend to be very sophisticated people who have strong background knowledge of architecture and design,” he said.
“They know what they want.”
THE BEST OF THE BEST
42 Hobbs Ave, Dalkeith
With three kitchens, white marble floors, underfloor hydro cooling and heating, a wraparound indoor-outdoor pool, an interior pizza oven, underground rainwater tanks. “When people step inside they gasp,” said agent Andrew Porteous of William Porteous Properties.
28 Godwit Rd, Bedfordale
From the sword carved into the door lintel, to the cathedral windows, this home brings English manor living to 32ha of sprawling Australian bush. “The exquisite timber and stone work, matched with abundant water and stunning views make this a world class estate,” said agent Neil McAllister of Mack Hall Real Estate. $11m.
72 Lionel Rd, Darlington
Featuring an ancient Tibetan prayer bell and a mosaic glass floor, the owners spent $7.5 million restoring this 1913 home from a shell of a farmhouse. “This is a wonderful character home with more than 100 years of history,” said agent John Garland, of Garland International Perth.
32A Jutland Pde, Dalkeith
With authentic 1970s shag carpets, this three-storey, avant-garde home is on 800sq m of riverside land. “It’s a very interesting house, in an amazing location. From the third storey you essentially have 180 degree views,” says William Porteous, of William Porteous Properties.
38 Alouarn Pl, Margaret River
A cantilevered glass box suspended by large steel framing and overlooking sensational views defines this home as one of the iconic properties of the South-West region. “Featuring an unusual crucifix configuration design and 220-degree panoramic views, this home is an architectural feat,” said agent Mitch Thorson. $5.8m. Mitch Thorson, Mack Hall Real Estate Claremont.
145 Middle Swan Rd, West Swan
Set on 4.43ha with direct frontage to the Swan River, this 1902 period homestead property is one of the few remaining two-storey grand heritage homes in the more affordable east-north-east corridor. Agent Carl Lancaster describes it as a “rare gem”. “A 1902 period homestead property, this is kind of home you don’t see twice,” he said. Carl Lancaster, Paddock Property Herne Hill.
“La Forêt Enchantee” 5903 Caves Rd, Margaret River
With Margaret River frontage and its own helicopter pad, agent Travis Coleman describes this destination property as “pure decadence”. With 3 separate villas nestled on an expansive 3.5ha forest estate, Mr Coleman says “La Forêt Enchantee” — with its centuries Old French iron gates, Italianate balustrading and amazing array of elegant statues — is Margaret River’s best kept secret. Travis Coleman, Acton North City Beach.
“Tukurua’ 1-9 Rosendo St, Cottesloe
Featuring 10 bedrooms and 5001sq m of prime Cottesloe beachfront land, this 1890 mansion is indeed one-of-a-kind. “It’s been a real whirlwind for the owner. He’s had people knocking on his door to ask. It certainly calls for a rarefied buyer.” Frank Torre, House Real Estate Cottesloe.
182-188 Grey Street, West Albany
Restored and expansive, this heritage property comes fully furnished with more than $400,000 worth of antique furniture, according to one agent, Julie Pedulla. Ms Pedulla describes the elegant mansion as the “opportunity to own your own corner of the west”. Fellow agent Jeremy Stewart says the home is “the epitome of taste and sophistication”. $4.25m. Jeremy Stewart, Merrifield Real Estate Albany and Julie Pedulla, Altitude Real Estate Subiaco.
61 Lanyard Boulevard, Geographe
Anyone who loves to go fishing, crabbing or dolphin and whale-watching will be drawn to this distinctive canal home with its own jetty. Featuring dual staircases to really set the interior tone, 7.5m pillars of Donnybrook stone, 7-star energy efficiency, elevator and a spa deck. “It’s a feast for the eyes,” says agent Lee York. $3.999m. Lee York, JHY Realty Dunsborough.