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The Koonawarra estate, some 24 acres of private established gardens in the Blue Mountains, has been listed as a rental estate.
It's located at Mount Wilson, a popular weekend destination for more than a century. A little corner of rural England in the middle of an ancient rainforest with special homes including Farcry, Sefton Hall, Donna Buang, Sefton Cottage, Dennarque, Campanella, Woodstock, Lindfield Park, Merrygarth, Yengo, Eastcote, Shasta Lodge, and Wynstay.
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The original Koonawarra gardens were designed during the 1880s by Charles Moore, who also designed the Sydney Botanic Gardens. 
The Scottish botanist Charles Moore, who trained at Kew and Regent's Park, arrived in Sydney in the Medway in 1848. He was in charge of the gardens until 1896.
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The minimum lease term is six months at $1,800 a week through <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.lamingproperty.com.au/property/rental/6" target="_blank">Potts Point agent Lynette Laming</a>, so which two seasons?
<a href="https://www.reviewproperty.com.au/property/for-rent/house/nsw/mount-wilson/?adid=8000329&amp;sp=3" target="_blank">"Make memories at Koonawarra,"</a> she said.
As ever, our property contrarians Margie Blok and Jonathan Chancellor can't quite decide when best to go to take in the surrounds of English and European-style gardens, rainforest and mountain views. But they agree there will be plenty of mountain walks and long leisurely, sociable dinners.
HE SAID:<img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/jc-silhouette-5.jpg" alt="jc-silhouette-5" width="130" height="195" style="float: right;">
It would make a wonderful winter retreat just two hours from Sydney, then staying on for spring.
I am happy to take Cherry Cottage, the one loft bedroom cottage for guests. It was all originally part of Dennarque.
Charles Moore, the first director of the Botanical Gardens, also designed nearby Yengo that features an exquisite walled garden, embellished with 16th-century Catalan wrought-iron work.
I'd really like to see snow too, and stay for spring to do all the walks - Waterfall Reserve, the rainforest pocket in Davies Lane, the Cathderal of Ferns, Pheasants Cave, Chinamans Hat and perhaps even the track to the Wollangambe River.
<img src="/images/2015/03/02/2.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/mb-silhouette-4.jpg" alt="mb-silhouette-4" width="130" height="195" style="float: left;">SHE SAID:
Koonawarra Cottage is the charming single storey three bedroom cottage with a large front verandah which looks out over the expansive parklike gardens.
Every window has garden views, as you'd expect. 
I have always throught Mount Wilson was best placed for autumn viewing. Especially this year to escape the prevailing humidity of Sydney.
This property also has a tennis court so imagine the sunny exercise you'd get before the chill sets in, and the days are spent in front of the fireplace.
I seem to recall it was formerly the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Armitage in the 1960s, but I could chase all that up with a bit more study on the chilly nights.
I once read that the walk from one end of Mount Wilson to the other along avenues of beeches, plane trees, oaks, liquidambers and cherry trees can move even strong men to poetry.
Let's see.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Which season for Koonawarra, Mount Wilson rental estate?

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Less discounting was required across the majority of capital cities by January's successful private treaty vendors, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Time of market increased over the traditional slow summer holiday period. 
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Source: Australian Property Monitors
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Less discounting required for January vendors: APM

