Friday 9th April

Moby king of his castle

American musician, Moby, has purchased a Hollywood Hills estate for $AU4.5 million.

Born Richard Melville Hall, Moby shot to fame in the early 1990’s and has since released top selling songs ‘Porcelain’, ‘Natural Blues’ and ‘Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?’. His album ‘Play’ became a commercial and cultural phenomenon, selling over 10 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling electronica album in history.

The purchase will see the musician moving to the castle-like fortress from his New York apartment of 10 years, which is in a five-story building across the street from David Bowie.

Located on 3.3 acres, ‘Wolf's Lair’, was built in 1927. It features eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, separate two-bedroom guesthouse, pool house, a heart-shaped black-bottom pool, coffered ceilings, stencilled beams, linenfold panelling, turrets, and gable windows.

Moby reportedly has plans to restore the property in keeping with its period charm.

A slice of historic Victorian Coastline

One of Australia's most significant properties has hit the market in a flurry of excitement from historians and property moguls alike.

Named ‘Spray Farm’, the 147 acre property was built in the 1850’s by Captain James Conway Langton.  It was then sold to Charles Ibbotson in 1862, who founded the successful wool broking company, Dalgety Ibbotson and who also built ‘Como House’ in Melbourne. After being passed through numerous families since its early days, the property is currently owned by the Browne family of the neighbouring Scotchman’s Hill vineyard.

Over six years, the Brown family have managed a major restoration process, which has returned the property to its former glory. The 11 room estate features established Paul Bangay designed formal gardens, rolling lawns, extensive bay frontage, commercial kitchen, recycled water access to 18 acres of vineyard, 8 fenced paddocks, cattle yards, a separate three bedroom cottage, cellar, and original Cobb & Co coach house.

For further information, find it on www.millionplus.com.au

AV Jennings $10million beach house

The coastal market continues to stir up unprecedented price tags this year with a cliff top property rumoured to fetch well over $10million at its coming sale.

The 24 hectare property has belonged to the Jennings family, of the publicly listed AV Jennings company, for the last 50 years and has been used primarily as a holiday home in recent years. The prestigious neighbouring properties are home to businessmen such as Andrew Kroger, Gavan Disney and Greg Hargraves.

Located only one kilometre from the Flinders township, the modest brick house benefits from breathtaking views over the surf to Phillip Island.

For further information, find it on www.millionplus.com.au

Hilton passes half way mark

Workers have reached level 20 of the 32 story Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences Boulevard Tower and is expected to reach its full height in May this year.

“Construction work has moved up a notch... with up to 1000 workers involved directly and indirectly in completing the exterior of the tower and fitting-out the residences,” says Brookfield Multiplex Construction Manager Peter Bell.

At the same time, work is moving forward on the second and tallest tower, Orchid Tower, which is currently at level six and due for completion in late 2011.  It will feature 57 levels and include luxury residential apartments and a Hilton Hotel.

Orchid Tower is more than 75 per cent sold and the remaining residences are selling fast, with more than $31 million in sales recorded over the Christmas period alone and total sales in the landmark $700 million development soaring to more than $380 million.

“These results would have to be among the best achieved for any apartment project in the country over the past 12 months, [and] the development offers the right formula for many potential buyers. It will provide the latest in luxury living, with residents able to utilise hotel services,” says Tim Willing, Brookfield Multiplex Director.

Residents of Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences will have the option to utilise exclusive hotel services on a user-pay basis including concierge, valet parking, in room dining and maid services.

Facilities available at the hotel will include a luxury day spa, signature restaurant, executive lounge, gymnasium and swimming pool along with the exciting retail precinct being created at street level.

For further information visit www.surfersparadiseresidences.com.au