It was an unremarkable March day at Du Plessy Pralin & Otello when Margie turned up with a Chinese social media influencer looking for a Japonaise cake queues pack the footpath every day outside the West Pymble shop and it’s normal to see rows of people sitting with cake boxes in their laps “It’s bizarre,” Du Plessy’s second-generation owner Paul Adam tells Broadsheet “The influencer posted a video of the cake and people went crazy.” travel spots and more – curated by those who know light-as-air dark chocolate mousse is sandwiched between two layers of almond and hazelnut meringue A pair of rosellas – stencilled in cocoa powder – fly across the top “I started making it in 1988 and it’s our most popular cake Margie has been coming in for years; she orders a Japonaise every birthday.” posting to Chinese social media platform Red Note Where Adam used to sell 100 Japonaise cakes a week “International students have been flying in from all over Australia to buy the cake We even have customers coming from China to pick up a cake It’s normal now to see 40 people waiting for the bus with cakes in their laps.” “Professional shoppers would come and buy six cakes they’d go on We Chat and sell slices for $37 I don’t like that because others were missing out Adam’s parents Marcel and Martha founded Du Plessy Pralin in Pymble He has his parents’ original lease with a handwritten note from the real estate “It was a three-year lease and the agent wrote my parents a note that said where it became what it is now: a neighbourhood favourite for pretty cakes The mania for the mousse cake was whipped up in the lead-up to the busy Easter period when the team makes more than 4500 chocolate eggs and bunnies Adam asked Max to tell his followers to come back in May for Japonaise it’s late on Monday and he’s gearing up for a night shift after working all day I’m proud of my staff; everyone is doing amazing.” Eventually the frenzy will settle down and things will go back to normal.” duplessypralinandotello.com Charcoal Chicken and Rosewater Desserts: A Local’s Guide to Merrylands Where Chefs Eat: Peter Gilmore Really Knows Crows Nest Ex-Tradies Grill Hard-to-Find Mexican Street Snacks First Look: Berta’s Deli Knows “Everyone Loves a Sandwich” NSW 20735 6 2SoldAuctioned for $6,358,000 on Apr 06 2025Exquisite Luxury Design Meets Ultimate ComfortThis architectural masterpiece redefines luxury living with its seamless blend of cutting-edge innovation and timeless sophistication From its striking façade and grand arched entrance to its sun-drenched interiors framed by soaring glass windows Ideally positioned moments from West Pymble Public School and within easy reach of Pymble Ladies' College this home harmonizes tranquility with urban convenience A rare fusion of elegance and functionality this residence transcends expectations-a sanctuary where every innovation elevates daily life • Chef's gourmet kitchen with a state-of-the-art electronically controlled gas cooktop and premium Miele appliances • Integrated Miele refrigerator seamlessly blended into custom cabinetry for a sleek • Commercial-grade Zip Hydro Tap filtration system offering instant purified • Thermostatic rain showers in designer ensuites for personalized temperature control • Multipurpose room adorned with a mesmerizing newly installed projected starry sky ceiling • Spacious formal living area anchored by a striking fireplace and herringbone flooring • Bold marble-clad dining zone flowing seamlessly into relaxed family living spaces • Master suite featuring a walk-in robe • Smart home integration with zoned ducted air conditioning and imported designer tapware • Entertainer's essentials: chic wet bar • Resort-style pool and spa embellished with dazzling starry-night mosaic tiles • Expansive alfresco terrace with built-in gas barbecue and kitchenette for seamless entertaining • East-facing landscaped gardens bathed in morning sunlight and enclosed by custom privacy fencing • Double garage with integrated storage solutions and direct home access • Luxury home theatre with premium surround sound and immersive audiovisual technology designer-crafted fencing for enhanced privacy • Energy-efficient LED lighting and smart irrigation systems For more information or to arrange an inspection feel free to contact Alex Sun on 0432 148 026 or Xiaolong (Eric) Wei 0457 579 999 or Elly Razaavi 0430 104 057 Disclaimer: The above information contained herewith including but not limited to the general property description is provided to Raine & Horne Lindfield by third parties we have obtained this information from sources we believe to be reliable we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information and nor do we accept responsibility for its accuracy Any interested parties should rely on their own enquiries and judgment to determine the accuracy of this information for their own purposes Get unlimited access. 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By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy Get your intro offer.  It looks like your email isn't registered yet—let’s get you set up We've sent a code to the below email.  Paul Adam wants to make one thing clear: “It’s just a cake” But try telling that to new fans of Du Plessy Pralin & Otello who have turned the suburban Sydney patisserie into a viral phenomenon Months after a Chinese video blogger visited the West Pymble store and shared his story online its chocolate mousse cake is one of the most desired desserts on Earth The shop now opens with lines out the door Customers fly in from China just to try the so-called ‘old baby’ cake and some even ask the patisserie owner for photos with their newborn children Adam shared his amazement at his store’s social media stardom — and vowed to preserve the small business values driving its success Adam’s parents founded Du Plessy Pralin in 1961 and the patisserie has long boasted a loyal following for its sponge The business added the Mosman-born chocolate shop Otello in 1988 a gluten-free cake combining almond and hazelnut meringue with dark chocolate mousse The shop’s unlikely rise to social media stardom began in December after a chance meeting on a train from Bowral to Sydney a Chinese video blogger who visited Bowral’s Gumnut Patisserie talking about the apple turnover and vanilla slice he acquired