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Rose Bay Waterfront Home Sells for $82.5 Million, Setting New Record

A Rose Bay waterfront estate at 14 Tivoli Avenue has sold for $82.5 million, marking Sydney’s highest house sale of 2025 and setting a new suburb record.

Record Sale in Rose Bay

A luxury property owned by Orazio and Yolanda Camuglia has achieved the top residential sale of the year, finalised on 22 October 2025. The result exceeded Rose Bay’s previous record of $54.6 million from February and topped all Sydney house sales for the year.

Situated on a 1,138-square-metre waterfront parcel, the home comprises three self-contained residences with eight bedrooms, ten bathrooms, and four-car garaging. The sale was managed by Forbes Global Properties agents Ken Jacobs and Hui Xu.

*Photo Credit: Forbes Global Properties*

Waterfront Luxury and Design

Stretching from Tivoli Avenue to the harbour’s edge, the home offers sweeping views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney skyline. Interiors feature Carrara marble, marine-grade fittings, and expansive glass detailing. The estate also includes a pool, gym, sauna, landscaped gardens, and a boathouse.

Rose Bay property — *Photo Credit: Forbes Global Properties*

Market Standing and Comparisons

The $82.5 million sale surpasses the previous suburb record and the recent $60 million transaction at Vaucluse’s Coolong Road. Experts describe the sale as one of Sydney’s five highest residential property deals on record, underscoring continued strength in the city’s prestige market.

History and Renovations

The Camuglias first acquired part of the Tivoli Avenue site in 2004 and spent years expanding and modernising the residence. A 2018 development approval under architect Renato D’Ettore included major extensions and upgrades.

The couple are also known for commissioning D’Ettore for other projects, including Coogee Castle and Italianate House in Surry Hills.

Rose Bay record sale — *Photo Credit: Forbes Global Properties*

Shifting Property Landscape

Property valuer Simon Feilich noted that Rose Bay’s market reflects both high-end individual sales and collective redevelopment trends. Long-held family properties are increasingly being amalgamated for aged-care and medium-density projects, signalling ongoing transformation in the suburb’s housing landscape.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Free Harbour Yoga Sessions Announced For Rose Bay Residents

Free open-air yoga classes are coming to Rose Bay this summer, giving locals the chance to move by the harbour in a calm and community-focused setting.

Rose Bay To Offer Free Waterfront Yoga

Rose Bay residents will soon have the opportunity to join free waterfront yoga sessions designed to bring the local community together through movement, mindfulness and time outdoors.

The new summer initiative will invite locals to participate in calm open-air sessions suitable for people of all ages and experience levels, encouraging wellbeing and connection in an accessible setting.

Free Community Program With A Focus On Inclusion

The Harbour Flow series will run weekly from November 2025 to February 2026. It will deliver 12 open-air yoga classes across Rose Bay, Double Bay, and Vaucluse. The Rose Bay sessions will be held at Rose Bay Yoga on the Marina, located at Rose Bay Marina with its entrance next to The Boathouse.

Only one free class will be available per person, and registration is required to secure a confirmed spot. The program is open to beginners, school-run parents, older residents and regular practitioners, with the intention of making community movement easy to join and pressure-free.

Harbourfront Experience With Atmosphere And Social Connection

Each class will run for 60 minutes on a waterfront deck at sunrise, sunset or under full moon evenings, depending on the session.

Some events will include live acoustic musicians, and others may be supported by nearby cafés through informal post-class gathering opportunities or small offers.

Professional instructors lead the sessions outdoors by the harbour. They offer a calm movement experience connected to nature, not focused on performance or intensity.

Separate From Paid Yoga Timetable And Limited Access

The organiser is running this community initiative separately from their regular paid studio timetable, which will continue as usual across all three locations.

Prospective participants must register to receive the timetable and booking links when they are released. Bookings will open on a first-come basis, and a waitlist will open if sessions reach capacity.

