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Sydney’s Third-Highest Sale of 2024: Rose Bay Property Snapped Up for $38M

As Sydney’s luxury real estate market experiences a slowdown in trophy sales, a standout transaction has emerged in Rose Bay. A harbourfront property has changed hands for approximately $38 million, marking the city’s third-highest house price sale of the year.

Read: Orosi Unveils Plans for Landmark Mixed-Use Development in Rose Bay

The five-bedroom residence at Fernleigh Gardens, perched on the Rose Bay hillside, boasts uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour. The property is a testament to luxury living, featuring a home theatre, lift, spa, sauna, pool, and gymnasium. These amenities, coupled with its prime location, justify its hefty price tag.

This sale represents a significant appreciation in value since its last transaction in 2017, when it sold for $19.18 million. The nearly twofold increase in just six years underscores the enduring appeal of Sydney’s premium waterfront properties.

In the context of Sydney’s high-end real estate market, this sale is particularly noteworthy. While the market has seen a decrease in trophy sales compared to previous years, this transaction stands out. It’s surpassed only by two other sales this year: the Rockleigh mansion in Point Piper at close to $82 million, and a Point Piper home that sold for over $50 million.

The Rose Bay sale contributes to a select group of ultra-high-end transactions in 2024. To date, there have been eight sales exceeding $30 million this year, a stark contrast to the same period last year when that number was reached in May alone.

Read: Club Rose Bay Shuts Down Day After Italian Bistro Grand Opening

This sale not only highlights the enduring appeal of Sydney’s harbour views but also demonstrates the resilience of the top end of the market, even in a period of overall market cooling. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see if this sale catalyses further activity in Sydney’s luxury property sector.

Published 26-September-2024

Rose Bay Buzzes with McAuley Catholic Primary School Walkathon

Photo Credit: Facebook / McAuley Catholic Primary School

Rose Bay came alive today as McAuley Catholic Primary School held its annual Walkathon, the school’s largest fundraising event of the year. The vibrant procession of 250 students, accompanied by teachers and supporters, wound its way through the neighbourhood, drawing attention and smiles from local residents and passersby.

**The Walkathon aims to raise funds for playground upgrades.**
Photo Credit: McAuley Catholic Primary School – Rose Bay

The event, aimed at raising funds for playground upgrades and new learning resources, transformed Rose Bay into a carnival-like atmosphere. Students, ranging from the youngest to the oldest, participated with enthusiasm, walking, dancing, and cheering their way along the route.

**New learning resources are also the priority for the raised funds from the Walkathon.**
Photo Credit: McAuley Catholic Primary School – Rose Bay

One of the most striking features of this year’s Walkathon was the unexpected sight of “cockroaches” parading through Rose Bay’s streets. Several students and teachers donned giant cockroach costumes, courtesy of the event’s major sponsor, Pest2Kill, a local pest control company. This unusual spectacle added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings, eliciting laughter and amusement from onlookers.

Local businesses played a crucial role in the event’s success. These Rose Bay area companies, along with others, demonstrated their commitment to community engagement and educational support through their sponsorship.

The Walkathon concluded with each student receiving a certificate of achievement and a refreshing Zooper Dooper, a fitting reward for their efforts in the September warmth. While the event has ended, the school continues to welcome donations to help reach its fundraising goal, with an online donation link available for those wishing to contribute.

This successful community event not only raised funds for McAuley Catholic Primary School but also brought a sense of joy and unity to Rose Bay, showcasing the strong ties between the school and its local community.

Published 6-September-2024

Club Rose Bay Shuts Down Day After Italian Bistro Grand Opening

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Prominent waterside venue Club Rose Bay shut down on Friday, August 30, 2024, just one day after the grand opening of its new Italian Bistro, Villaggio. The closure came as a shock to the community, especially given the celebratory atmosphere of Thursday night’s event, which featured complimentary pizza and pasta.

The club’s financial troubles were not publicly known until the closure. Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) documents reveal that Club Rose Bay had been placed into administration on August 15, 2024. Administrators Hugh Armenis and Jason Lloyd Porter of SV Porters were initially attempting to keep the club operational while exploring future options.

However, the situation changed dramatically on Friday when receivers Simon Cathro and Andrew Blundell of Cathro & Partners were appointed by a secured creditor. This led to the immediate closure of the club and the termination of approximately 20 casual staff members.

Financial records indicate that Club Rose Bay had been struggling for some time. The club reported a loss of over $350,000 in 2022, followed by a smaller but still significant loss of just over $40,000 in 2023.

