<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Joel Robinson

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Investors may soon find themselves with fewer reasons to buy established property and more incentives to look towards the new apartment market.

Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions would see new and off-the-plan apartments retain access to the tax benefits, while established properties would miss out, creating a clear advantage for buyers purchasing newly built housing.

The policy direction aligns with what many developers have been saying for several years. Australia needs more housing supply, and governments are increasingly looking for ways to encourage investment into new stock rather than existing homes.

The challenge for investors is that suitable product is becoming harder to find.

For much of the last decade, one-bedroom apartments were the cornerstone of investor demand. They offered a lower entry price, strong rental appeal, and were a common feature across most apartment developments.

Today, the development pipeline looks very different.

Across both New South Wales and South East Queensland, developers are increasingly targeting owner-occupiers and downsizers, delivering larger two, three and four-bedroom apartments in response to changing buyer preferences. While one-bedroom apartments still exist, they now form a much smaller portion of many new projects.

That shift has created a shortage of investor-friendly stock, particularly in well-located projects close to transport, employment hubs and lifestyle amenity.

At the same time, rising apartment prices have pushed many new developments beyond the reach of traditional investors. On the Gold Coast and across South East Queensland, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find new apartments priced around the $1 million mark, particularly those offering strong rental fundamentals and long-term growth prospects.

We've rounded up four new apartment developments where investors can still secure a foothold in the market for around $1 million or less.

<h2 data-end="1140" data-start="844">Flourish Soleira</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $1.07 million</h2>

Popular Palm Beach developer Sherpa is soon to officially launch its newest local apartment development, Flourish Soleira.

The one-bedroom apartments in the building were only offered to first home buyers rather than investors, and all of those have been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments will start from $1.07 million, and the three-bedrooms, still a good investment given the popularity of Palm Beach for owner-occupiers, starting at $2,045,000.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

Flourish Soliera will comprise 153 apartments across two buildings, connected by a skybridge, the first ever delivered in the suburb.

True to Sherpa's booming Flourish brand of apartment projects, Flourish Soleira will have extensive rooftop amenity across both buildings including a&nbsp;wellness centre with gym, work from home, yoga, pilates, a&nbsp;heated pool, private dining rooms, pizza oven and barbecues, basketball court, and golf simulator.

<h2>Corallo, Palm Beach</h2>

Priced from: $841,500

Nearby Flourish Soleira is Changfa Group's beachfront-inspired Corallo development. They still have some one-bedroom apartments remaining, priced from $841,500.

The 105-apartment project on Palm Beach Avenue is otherwise dominated by larger two and three-bedroom residences, many of which are aimed at owner-occupiers and downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=808]

For investors, the appeal lies in Palm Beach's continued transformation from a laid-back beachside suburb into one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after residential markets. Residents at Corallo will be within walking distance of Palm Beach's surf beaches, the recreational amenity of Tallebudgera Creek, and the increasingly popular collection of cafes, restaurants and boutique retailers along the suburb's central dining precinct.

<h2>Corner House, Stones Corner</h2>

<h2>Priced from: $880,000</h2>

One of only two Brisbane apartment developments to make the list with prices under $1 million is DeMartini Fletcher's Corner House development in Stones Corner.

One-bedroom apartments start from $880,000 within the 88-apartment development, providing investors with exposure to one of Brisbane's most established inner-south locations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330594]

Stones Corner has long been supported by strong tenant demand due to its proximity to major employment and education destinations. The suburb sits less than five kilometres from Brisbane's CBD and is within easy reach of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Queensland Children's Hospital and several university campuses.

The project's location within a walkable urban village environment, surrounded by retail, dining and public transport infrastructure, continues to attract both professionals and healthcare workers seeking accommodation close to work.

Parkdrive Apartments, Chermside

Priced from: $749,000

The most affordable apartments across Brisbane's new and off the plan market are in Chermside where developer AusDev is selling one-bedroom apartments from $749,000, and two-beds from $929,000, at its recently launched Parkdrive development.

The development is strategically positioned in one of Brisbane's largest employment and retail precincts, placing residents within easy walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside and the suburb's major bus interchange.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Already under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2028, Parkdrive benefits from Chermside's ongoing evolution into Brisbane's northern metropolitan centre. The suburb continues to attract significant public and private investment, supporting population growth and underpinning long-term rental demand.

For investors focused on yield and tenant depth, the combination of healthcare, retail and transport infrastructure within close proximity provides a strong foundation for occupancy and rental performance.

