Friday 16th December

Gates rents in Sydney for Christmas

When the second richest man in the world rents a house in one of Sydney’s most expensive – therefor Australia’s - suburbs, you know it has to be a pretty breath taking property.

The $35 million Vaucluse mansion, named Portofino, belongs to luxury car importer Neville Crichton. It is spread over three levels and includes six bedrooms, gym, cellar, multicar garage, spectacular harbor views, and a private jetty.

The family, including Gates’ wife Melinda, and children Jennifer, 15, Rory, 13, and Phoebe, 9, are here for a month long Summer holiday to experience their first Australian Christmas.

Gates, who is estimated by Forbes magazine to be worth $59 billion, is renting the home for $25 thousand per week.

The Beach is calling

An exclusive country estate in the sunny-state suburb of Coolum Beach is for sale for $3.5 million.

Named Hamilton House, the contemporary masterpiece showcases a series of streamlined spaces with vast amounts of glass, creating a dramatic light filled ambiance throughout the home.

The residence includes dramatic features such as polished concrete floors, a sweeping marble staircase, and movable walls of glass, welcoming the outside in.

“More than just a home , it has the volume and feel of an art gallery. High on drama, yet uber chic and low on maintenance, “says the vendor, Robert Hamilton.

It includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, eight car spaces, media room, library, gourmet kitchen with an open dining area, and themed lighting throughout.

The grounds include a Japanese garden with meditation area, manicured gardens, a sundrenched deck area, and a sparkling swimming pool.

For further information, find it on Millionplus.

Ritz Penthouse sold

The penthouse on top of the Ritz at Cremorne Point has been sold for an undisclosed price, but a $7 million offer was recently rejected, with those buyers instead securing a $5.5 million house nearby.

“The incoming purchasers saw the current world economic turmoil and the fact that the property was in the hands of Taylor Woodings as receivers and managers, as providing an extraordinary opportunity to secure a unique and dramatic penthouse of enormous proportions at a very attractive price,” says LJ Hooker Mosman agent Geoff Smith.

The Milson Road penthouse has been two apartments joined together, while retaining two kitchens. Spread over 400 square metres, the penthouse has includes four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a rooftop terrace and garden with space to entertain 300 guests.

The property was purchased by a local retired couple who will undertake internal renovations and redecorating before taking up residence. They intend to reconfigure the space so it becomes one purpose-built penthouse reflecting their own taste and style.

“When finished the new owners will have arguably created the biggest and best penthouse in Sydney in a prestigious and completely restored building,” says LJ Hooker Mosman agent Richard Harding.

For the full article, read it here.

A surfers paradise on The Sunshine Coast

Bob Cooper's boards have carried surfers on waves all over the world and now he and wife Wils' beautiful surf-side home at Marcus Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast is on the market.
 
Bob's trade as a board shaper began in California before Australian waves lured him and led to a long professional career with the likes of Barry Bennett and Hayden Kenny, and his own business.
 
After 26 years raising a family and running his own successful venture in Coffs Harbour, he and Wils retired to the Sunshine Coast 17 years ago and built their Steven Kidd-designed Santa Fe-style villa on a beach fronting block with ocean views from the home and pool.
 
It was romance that drew them back to the Sunshine Coast, says Bob, having met Wils, who ran the well-known Boolarong Hotel at Alexandra Headlands, before establishing his Coffs Harbour business.
 
Bob has continued to ply his trade through demand for his surfboards from his Marcus Beach home.
 
This beautiful home is minutes walk to the sand and a short drive to either Noosa or Peregian Beach.
 
The Coopers have made the tough decision to leave this paradise for Coffs Harbour where family is closer.
 
The home is listed in the mid $2million range.

For further information, find it on Millionplus.