The closure affects not only club members and staff but also the newly opened Villaggio restaurant. Villaggio, which operates independently and has locations in other Sydney clubs, has removed mentions of Rose Bay from its social media posts. The restaurant continues to operate at its other locations, and there is no indication that Villaggio itself is facing financial difficulties.

As of Sunday, September 1, Club Rose Bay’s social media pages had not acknowledged the closure. Instead, they were still promoting event bookings at the venue, highlighting features such as the “newly refreshed Deck Bar Lounge” and the “upstairs Monash Hall.”

Published 2-September-2024

Fei Jai Brings Cantonese Flavours to Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Fei Jai

Fei Jai, the beloved restaurant in Potts Point, has expanded its presence to the picturesque neighbourhood of Rose Bay. In a strategic move, the Lew family is set to bring the beloved Cantonese flavours within reach of the residents of Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, and Dover Heights.

Their growing ties to the region and a wise assessment of local demand in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are the driving forces behind this choice.

Peter Lew, co-owner of Fei Jai, reflected on the catalyst for this new venture, highlighting the high volume of deliveries to the Rose Bay vicinity during the pandemic. This realisation sparked the idea of a second Fei Jai location, aiming to serve a community that had become increasingly familiar with their cuisine.

The original Fei Jai, meaning “fat boy” in Cantonese, has been a staple in Potts Point for 14 years. With Lew and his wife, Nicole Galloway, now residing in Rose Bay, they saw an opportunity to offer a dining experience that caters to the local families who might prefer to stay within their neighbourhood rather than venture out.

A Familiar Yet Distinct Dining Experience

The new Rose Bay venue mirrors the intimate and moody atmosphere of its predecessor. Patrons can expect low lighting, elegant finishes, and a welcoming al fresco dining area that spills onto the street, creating an inviting setting for an evening out.

Menu Highlights

While the Rose Bay menu remains largely faithful to the Potts Point original, it features some adjustments due to the smaller kitchen size. Nonetheless, it offers an array of Fei Jai’s beloved dishes. Diners can indulge in handmade steamed dumplings such as prawn har gau and spinach and mushroom gow gee, or savour the signature crab omelette, crafted with delicate egg whites. The sweet and sour pork and kung pao chicken are standout options for those craving richer flavours.

Weekends at Fei Jai Rose Bay introduce a yum cha experience from midday, enhancing the variety and appeal of the menu.

Cocktails and Culinary Pedigree

Despite its cosy 45-seat capacity, Fei Jai Rose Bay includes a bar, allowing guests to enjoy a range of cocktails. The Fatboy Aperolada, with its refreshing blend of Aperol, coconut, rum, and orgeat, is perfect for summer, while the spicy yuzu Marg offers a tantalising mix of jalapeno-infused tequila, yuzu, and tajin.

Fei Jai’s culinary pedigree is noteworthy. Peter Lew’s uncle, Gilbert Lau, is a legend of the esteemed Flower Drum, and Nicole Galloway’s experience includes working at renowned establishments such as Tetsuya’s and Hugo’s. This rich background in fine dining is reflected in the quality and sophistication of the food and service at Fei Jai.

A Family Effort

The opening of Fei Jai Rose Bay was a true family endeavour. Nicole Galloway played a crucial role in designing the restaurant, assembling the staff, curating the wine list, and overseeing the operational setup—all while pregnant. The couple welcomed their third child, Louie, just a month before launching their new restaurant.

Fei Jai’s Rose Bay location embodies a neighbourhood restaurant vibe while delivering a culinary experience rooted in tradition and expertise. With its strategic location and carefully curated menu, it is poised to become a cherished dining destination for the local community.

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Published Date 01-July-2024

Orosi Unveils Plans for Landmark Mixed-Use Development in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Instagram / @orosiprojects

Eastern Suburbs developer Orosi has submitted plans for its largest project to date: a mixed-use development set to transform a key gateway site in Rose Bay. The proposal, filed with Waverley Council, outlines an ambitious shoptop development that promises to be the most significant addition to the area in recent years.

The project, dubbed “OROSI Rose Bay,” will occupy a 3,000 square meter site at the intersection of The Avenue, Old South Head Road, and William Street. Orosi, led by Founder and Managing Director Hamid Samavi, spent two years assembling the parcel through the amalgamation of several lots.

Samavi envisions the development as an “iconic landmark” for Rose Bay. “OROSI Rose Bay will set a new benchmark for architecture and sustainability in The Eastern Suburbs,” he stated. The plan includes state-of-the-art facilities and curated retail spaces, featuring a Kosher café, an organic restaurant, and what Samavi describes as “Sydney’s most iconic wellness centre.”