Investors to turn to new apartments after Federal Government changes spark hunt for Queensland's best $1 million apartments

A mix of Gold Coast locals, fly-in, fly-out purchasers from Sydney and Melbourne, and Brisbane-based families has driven early sales success at Broadbeach's newest apartment tower, Lumara.

The 26-level project, a joint venture between builder-developer 5Point Projects and Bourke Projects, comprises just 37 luxury residences and is attracting a buyer profile that is looking for exclusivity, above the most amenity-rich suburb on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=364156]

Jamie Bourke, Director of Bourke Projects, says every buyer secured so far intends to use Lumara as a lock-up-and-leave residence, combining holiday use with the ability to work remotely when required.

“The size of the apartments, both half- and full-floor options, and the different zones within the floorplans, lends itself perfectly to dedicated home office setups and multi-generational family holidays,” Bourke says.

That flexibility has become a key drawcard for affluent buyers seeking a second residence on the Gold Coast without sacrificing the ability to conduct business away from their primary home base.

The absence of holiday letting within the building has also resonated strongly with purchasers.

“This type of buyer doesn't need to generate holiday rental income,” Bourke says. “They're paying for exclusivity, privacy and certainty around who their neighbours are.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366491]

The strong demand comes amid broader shifts in the high-end apartment market following the Federal Budget announcements in May.

“We were already seeing strong enquiry from high-net-worth buyers, but that has only accelerated since the policy changes,” Bourke says.

“A lot of those buyers are looking to place more capital into premium lifestyle assets rather than investment-grade stock that has been targeted by the Federal Government.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150454 project_image_fid=366486]

Designed by Cottee Parker, Lumara adopts a slender, sculpted form with an emphasis on natural materials suited to its beachfront setting. The architectural approach draws on coastal influences, with a palette of stone, timber and concrete selected for durability and the ability to weather over time.

Apartments are limited to three and four-bedroom configurations, with a maximum of two residences per floor through the mid-levels and a selection of full-floor and dual-level homes in the upper levels. All apartments are oriented to the north to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and views across the ocean, city skyline and hinterland.

A two-level amenity offering is positioned high within the building on levels 20 and 21, conceived as a sky wellness retreat. Facilities include a magnesium pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms, alongside more social spaces such as a private dining room, resident lounge, workspaces and outdoor barbecue areas integrated with landscaped greenery.

The uppermost levels are reserved for larger-format residences, including several full-floor homes and a dual-level penthouse with its own private wellness features and recreational spaces.

&nbsp;

To give buyers confidence, 5Point and Bourke commenced construction ahead of the apartments launching to the market, a sure-fire way to prove they mean business, and the building will be delivered. They are targeting a 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150454]

Locals, interstate holiday makers, drive early sales at Lumara, Broadbeach's newest luxury apartment tower

Often when it comes to purchasing property, the biggest barrier to entry is the deposit. Buyers of established homes typically aim for a 20 per cent deposit to avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, while most property transactions require around a 10 per cent deposit when contracts are exchanged.

The off-the-plan market works differently, with buyers typically paying a deposit during construction and settling the balance upon completion. As completion approaches at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fabbrica-fitzroy-369-gore-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fabbrica Fitzroy</a>, developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace</a> is making it easier for buyers to secure a residence through a deposit-matching incentive. Purchasers need only contribute a five per cent deposit*, with Pace matching the remaining five per cent.

The offer comes as Pace unveils a completed display apartment and townhouse, now available for inspection by appointment ahead of the project's Spring completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371009]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/winwood-mckenzie-architecture">Winwood Mckenzie</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/acre">Acre</a>, Fabbrica draws on Fitzroy’s industrial and manufacturing history, incorporating references to the former Argyle Shirt Factory and Life Savers Confectionery Company that once occupied the site.

The development comprises 85 residences, spanning low-maintenance apartments through to larger-format townhouses with private street access and double lock-up garages, a relatively uncommon offering in Fitzroy’s higher-density apartment market.

Pace says the project has been designed to appeal to buyers seeking inner-city convenience without sacrificing space, flexibility, or amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371016]

Inside the residences, Winwood Mckenzie has focused on adaptable layouts and integrated detailing, with features including custom joinery, and concealed storage solutions. The material palette leans into warm, tactile finishes intended to complement the building’s industrial architectural language.

