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Seek chairman Bob Watson is selling his Brighton near beachfront house (pictured above) with $8 million-plus hopes. The Spanish-inspired property has a pool and tennis court directly opposite Dendy Beach. It has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a study and a library. It's been scheduled for November 1 auction through Barb Gregory of Marshall White in conjunction with J P Dixon Real Estate. It was bought by Bob and his wife, Lynette, for $5.2 million in 2001 from Peter and Kim McQueen, who Title Tattle seems to recall subsequently re-settled in Surfers Paradise.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/bayst.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Stewart Lopez of Kay &amp; Burton Brighton has listed the substantial Brighton property (pictured above), which once belonged to the Buxton family. They're still an influential name in the real estate industry for the last 100 years. The Bay Street property has always been referred to as the Buxton family home, even 40 years after their departure. Kay &amp; Burton’s executive chairman, Gerald Delany, remembers attending a lot of family parties at the property positioned on the corner of Selwyn and Bay streets. At 2,949 square metres, it's one of the largest landholdings for years. With magnificent bluestone foundations,  the house has 14 rooms featuring period detailing beneath towering ceilings. It has wainscoting, window seats and diamond leadlight windows and four chandeliers. The expectations are $5.5 million plus when offers close November 12. 
 
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<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/dendyst.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">The former chairman of Shell Australia Russell Caplan is selling his architect-designed Brighton residence (pictured above). The Dendy Street four-bedroom, four-bathroom home has a price guide of $2.8 million plus. It apparently comes with from vast expanses of Arabian-honed travertine tiling both indoors and out. The Caplans moved into the property in early 2006 on its completion. Designed by TS2, the Manor on Dendy townhouse sits on the corner of Manor and Dendy streets.  There's high ceilings and indoor-outdoor entertaining with a pool, spa, sauna, home cinema and a rooftop terrace. It comes with a self-contained guest suite.  Caplan retired in 2010 as the chairman of Shell Australia after being appointed the position in 2006. He worked for Shell for 42 years. Offers are due October 29 through Nicole Gleeson from Kay and Burton South Yarra. It was bought by Eva Caplan from the Summerfield family for $3.1 million.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/downesave.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">A 1920s period home on Downes Avenue (pictured above) sold in a very competitive Marshall White auction that elicited 74 bids from four separate bidders to achieve $3.6 million – a price that was $525,000 above reserve. It was sold by the Price  family. The house was set on an 844-square-metre block next to Kamesburgh Gardens. It came with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large study and three living zones. James Buyer Advocates described at as the best home in the street.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/alimar.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">What's been described as the pinnacle of  beachfront indulgence, an Alimar Court residence (pictured above) has been listed for sale. It's been listed by the Catalfamo family through Barb Gregory at Marshall White.
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More than $1.9 million is expected at the November 10 auction of the Brighton home of Tim Bamford, the executive director of Major Projects Victoria. After three years, Bamford has decided to sell his sophisticated two-storey residence designed around two central courtyards. There's also a wrap-around self-cleaning salt chlorinated pool.  A Brighton lover, Bamford is down scaling in the area after selling  Whyte Street through Justin Follett at Kay &amp; Burton.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/cosham.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">The retail and mining mogul Ian Gandel is still seeking buyers for his Brighton home with Jack Merlo-designed gardens (pictured above), which was listed in August with $6.8 million hopes. Ian is the son of billionaire John Gandel. It's been listed through Kay &amp; Burton agent Stewart Lopez. It was bought by Ian Gandel's wife, Linda, for $5.65 million in 2009. Designed by Nick McKimm, the four-bedroom three-level Cosham Street home with lift comes with impressive seven-car basement garage with turntable.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Monash University professor and shoulder and elbow orthopaedic surgeon Simon Bell and his wife, Jennifer, are selling Greystones, their Arts and Craft-style Brighton home, with a price guide of $7.3 million plus. Located on Park Street amid established English gardens, the 1914 house sits on 2,219 square metres. The house comes with six bedrooms and five bathrooms. It's been home to the Bells for the past 20 years. The house comes with a large cellar, sauna, studio with a gymnasium and a rooftop retreat that offers views across the bay to the city skyline. After living there for 20 years, the Bells are downsizing. Greystones has been listed through Ian Jackson from Kay &amp; Burton Brighton with expressions of interest closing October 30.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">The 1885 mansion, Kilkerran mansion, the big Brighton possible offering <a target="_blank" href="/news">remains unconfirmed</a>, although the prominent buyers' agent David Morrell recently sold The Herald Sun that retired cricketer Shane Warne's house had been for sale on the quiet "for some time, but without any nibbles". The suggestion Warne might be a seller followed his now-confirmed purchase with Liz Hurley of Donnington Hall, the $9.2 million 13 room Georgian estate on the Gloucestershire-Herefordshire border. The Age's Suzanne Carbone has optimistically put the probable Brighton price as up to $20 million, giving him a tidy profit from the $8.55 million he bought it for three years ago, albeit after undertaking extensive renovations. Warne's purchase involved $7.55 million for the house plus $1 million for the adjacent holding when it was bought from Bruce and Elisabeth Garrett. The property, which is far from the beach, would set new price record in the bayside suburb if the late Victorian Italianate home sells for more than $15.6 million. Brighton is the most expensive suburb in Melbourne for house and unit prices, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. The median house price in Brighton is $1.64 million, up 6.8% in the 2012 September quarter.
An earlier version incorrectly attributed Brighton property ownership to an unrelated Price entity. 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Beachside Brighton luxury mansion sellers seeking bright spots: Title Tattle 