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Sydney might take over from Melbourne as having the lowest gross rental yields across the capital cities, CoreLogic RP Data research director Tim Lawless said.
The possibility arose as Tim Lawless noted the latest month on month results showed a moderation in the rate of dwelling value growth compared with the December and January movements.
Australia’s combined capital cities have seen dwelling values rise by a further 0.3% in February taking home values 8.3% higher over the past 12 months.
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Source: CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index, as of 28 February 2015
The monthly rate of growth however slowed from 1.3% in January and 0.9% in December, although the growth trend remains strong, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
“The slower rate of capital gain in February may come as a surprise to some who were expecting lower mortgage rates to instantly propel the pace of home value growth higher," Lawless said.
"We are already seeing the effect of lower mortgage rates, with auction clearance rates surging to the highest levels we have seen since 2009 and valuation activity across CoreLogic RP Data valuation platforms reaching new record highs based on daily averages over the second half of February.
"Despite the flurry of activity, it will likely take some time combined capitals to see this flow through to a higher rate of capital gain."
Evidence of compressed rental yields was continuing across each of the capital city markets, the February report noted.
A year ago the gross rental yield for a capital city dwelling was averaging 4.3%; by the end of February the typical gross yield has been eroded down to just 3.7% - due largely to the consistent high rate of dwelling value growth relative to rental growth.
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According to Lawless, over the current growth cycle to date, we have seen capital city dwelling values rising at more than three times the pace of weekly rents.
"The bi-product of such strong capital gains and relatively weak rental growth is that rental yields are being forced lower and lower,” he said.
In Melbourne, the yield profile is the lowest of any capital city with the typical Melbourne dwelling showing a gross yield of just 3.3%. Sydney wasn't too far off, recording a gross dwelling yield of 3.6%.
Lawless noted that if we see Sydney dwelling values continuing to outpace rents so quickly "we may see Sydney take over Melbourne to show the lowest gross rental yields”.
Lawless said the total return across the housing market (ie capital gain plus gross rental yield) provides some explanation about why investors are so active across the Sydney housing market.
"Total returns in Sydney are approaching the 20% mark over the past twelve months, substantially outperforming other asset classes," Lawless warned.
"Importantly, even though dwelling values aren’t rising as quickly in Brisbane, the total return is almost equal to Melbourne’s, at 10.9% in Brisbane compared with 11.1% in Melbourne, thanks to the healthier yield profile of the Brisbane market.
“With housing market investment now roughly level with owner occupier demand (based on housing finance commitments), it is clear that investors, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne where investor activity is most prominent, are speculating that capital gains have further to go and are ignoring the low yield profile of these cities.
"While this may be a successful strategy in the short-term we would suggest a focus on both capital growth and rental return is a safer and more sound strategy overall.”
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Sydney rental yields head lower to 3.6%: CoreLogic RP Data