Fabbrica’s rooftop amenity is a key part of the project offering. Spanning around 800 sqm, the communal rooftop includes a private dining room, communal kitchen, lounge spaces, work-from-home zones, and outdoor dining areas overlooking the Melbourne CBD skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371017]

Landscape architecture studio Acre has introduced a layered rooftop garden designed to soften the urban setting while creating a more communal environment for residents.

The Fitzroy location also positions residents within walking distance of Brunswick Street, Smith Street, parks, cafés, galleries, and public transport, while remaining only minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The project has an enviable Walk Score of 96.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139552 project_image_fid=371025]

Pace, which is also delivering the project as builder, has developed more than 100 projects across Melbourne over the past three decades. The vertically integrated approach has become increasingly common among developers seeking greater control over construction delivery amid broader market pressures affecting the apartment sector.

The strikingly contemporary Gore Street development is now around 70 per cent complete, with purchasers expected to move into their new homes in Spring 2026. A limited number of residences remain available under the current deposit match offer.

*Conditions apply in relation to the deposit match offer.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139552]

Pace offers five per cent deposit match at Fabbrica Fitzroy ahead of Spring completion

Sydney developer Hyecorp's roots on the Lower North Shore stretch back three generations, and that deep understanding of the market continues to shape where and how it develops today.

From high-rise towers to boutique apartment projects, the family-run developer has built its reputation by focusing on a part of Sydney it knows intimately. Founded by Michael Abolakian in the early 1990s, Hyecorp is now led by his sons Stephen, Troy and Patrick.

Stephen Abolakian, joint managing director alongside Troy, has spent more than two decades in the business, overseeing development, planning, finance, marketing and sales.

Abolakian says the developer's disciplined focus on where it chooses to operate has been, and continues to be, one of Hyecorp's greatest strengths.

“We know the buyer profile exceptionally well,” Abolakian says.

“The demographics between places like Willoughby, Chatswood, St Leonards and Roseville are very similar. There are nuances between suburbs and projects, but culturally and from a buyer perspective, there’s a strong overlap.”

That buyer has historically been overwhelmingly owner-occupier driven.

Unlike many Sydney apartment developers that have traditionally relied heavily on investor demand, Hyecorp’s projects have typically attracted downsizers, upsizers, rightsizers and family owner-occupiers seeking long-term homes rather than short-term investments.

“Historically, investors have been a much smaller portion of our demand profile,” Abolakian says.

“We design for owner-occupiers. We don’t design for yield, we design for comfort, amenity, family living and long-term usability.”

That philosophy extends well beyond apartment layouts.

From landscaping and communal gardens to shared amenities and circulation spaces, Hyecorp’s developments are designed around how people actually live, something Abolakian believes has become increasingly important in Sydney’s apartment market.

“There was probably a period where having an approved project in market was enough,” he says.

“There wasn’t as much competition and if you built it, buyers would come. That’s no longer the case.”

“There’s more supply in the pipeline now, particularly with TOD precincts and low and mid-rise reforms opening up opportunities across Sydney. Buyers have more choice, so if you get the product wrong, they’ll simply go elsewhere.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

The shift has forced developers to become more sophisticated in how they approach apartment design, particularly as owner-occupier expectations continue to rise.

For Hyecorp, that means thinking beyond who the buyer is today and designing for who they may become in five or 10 years' time.

“People buying now often aren’t moving in for several years,” Abolakian says.

“You might have a young couple buying today, but by the time they move in they may have children, older children, or changing lifestyle needs. You’ve got to think about how families evolve.”

That thinking also shapes Hyecorp’s approach to amenity, which positions wellness at the forefront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362634]

While resort-style facilities have become increasingly common marketing tools across Sydney apartment developments, Abolakian says the challenge is ensuring amenities are genuinely usable and appropriate for the scale of the project.

“If amenities are done right, they can materially improve the living experience,” he says, adding however that if you&nbsp;overdo it or get it wrong, you can end up with facilities nobody uses that simply create ongoing strata costs.”

That balance is something Hyecorp is aiming to strike with projects like Roseville Avenue, one of the group's upcoming Lower North Shore developments, which Abolakian describes as bringing a resort-style living experience into a metropolitan setting.

“It’s about creating something that feels special without being excessive,” he says.

“Good gardens, quality apartments, thoughtful amenity. Creating that resort feeling in a metro location.”

<img alt="Hyecorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c4c0f3-b1b7-44cf-9344-0b3d1d07797a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-02%20at%2012.14.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9OLWjyj2bYkDV35F78WJnyMSPfc2bJ2z" />

The focus on owner-occupier product comes as Sydney’s apartment market continues to navigate a difficult development environment.&nbsp;For Hyecorp, maintaining an in-house operating model across construction, sales, marketing and development management has become increasingly important in navigating that environment.