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Albert Bertini's Yarramalong Valley retreat has been listed for sale.
Rosehill Estate is marketed as a corporate retreat,  farm stay or even sales conference prospect with multi-income opportunities.
It's nestled in the heart of the valley about one hour north of Sydney.
Surrounded by forest and with frontage to the Wyong river, it comes with four separate accommodation pavillions.
There's multiple swimming pools and a giant waterslide, plus tennis court, a nine-hole golf course, gymnasium and entertainment club with bar and billards room.
It's been listed by Scott Wall and Paul Burnham from Coustwide First National.
No price indicated has been offered to Property Observer, although the valley talk is $3.5 million plus. 
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Sydney developer Albert Bertini lists Yarramalong Valley retreat with corporate retreat potential

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 A freestanding Middle Harbour strata-title duplex residence took the top spot on this week's RP Data top 10 sales list.
It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
It comes with inclinator access to its shared waterfront facilities, the boatshed, jetty and pontoon with two mooring poles.
It was sold by Pamela Downie and Chris Downie at Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag, whose colleague Mark O'Brien took second place with a Castlecrag house sale.
1. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/1/47_coolawin_road_northbridge_nsw_2063/5068449">1/47 Coolawin Road, Northbridge, NSW, 2063</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 10 by Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag for $3.96 million
2. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/58_the_bulwark_castlecrag_nsw_2068/1790408">58 The Bulwark, Castlecrag, NSW, 2068</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 10 by Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag for $2.365 million
3. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/13_redcourt_avenue_armadale_vic_3143/15685251">13 Redcourt Avenue, Armadale, VIC, 3143</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 13 by Marshall White Real Estate Albert Park for $2.225 million
4. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/33a_osborne_road_manly_nsw_2095/3983552">33A Osborne Road, Manly, NSW, 2095</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 13 by McGrath Estate Agents Mosman for $2.2 million
5. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/40_taloombi_street_cronulla_nsw_2230/2018956">40 Taloombi Street, Cronulla, NSW, 2230</a>, three-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on October 13 by Gibson Partners Real Estate for $1.7 million
6. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/24_middlesex_road_surrey_hills_vic_3127/13403331">24 Middlesex Road, Surrey Hills, VIC, 3127</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 13 by Fletchers Real Estate Canterbury for $1.66 million
7. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/218_albert_road_strathfield_nsw_2135/6478262">218 Albert Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 13 by Devine Real Estate Strathfield for $1.582 million
8. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/2_wingate_avenue_eastwood_nsw_2122/2211589">2 Wingate Avenue, Eastwood, NSW, 2122</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on October 12 by First National Epping Central for $1.552 million
9. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/52_austin_street_lane_cove_nsw_2066/3584644">52 Austin Street, Lane Cove, NSW, 2066</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 13 by McGrath Estate Agents for $1.52 million
10. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/22_highgate_grove_ashburton_vic_3147/14612847">22 Highgate Grove, Ashburton, VIC, 3147</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 13 by Kay &amp; Burton Real Estate South Yarra for $1.417 million 
 
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Richardson & Wrench Castlecrag takes top two spots on RP Data's top 10 weekly sales

