This opulent waterfront mansion once built for a NSW premier has been refurbished and is ready for a new owner to move in.
Buyers can stake a claim to a piece of history, with a grand waterfront estate built for NSW Premier Joseph Carruthers in the 1800s now up for sale.
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‘Ellesmere’ was originally built for Joseph Carruthers, the 16th premier of NSW from 1904 to 1907. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Built circa 1883, this Victorian Gothic style sandstone mansion at 23 Vista Street, Sans Souci is split over three levels and offers stunning views of Kogarah Bay.
The 1200sqm family estate known as ‘Ellesmere’, was originally built for Joseph Carruthers, the 16th premier of NSW from 1904 to 1907.
The sprawling property has been tightly held during its 142-year history. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Sir Joseph was a father of Federation and recognised for helping form the Liberal and Reform Association, the forerunner to the modern Liberal Party of Australia.
“This was the first home ever built in this part of Sans Souci. The estate itself used to take up all of Vista Street, all of Endeavour Street, and over many years it was subdivided,” says Joseph Halavazis of Ray White Rockdale.
The home features sparkling chandeliers, vaulted ceilings and lead light details. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The sprawling property has been tightly held during its 142-year history, with the most recent owners rejuvenating it with a painstaking four-year renovation.
“It’s been meticulously given a new life. Every single nook and cranny of the home has been looked at because it was built originally in the 1800s and a lot of work was needed over time,” Mr Halavazis said.
The Italian quartzite kitchen. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“The last four years have been dedicated to honouring the past but also enabling modern living. So the home has been completely refreshed on the inside, there is nothing to be done inside. It’s a beautiful place.”
The home’s lower level offers a living zone, while the second floor features five grand bedrooms, with the main featuring bay views and a walk-in wardrobe.
The home has been extensively renovated and restored. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Highlights include a marble-floored entrance, sparkling chandeliers, lead light details, vaulted and patterned ceilings and an Italian quartzite kitchen.
Also geared for entertaining, the property boasts an in-ground salt water pool, spa and sauna, cabana and deck area plus private waterfront access.
The second floor features five grand bedrooms, with the main featuring bay views and a walk-in wardrobe. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Mr Halavazis said the home was most recently owned by a family for a number of decades, and they are moving on with the children now grown up.
“The owners have taken that opportunity to bring it back up to scratch and let the next family take over,” he said.
Historic details feature throughout the home. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
“These owners are very motivated to sell. They have specifically made sure the property has no stone unturned to give the next buyers their best opportunity to purchase the property, and the owner’s intention is to move on.”
The property offers flexibility for different lifestyles, including multi-family living or even visitors seeking an international home for when they visit Australia, Mr Halavazis said.
One of the home’s five bedrooms. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The property, which has drawn a “huge response” since being listed, is being sold via expressions of interest, closing March 20.
While “hard to price”, a similar-sized property nearby is being offered for $7 million, despite being un-renovated.
23 Vista Street, Sans Souci is for sale. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The home was built using sandstone, a rarity these days and a government subsidy is even available to help maintain the integrity of the facade, Mr Halavazis said.
“In my opinion it should be regarded as quite a significant building in Australia’s history,” he added.