“We’ve always believed in keeping a lot of the process in-house,” Abolakian says.

“It creates efficiencies, but it also creates quality control. You can make faster decisions and ensure the end product stays aligned with the original vision.”

Despite the challenges, Abolakian believes demand for quality owner-occupier apartments across Sydney remains strong beneath the surface, particularly across established Lower North Shore suburbs where downsizers continue to seek new housing options close to existing communities.

“There are definitely people waiting,” he says.

“Once some of the broader uncertainty settles, whether that’s the global environment or some of the local economic noise, I think the right projects will perform very strongly.”

Hyecorp currently has three residential developments on the market across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.&nbsp;Audrey, St Leonards, positioned opposite Newlands Park, is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents, with the project now almost sold out.

Hyecorp has also recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine Chatswood</a>, an architectural tower, while continuing to deliver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet Roseville</a>, a more boutique scale of development with just 34 apartments.

Why Hyecorp continues to back Sydney's Lower North Shore apartment market

Rural

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The northern tablelands NSW rural holding, Brushgrove, is to be offered for sale by rural property specialists Meares &amp; Associates, Sydney, via Meares Online Auction.
The New England fine wool and beef cattle farm is 3,014 hectares (7,448.5 acres), <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-nsw-uralla-7761129" target="_blank">23km west of Uralla</a>, 46km south west of Armidale, 112 km north east of Tamworth.
The holding was bought in about 2002 and initially run with sheep, and, in more recent times cattle. 
"With an increase in lamb and cattle prices, the ability to run approximately 12,000 DSE’s or 800 plus breeding cows should make Brushgrove an attractive investment proposition for either existing operators or investors looking to capitalise earnings in to rural property,” Chris Meares said
The Meares online auction commences September 29 concluding 3:00pm September 30.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

New England Brushgrove to Meares online auction

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Former Woolworths chief executive Paul Simons has spent $6.5 million on the 3159-hectare sheep and cattle property, Glencoe, east of Young on the NSW Southern Tablelands.
Glencoe, which has the capacity to run 18,500 sheep, sold through Landmark Harcourts Capital's Colin Medway for the Coles family.
Paul Simons told the Australian Financial Review he expects he will run about 12,000 sheep at the Boorowa property.
There are two homesteads, Glenalban and Currawidgee.  
Paul Simons already owns 1000-hectare property Euralie at Yass where he had breed superfine wool since the early 1980s.
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Paul Simons buys $6.5 million Young farm, Glencoe

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Company director Pat Handley has listed Shandon, his restored 19th-century Robertson homestead in the Southern Highlands.
The 17 hectare estate comes with <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-robertson-120017953" target="_blank">$5.25 million hopes</a> through Margaret McCauley.
The former Westpac chief financial officer and his wife, Dianne bought it for $4 million in 2004 from the Tilley clan.
The Pearsons Lane house incorporates the 1860s stone residence built for the Pearson family. The Tilley brothers had the old silo adjacent converted by architect Kathy Barnsley into guest accommodation, topped off by a glass lookout.
The Handley's have upgraded their home in the US state of Montana, and will keep Palm Beach as their main Australian base.
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Shandon, the Robertson, NSW southern highlands farm relisted

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Local legends George and Kathleen Collier of the Byron Shire are looking to sell their rural lifestyle home at Mullumbimby.
The home has been a part of Collier family for the past 40 years, being used as a farming estate for the couple.
The property sits on over <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-mullumbimby-7709627" target="_blank">40 hectares of land</a> marketed as making a prime investment for new tourist accommodation.
The price for the estate is disclosed through Paul Prior and Tara Torkkola, Byron Bay First National.
A similar estate in Mullumbimby, being handled by Property Now that also features 40 hectares of land currently has an asking price of $1.3 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-mullumbimby-7709627" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/a1cc4ec708ffbff9871c9239c26131e5c6ea6bfaf5a82b34f0e7114cab9ed78d/main.jpg" width="456" height="342"></a>
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mullumbimby 40 hectare offering