Published 22-October-2025

Magazine Owner Lists $59 Million Mansion in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Pillinger

Indulgence magazine owner Linge Dai has listed his harbourfront mansion in Rose Bay for $59 million, only months after purchasing the Bruce Stafford-designed residence that set a suburb record earlier this year.

Harbourfront Mansion Back on the Market

The four-level residence at 12 Dumaresq Road, Rose Bay, designed by Bruce Stafford, has been relisted with a price guide of $59 million through Monika Tu and Jad Khattar of Black Diamondz Property Concierge.

Dai purchased the home in February 2025 from Frank Qiang Geng and Juanjuan Zhao for about $56.4 million, setting a new benchmark for the suburb at the time. The sale marked one of Sydney’s highest-value residential transactions for the year.

Occupying an 806-square-metre site, the property offers direct gated access to Dumaresq Reserve and a tidal beach, placing it among Rose Bay’s most exclusive harbourfront holdings.

Rose Bay mansion — *Photo Credit: Pillinger*

Architectural and Design Features

The mansion’s contemporary design showcases 180-degree views of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline. It includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a lift to all levels, accommodating large families and guests with privacy.

Interiors feature glass-wrapped living areas, a professional-grade kitchen, home theatre, custom office, and a full-floor entertainment zone with billiards facilities. Outdoor amenities include sun-drenched terraces, landscaped gardens, a pool, spa, and sauna, making it one of the area’s most complete lifestyle properties.

Background and Reason for Sale

The property was previously owned by Frank Qiang Geng and Juanjuan Zhao, who sold it to Dai earlier this year. Reports state that Dai and his family are relocating after their child’s tennis success, having purchased another residence with a private tennis court.

Sydney luxury property — *Photo Credit: Pillinger*

Owner Profile

Dai oversees Ximi Media, which acquired Indulgence magazine in 2021. The quarterly publication caters to high-net-worth Chinese Australians and tourists, covering topics related to luxury, style, and culture.

The relisting of the property underscores the strength of Sydney’s prestige property market, with Rose Bay remaining a key location for high-end buyers seeking architectural homes with harbour access.

Market Context

The home’s relisting marks one of Sydney’s highest-value sales of 2025, reinforcing Rose Bay’s reputation as a premium harbourside enclave.

Published 22-Oct-2025

Rose Bay’s 120-Year-Old Church Prepares for a New Chapter as Aambra Restaurant

Photo Credit: Churches of Australia

For 120 years, a Gothic Revival church has stood in Rose Bay. Now, the beloved landmark is preparing for a bold new chapter as Levantine restaurant Aambra.

The red-brick church at 518a Old South Head Road has stood as a steadfast part of Rose Bay’s story. Erected in 1904 as the Rose Bay Methodist Church, the building marked the spread of Methodism into Sydney’s eastern suburbs at the turn of the 20th century.

It was built on land gifted by Hon. Ebenezer Vickery, a philanthropist and member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, who laid the foundation stone with hopes that the church would become a spiritual and social anchor for the growing community. Designed by A.L. & G. McCredie and Sons, the church reflected the Gothic Revival style, with its pointed arch windows, steep gables and intricate stained glass capturing the aspirations of the era.

The Rise, Growth and Legacy of a Local Landmark

As Rose Bay’s population grew, so too did the church’s role. In 1924 and again in 1929, expansions were undertaken by architects Dallas E. Walsh and Byera Hadley, adding the Wesley Hall and new community spaces.

For decades, the church served not only as a place of worship but also as a local hub, hosting Sunday schools, community meetings and events that helped shape the suburb’s identity. Inside, the soaring timber ceilings and original pews framed countless gatherings across generations, anchoring family and community life in the heart of Rose Bay.