The proposed structure will house 50 apartments across four to five levels, comprising 34 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom units. Samavi noted that the larger apartment sizes are designed to appeal to a broad demographic, not just downsizers.

To mitigate its visual impact, the development will be split into two interconnected buildings, with setbacks from The Avenue and William Street. This design approach aims to reduce the overall bulk of the structure, which will sit across from the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

The development will replace existing commercial and residential properties dating from the mid to late 20th century. According to Urbis, the firm handling the submission, the project “would revitalise the site with new opportunity for residential, commercial and retail spaces, and reactivate the Old South Head Road street frontage.”

Notably, the plan includes a bakery-style café, continuing a century-long tradition of bakeries on the site. Samavi emphasised the importance of maintaining this heritage, particularly the current kosher bakery, which he described as the only one of its kind in Sydney.

Orosi, which acts as both architect and builder for its projects, has a track record of luxury developments in the Eastern Suburbs, including a 25-apartment complex in Bellevue Hill and an 18-apartment project in South Cronulla.

Samavi highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, detailing features such as passive design elements, double-glazed windows, and heat exchangers in each unit to ensure proper ventilation and prevent mould formation.

As the proposal moves through the approval process, it represents a significant development for Rose Bay, potentially setting new standards for mixed-use projects in the area.

Published 19-June-2024

Woolworths Secures Gateway Determination for Mixed-Use Development in Rose Bay After Appeal

The development arm of Woolworths has received a green light to proceed with a mixed-use development in Rose Bay, following a successful appeal.

The plans from Fabcot, initially rejected by Woollahra Municipal Council in August 2023, propose a four-story development on a 2257-square-metre site at the corner of Albemarle Avenue and Old South Head Road. This prime location currently houses a former gasoline station and a single-story home.

Woolworths in Rose Bay — Photo Credit: Website/ PBD Architects

The council’s local planning panel initially recommended amending the local environmental plan to accommodate the project. However, the council committee ultimately voted against the proposal. Undeterred, Fabcot appealed the decision and has now secured a gateway determination, allowing them to submit a formal development application.

PBD Architects, the project’s designer, envisioned a mix of retail and residential spaces. A two-level, small-format Woolworths supermarket will occupy the ground floor, topped by 13 architecturally designed luxury apartments targeted for owner-occupiers. Basement parking and a “pocket park” are also included in the plans.

Subject land:
· 30 Albemarle Avenue, Rose Bay – 696m2 – zoned R2
· 488-492 Old South Head Road, Rose Bay – 1,561m2 zoned B4

Proposed development:
· Development encompassing all of the subject land
· Three-level carparking basement for 100 cars
· Two storey supermarket spanning ground and first floor of approx. 2,300m2
· Two levels of apartments above, comprising 20 apartments
· Loading dock and parking entrance on 30 Albemarle Avenue

Fabcot’s pursuit of this project reflects a broader shift within Woolworths’ development strategy. The company’s annual report highlights a significant increase in property development expenditure, suggesting a focus on mixed-use projects that integrate retail offerings with residential areas. Previous developments proposed by Woolworths’ property arm include projects in Kangaroo Point (Brisbane), Elsternwick (Melbourne), and Neutral Bay (Sydney).

With gateway determination secured, Fabcot will now move forward with submitting a development application. This paves the way for further public consultation and consideration before a final decision is made on the project.

Published Date 19-April-2024

Rose Bay Schools Launch Ferry Service

To reduce traffic and embrace sustainability, two of Sydney’s prestigious girls’ private schools, Kincoppal-Rose Bay and Kambala, have introduced a new ferry service that glides through the waters of Sydney Harbour.

Kincoppal-Rose Bay and Kambala have united with Sealink and Captain Cook Cruises to offer a unique transportation option that connects Circular Quay, Cremorne Point, and Watsons Bay.

This initiative aims to provide students and staff with a scenic and efficient alternative to road transport, highlighting a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. It’s also meant to alleviate the congestion on Sydney’s roads by providing a greener, more pleasant commute.

Kambala Rose Bay — Photo Credit: Kambala/Facebook

The ferry’s morning route starts from Circular Quay and goes via Cremorne Point to Watsons Bay. It follows the same path back in the afternoon.

At Watson’s Bay Pier, a shuttle bus awaits to ferry students and staff directly to their schools. This service introduces a novel way to navigate Sydney’s iconic harbour and encourages the schools’ communities to consider sustainable travel options.

The principals of Kincoppal-Rose Bay and Kambala, Erica Thomas and Jane Danvers, respectively, have been pivotal in realising this venture.

