Lisa Wilkinson’s $23m mansion most viewed property as Aussies swoon over high-end homes

It was fancy mansions, architecturally designed masterpieces, dreamy gardens and lashings of style that were exciting visitors to realestate.com.au this month.

Gazing at gorgeous homes online that are well beyond our budget is always a fun way to spend a few minutes, and in August, visitors to realestate.com.au sought out some true stunners.

Stylish redesigns, spectacular transformations of historic homes, and modern masterpieces were all attracting huge interest. And we were dazzled by dollars, with half of the top 12 most-viewed homes selling for more than $4m, a quarter for around $10m or more.

Most were located in or near capital cities, many in Victoria. Of the top 12, there were eight in Melbourne, one on the Mornington Peninsula, two in Adelaide and just one in Sydney.

And of the top 20, the vast majority (19) were houses, with just one a duplex of two units.

With spring finally here, most of these popular homes lured us in with their landscaped gardens, lavish outdoor entertaining zones, and soft grassy lawns perfect for stay-at-home picnics.

Ready for a peek? Here’s a look at some of the properties causing a stir this month.

Media power couple’s grand Sydney Harbour estate

This superb Federation home at 19 Bennett Street, Cremorne with panoramic Sydney harbour views was the most-viewed property in August.

It’s no doubt magnificent, but being the 30-year home of media power couple Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons also won it some attention.

Reported to be downsizing, the couple have listed their five-bedroom home with prestigious BlackDiamondz agent Monika Tu for over $23m — a hefty markup from the just-under $3m they paid for it in 1998.

Endearingly known as ‘Ingleneuk’, the Arts and Crafts-style house was built in 1903 and occupies one of the North Shore’s largest blocks at 3,214sqm.

It retains plenty of original features, including large windows, prominent eaves, leadlight windows and doors, and ornate timber detailing.

Impressive amenities include a parents’ retreat with sunroom and dressing room, a brightly-coloured library, multiple fireplaces, a full-sized floodlit tennis court, heated pool and spa, a cabana with wet bar, and landscaped gardens.

Ms Tu said the property had received “enormous interest”, particularly from young families who valued the sense of privacy and peace so close to the city.

“Many have told me it feels like a country home in the city — with the added bonus of those stunning views,” she said.

Transformed Art Deco charmer

This fully-renovated Art Deco beauty at 572 Camberwell Road, Camberwell was the second-most-clicked-on home. Given it offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of indoor and outdoor entertaining space in a prestigious Melbourne suburb for just $1.5m-$1.65m, it’s not hard to see why.

The vendor, ‘finfluencer’ Victoria Devine (with over 80,000 followers), also likely boosted clicks.

Agent Jesse Matthews at Marshall White Stonnington said he was astounded by the interest.

“I was like, holy moly, there’s 10 times more views on this than others launched on the same day.”

He said it attracted a broad cross-section of buyers.

“It’s a good midpoint for downsizers seeking somewhere single-level and renovated, and also young couples or families upgrading from apartments.”

Beyond being just practical, this cute house is also supremely pretty, boasting imported stone finishes, parquetry floors, a master bedroom with gas log fire, and a sky-lit cocktail bar with a Vintec fridge and brass sink.

Outside, it opens to an undercover crazy bluestone patio and a level lawn within a high-walled garden.

Mid-century masterpiece

Who could resist 18 Dalton Avenue, Aldgate, an Adelaide Hills hideaway that looks like your own personal eco-resort, just half an hour from the city?

This 1960 Newell Platten beauty, ‘Sundance’, boasts all the interesting angles, exposed brickwork and slate floors mid-century modernists dream of — and it’s been thoughtfully updated with a 2012 renovation.

Then there’s the serene garden, with raised beds, wide lawns, fruit trees, and 1.42 hectares to play with, ideal for sheep, alpacas or goats.

The third most popular property in August, many of its clicks were likely from genuine buyers.

Agent Kim Shorland at Harcourts Adelaide Hills said it was “extremely popular” due to its unique mid-century style.

“We had 60 groups through in half an hour on the first weekend,” she said.

“It has an extraordinary feel, it’s a wonderful entertainer’s home, and is exceptionally peaceful; you can’t see another neighbour, or hear a car. A true lifestyle package.”

Ms Shorland added that Aldgate is a top wishlist location, prices here are up a whopping 25.9% over the year.

The property sold for well beyond its $2.5m guide price for an undisclosed amount.

Dandenong Ranges hideaway

An outlier on a list of exclusive properties was this quaint three-bedroom cottage at 11 Gordon Avenue, Tecoma in the Dandenong Ranges.

But with a guide of  just $490,000 to $540,000 in a suburb where the median has climbed 10.7% over the past year to $941,250, it’s going to draw some interest.

Yes, it needs some updating, but with an open-plan living/dining area with a wood-burning stove, a balcony with a bush view, a separate studio, and 898sqm of gardens surrounded by nature, it’s an enticing package.

Agent Austen Kosasih at Ray White Ferntree Gully said around 100 groups came through the property, which sold ahead of auction for $586,000.

Elegant mansion with coach house

At the opposite end of the scale is ‘Tanbury House’, a c1880 mansion with a turret and coach house at 224 Wattle Street in the leafy Adelaide suburb of Malvern, listed with a guide of $4.5m.

This historic home has been beautifully renovated and extended to blend modern elegance throughout its myriad living and dining spaces, grand foyer, library, music rooms and five bedrooms set across two wings.

Think marble fireplaces, grand archways, timber and travertine floors, French doors leading to wrap-around terraces, a wine cellar, and views stretching to the Adelaide Hills. Plus, there’s a four-car garage and a separate coach house for guests.

Agent Stephanie Williams at Williams Real Estate said there’s been strong interest from local and interstate buyers.

“It’s a spectacular mansion with a beautiful addition that offers all the comforts the modern luxury buyer is looking for.”

Three-storey Victorian mansion fit for a premier

The grand, three-storey Victorian mansion ‘Kardinia’ at 8 Calvin Street, Hawthorn has been the home of former premier Ted Baillieu for 27 years. In fact, he loved it so much he bought it before his wife had even seen it.

Drawn to its hilltop position and city views, he’s extended and renovated the heritage home over time to create an absolute show-stopper.

The vast floorplan includes multiple living, entertaining and outdoor terrace areas, a rooftop deck and six stylish bedrooms, the master with a private balcony, and another located downstairs with its own living room/retreat and kitchenette.

Other highlights include Gaggenau kitchen appliances, a home office, 3.6m ceilings, open fireplaces, a wine cellar, a 15m lap pool, and an ivy-splayed rear facade.

Agent Mike Beardsley at Jellis Craig Boroondara said the property, listed for $9m-$9.9m, had an “X factor”.

“It offers dress-circle views of Melbourne from the highest point of Hawthorne Hill and it has the best floorplan I’ve seen in a two- to three-storey Victorian residence.

“Every room is grand.”

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