By the early 21st century, however, congregations had dwindled, and by 2017, services ceased. The church’s doors closed, and the building, though structurally sound and protected by heritage listing, fell mostly silent. Occasional community activities continued, but the space awaited a new purpose that respected its history while breathing fresh life into its walls. That new chapter is now on the horizon, not as a place of worship, but as a gathering place of a different kind.

Aambra: A New Life for a Rose Bay Landmark

The former church is now being transformed into Aambra, a Levantine restaurant that aims to celebrate the flavours and warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality while preserving the soul of this historic site. Spearheaded by hospitality operator Cristian Gorgees, Aambra will accommodate around 140 to 150 guests in a space that marries old-world character with contemporary dining design.

The 10-metre cathedral ceilings, original arched doorways, and stained glass windows will remain, complemented by new lighting, marble details, and a glass-enclosed mezzanine for private dining. A timber deck, surrounded by greenery, will create an inviting alfresco dining area beneath the Sydney sky.

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Preserving Heritage Through Design and Flavour

In the kitchen, Gianluca Lonati, formerly of Nour, will craft a menu inspired by the Levant — a region renowned for its shared plates and bold, spice-driven cooking. Diners can expect mezze platters, char-grilled meats, masgouf-style fish and slow-cooked lamb sfiha, alongside freshly baked breads and regionally inspired cocktails.

A curated wine list will feature premium Lebanese labels. A bar and open kitchen will bring diners closer to the action, allowing them to watch dishes and drinks prepared before their eyes.

Beyond the food, Aambra is envisioned as a community gathering place once more. The goal is not only to preserve the physical shell of the former church but also to revive its spirit as a venue where people come together — this time over shared meals rather than shared hymns. Gorgees sees the project as a chance to reconnect Rose Bay residents with a local landmark, bringing activity and flavour back into a building with deep community roots.

Aambra is expected to open in mid-November 2025, operating from Tuesday to Sunday, and promises to offer Rose Bay a new way to experience both its rich past and its vibrant present.

Published 14-Oct-2025

Historic Rose Bay Mansion Sells for $45.1 Million, Setting Potential New Benchmark

Photo Credit: Richardson & Wrench Double Bay

A prestigious Rose Bay property has changed hands for $45.1 million at a private auction held on 24 September, marking what could be a new benchmark for Australian residential properties sold under the hammer.

The grand estate at 19 Kent Rd, known as The Knoll due to its elevated position, had initially attracted interest in the $30 million to $35 million range when it first came to market. The final sale price exceeded these early expectations by more than $10 million.

Photo Credit: Richardson & Wrench Double Bay

The sprawling 2,536-square-metre property, which offered six bedrooms and commanding views over the Royal Sydney Golf Course, had been held by the same family for six decades. According to selling agents Michael Dunn and James Dunn of Richardson & Wrench Double Bay, the vendors were descendants of the Burns family, connected to Sir James Burns who established the merchant company Burns Philp.

Nine registered bidders competed for the trophy home, with four participating actively in the auction conducted by Jessie Davidson. Bidding commenced at $29 million and advanced rapidly in million-dollar increments before the property was declared on the market at $40 million.

The winning bid came from a local family, described by the agents as a couple in their 50s, who secured the keys with a final offer of $45.1 million. Whilst speculation has circulated about the purchasers’ possible connection to the nearby golf club, this remains unconfirmed.

Michael Dunn expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating he believed it could represent a record for a residential property sold at auction. The previous benchmark was set at $43.1 million for a Toorak property in Victoria, which sold in 2021.

Built in 1935 and designed by Scott, Green & Scott for WA Freeman, the Georgian revival-style residence evokes the character of a British country manor. The property features generous rooms with high ceilings, established gardens, level lawns, and a 15.2-metre swimming pool.

The home’s proximity to the recently renovated Royal Sydney Golf Club proved to be a significant drawcard, with the fairways visible from the residence. As a deceased estate, The Knoll represented a rare opportunity to acquire one of the larger non-waterfront properties in Rose Bay, having had only a handful of owners throughout its nearly century-long history.