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The Riverina's Tuppal Station has been sold some four months after it was passed in on a $6.25 million auction bid.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/tocumwal.jpg">
Its been bought by the Bozzo family through Elders Finley agent John Dalton.
The price has been undisclosed, but understood to be substantially higher than the passed-in price.
It was the setting of Slim Dusty's song Twisted Tuppal Gums.
The 5,568-hectare irrigation and pastoral property at Tocumwal attracted a number of interested buyers.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-cropping-nsw-tocumwal-7437281">The property </a>was listed by Frank and Maria Vodusek, who purchased the holding in 1994.
In its past it had been part of the FS Falkiner and Sons’ Riverina pastoral empire following their purchase of the station, then totalling 64,000 hectare at £392,000 in 1891.
The station has 24 kilometres of double frontage to the Tuppal Creek. There is some 800 hectares under irrigation, with a total water entitlement of 1,962 megalitres.
John Dalton advised buyers this year's sown crops was included in the sale.
It was listed for June auction with $8.5 million hopes.
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The Riverina's Tuppal Station has sold

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Queensland's besieged Quinlivan property spruiking family have had their Byron Bay NSW retreat sold by mortgagees for $2 million.
The property was a vacant hillside block above Wategos Beach, which cost $2.4 million in 2004.
In April 2010 the weatherboard house was totally destroyed by fire.
The property's registered owner was Joahannah Quinlivan, the wife of Dudley Quinlivan, who has been bankrupt three times and was once described in state parliament as the “king con” of Queensland’s property marketeering scandal.
He is currently banned from managing corporations for five years, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission describing him as “not fit to be a director”.
<a href="https://byronbay.ljhooker.com.au/7GSF5G" target="_blank">The property's last asking price was $2.25 million</a> through Tony Farrell at LJ Hooker Byron Bay. It's been for sale since its unsuccessful April 2011 auction. 
Title Tattle gathers its been bought by the Ingham chicken family.  
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Mortgagees sell Quinlivan Wategos, Byron Bay, retreat  

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Boorowa farmer John Arnott has listed his Byron Bay district dress circle property, dubbed The White House on Wategos.
Positioned metres from the sand on Marine Parade, the beach house getaway has ocean views from all living areas and four out of the five bedrooms.
The three-level, open-plan property has multiple terraces.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/marinepde.jpg">
It cost $5.5 million in 2009 when Arnott acquired the property from the founder of Sausage Software, Steve Outtrim, who had paid $2.2 million for it in 2000.
Its been listed for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-byron+bay-111850587">November 17 </a> auction through Ray White agent Lloyd Lawton.
Lawton says the owners are motivated to sell the 434-square-metre property as they wish to pursue investments closer to home. 
The five-bedroom home attracts as much as $14,000 per week in holiday lettings and has played host to the likes of Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson and countless other celebrities.
Not that it's ostentatious. “It was a little unloved when we bought it, our intention was to bring it back to life and retain the integrity of an authentic beach house,” owner Angelica Arnott said.
“We let the light in, but you can still hear the wind whistle enough to soothe you to sleep. It’s not so much state-of-the-art, more of a state of grace.” Meanwhile, next door, Skilled Engineering group boss Greg Hargrave is still seeking to offload his property, which was bought from the Albury medico David Kirwan for $7.55 million in 2009. 
Kirwan had bought the property for $900,000 in 1996.
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Wategos' comfortable White House listed

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Standy by for a new food venture in the landmark Georges Building at the Paris end of Collins Street in Melbourne.