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Breakneck bidding for 38 Kooyongkoot Road, Hawthorn, took its weekend sale price almost $1 million above its $4.1 million reserve.
It was sold for $5,085,000 to an Australian expatriate family living in Singapore who were watching on via Skype with family members also at the onsite auction.
The stellar pricing was all in the timing for the five-bedroom house (pictured above) in the coveted Scotch Hill precinct.
The result came days after the mid-week private auction of another five-bedroom period house at 3 Kembla Street (pictured below), which smashed its reserve by more than $900,000 selling on Wednesday night at $5.35 million.
<img src="/images/2015/03/02/hawthorn%20mar%202%20one.jpg" alt="">
There had been a $4.4 million pre-auction offer for the property on Kembla Street - from its eventual buyer - that prompted its same day Saturday scheduled auction to be brought foward by four days after the property had attracted more than 100 inspections over its marketing campaign.
"Strategically we made the decision to bring it forward so to ensure that it had all bidders present at the auction as opposed to waiting for sale day and potentially losing [some bidders]," listing agent James Redfern said.
Land title records show the vendors, olympic rower David England and wife Susan, bought the home for $2,125,000 in 2001. 
It attracted seven bidders on 1890 slated-roof Victorian home with some of those who missed out at the Wednesday night auction back at 38 Kooyongkoot Road Saturday afternoon.
Marshall White listing agent Justin Krongold acknowledged the Kembla Street sale had set a benchmark for his auction.
"If not for [Kembla's] result, perhaps if the auction was later today as it had planned to be, it could have been a very different situation," he told Fairfax Media.
Buyers agent Mal James noted a few weeks ago he gave a client advice that this Kooyongkoot Road home with good bones for a renovation on 1,038 square metres should go in the $3.7 million to $4.2 million range, based on the market being the same as last year.
The $3.5 million to $4 million initial price quote implied just below or just above $4 million as the hoped for expectation which James viewed as "not unachievable, but not a given, though it was not unrealistic either" when he first inspected it.
"By last week we had upped our advice to $4.5 million as the top figure," James pondered.
"A few days ago our comment to our client was it could hit $5 million after the 3 Kembla result around the corner as there were six wounded underbidders left over on this James Redfern midweek auction.
"Has the market for these types of homes gone up 5%, 10% or 20% since December or am I just losing my marbles?"
Just a year ago Hawthorn's prestige market was ordinary at best.
Avon Court, the high profile Hawthorn mansion, sold off market in May last year in the suburb's top 2014 sale. But the $19.8 million price showed negative price growth since the Shakespeare Grove property had been purchased by Autobarn boss Garry Dumbrell in 2009 for $20,250,000 when sold by the former Richmond Football Club president Clinton Casey and his wife, Leslie who had Ross Savas at Kay &amp; Burton hire Jo Silvagni to be the face of its print and video campaign. 
{qtube vid:=Ug3X6GJnYpU}
Prices have gone backwards on prestige residential offerings on the lower end of the scale over recent years in Hawthorn.
The 1930-built, 2000-reburbished house at 17 Callantina Road sold at $2.68 million in 2013 having previously sold at a tearaway $2.86 million in 2008. Not even leafy gardens designed by Edna Walling could stop the price collapse.
Another loss taker was when the 2007-built four bedroom house at 16 Burton Avenue sold at $3.34 million in late 2013. It had sold in 2008 at $3.45 million.
Signs of ordinary price growth were also evident in a $2,775,000 Kooyongkoot Road sale in 2013 which had previously sold at $2.6 million in 2007.
The Bai family of Burwood spent $2.83 million to buy 51 Chrystobel Crescent which had been listed in 2011 with $3.4 million hopes. The 2011 auction of the solid 1880 home in the Grace Park precinct had been passed in on a $3.05 million offer in front of around 100 people.
A six bedroom Hawthorn East mansion sold in early 2014 at $3,235,000 at Jellis Craig auction that was just $35,000 more than its prior $3.2 million sale in 2011. 
The Chinese Australian vendor at 4 Mount Ida Avenue didn't cover the stamp duty with the house price - and this was on its second marketing campaign.
In mid-2013 retired Western Bulldogs champion, turned 3MMM breakfast broadcaster, AFL commentator and publican, Luke Darcy upgraded his <a href="https://apm.domain.com.au/research/address.aspx?locationtype=address&amp;state=vic&amp;streetid=292407&amp;unitnumber=&amp;streetnumber=42" target="_blank">Hawthorn home</a>, despite his sentimentality for the rejuvenated Footscray suburb.
Darcy commented during the spring 2014 selling season that he'd detected an uptick in the Hawthorn auction prices.
Luke and Rebecca Darcy secured $2,975,000 in Hawthorn when selling in 2013 having paid $2.82 million in 2007, reflecting less than one percent annual growth through the six years.
The Darcy's upgraded to a nearby $3.2 million house which might now seem have been a good time to upgrade homes while prices where constrained.
Their new property had been built by the Toorak-bound MAB managing director Andrew Buxton.
The four bedroom house, with study, is in a prime Scotch Hill spot with a pool and tennis court set on more than 1000 square metres. 
The former Harcourt Street, Hawthorn East home of the since departed AFL boss Andrew Demetriou resold with negligible price appreciation too in 2013. The four bedroom renovated 1965 home at 50 Harcourt Street, which was offloaded by Demetriou in 2008 for $2.7 million, was sold at $2,742,500 in 2013. Just $42,500 gain in the five years.
The 2012 top sale in Hawthorn was on Kooyongkoot Road, Hawthorn was sold by Craig Parsell, who was Hong Kong based when he bought it in 2002 for $3.45 million. Parsell is a veteran executive partner in the technology services company Accenture. Known as Koot, its situated in the heart of the Scotch Hill precinct. It's got a tennis court and pool on its 2,788-square-metre holding. The $12,588,000 buyer was company director Juhne Lie. 
Kay &amp; Burton secured 2013's highest sale which was $11 million the the 1883 mansion, Katoomba on Harcourt Street, in Hawthorn East. It came with Stuart Rattle interiors and Paul Bangay gardens done for the Laidlaw family who sold to the Bailey family.
Mal James since that the results of the past week of prestige Melbourne offerings were not evidence that the market has gone crazy.
"[The market] is responding to fundamentals and the fundamentals are incredibly strong right now for larger landholdings with flexibility," James said.
"That is why we have been strong on buying for clients for the last 24 months and are continuing to do so.
"Those fundamentals are turbo charged overseas demand completely out of whack with the dwindling supply of certain home types described above.
"So unless the wealth of overseas buyers drops (and it has increased for the last 40 years), or the government intervenes (showing no stomach to do so on any serious note at present) or Chinese buyers (in particular) reverse their preference to landbank (reducing supply even further) then the market is doing what it is doing based on sound demand and supply principles, not anything else.
"This may well continue for some time (with the odd hiccup).
"We wrote a number of times last year that each month was either a tread or a step in a rising staircase on price which reignited in October 2012 and hasn’t stopped since.
"But February 2015 is different – it has jumped off the staircase, gone up a whole floor in the lift (for the above types of properties) and we assume will now continue on its merry way."
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Hawthorn hits its straps as reserves bettered by $1 million in auctions timed to the max