The new owners are expected to undertake renovations to the heritage property.

Published 24-September-2025

Holocaust Survivors’ Rose Bay Home Sells $1m Above Reserve

Photo Credit: Ray White Double Bay

A Rose Bay home owned by Holocaust survivors has sold for $9.725 million, more than $1 million above its intended reserve, in a pre-auction sale.

The Sale

The property at 98 Dover Road, Dover Heights, sold on 10 September 2025 through Ray White Double Bay agents Dion Markovics and Warren Ginsberg. The three-bedroom residence changed hands for $9,725,000, which was $1 million above the reserve of $8,725,000.

Two competing buyers negotiated ahead of the planned auction, pushing the final figure beyond expectations. The result reflected the strong demand for homes in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and the rare availability of properties with views over Sydney Harbour.

Family History

The home had been held by the Grunstein family for more than 60 years. John and Barbara Grunstein, both Hungarian Holocaust survivors, purchased the property decades ago. John passed away many years earlier, while Barbara died in December 2024 at the age of 98.

Barbara’s personal account of her wartime experiences was recorded in 2024 for the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. In it, she recalled being forced from her home in Hungary following the 1944 German invasion, later enduring Auschwitz, labouring in a German factory, and eventually surviving Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

Property Details

Set on approximately 493 square metres, the home offers sweeping harbour views. It includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a double lock-up garage. Still in largely original condition, the residence had been marketed as a rare opportunity with scope for renovation or redevelopment. Its location places it close to Rose Bay North shops, public transport, and coastal clifftop walks.

Community Significance

While the sale result underscores the strength of the property market, the home carries historical and cultural weight. With more than six decades of connection to the Grunstein family and its ties to Holocaust survivors, the property stands as more than a real estate listing, embodying personal history and resilience.

Published 19-Sep-2025

New Wine Bar Rasā House Brings Bold Dining to Sydney’s Rose Bay

Photo Credit: rasahouseau/instagram

Visitors to Rose Bay can now savour an adventurous mix of South and Southeast Asian dishes and wines at Rasā House, a vibrant new venue that’s already sparking local excitement.

South and Southeast Asian Flavours Arrives in Rose Bay’s Waterfront

Sydney’s Rose Bay has welcomed Rasā House, a new wine bar and dining venue offering bold, vibrant flavours inspired by South and Southeast Asia. Rasā House features a warm and inviting interior with earthy tones and vibrant murals created by Sydney artist Mali Pilgrem Blasco.

Since opening on June 22, 2025, Rasā House has quickly become a neighbourhood hub for people seeking a fresh culinary experience coupled with a thoughtfully curated selection of natural and small-batch wines, all set against scenic water views.

A Menu Inspired by Heritage and Travel

Owner and chef Vinay Matta draws on his heritage and travels through India, Indonesia, and Nepal to craft a menu blending classic culinary traditions with modern, share-style dining. The kitchen team, made up of chefs from these regions, focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally from Sydney’s fish market and sustainable suppliers.

Dishes range from Java-style squid with burnt chilli to slow-cooked Afghan-Indian lamb shank boti garnished with pomegranate and almonds. Most plates are designed to encourage communal eating, reflecting a culture of shared meals and authentic flavours.

The Wine and Cocktail Experience

Rasā House pairs its bold menu with a carefully selected wine list featuring whites and light reds from small-batch producers across Australia, Spain, France, South Africa, and Morocco. The focus is on natural, low-intervention wines that complement the spices in the food.

The cocktail menu offers Asian-inspired classics like the Singapore Sling and the Japanese Tea Old Fashioned, crafted by in-house bartender Yohan Darriere using house-made syrups. This thoughtful drink program highlights attention to detail and a desire to offer unique, flavourful experiences.

A Relaxed, Community-Focused Setting

A record player spins vinyl on weekends, creating a relaxed atmosphere that stands out in Rose Bay’s dining scene.