The steakhouse Little Hunter will join the existing international fashion brands and hospitality operators.
The Little Hunter steak restaurant is being launched by the group behind the new Senoritas Mexican restaurant in Meyers Place.
It's due to open in 2013, under the stewardship of head chef Gavin Baker, in a 295-square-metre space fronting Little Collins Street.
The American-born Baker has worked for Jean-Jacques Rachou in New York and served as executive chef in Justin Timberlake's restaurant in Los Angeles along with being a sous-chef at The Fat Duck in London.
“Little Hunter draws inspiration from the land, the farmer and the best cattle bred in Australia to blend contemporary dining with the highest quality local produce,” a company spokeswoman said.
CBRE associate director Max Cookes says the Little Hunter lease is another step in the right direction for the Georges Building, where the flagship retail spaces on Collins Street are still available.
There is also an all-day café space overlooking Little Collins Street available for lease, although negotiations are well advanced.
“We are seeking one of Melbourne’s best cafe operators for this space who can take advantage, not only of the customers who already frequent the existing Georges retailers such as Toni &amp; Guy, Readers Feast Bookstore and Dolci Firme, but who is also capable of drawing in customers from surrounding buildings,” Cookes says.
A Melbourne institution, the original Georges store traded in the Collins Street building for 115 years, from 1880 until its closure in 1995. At that point, Country Road founder Stephen Bennett bought the rights to the Georges name from David Jones and gave the building a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and fitout under the stewardship of international designer Terence Conran.
The Bennett makeover transformed the building into a popular venue for dining and lifestyle retailing and was the catalyst for the creation of a new fashion precinct in Little Collins Street. However, the venture foundered after just a year and the centre was later resurrected as a series of speciality stores, service retailers and hospitality operators.
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Steak restaurant plans for Georges Building on the Paris end of Collins Street

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Home construction is contributing to the United State's still-weak recovery.

Last month builders started construction on single-family houses and apartments at the fastest rate in more than four years, according to the US Commerce Department with the pace of construction growing steadily over the last year.
Assisted by record-low mortgage rates, more stable home prices and a shortage of previously occupied homes for sale, the number of new home starts increased 15% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 872,000 in September.
It was the fastest rate since July 2008 with single-family homes up 11% to 603,000.
Applications for forward building permits jumped about 12% to an annual rate of 894,000, another four year high.
Housing starts are now 82.5% above the annual rate of 478,000 in April 2009, the recession low, but still well short of the 1.5 million annual rate that economists consider healthy, according to US reports.
There were 2 million plus homes started in 2007 -- the peak of the boom.
The report came after the National Association of Home Builders said confidence among US builders had reached a six-year high.
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Home construction comeback could invigorate the still-weak US recovery 

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The Macquarie Bank boss Nicholas Moore and wife Helen, who are upgrading to a $13.15 million contemporary harbourfront home on Middle Harbour, have listed their Federation Mosman house.
Well, sort of.
Costing just over $1 million in 1991, the property was briefly advertised with expressions of interest closing November 8.
But Title Tattle noted this week that its LJ Hooker agents Mary-Jane Hamer and Geoff Smith have taken its off the web without explanation.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/10/ruby2.jpg">
No sold signs, so either a snappy sale or a change of plans.
The house was marketed as occupying a substantial sandstone footprint on its elevated 1,008-square-metre block.
The house with 365 square metres of internal space shows original craftsmanship.
It's marketed as suitable for contemporary family life, however the marketing does not show any interior images.
Its formal living rooms are said to have views through french doors of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Centerpoint Tower.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/08/aug17shellbank]}
The Moores' purchase price for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/title-tattle/macquarie-s-nicholas-moore-gives-momentum-to-the-mosman-mansion-merry-go-round" target="_blank">their harbourfront acquistion</a> (pictured above) is confirmed at $13.15 million. It sold through Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman after three years on the market.
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Macquarie Bank boss Nick Moore lists his Mosman merchants' mansion

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Historic Exeter Farm at Glenwood has been listed for November 3 auction with $699,000-plus hopes.

Its two timber slab cottages were close to collapsing before the property was acquired in 2006 by the Historic Houses Trust with funds from its Endangered Houses Fund (EHF) program.
Located at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Glenwood </a>near <a target="_blank" href="/news">Blacktown</a>, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/NSW/Glenwood/?adid=2010034962">2 Knightsbridge Avenue</a> cottages date back at least to the 1850s.
It's been listed by Emmanuel Fardouly at Raine &amp; Horne Bella Vista Glenwood, who are marketing is as ideal for those downsizing or for a small family wanting a rural setting with a rare surviving example of an early settler's farmhouse.
It was built in the mid-1800s and survived burgeoning urban development, set on 3,000 square metres.
When first mooted for sale in 2009, following its restoration, the two-bedroom property was tipped to fetch at least $600,000.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.design5.com.au/exeterfarm">Design5</a> undertook its renovation in collaboration with Geoffrey Britton and the Sydney Restoration Co. In 2011 it received the National Trust of Australia (NSW) Heritage Award for a conservation built heritage project costing under $1 million. In 2012 Exeter Farm was awarded the AIA (NSW) Greenway Award for Heritage Architecture.
The endangered houses fund buys and restores derelict houses of historical value, then sells them to private owners with conditions that they will open the property to the public on a regular basis.
Raine &amp; Horne hold the record for the highest residential sale in Glenwood for each of the last four years.
The suburb's lastest heritage sale was Isabella, a 1905 house expected to sell for more than $600,000, that was sold this week through John Russell of Richardson &amp; Wrench Baulkham Hills.
RP Data says the latest median price for the suburb is <a href="/news">0,000</a>, reflecting 5.2% growth over the past year. 
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Restored Exeter Farm listed for sale with $699,000-plus hopes

