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Club Rose Bay Restoration Progresses Under Merivale Management

Club Rose Bay in Rose Bay is undergoing a full restoration under a management agreement with Merivale after entering administration in August 2024.

Background And Financial Position

Club Rose Bay entered voluntary administration at the end of August 2024 after reporting financial losses in consecutive years. The club recorded a loss of around $350,000 in 2022, followed by just over $40,000 in 2023.

At a members’ meeting in January 2025, the RSL membership voted almost unanimously to proceed with an operations management agreement with Merivale to support the venue’s recovery.

Under the agreement, Merivale is responsible for managing hospitality operations, including food, beverage and events, while the club’s board retains ownership and full governance control.

Renovation Works And Planned Features In Rose Bay

Behind-the-scenes videos released in October 2025 confirmed that restoration work is well advanced. Planned features for the renewed venue include a sports bar with large screens and a games area fitted with pool tables.

The cocktail bar has been referenced differently across updates: Merivale material shared earlier in the year described a DJ record-style bar, while later plans highlighted a 1950s airport-inspired concept. Outdoor additions include a pickleball court, a half basketball court and dog-friendly dining areas. An open-plan kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven will also form part of the new layout.

RSL redevelopment — *Photo Credit: Club Rose Bay/Facebook*

Notti’s To Lead The Dining Offering

A central hospitality feature of the redevelopment is Notti’s, a casual Italian restaurant. The venue is being developed by chef Mike Eggert, known for Totti’s, and will focus on pizza as its primary offering.

Merivale noted that Notti’s is positioned as an approachable extension of its broader Italian dining concepts.

RSL Traditions And Community Connection

Despite the scale of the redevelopment, leadership from both the club and Merivale confirmed that the venue’s RSL identity will remain central. A daily moment of silence and the recitation of the Ode of Remembrance will continue, supported by a memorabilia display and honour boards.

Long-time members expressed strong interest in the reopening, including WWII veteran John Ryrie, who first visited the club in the late 1940s when it operated from a small shed. Community anticipation has been echoed by club representatives and Merivale, with acknowledgment that expectations are high.

Merivale chief executive Justin Hemmes has stated that the project is personally important, noting the pressure to meet community expectations given the club’s longstanding role in the area.

Next Steps

A confirmed reopening date has not yet been announced, although updates indicate that the venue is expected to reopen in late December. Both Merivale and the club’s leadership expect the renewed Club Rose Bay to serve as a long-term community hub, balancing new facilities with traditional RSL functions.

Published 7-Dec-2025

Kambala Student Celebrated In Statewide Young Scientist Awards

Photo Credit: Science Teachers Association of NSW/Facebook

A Kambala student from Rose Bay has been recognised for her scientific research in this year’s Young Scientist Awards, joining other eastern Sydney students acknowledged for innovative work across multiple fields.

Kambala Representation At The Young Scientist Awards

Fourteen-year-old Kambala student Karin Iwano earned recognition in the 2025 competition, which is presented annually by the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW. Her project explored practical ways to measure soil acidity using liquefied red cabbage, creating a biodegradable method that produces clear visual results.

The awards drew more than 500 entries from students across New South Wales.

Young Scientist Awards — *Photo Credit: Science Teachers Association of NSW/Facebook*

Karin’s Chemistry Investigation

Karin also placed third in the Scientific Investigations – Chemistry (Years 7–8) division for a quantitative study into the effect of vitamin C powder mass on peak wavelength absorbance readings.

Using red cabbage extract as a natural pH indicator, she recorded colour changes through spectrophotometer readings. Her findings linked these shifts to structural behaviour in anthocyanin molecules.

Kambala’s Educational Environment

Kambala, located in Rose Bay, describes its approach as one that encourages curiosity, ambition and independent thinking among students. The school’s philosophy emphasises supporting girls to pursue challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Other Eastern Sydney Representation

The eastern suburbs were also represented by Dover Heights student Congjing Zhu, whose project examined UV resistance in parsley plants with the aim of supporting development of plant-based, environmentally safer sunscreen ingredients.

Sydney students — *Photo Credit: Science Teachers Association of NSW/Facebook*

Statewide Award Results

The overall Young Scientist of the Year title went to Michaela Loukas of Marist Catholic College Penshurst. Equal runners-up included students from Barrenjoey High School and Lambton High School, while rural and primary divisions also saw multiple winners across the state.