The school principals
Photo Credit: Kincoppal-Rose Bay/Facebook

Their foresight and cooperation underscore a commitment to environmental sustainability and the health of the Sydney community. By facilitating this ferry service, they champion the idea that commuting can be enjoyable and eco-friendly.

The introduction of the ferry service has been met with enthusiasm from both school communities, as evidenced by their social media announcements. The service benefits current families and opens up new possibilities for prospective families and staff, particularly those residing on the North Shore or further along the Parramatta River.

The convenience and efficiency of the ferry service are poised to transform the daily commute into a delightful journey across Sydney Harbour, setting a precedent for other institutions to follow.

Published 25-February-2024

Australia Day: Superintendent Gina Kathrin Bostick Honoured for Service in Rose Bay and Beyond

Among the 10 distinguished employees of the New South Wales Police Force recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours, Superintendent Gina Kathrin Bostick, who served in Rose Bay and other locations, stands out for her exemplary dedication, professionalism, and service.

Ms Bostick embarked on her illustrious career with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) in 1992, starting in general duties in various areas, including the vibrant community of Rose Bay. Today, she continues to maintain her operational capacity, a testament to her unwavering commitment.

In 1997, Ms Bostick joined the Covert Evidence Officer program within the Special Services Group. This initiative marked the beginning of a select group of skilled operatives, some of whom would become experts in covert evidence capabilities within the NSWPF.

One of the defining moments in her career occurred in 2005 when she played a pivotal role in the planning of Operation CONTEGO, the NSWPF’s response to the security and logistical demands of the 2007 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. Her leadership, commitment, professionalism, and devotion to duty during this critical operation earned her high commendation.

Ms Bostick’s career trajectory continued to ascend when she moved to the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command (CTST) in 2008, where she established the Business Contact Unit as a sergeant. In 2009, she was promoted to inspector and took on the role of Knowledge Management Controller of STIB. During this time, she sought engagement with other government departments, corporations, and private businesses that were vital to STIB’s operational support.

In 2019, she brought her expertise to the Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) and led the groundbreaking Digital Evidence First Responder (2.0) project. This in-house developed program included a customised training package for frontline police, enabling them to conduct forensic examinations of phones and computers using a third-party tool. In 2021, her exceptional contributions led to her promotion to superintendent commander of the High Tech Crime Branch.

Her time spent serving in Rose Bay, among other locations, has been marked by a consistent commitment to upholding the highest standards of policing, and her accomplishments have now earned her the Dynamic Leader Award and the overall Gold Award at the Commissioner’s Perpetual Award for the Advancement of Women in Policing.

Meanwhile, these outstanding NSW Police Force personnel have been awarded the Australian Police Medal for their exceptional contributions:

Superintendent Gina Kathrin Bostick
Detective Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Grey
Chief Superintendent Toby Lindsay
Chief Inspector Gregory Mahan
Superintendent Michael Rochester
Superintendent Joanne Schultz
Chief Inspector Raymond Stynes
Superintendent Sonya Tabor
Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein

With a combined policing service spanning 332 years, these dedicated individuals have not only exemplified professionalism and high-quality work but have also demonstrated an unwavering passion and commitment to ensuring the safety of communities across the state.

Published 1-Feb-2024

Seaplane Crashed Off Sydney Harbour

Photo Credit: Instagram / @charingcrosshotel

A seaplane crashed off Shark Island in Sydney Harbour earlier today, leaving passengers in shock and one injured. The incident occurred shortly after 11:45 am when the aircraft, owned by Sydney Seaplanes, hit an object during takeoff and crashed into the water.

According to police, one of the pontoons suffered damage and fell off, causing the crash. There were eight passengers on board, all of whom were able to evacuate onto a boat. One passenger suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

The pilot, who was taking off from the water when the incident occurred, discontinued the takeoff and ensured the passengers were removed from the plane.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @charingcrosshotel

“It’s damaged the float… It’s the sort of thing that happens at airports frequently. It’s something we will take seriously,” said Aaron Shaw, director of Sydney Seaplanes.

Passengers praised the pilot’s quick thinking and professionalism.

“I was sat at the front, right next to the pilot. He tried to take off, we thought we’d actually taken off, and then he just landed with quite a jolt,” one passenger recounted.

“It bounced, bounced, bounced, and then boom. Next thing, the plane just went to one side,” another added.

The full extent of the damage to the aircraft is currently unknown. Vision from the scene showed one of the plane’s wings angled into the water, before it was later pulled ashore on nearby rocks.