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Joel Robinson

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

An 1880s timber cottage that has survived Kangaroo Point's transformation from riverside suburb to high-density apartment precinct is set to become the centrepiece of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/zephyr">Zephyr Group</a>'s proposed Banksia development.

Rather than see the locally heritage-listed Alpha Cottage as an obstacle to navigate, plans integrate the landmark home into a new 18-storey residential tower, giving one of the suburb's oldest surviving residences a new role as the project's communal hub.

The development application covers a 1,177 sqm amalgamated site at 127-133 Lambert Street and 30 Shafston Avenue, where Zephyr Group plans to deliver 64 apartments above three basement levels. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>, the proposal carefully weaves the retained heritage cottage into a contemporary residential scheme, with the tower elevated above the historic building to preserve its presence within the Lambert Street streetscape.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9dc5bdb-d691-4c60-bf2b-c3ed405a3e75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Banksia.png?VersionId=Jh4bjlewU.o8HXWt0V4KaFA_lPcF7KWM" />

Named after the native Australian Banksia flower, the project draws inspiration from its distinctive form through curved balconies, sculpted planter boxes and cascading subtropical landscaping that soften the building's profile.

As the design report explains: "The tower's identity is defined by its feature facade, drawing direct inspiration from the Banksia wildflower. The building departs from traditional rigidity through the use of elegant, GRC-moulded planter boxes that appear as if shaped by the breeze."

Plans propose 64 apartments, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom residences, across an 18-storey tower. Residents would have access to rooftop amenities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, private cinema, dining spaces and landscaped recreation areas, while more than half the site is dedicated to planting and open space.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16041b5f-033e-47fa-8fbe-9886e072c1f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pool.png?VersionId=kpx5w4EbLx0_TdWfDoD1vrSs0_cZ5Ao1" />

The heritage component is the defining feature of the proposal. Constructed in the early 1880s and occupied from at least 1883, Alpha Cottage is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an important surviving example of Kangaroo Point's nineteenth-century residential development and as a representative transverse-gable timber cottage. Despite extensive redevelopment across the peninsula, the building has retained a high degree of its original form and internal fabric.

As part of the redevelopment, the cottage will be carefully relocated a short distance within its original allotment to facilitate construction before being returned to a prominent position along Lambert Street. Original verandah elements will be dismantled, catalogued and reinstated, while significant internal features, including timber flooring, wall linings, joinery, doors, windows and hardware, will be retained. Later additions, including the enclosed rear verandah, will be removed to better reveal the building's original form.

Once restored, Alpha Cottage will accommodate the building manager's office, mail room and parcel facilities, providing an active everyday use that supports its long-term conservation rather than preserving it as a static display. The heritage strategy also maintains landscaped space around the building, allowing it to remain visually distinct beneath the new tower.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b027e1-576e-4624-a66c-7cc54ea8b7be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/banksia%20tower.png?VersionId=2W6E2yfkj2AQlWlLeV986grA5zB9f817" />

The Heritage Impact Assessment concludes that "the proposal secures the ongoing occupation, maintenance and conservation of Alpha Cottage," finding the development would result in "no more than a minor impact on the cultural heritage significance" of the building while ensuring its long-term future.

Joe Adsett Architects have designed the tower to sit above the heritage building rather than overwhelm it, creating a clear visual separation between old and new. The development's flowing balconies, integrated planting and organic façade respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate while complementing the restored cottage below.

Banksia occupies a prominent corner in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane River, ferry services, QUT, the CBD and the Woolloongabba precinct. The site also benefits from direct access to active transport infrastructure and sits within an area earmarked for continued higher-density residential growth.

Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

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Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

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The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

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For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

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As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

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Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Jonathan Chancellor

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