Program Purpose And Next Steps

The Young Scientist Awards have been run since 1992 to encourage students to investigate scientific questions and develop evidence-based solutions. Selected students from the 2025 cohort will proceed to represent New South Wales at the national iCubed Awards.

Published 2-Dec-2025

Record Sub-Penthouse Sale Sets New Benchmark in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Sotheby's

A sub-penthouse in Rose Bay has sold for more than $20 million, setting a new suburb record at The Wintergarden apartment building.

Background of the Landmark Purchase

The sub-penthouse at The Wintergarden on New South Head Road achieved a price above $20 million. The property was guided at $18 million and sold through agents Julian Hasemer and Michael Pallier, while buyer’s agent Jeremy Bedwani secured the purchase.

The residence was previously owned by the late Evelyn Royal, who bought the apartment for $6.75 million in 2009. It was later redesigned by Alexander Michael.

Wintergarden Rose Bay — *Photo Credit: Sotheby’s*

Details of the Wintergarden Transaction

The 330sqm apartment features three bedrooms, three bathrooms and four car spaces. It includes formal and casual living and dining areas, a terrace, a wraparound balcony and level lift access to the secured parking area.

The Wintergarden is a boutique eight-residence building on the former Wintergarden Theatre site. It includes manicured gardens, a harbourfront pool retreat and direct access to Rose Bay Beach. Its position offers 180-degree northerly harbour views and is within walking distance of the Catalina restaurant and Rose Bay village.

sub-penthouse sale — *Photo Credit: Sotheby’s*

Record Set for Rose Bay

The sale exceeds the previous Rose Bay apartment record of $14.7 million, achieved in August 2024 for a penthouse in the Opus building. The penthouse directly above the sub-penthouse was purchased for $11.25 million in 2020.

The two apartments share the same 330sqm layout. There is speculation about plans to combine both levels into a larger residence, noting that any structural alterations would require strata approval.

Sydney property — *Photo Credit: Sotheby’s*

Wintergarden’s Position in the Local Market

The Wintergarden is known as a popular option for high-end downsizers due to its beachfront location, limited number of apartments and private amenities. The building’s history and views continue to draw interest from buyers seeking tightly held residences in Rose Bay.

Future Outlook for Rose Bay

With this sale establishing a new benchmark, Rose Bay now holds one of Sydney’s strongest apartment price results, reinforcing ongoing demand for rare waterfront properties in tightly held buildings.

Published 27-Nov-2025

$150-million Rose Bay Sale Marks a Turning Point for Sydney’s East

Photo Credit: paullangsam/Instagram

An amalgamated Rose Bay site has changed hands in a deal worth about $150 million, in what Raine & Horne describes as one of Australia’s biggest residential property transactions.

The sale, negotiated by Raine & Horne’s Double Bay office, combines multiple neighbouring properties in Rose Bay and could significantly change how this part of the suburb is used in future.

A major deal for the eastern suburbs

The landmark site, spanning about 3,000 square metres across 33–37 Dover Road and 2–30 Wilberforce Avenue, includes five houses and two unit blocks. The site’s zoning allows for a six-storey building with a 22-metre height limit, making it a significant redevelopment opportunity in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The deal was led by agent Alex Lyons and his team at Raine & Horne Double Bay, who handled the sale of the amalgamated Rose Bay site. The buyer has not been officially confirmed, but industry sources allege it is Graeme Skerritt, owner of Pathways Aged Care, and that he is reportedly planning a luxury aged-care facility on the 3,000-square-metre site.

What this means for the Rose Bay community

For Rose Bay residents, the sale is about more than the headline price, as it is likely to influence how this pocket of the suburb is redeveloped. The site sits within Rose Bay’s harbourside area, which is known for its village-style shopping strips, nearby schools and proximity to the CBD.

Any future plans for the block are expected to draw close attention from local residents, given the size and location of the property.

High-value sites with flexible planning potential are typically sought after in lifestyle-rich suburbs like Rose Bay, and this transaction appears to fit that pattern. Agents say the sale reflects strong demand for prestige landholdings in Sydney’s east, even as the broader housing market moves through different cycles.

Published 4-Nov-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

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

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

Holdsworth Playgroup Grows Services in Rose Bay

Photo Credit: Pexels

A community playgroup in Rose Bay is expanding its weekly schedule to accommodate increased demand from local families, with an open day event planned to introduce the new offering.

Playgroup Services Expand in Rose Bay

Holdsworth Rose Bay Cottage Playgroup will hold an open day on Thursday, 31 July at its site on O’Sullivan Road to mark the expansion of its services. Previously open one day per week, the playgroup is now open on Wednesdays and Thursdays to meet rising interest from families in the area.

