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
