Tech boss Adrian Portelli buys Melbourne’s most expensive apartment for $39m

A 34-year-old tech company chief has paid $39m for Melbourne’s priciest apartment, buying a double storey penthouse in the Sapphire by the Gardens building.

Adrian Portelli has purchased levels 57 and 58 of the residential tower Sapphire by the Gardens.

A wealthy 34-year-old head of a tech company has paid $39m for Melbourne’s priciest apartment, buying a double storey penthouse in the Sapphire by the Gardens building that will adjoin the Shangri-La Hotel near the Carlton Gardens.

Multi-millionaire executive Adrian Portelli has purchased levels 57 and 58 of the residential tower, saying he is hoping to add multiple kitchens, a swimming pool, bedrooms and even a bowling alley to the apartment. He hopes to move in within 12 months.

“Being a car enthusiast, I am also going to crane in a showstopping car, which will become a true centrepiece in the home,” Mr Portelli said in a statement to The Australian on Wednesday night.

Sapphire by the Gardens where Adrian Portelli has purchased a penthouse for $39m

Adrian Portelli

Colliers Residential Victoria managing director Tim Storey negotiated the sale, saying Mr Portelli was particularly fond of the location, the ability to customise his dream home and having exclusive access to what will become Melbourne’s new 5-star Shangri-La hotel.

“Together with architects Fender Katsalidis and Cox Architecture, Colliers Residential has been working with the purchaser to customise the 1200sqm space to suit his lifestyle,” Mr Storey said.

Developed by SP Setia, Mr Storey said 99 per cent of the 325 units in the 60-level tower on Exhibition St have already sold in the tower, which was completed last year.

The residential tower connects to the 500-hotel room, Shangri-La Melbourne, which will be one of the brand’s four flagship hotels globally, through a striking architectural feature, a sky bridge on level 47.

At present Mr Portelli divides his time between Melbourne and the Gold Coast.