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The alfresco seating offers sparkling views over Rose Bay Marina and Shark Island, perfect for long lunches or sunset drinks.

Vinay Matta hopes Rasā House serves as a welcoming community space, focused on shared experiences and connection.

Published 09-September-2025

Kincoppal–Rose Bay Leader Appointed Head of Knox Grammar Prep

Kincoppal–Rose Bay has long been a place where strong leadership shapes not only the direction of the school but also the lives of its students and families. That tradition continues with the announcement that Danielle Brandon, one of the school’s most respected leaders, has been appointed Head of Knox Grammar Preparatory School, beginning in Term 1, 2026.

Read: Co-Ed Model Ends at Rose Bay Private School’s Junior Campus

During her time at Kincoppal–Rose Bay, Danielle left an indelible mark. She served as Head of Junior School, Acting Deputy Principal, and most recently as Head of Strategy and School Performance across ELC–12.

Photo credit: Kincoppal-Rose Bay School/Facebook

In each role, she championed student-centred leadership, encouraging academic excellence while nurturing wellbeing and resilience. Her initiatives—such as embedding Professional Learning Communities and using 360-degree feedback from parents, staff, and students—reshaped the school’s culture into one that was open, collaborative, and forward-thinking.

Danielle’s leadership style is defined by her ability to build meaningful relationships. At Rose Bay, she made it a priority to learn the stories of students, families, and staff, ensuring everyone felt seen and valued. That same approach, grounded in trust and shared purpose, will now guide her new community at Knox.

Photo credit: Knox Grammar School/Facebook

For Rose Bay families, Danielle’s appointment is both a moment of pride and reflection. Her work at Kincoppal–Rose Bay has strengthened academic rigour, safeguarded student wellbeing, and deepened the school’s commitment to preparing young people for an interconnected world. While she will be greatly missed, her influence will continue to resonate in classrooms and playgrounds across Rose Bay.

Speaking on her new role, Danielle expressed her excitement about the future: she looks forward to upholding Knox traditions while driving educational excellence to new heights. For those who have witnessed her leadership at Rose Bay, there is little doubt she will bring the same passion, care, and vision to her next chapter.

Read: Rose Bay Buzzes with McAuley Catholic Primary School Walkathon

As Danielle prepares to take on this new challenge, the Rose Bay community can celebrate knowing that the values and innovations nurtured here will travel with her, shaping the next generation of leaders at Knox Grammar.

Published 8-September-2025

Cracks and Concerns Over Housing Density in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Pexels

Residents in Rose Bay are raising concerns about ongoing and proposed housing developments, citing risks from excavation and a lack of supporting infrastructure.

Background of Development Pressure in Rose Bay

Rose Bay has been identified for increased housing density under the state’s low- and mid-rise policy, which aims to deliver new homes near transport and services. The suburb has 13 apartment applications in the pipeline and recent multi-lot sales have drawn interest from developers. In one case, 12 properties on Wilberforce Avenue and Dover Road covering 5,978 square metres were listed for $165 million.

Sydney development — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Cracks, Collapses and Hydrogeological Risks

Residents have reported structural damage near development sites, including cracked walls, flooding in basements and dislodged plumbing. On Richmond Road, a $4 million four-storey building was halted under a stop-work order in 2023 after excavation for a basement car park was linked to cracks in neighbouring units.

On Wilberforce Avenue, the front walls of a house collapsed after excavation began next door in 2023. The property, purchased for $6 million, was later demolished and is now being replaced by duplexes. Local groups argue these incidents highlight the suburb’s shallow water table and soft ground, warning that further excavation may risk stability.

A hydrogeological and geotechnical study commissioned by Woollahra Council in 2024 found that excavation and dewatering for underground car parks “may have adverse impact on the landform stability”. The report noted cumulative effects could be significant.