Growing Demand for Local Family Programs

Scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the open day will feature a range of children’s activities, including face painting, themed messy play, storytime, and indoor and outdoor games. The event is designed to introduce families to the playgroup’s offerings. Bookings are required to attend.

Located at 22a O’Sullivan Road, the program caters to children aged up to five years, with an emphasis on social development and learning through play. The additional session suggests increasing interest in early childhood programs within the Woollahra local area.

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Nearby Family-Friendly Events

In Bondi Junction, a daily indoor paint activity offers families a creative option. The one-hour sessions include a canvas to take home, protective gear, and materials for splatter painting. The venue is located on Spring Street, with bookings essential.

Also nearby, Vaucluse House will host a food-themed writing workshop focused on family recipes and memory. Participants will explore their culinary heritage in an interactive session held in the historic kitchen space.

Supporting Local Community Engagement

The upcoming open day reflects Holdsworth’s focus on supporting community connections and early learning through play-based activities. Families in and around Rose Bay are encouraged to take part in the event and explore what the playgroup offers.

Looking Ahead

With new services at Holdsworth Rose Bay Cottage and various events in surrounding suburbs, the eastern Sydney area continues to provide accessible and engaging opportunities for families. The recent expansion highlights local demand for inclusive programs that support both children and caregivers.

Published 21-July-2025

Conway Home Caught in Hospitality Magnate’s Financial Troubles

A Rose Bay family home has become the latest casualty in the ongoing financial troubles facing hospitality entrepreneur Jon Adgemis, with the Conway Avenue property now under mortgagee possession and being prepared for sale.

The six-bedroom house at 2A Conway Avenue, situated on a 567-square-metre block, was co-owned by Mr Adgemis and his mother. The property had been home to Mr Adgemis’s sister and her son until recently, when it was emptied and secured by the mortgagee.

Signs now posted on the property doors warn that “the mortgagee is in possession of this property” and advise that all doors and windows have been secured, with prosecution threatened for any trespassers. Padlocks have been installed on the gates, and the interior has been stripped of furniture and fittings, including televisions that were removed from the walls.

The repossession forms part of efforts by La Trobe Financial to recover $6.2 million that Mr Adgemis borrowed to finance his business operations. The financial institution had applied to the Supreme Court to repossess the Rose Bay house, which was purchased for $4.45 million in 2018.

Reports indicate that repossession notices have appeared on the property as part of efforts to recover millions in business debts, though it is understood that Mr Adgemis’s mother’s share of the house will not be affected by the action taken against her son.

The situation has proved particularly complex due to allegations that emerged earlier this year regarding the mortgage arrangement. Court proceedings revealed that Mr Adgemis’s mother claimed she had no knowledge of legal documents related to the mortgage and maintained she never received any such paperwork.

Real estate agents Fred Small and Steven Zoellner from Laing and Simmons Double Bay have been appointed to handle the sale. Industry estimates suggest the property could now be worth between $7 million and $8 million, representing significant appreciation since its 2018 purchase.

The property’s title reveals multiple caveats from various creditors, including the chief commissioner of state revenue, highlighting the extent of the financial entanglements surrounding Mr Adgemis’s business empire.

Mr Adgemis’s Public Hospitality Group has accumulated debts reported to be around $500 million, leading to a series of refinancing attempts and property disposals. In February 2025, Mr Adgemis paid $400,000 to creditors as part of a settlement deal, though this appears insufficient to resolve all outstanding issues.

The hospitality entrepreneur’s business empire previously included prominent Sydney venues such as Oxford House, The Lady Hampshire, Camelia Grove, and Noahs Backpackers. However, the business began to struggle after taking on hundreds of millions in debt at high interest rates just before financing costs rose significantly.

Mr Adgemis, a former KPMG dealmaker, has relocated from the family’s Rose Bay home and now resides in a Bondi apartment. The Conway Avenue property situation represents a personal impact of the broader financial difficulties that have affected his hospitality ventures across Sydney.

The repossession highlights how commercial financial troubles can extend to impact family properties and local communities, with Rose Bay residents witnessing the dramatic change in circumstances at what was once a thriving family home.

The property is expected to be placed on the market in coming weeks, with the proceeds to be applied towards outstanding debts. Local residents and property watchers will be observing the sale closely, given the premium location and the substantial value increase since the original purchase.

Published 18-July-2025