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Kelvin Park, one of Sydney’s oldest privately owned properties, has been listed for sale.
The 2.7 hectare Bringelly property comes with a rich colonial heritage dating back to 1820. Offers at $1.7 million plus to up around $2 million are expected through <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-bringelly-nsw-2556/253972" target="_blank">McGrath Estate Agents' Luke Mannion and Anna Younan</a>.
This is reputedly the property from which 'The Wild Colonial Boy', bushranger John (Jack) Donohoe, escaped custody in 1828.
The semi-rural, seven acre property at 30 The Retreat comes with colonial Georgian style homestead with sandstone verandah. Heritage authorities regard it as an early Colonial Georgian, single storey, stuccoed brick bungalow with hipped, iron roof. The coach house dates back to 1851, a one and a half storey sandstock brick Early Victorian style building with a loft.
There is a tennis court and pool.
The estate, well suited to horse agistment, comes with coach house, two cottages and barn. Its stable complex has grass arena and round yard.
The property is within 45 kilometres of Sydney Airport and close to new south-west rail link.
Kelvin Homestead was part of the 243-hectare land grant in 1818 to Thomas Laycock Junior, the son of Sergeant Thomas Laycock of the NSW Corps. Thomas Laycock took part in the Rum Rebellion and fought in the American Civil War.
After he died in 1823, the property was bought by J.T. Campbell, former vice-regal secretary to Governor Macquarie.
In 1825 the property was leased by the Australian Agricultural Company, before their move to Port Stephens. 
Kelvin Park was purchased by Alfred Kennerley in 1833, later premier of Tasmania.
Since the summer of 2013 parts of the gardens and grounds have been used for<a href="https://www.kelvinhomestead.com.au/" target="_blank"> wedding ceremonies</a>, although not the Kelvin Homestead residence.
The McGrath agency also has the colonial five bedroom trophy home, <a href="/news/1840s-macquarie-field-house-glenfield-trophy-home-offering">Macquarie Field House</a> (pictured below) in Sydney's south-west for sale, marketed as a hobby farm.
It sits on 23 hectares at Glenfield, surrounded by lemon scented gums, an elegant single-storey regency brick home with a wide verandah supported by graceful white columns.
<img src="/images/2015/02/02/gelnfield_0016_17.jpg.jpg" alt="1840s Macquarie Field House, Glenfield trophy home offering">
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Historic Kelvin Park semi-rural homestead listed at Bringelly

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<div>With an 85.5% initial clearance rate, the red hot Sydney summer home auction market continued today despite it being a record volume for a February Saturday.</div>
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Houses achieved a median price of $1.24 million while apartments sat at a $764,000 median.
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<div>Some 788 homes were scheduled to be offered under the hammer on 28 February, higher than last weekend’s 636 and the 665 conducted over the same weekend last year.</div>
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<div>Andrew Wilson, the Domain Group senior economist said Sydney passed with "flying colours".</div>
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<div>The preliminary results covered 605 auctions.</div>
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<div>The top residential sale was $4.62 million for a contemporary home at Castle Hill through Belle Glebe. There was also the $4.64 million sale of an Ashfield block of nine two bedroom apartments through Elders Inner West agent Sebastian Bonaccorso.</div>
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<div>The top auction offer, which was not accepted, was <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/nsw/woollahra/?adid=2011731748" target="_blank">$6.25 million in Woollahra</a>, but that was less than the $6.5 million paid for the contemporary Holdsworth Street terrace in 2011, and highlighting all the Sydney print headlines of premium property recovery being premature. 
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<div>It is among the terraces (above) previously occupied by the Holdsworth Gallery. It was the former Rothschild banking director Geoffrey Hodgkinson, a former assistant Reserve Bank governor, and his wife Tina who were the fortunate 2011 vendors securing the $6.5 million.</div>
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<div>The city and east hosted the most number of auctions with 125 followed by the inner west with 119. </div>
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<div>The most popular Sydney suburbs for auctions this weekend were Mosman and Maroubra each with 12 followed by Drummoyne 11, Randwick 10 and Epping, Surry Hills and Glebe each with eight auctions.</div>
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<div>There was a $1.72 million Chadwick Real Estate sale (below) at Epping, a 1940s house on 840 square metes which last sold in late 1994 at $350,000, reflecting 8% annual price growth.</div>
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<div class="innerCont"><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=119068843&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="119068843"><img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/800x600/af882dfc26d02f817f4ed9c26693dfc0a4fcd01198fee3901e8b58cadf6f7ca4/image5.jpg" alt="11 Dunmore Road, Epping" title="11 Dunmore Road, Epping" data-index="4"></a></div>
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<div>Last Saturday Sydney's clearance rate was adjusted to 83.1%, down from the preliminary near-record 84.6% result.</div>
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<div>TOP SALES ACROSS THE CAPITALS
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<table style="width: 605px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody align="left">
<tr id="ecxrpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_0">
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_0"> 54 Cammeray Road, Castle Cove, 5br House, Belle Glebe</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_0"> $4.62m</td>
</tr>
<tr id="ecxrpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_1">
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_1">136 Page St, Middle Park VIC 3206, 4 br House, Cayzer Real Estate</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_1">$5,500,000</td>
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<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_2">8 Netley Av, Lockleys SA 5032, 3 br House, Ouwens Casserly</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_2">$910,000</td>
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<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_3">89 Towers St, Ascot QLD 4007, 4 br House, RW - New Farm</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_3">$1,496,000</td>
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Source: Australian Property Monitors
One of the weekend buyers was the Channel 10 Shark Tank series presenter Sarah Harris and husband Tom Ward, an IT professional, who paid $2,175,000 for a contemporary Cremorne semi, paying $75,000 above the reserve price.
APM incorrectly noted the weekend's top sale, which prompted an update to the article.
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An 85.5% success rate for Sydney's first 2015 Super Saturday

