Twin historic duplexes with Sydney Harbour views up for grabs

After more than a century as maritime accommodation and social housing, this dual-occupancy terrace has undergone a spectacular renovation under its first private owner, and now awaits its second.

It will be a very particular buyer who snaps up two renovated historic duplexes in Sydney’s famous Rocks precinct.

Not only do they need to have plenty of cash — the pair are selling under the same title for $5.9m — they also need to be comfortable with the compact garden and the outdoor staircase.

But for the right buyer, the dual-occupancy terrace at 9 and 9A High Street, Millers Point is a huge score: a slice of Sydney history, a knockout renovation, harbour views and a stunning city location.

These two residences, each with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and separate living and dining areas, began as public housing owned by the Maritime Services Board in the first decade of the 20th century. The terraces aimed to improve living conditions for those working on the harbour’s wharves.

The two workers’ cottages at Coodye House were also part of the government’s broader urban redevelopment push after the 1900 bubonic plague outbreak. The state held onto the terraces until listing them as single titles in a public housing sell-off in 2016.

Bill Marynissen and his wife Angela became the terrace’s first private owners for $3.44m, intending to use the top level as a city pied-à-terre and rent out the lower level for extra income.

“It was pretty rundown but we loved it,” said Bill. “It has that historical feel and is so close to the city and The Rocks. We also liked the flexibility of having two properties on one title.”

The Marynissens renovated in 2019 and 2020, working with Virginia Kerridge Architect and Weir Phillips Heritage. Coodye House is now almost unrecognisable from its earlier days, much like its evolving waterfront suburb of Millers Point.

The residences now shine with streamlined kitchens with bespoke brass finishings, recycled Blackbutt flooring, exposed brickwork, restored fireplaces and eclectic colourful bathroom tiles.

The vibrant colour and modern craftsmanship alongside charming, century-old details saw Coodeye House recognised as a finalist in the National Trust Heritage Awards in 2021.

“We aimed for a juxtaposition of old and new,” said Bill. “We’ve infused a modern, eclectic feel with playful colours. From the outside, it’s quite surprising what’s on the inside.”

And despite the inner-city location, there’s impressive outdoor space. The ground floor opens to a landscaped garden courtyard, while the upper level boasts a private rooftop terrace and a verandah with harbour views to Balmain.

The Marynissens also added an ensuite bathroom on each level — uncommon for properties of that era — and separated the utilities, easing potential division and strata in the future.

Agent Francis Egan at Sydney Sotheby’s Double Bay describes the renovation as “exceptional”.

“There’s extensive custom joinery, custom metalwork and a high-end finish. The owners have put so much emotion, care and expense into the property.”

But Mr Egan admits the property isn’t for everyone, prompting a revision from the original $6.8m price guide.

“The profile of the future owner is quite unique. We’ve seen interest from investors, multigenerational families and retirees wanting to downsize while earning rental income; these duplexes would rent for $1,600-1,800 per week,” he said.

“But because access to the upper level is accessed via an external staircase, you miss the family segment of the market.”

Coodye House is just 20m from historic stairs leading to Barangaroo restaurants, Crown Towers and waterfront parklands, and is moments from The Rocks, Walsh Bay theatre district, Dawes Point, Barangaroo and King Street Wharf.

The Marynissens say they will miss the location, but with Bill retired and the couple spending more time on the NSW South Coast, they’re selling up.

“We’ve loved its position in a historic area yet so close to city amenities,” said Bill. “Over time we’ve even grown to love the view from the roof terrace towards the Barangaroo towers.”

The property goes to auction on Monday 2 June at 5.30pm.

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