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A post shared by Charing Cross Hotel Waverley (@charingcrosshotel)

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is gathering details on the incident and will decide whether to investigate based on that information.

This is not the first time Sydney Seaplanes has been under investigation. The bureau previously investigated the company following a fatal crash on New Year’s Eve in 2017, which resulted in the deaths of all five passengers and the pilot.

Published 25-January-2024

Rising Education Costs: Kambala School in Rose Bay Breaks the $50,000 Barrier

Did you know that fees for Kambala School in Rose Bay have surged past the $50,000 mark for the very first time? Its latest fee structure has effectively made Kambala the most expensive school in the entire country

On Wednesday, 10 Jan 2024, Kambala School unveiled its 2024 fee schedule, revealing that parents of students in Years 9 and 10 will now be required to pay a substantial sum of $51,385 for the academic year, consisting of $45,200 in tuition fees and a compulsory levy of $6,185.

This dramatic increase in fees has placed a considerable financial burden on parents who aspire to provide their children with an education at Kambala School. For the parents of kindergarten students, the situation is no less daunting, with fees and levies surging by nearly 20 per cent to $31,400 for the current academic year.

The financial strain on families continues into the later years of schooling, with students in Years 11 and 12 facing a slightly lower annual levy compared to their peers in Years 9 and 10, amounting to $49,825 for each of the final two years of school.

The $6,185 levy imposed in Year 9 is designated to cover the costs associated with attending a cultural immersion camp in Cape York, while in Year 10, the annual fee includes an educational trip to Tasmania. Notably, these levies are inclusive of all activities throughout the year, setting Kambala apart from some other educational institutions.

2024 School Fees

Preparation $30,325
Kindergarten $31,400
Year 1 $32,375
Year 2 $32,375
Year 3 $39,210
Year 4 $39,210
Year 5 $40,925
Year 6 $40,925
Year 7 $49,380
Year 8 $49,380
Year 9 $51,385
Year 10 $51,385
Year 12 $49,825

Total $587,925

The Commonwealth Government and the NSW Government contribute an average of $3,891 per student for Kambala girls in kindergarten through year 12. It’s worth noting that at least 20 independent schools across the nation are set to charge parents over $40,000 for Year 12 tuition, in addition to extra levies, in the year 2024.

Furthermore, several high-fee private schools have experienced a decrease in funding following the implementation of a new national system designed to calculate the amount families can afford to contribute to private school fees.

A spokesperson for Kambala mentioned that the school had increased teacher salaries by 7.5 per cent in alignment with the public teacher wage hike that occurred in 2023, aimed at retaining valuable staff members. The school intends to strike a balance between tuition and boarding fees while striving to provide academic and personal excellence for all students. Efforts have been made to minimise the impact of fee increases on Kambala families.

Following Kambala, The Scots College in Bellevue Hill emerges as the second most expensive school in Sydney, with fees just shy of those at Geelong Grammar, charging $49,720 for tuition in 2024. Other notable institutions with fees exceeding $45,000 for year 12 in 2024 include Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hill, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Ascham in Edgecliff, Trinity Grammar in Summer Hill, and the King’s School in North Parramatta.

Kambala School is not academically selective. Nevertheless, for the past three years, it has consistently ranked among the top 25 schools in the state for HSC performance and offers the International Baccalaureate program. In NAPLAN testing conducted last year, the school demonstrated performance levels above those of statistically similar schools in almost all categories of literacy and numeracy testing for students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9, positioning it at the 97th percentile on the index of community socio-educational advantage.

Margery Evans, the Chief Executive of the Association of Independent Schools of NSW, pointed out that schools are attuned to parents’ financial circumstances, but the upward trajectory of fees is driven by increasing costs and government reductions in private school funding.

Despite these fee hikes, demand for places at such schools remains robust. Ms Evans added that many independent schools have lengthy waiting lists due to enrollment caps that limit the number of students they can admit.

Rose Cantali, President of the NSW Parents’ Council, an organization representing parents of children attending independent schools, acknowledged that parents across the board are grappling with years of significant fee hikes and higher mortgage repayments. While understanding the schools’ perspective, she highlighted that parents had not anticipated such substantial fee increases when they initially enrolled their children.

Coupled with unforeseen mortgage repayments, these financial pressures are placing parents in a challenging position with limited options. Parents are generally reluctant to withdraw their children from school due to the potential disruptions it could cause to their social circles and educational journeys. Ms Cantali concluded by suggesting that schools consider financial allowances for students who are already enrolled, acknowledging the difficulties many families face.

Published 15-Jan-2024