Property of the Week

Tresco, Victorian italianate masterpiece steeped in sydney’s naval history, introduced to the market.

Designed in 1868 by renowned Australian architect Thomas Rowe, the estate served for a century as Officer-in-Command’s residence before purchase by Waterhouse family in 2004

One of Sydney’s most historic and beautifully preserved waterfront estates, Tresco, is offered for sale at price upon request by Ken Jacobs, the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. Now the home of David and Janette Waterhouse of Australian racing fame, the sandstone manor has been lovingly retained to honor its architectural integrity.  The house, grounds and trees all have both federal and state heritage designations.

“With freestanding residences in Elizabeth Bay an exceptionally rare luxury, I am delighted to present this peerless property,” says Ken Jacobs.  “It is rare to find this tranquility on the doorstep of such a vibrant city with its world-class dining, designer boutiques and arts and entertainment scenes. Along with the estate’s own park-like grounds, you will have the luxury of Rushcutters Bay Park and Beare Park just moments away.”

Nestled in the exclusive Elizabeth Bay Loop and originally built by Italian stonemasons more than 100 years ago, the estate offers the ultimate in grand entertaining and seclusion with a private jetty and three deep-water moorings for the boating enthusiast, all within minutes of the vibrancy of Sydney.

The property was sold to the Government of New South Wales in 1902 to serve as the residence of the Naval Officer-in-Command at Garden Island. The property retained this rarified provenance under the Royal Australian Navy until 2004 when privately purchased by one of Australia’s most prominent families.

The two-story, seven bedroom residence is graced with magnificent proportions and ornate details typical of the era. Tresco’s living spaces are of a scale seldom found in the inner city. Formal lounge and dining rooms exude grandeur, enhanced by soaring ceilings, original fireplaces and an ornate archway. A stately family room features a classic timber-paneled bay window as its focal point while the conservatory style sunroom takes full advantage of the most breathtaking uninterrupted northerly harbour panoramas anywhere in Sydney.

Surrounded by sprawling grounds, under the shade of historic Moreton Bay fig trees, this Grand Dame has been updated over the years. A two-bedroom self-contained caretaker’s flat sits above the garage and the former stables have been transformed into generous office and cellar space. Approvals are in place for an extension to the house, middle level pavilion and heated infinity pool.

 For additional information, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.