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<div>There was a 79% success rate in the first big test of the strengthening Melbourne auction property market.</div>
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Houses achieved a median price of $866,250 while apartments sat at a $590,000 median.
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The REIV was expecting about 1,530 auctions in 288 suburbs this weekend, its chief Enzo Raimondo said.
The preliminary results of around 1240 auctions saw the top reported sale of $5.5 million in Middle Park, a four bedroom Edwardian home at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/136-page-street-middle-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-8244022" target="_blank">136 Park Street</a> (pictured above). It had been initially listed by Cayzer Real Estate with $4 million plus price guidance which was raised to $4.2 million plus hopes. It was announced on the market at $4.7 million.
There was a similar $1 million plus over achievement in the second top price set in a $5.085 million Hawthorn result. Marshall White auctioneer John Manton had <a href="https://marketnews.com.au/auction-reviews/38472/38-Kooyongkoot-Road-HAWTHORN/" target="_blank">four motivated bidders</a> with two after it went on the market at $4,100,000.
Property Observer is also aware of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/11-maple-grove-toorak/Property-Details-buy-residential-8286286" target="_blank">a $7,625,000 Toorak auction sale</a>. There were three bidders for the renovated 1940s Maple Grove house last sold at $6.2 million in 2009. Some $7 million plus had been tipped for 11 Maple Grove by Jellis Craig.
The busiest auction locations were St Kilda (25 auctions), Kew (24 auctions) and Reservoir (23 auctions).
There was a $550,000 sale (below) at 89 Crookston Road, Reservoir.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=118980127&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="118980127"><img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/e2cc686241cb7b474082a33ada32bda56bac426005978491e3a45b3bc4b7446f/main.jpg" alt="89 Crookston Road, Reservoir" title="89 Crookston Road, Reservoir" data-index="0"></a> There were around 3,000 auctions held for the month of February, the highest number of auctions ever for the month of February.
The REIV noted the previous record being 2,574 in February 2014.
The top clearance rate suburbs in the year to date before today's results were Bentleigh East (91%), South Yarra (81%) and Brighton (74%), and after today's auctions the busiest auction suburbs this year have been South Yarra (43 auctions), Reservoir (42 auctions) and Bentleigh East (33 auctions). 
There will be fewer auctions next weekend with 317 scheduled.
This weekend’s Super Saturday of auctions reflected a decision by sellers to avoid a clash with next weekend’s Labour Day holiday.  
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<div>Melbourne recorded a clearance rate of 75% last Saturday – and 73% recorded over the same weekend last year.</div>
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<div>The weekend's sales included:</div>
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<div class="wysiwyg">
TOP 5 HOUSES 1. 136 Page Street, Middle Park $5,500,000 2. 38 Kooyongkoot Road, Hawthorn $5,085,000 3. 266 Cotham Road, Kew $3,610,000 4. 146 Yarrbat Avenue, Balwyn $3,500,000 5. 29 Myers Avenue, Glen Waverley $3,308,800 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 1. 1A Dartford Court, Craigieburn $277,500 2. 155 Morris Road, Hoppers Crossing $282,500 3. 32 Ovens Circuit, Whittlesea $290,000 4. 9 The Glen, Pakenham $301,000 5. 14 Kimberley Grove, Pakenham $315,000
TOP 5 APARTMENTS 1. 1/2A Ormsby Grove, Toorak $1,755,000 2. 20-22 Setani Crescent, Heidelberg West $1,640,000 3. 8.1/193 Domain Road, South Yarra $1,610,000 4. 3/5 Thomson Street, South Melbourne $1,531,000 5. 11/243 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park $1,485,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 1. 3/39 Ovens Circuit, Whittlesea $180,000 2. 2/232 Nicholson Street, Footscray $200,000 3. 7/230 Ascot Vale Road, Ascot Vale $250,000 4. 5/24 Daly Street, Brunswick $260,000 5. 4/21 Nepean Avenue, Hampton East $267,000
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A 79% success rate for Melbourne's first 2015 Super Saturday