Community Concerns Over Infrastructure

Frustrations grew at a forum in Double Bay on 12 June 2025, where more than 180 residents met to discuss the rezoning of Rose Bay. Locals questioned the suburb’s designation as a “town centre” suitable for higher density, arguing that it lacked adequate infrastructure.

Concerns raised included the absence of a full-scale supermarket, limited transport connections, and pressure on local services such as roads, stormwater systems and schools. Residents said the policy could alter the scale and character of the area without addressing these constraints.

Rose Bay housing — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Calls for Greater Transparency

Woollahra Council has submitted multiple information requests to clarify why Rose Bay was classified for higher-density development. Officials said responses have been incomplete, with little explanation of the decision-making process.

Council has also proposed commissioning further studies on excavation impacts and coastal vulnerability, while seeking legal advice on whether development approvals could be delayed until risks are addressed.

Divided Community Sentiment

While some residents see financial opportunities in rising land values, others believe the policy could make Rose Bay less affordable and less safe. The Save Rose Bay action group has warned of uninsurable risks and drawn comparisons to Mascot Towers, which was declared uninhabitable in 2019 after major cracks.

Public discussion has also highlighted differing views. Supporters of higher density argue that Rose Bay’s location near the city makes it suitable for more housing, while critics warn that construction risks, traffic and affordability issues outweigh potential benefits.

Ongoing Uncertainty

As Rose Bay faces increasing development pressure, the future of projects remains uncertain. Authorities are pursuing further studies, while residents continue to raise safety and infrastructure concerns. With 13 new apartment proposals under consideration, the balance between housing targets and local stability remains unresolved.

Published 21-Aug-2025

South Asian Wine Bar Rasa House Opens in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Rasa House

A new South and Southeast Asian wine bar and restaurant has opened on the Rose Bay waterfront, introducing a regional menu and wine offering to the area.

Background and Location

Rasa House is now operating at 639B New South Head Road, Rose Bay. The venue is situated beside Jewel on the Bay, a restaurant long established in the area. Officially launched in July 2025, Rasa House marks a new hospitality venture for the founder, whose family has a background in the Sydney dining scene.

Menu and Sourcing

The 60-seat venue serves dishes influenced by Indian, Indonesian, and Nepalese cuisines. The name “Rasa” references both flavour and essence in Indonesian and Hindi. The share-style menu features items such as Java-style squid with burnt chilli and lime mayo, yellowfin tuna ceviche with lemongrass and bird’s eye chilli, lamb shank boti with pomegranate, and Nepalese dumplings in coconut gravy.

Produce is sourced from local providers including The Fish Market at Maroubra and Field to Fork. Fresh herbs such as mint, rosemary, and turmeric are grown at a nearby community garden in Rose Bay.

South Asian restaurant — *Photo Credit: Rosa House*

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Drinks Offering and Design

The beverage list includes small-batch wines and natural selections from Australia, Spain, France, Germany, Morocco, and South Africa. Cocktails offer adaptations of classic styles, such as a Singapore Sling, Lychee Margarita, and Japanese Tea Old Fashioned.

The interior features earthy finishes and custom murals by Sydney artist Mali Pilgrem Blasco. Alfresco seating provides direct views over Rose Bay Marina and Shark Island.

Operations and Bookings

Rasa House is open from Wednesday to Monday. Weekend service begins at 12 p.m., with weekday hours starting at 5 p.m. and running late into the evening. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

Bookings can be made online or by phone. A 10 per cent surcharge applies for group bookings of six or more. For larger gatherings of 12 or more, patrons are advised to contact the venue directly.

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Community Impact

Rasa House introduces a new waterfront dining option to Rose Bay, which is often described as quieter compared to neighbouring suburbs. The venue’s presence adds variety to the local hospitality offering and may attract increased visitation to the area.

Looking Ahead

Rasa House is now open for regular service and group functions. Its location and culinary focus aim to broaden the local dining landscape while maintaining ties to community-based sourcing.

Published 24-July-2025