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London based agribuinessman Anthony Crichton-Brown has spent $6.06 million on Merrilla, near Goulburn, one of the finest heritage homesteads of Southern New South Wales.
He's now busy converting the 388 hectare prime agricultural grazing land from sheep to cattle. The farm comes with a homestead dating in part from 1838, one of the seven historic Chisholm family residences in the district, that was offloaded by the pioneering family in 1957 for $162,000. 
The estate, with Wollondilly River frontage, features a tennis court, pool stables and an ornamental lake.
The 73 year old Geelong Grammar-educated Robert Crichton Brown has long held significant farming holdings in NSW.
His father, Sir Robert Crichton-Brown, died in 2013, one of Sydney's most prominent businessmen and political figures from the 1960s to the late 1980s. He headed, or chaired, several significant companies including Rothmans of Pall Mall, the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney and the Lumley Group.
Merrilla was sold through Christie International agents Bruce Eason and Ken Jacobs by the Jigsaw fashion retailer Malcolm Webster and his wife, Eileen who bought it in 2002 from the publishing entrepreneur Deke Miskin.
Title Tattle first visited the property in 1995, ahead if it being sold by businessman Michael Darling who had paid $561,659 in 1984. Architect Howard Tanner undertook the extensive restoration and renovation over nine years for Darling.
Title Tattle recalls the names of former residents Edith and Alice Chisholm could be found etched in the front window pane.
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Merrilla, Goulburn sells to Anthony Crichton-Brown

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Waterview Estate, the 1913 Bundaberg homestead set on 4.7 hectares has been listed for July 31 Ray White Rural auction.
It is currently a family home, but was previously a bed &amp; breakfast and wedding venue.
<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/bundaberg-north/1330391/" target="_blank">Peter Douglas at Ray White Rural</a> has the auction offering, marketing it as a "timeless piece of Queensland history."
The 2 Gavin Street, Bundaberg North waterfront property offered solitude in the middle of town, he said.
"With business interests the family have moved and offer this small piece of Queensland history for immediate possession," he said.
It last sold in 2012 at $1.15 million, with significant maintenace and improvements undertaken since on its Burnett River frontage.
Bundaberg was established in the late 1860s.
Timber was the industry that acted as a catalyst for the creation of a European settlement, lead by the sawmiller Samuel Johnston, who is credited as building the residence, albeit now relocated and with substantial modifications.
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Waterview Estate, Bundaberg July auction offering

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The Darling Downs rural market, dominated by anxious vendors or receiver properties for the past three to four years, was seeing farm sales activity that was beginning to restore confidence.
"There is no doubt pain still exists however some positive commodity trends and positive outlook in the meat, grains and cotton industries is starting to be reflected in confidence albeit a low basis," HTW July's rural report noted.
"The rains have been a very welcome sight in the month of June, especially as they fell as far west as Charleville.
"Falls of up to 50 mm have been recorded although it has been very sporadic. 
"The property market is still showing mixed signals at present.
"There has been some strong market indicators within the Taroom area underpinned by strong market competition.
"We are aware of a pending sale of a 2,500 hectare holding within that Wandoan/Taroom district, that if settled will provide another solid indicator.
"A number of unconfirmed settled sales are also pending within the Condamine area including that of Deepwater a 2,201.49 hectares broadacre Brigalow block. Basin Down, further west between Surat and St George was recently sold prior to auction."
Consisting of a 7,159 hectare aggregation ranging between Balonne River, the property is heavier country partly developed to cultivation and running back to transitional Bauhinia and Box country.
The property sold prior to auction on a WIWO basis, between circa $550 and $600 per hectare overall.
"Within the feedlot sector there has been some renewed activity with the reported sale of Opal Creek near Cecil Plains purchased by ACC and The Mount west of Forbes in NSW.
"Overall the activity in the market is a welcoming sign, given that it has been dominated by anxious vendors or receiver properties for the past three to four years now." 
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Darling Downs rural activity picks up: HTW

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Chinese billionaire Xingfa Ma has bought Wollogorang and Wentworth cattle stations on the Gulf of Carpentaria for $47 million.
Listed as one of the top 400 wealthiest men in China, according to Forbes, he already has agricultural WA land including Balfour Downs and Wandanya stations along with Ferngrove Wine Group and Emu Downs Station.
The newly acquired 705,700 hectare station comes with 40,000 head of cattle, the Australian Financial Review reported.
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Wollogorang and Wentworth cattle stations sell for $47 million