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The redundant Mosman investment property of Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart has been relisted for sale.
It's a House of Hancock in reality.
It has been scheduled for <a href="https://raywhitelowernorthshore.com.au/nsw/mosman/1063220/" target="_blank">26 March auction</a>.
Designed by Corben Architects to embrace its landscaped gardens, the house comes with a centrepiece wet-edge pool and cabana.
It captures sweeping views over the Harbour Bridge and city skyline from the upper level.
There was single lowball bid of $4.3 million when it went to December 2013 auction.
It was the former Mosman home of her daughter, Hope Welker.
It had cost $5.4 million in 2007.
The contemporary Bradleys Head Road house has again been listed through the Ray White Lower North Shore with agents Megan Thomas and Dino Gatti.
Hope Welker and her husband, Ryan, vacated the Mosman property as they departed for New York in 2011, around the time the family dispute over control of the family's mining interests became public through litigation.
Gina Rinehart has the property advertised on <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/18a-bradleys-head-road-mosman-nsw-2088?adid=2011804238" target="_blank">Fairfax Domain</a>.
The local News Ltd paper noted the contemporary, non-waterfront property at 18a Bradleys Head Rd has a price guide of more than $5 million.
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Gina Rinehart relists redundant Mosman house

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The Starship Enterprise inspired trophy home atop Elanora Heights has been sold for $8.39 million to Bright Pearl Group Pty Ltd, of which Yunlong Zhang is the sole director.
The two-hectare northern beaches estate (above) was sold by property investor Peter Chedid on Christmas Eve to the Chinese buyer. Bright Pearl's related company, Citizen Wealth Industry Pty Ltd <a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/listing/withdrawn/nsw/sydney-region/northern-beaches/ingleside-northern-beaches/9-cicada-glen-road-ingleside-nsw-2101-2/" target="_blank">spent $8 million to buy in Ingleside</a> in 2011. Zhang co-directs it with Chuting Zhong. 
The Starship Enterprise-inspired Elanora Heights home returned to the market in mid-2014.
The home with six bedrooms and six bathrooms<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-elanora+heights-112818759" target="_blank"> </a>was built for the vendor Peter Chedid, a lifelong fan of Star Trek.
There is even a 15 velvet seat home cinema decorated with a space image taken from the Hubble telescope.
Chedid listed it initially in 2011 when thinking of moving to Europe with $15 million hopes.
Then the Caladenia Close property was listed again with Anthony Walls of Max Walls International with a $10.5 million asking price in mid-2012 with the Italian furniture included in the price.
The 500 square metres home is located in Elanora Heights, some 27 kilometres from Sydney, on a two hectare holding adjoining Garigal National Park
Chedid, an investor and property developer, purchased the land in 2002 for $1.22 million and spent $5 million on the design and construction of the 2008 futuristic house.  
 
 
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Chinese buyer snares Elanora Heights' starship enterprise trophy home

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Former AFL Melbourne captain David Neitz has $1.05 million plus hopes for his Fitzroy investment property currently listed through Nelson Alexander Real Estate.
It is three levels with four bedrooms at 61 Leicester Street.
He paid $650,000 in 2001.
It goes to <a href="https://www.nelsonalexander.com.au/properties/buying/fitzroy-61-leicester-street#.VO-1gTpMKqQ" target="_blank">March 14 auction</a>.
It was available for rent at $850 a week in early 2013.
David Neitz, who retired after 306 games in 2008, was appointed late last year as a specialist key-position coach at the Hawks.
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David Neitz lists in Fitzroy

A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Joel Robinson

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.

The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.

The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.

The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.

"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.

"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.

“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.

The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada Australia</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada Australia's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada Australia as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada Australia files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada Australia entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

Jonathan Chancellor

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