Friday 30th October

Byron Bay's 'Kiah' sold over $20million

Two Kiah beach villas have sold for a combined price of $3.3million, bringing the Byron Bay development over the $20million mark and leaving only 5 of the 16 residences still up for sale. Kerry Dunn, Director of ‘Cove Group’ who developed Kiah believes this could be a clear sign of economic recovery, with confidence and sales increasing in the area.

“Those who in the last 12 months may have viewed a Byron Bay beach home as a luxury, are now seeing it as a prime investment as it ticks all the right boxes – a sought-after location in a traditionally undersupplied market. There has been a definite turn-around in thinking, with many buyers now of the opinion this is the ideal time to buy, particularly given the fact interest rates have begun to trend upward,” said Dunn.

The villas are designed by award winning Architect Michael Hesse to be luxurious, environmentally sustainable and showcase the spectacular surrounds. The houses include a range of environmentally sensitive principles, including low-energy lighting, a building form that allows for natural cooling and ventilation as well as several rainwater tanks totalling more than 70,000 litres. These water tanks help to care for around 310 trees and palms native to Byron Bay, planted around Kiah as part of extensive landscaping to complement and extend existing rainforest re-growth.

The remaining 5 homes are priced from $1.595million and consist of two bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, a multipurpose room on the ground level and two secure car spaces. Features include large full height windows, private outdoor living areas with timber decks and wide polished spotted gum floorboards on both levels and of course, easy beach access.

Rolling Stone's Founder buys into Hamptons

Co-founder, Editor and Publisher of Rolling Stone Magazine Jann Wenner has closed on a Hampton’s beach house for $11.9US Million. The 6,300-square-foot, three-story home is right on the beach front on the coveted Montauk Gold Coast in the Hamptons.

Wenner co-founded Rolling Stone Magazine with Ralph Gleason in 1967. Since then he has interviewed the likes of Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Bono and Barack Obama. Wenner backed the careers of writers Hunter S. Thompson, who wrote Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Cameron Crowe, who wrote Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous. Notably, Wenner founded the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in 1983.

Celebrity neighbours to the Hampton’s beach house are said to include actor Robert Deniro and fashion designer Ralph Lauren who is reported to be just a few doors down. The house consists of 8 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, vaulted living room and dining room with huge stone fireplace, office, exercise room and plenty of entertaining space with multi-level patios and decking including a huge oceanfront hot tub.

Colonial Classic 'Chesney Hills'

Set on 400 acres of rolling hills, ‘Chesney Hills’ is a grand mansion in rural Chesney Vale, near Benalla. Chesney Hills is currently owned by A.J.(John) Russell Esq former CEO of global agribusiness company Bunge Ltd. Designed by renowned Architect Michael Munkton in 1990, this homestead has a classic Australian colonial country feel. Munkton has been an architect for over 30 years with a reputation for creating timeless and elegant designs.

The mansion is set amongst gum trees and landscaped gardens and includes a swimming pool, mod grass tennis court, self contained 2-bedroom guest’s cottage and entertaining terraces. The home itself is a 6 bedroom residence featuring well proportioned formal and informal entertaining areas with views overlooking the stunning, sweeping landscape.

Expected to exceed $1.8million, for further information find it on Millionplus.

The Ideal Beach Deal

Relax this summer in this idyllic beachside property in the bustling beachside suburb of Manly. Located just 100 metres from the beach, this property is just a short level walk to the ferry and moments to world-renowned lifestyle attractions, scenic coastal walks and ocean parkland.

Built in 1908 this property perfectly mixes a blend of original period features and sleek contemporary finishes. With two double bedrooms, the main bedroom with marble feature fireplace with adjoining sunroom, a living area with marble fireplace leading through to a dining area and designer Caesar Stone gas kitchen with breakfast bar. Other indoor features include gas heating and beautifully polished Kauri timber floors.

The property also features a versatile self-contained studio which makes an ideal home office, casual living area, rumpus room or artist studio.

Outside is a lush garden oasis with enormous entertainer’s deck. Optimizing the sand and surf lifestyle, the garden also includes a luxurious outdoor shower, ideal for rinsing off after a summer’s day spent lazing at the beach or in the surf.

For further information, find it on Millionplus