Friday 21st August 2009

Silverchairs new castle for Newcastle

Silverchair front man, Daniel Johns, has commenced extensively redeveloping his existing property in Merewether, Newcastle.

Johns, who first started the band 'Silverchair' when he was only 12, made a name for himself when his demo song, titled 'Tomorrow', topped Australian charts only 2 years later. Since then, the band has gained international fame with singles such as 'Freak' and 'Ana's song' and taken home a record 20 Aria awards to date. He was also ranked number 18 on Rolling Stone's list of 'The Twenty-Five Most Underrated Guitarists'.

John's battle with severe arthritis and anorexia nervosa has shadowed his 17 year career, which leads us to believe that this may be the motivation behind his move to redevelop and to replace the existing squash court at his development with a state of the art music studio.

Greg Norman: Movement in prestige property prices around the world signals light at the end of the tunnel?

After first listing his Jupiter Island, Florida, home in 2007 for nearly $AU80 million, Greg Norman, dropped this price to $AU58 million through the GFC – only to recently increase it back up to $AU72 million!

The latest quoted price would set a record for the area, which is currently held by fellow golfer Tiger Woods. Woods purchased his home for just under $AU50 million only to tear it down to create a new family compound.

The 8 acre property includes 370 feet of Intracoastal Waterway waterfront and a 140-foot dock that can accommodate a large yacht. The house, built in 1902, features 9 bedrooms in over six structures. It also includes boat shed, grill house, coach house, carriage house, tennis court, 50-foot pool, wine storage for 2,500 bottles, garage space for 17 cars, gym, steam room, boardroom and offices, putting green (complete with bunker) and 75m fairway.

Melbourne's ‘most opulent’ Penthouse marks the return of a booming market?

The former home of recruitment entrepreneur Bob Biddle at The Melburnian on St Kilda Road has been placed on the market this month. Priced at $10 million, it is expected to approach last year's record $18.2 million paid for the sub-penthouse at Salta's redevelopment ‘150 Clarendon’ in East Melbourne - due to open next month.

Designed by prestigious architectural firm Bates Smart, the two-storey penthouse features breathtaking 335 degree views of the cityscape, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Port Philip Bay. It includes 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, spa and sauna retreat, home office, private cinema, internal elevator, wine cellar, 400sqm of expansive garden, heated pool, an entertainment area with 4 terraces, 3 car garage and a 24/7 concierge.

Wednesday nights marketing campaign saw approximately 50 guests watch the sunset and sip champagne on the lawn of its private rooftop garden. Celebrity chef, George Colombaris, and two other top chefs made good use of its twin kitchens catering for the star-studded event.

According to Australian Property Monitors, house prices have made a huge turn around in Melbourne's inner suburbs in the last month. With prestige property owners holding back unnecessary selling, it has created a competitive market for the little that is actually out there, and buyer's pockets are fuller than expected for this quarter. The pick-up comes as no surprise to many.

For sale through Kay & Burton. For further information, contact agent Stewart Lopez on 0418 377 757 or find it on www.millionplus.com.au

A new life for an old Victorian

Designed by Deton7, this house in Melbourne's Albert Park is a stylish and innovating update to a traditional Victorian Terrace. Deton7 has been designing and building inner city dwellings for over 10 years, concentrating on medium density development within 10km of Melbourne City centre.

With uncompromised attention to detail, this two level home boasts master bedroom with spa ensuite and private retreat area, 2 further bedrooms, separate studio/guest room with ensuite, light court, balcony with amazing city views, 2 car garage, huge underground wine cellar, fully landscaped entertainers courtyard with BBQ, Cbus system and fully automated blinds.

“A stylish and tasteful renovation with all the modern extras one could desire” says Sam Paynter of Hocking Stuart

For sale through Hocking Stuart – Albert Park. For further information, contact agent Sam Paynter on 0413 531 888 or find it on www.millionplus.com.au