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Nagambie's Bob and Rosemary Scarborough have their 122-hectare, Wood Nook Farm listed for sale with $10 million plus hopes.
With frontage to the Goulburn River, the property with 1870s homestead is being marketed by Danny Thomas <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ldiIORALj4" target="_blank">CBRE Agriculture</a> for the Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman and his wife.
The horses of the leading thoroughbred breeders were dispersed last month at the Magic Millions 2015 National Sale.
With Group One winners including Final Card, Gallica, Gold Ace, Hit the Roof, Leica Guv, Light Fantastic, Marble Halls, Sleek Chassis and Stella Cadente, Wood Nook Farm was one of the best producing thoroughbred nurseries in Australasia.
“It is with heavy hearts that we are winding up Wood Nook Farm and dispersing our entire bloodstock portfolio and in due course selling the farm,” Bob Scarborough said after 21 years ownership.
<img src="https://images-2.domain.com.au/2015/06/25/6641731/Article%20Lead%20-%20wide997461978ghv6mpimage.related.articleLeadwide.729x410.ghv2l6.png1435274682092.jpg-620x349.jpg" alt="Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman Bob Scarborough is selling the landmark Wood Nook Farm.">
“Rosemary and I have really enjoyed our time at the races and sales over the years and have been lucky to enjoy so much success.”
“I’m approaching 70 and we have decided that this is the right time to disperse our bloodstock,” Bob added.
“The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry has been fantastic to us and we have met most of our close friends through the industry, but it’s time for a complete lifestyle change. We plan to travel and spend more time with our six grandchildren who are growing up too quickly.”
“We won’t be lost to the racing industry as I will continue on as chairman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club and remain dedicated to its future success and growth and will also remain on the Australian Pattern Committee.”
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Scarbourgh family list Wood Nook Farm, Nagambie

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AACo chairman Donald McGauchie is determined the cattle company operates at the top of the price pyramid with every product, from is award-winning Wagyu beef, its live export cattle and its manufacturing beef from the Livingstone Beef processing facility.
"We are determined that every piece of beef we produce is of the highest-possible quality to deserve that premium pricing," <a href="/news/aaco-seeks-to-beef-up-its-branding-as-wagyu-wins-contracts">he told shareholders recently</a>.
The focus drove a 42% increase in boxed beef sales to $267 million, comprising 77% of the company’s revenue in the 2015 financial year, up from 59% in the previous financial year.
The company recently completed construction of the $91 million Livingstone Beef processing facility at Darwin enabling the selling of boxed beef to global markets including Asia and the United States. Livingstone IS a 45-minute drive south of the Northern Territory capital, that cost more than $90 million.
"Building our brands is the next stage of transforming and growing the business as Australia’s oldest listed company, AACo has a long, rich and vibrant history which is a powerful and attractive brand in itself," he advised.
Its Wagyu success story sees Fire &amp; Ice in Dubai, Tosca in Kuala Lumpur, Cha Cha Char in Brisbane and in Sydney, Sake and Restaurant Atelier among the fine dining restaurants who serve AACo Wagyu to their diners
"Our Wagyu continues to win awards for its taste and tenderness, with AACo’s flagship Master Kobe Wagyu named Grand Champion Beef at the 2015 World Wagyu Conference at Yeppoon in May," he said.
Last year the company’s Darling Downs Wagyu was named the Champion Wagyu at the Sydney Royal Spring Fine Food Show and won Gold medals at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards, Australia’s premium fine food awards, and the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show in May this year Darling Downs Wagyu was named the Grand Champion beef of the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show.
He suggested AACo was at the forefront of technology, genetics and helping to set direction for one of the most exciting and rapidly growing food markets in the world.\
"Wagyu now comprises almost 42% of all boxed beef sold by the company, but makes up 52% of all boxed beef revenue.
"More importantly, the success of our Wagyu program provides us with the opportunity to create premium and super-premium brands we can leverage for our other beef brands.
"It also allows us to build certainty with our customers, and build longer-term relationships because it demonstrates the effort we are putting into building sustainable brands," he said.
Boxed beef revenue increased by $79 million in the 12 month to March 31, while cattle sales decreased by $49 million.
Beef sales revenue increased to $267 million, while live sales of cattle to third parties from feedlots was significantly reduced, in line with its strategy of maximising value through the entire supply chain.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott formally opened The Australian Agricultural Company’s Livingstone Beef facility near Darwin earlier this year.
The facility, which began operations in October last year, will eventually have the capacity to process 220,000 head of cattle a year on a two-shift-a-day basis. 
In July last year, the company purchased Pell Airstrip and Tortilla near Darwin, which acts as a hub for the company’s activities in northern Australia, including the Livingstone facility.
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