from the lauded NSW shop he should visit De Plessy Pralin & Otello and try its mousse cake He uploaded footage of the charming conversation to social media platforms like Xiaohongshu causing Chinese-speaking viewers to make their own West Pymble pilgrimages With the views racking up on his social media profiles Max invited Margie for their own outing to Du Plessy Pralin & Otello where he chose eight chocolates and a ‘Japonaise’ cake Touched by the support Max and Margie had already shown the business in the first video with Adam’s act of kindness enticing even more new Chinese-speaking customers to the Sydney business The shop ramped up production of the Japonaise cake after the loving name viewers bestowed on Margie Further videos and online reviews have attracted hundreds of thousands of views with the frenzy now reaching English-language social media “The crust complements the chocolate mousse perfectly and you can really taste the richness and quality of the chocolate,” reads one recent Google Review “The owner is very kind and welcoming,” reads another review because the Chinese people are so happy and so friendly.” Adam spoke during a few minutes of downtime which are becoming increasingly rare as Du Plessy Pralin & Otello traditionally an annual highlight for the chocolate side of the business and I haven’t touched an Easter egg basically for three weeks because this went so crazy,” said Adam the shop expects to limit ‘old baby’ cake production in the lead-up to Easter To prevent customers travelling long distances to find the cake sold out for the day Adam even asked Max to tell his followers about the production shift Queues returned to a manageable size shortly after and customers adjusted their buying habits to suit the business’ gentle plea “They all came in and they started buying chocolate Balancing the annual Easter rush with newfound social media notoriety is not the only new challenge facing the business “We’ve actually had people come in and say to me — suppliers have said to me — ‘Have you got your recipe written down anywhere?’” Even suppliers to his business are being hounded with requests for information The unexpected success of the ‘old baby’ cake nearly 40 years after it first appeared on the menu also begs the question: should Du Plessy Pralin & Otello expand into a larger facility “I think to keep the cake more prestigious “My business has always been designed on quality I’m afraid that I’ll lose what I’m proud of in my business.” The ‘old baby’ cake is hardly the only Australian pastry to achieve major social media fame with Black Star Pastry’s legendary strawberry watermelon cake attracting similar fascination in the late 2010s putting a long-term focus on the qualities that first attracted customers like Margie and Max Never miss a story: sign up to SmartCompany’s free daily newsletter and find our best stories on LinkedIn. Pymble has long been regarded as one of the North Shore's best suburbs Dominated by large house estates and most popular with families given the proximity to some of Sydney's best schools, Pymble is an affluent family-friendly suburb offering a peaceful There have been nine sales over $5 million in the last five years The street record was set earlier this year when a 2021-built home sold for just over $8 million Telegraph Road delivers the best of Pymble, a leafy street with large estate, but with the added value of close proximity to the Pacific Highway and Mona Vale Road At the Eastern end of Telegraph Road, local developer Harvie Group secured over 3,000 sqm and is delivering Coachwood Of the 4,000 homes in Pymble The rarity of such a development hasn't been lost on locals with three of the 10 townhouses already snapped up The townhouses have been designed to cater for the downsizer Some residences offer the buyer to include a private lift Future residents of Coachwood will be a short walk from local boutiques Public transport options are also easily accessible, with Pymble Train Station just minutes away Down the road is the Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve, where the Browns Forest loop trail offers an unspoilt walking experience amid the Blue Gum forest, and the revered Pymble Golf Club is a five-minute drive provides further opportunities for outdoor activities Coachwood is also well-positioned near top educational institutions, including Sacred Heart Pymble Primary School, Pymble Public School, and Pymble Ladies’ College Construction firm Dilcara has already commenced construction of Coachwood We're on a mission to radically improve the quality of Urban communities being developed across Australia We aim to showcase every development in Australia to help you find the perfect new home Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time Jessica Spence is wise due to bitter experience she has already felt the grip of addiction and wrestled herself free from it she has wound back her use from nine hours a day to less than one Her friends talk about their phones in terms of addiction and found themselves in the thrall of TikTok’s algorithm “It’s so much easier to stop the addiction before it starts,” said Audrey Lin As families globally struggle to manage their children’s screen obsessions Pymble Ladies’ College has devised a ground-breaking way to help the school will give its students semi-smartphones and control what they can access Students in year 9 at Pymble Ladies’ College say they regret the time they’ve wasted on their phones Year 4 to 5 students will only be able to make calls and send texts who are balancing their reluctance to put access to the depths of the internet in a student’s pocket from age 12 with the reality that everyone else does The entire incoming year 6 and 7 cohorts have accepted the offer Two-thirds of year 4 parents have too (the rest don’t want their children to have phones) most of whom have already given their girls a smartphone was inspired to act when she listened to the year 9 students reflect on the harm caused by their phones She hopes the Wise Phone initiative will improve relationships and results She compares it to teaching children to swim – we don’t hurl them in the ocean at 12 without teaching them the skills they’ll need first so why would we hurl them into the quagmire of social media or the depths of the internet One boarder’s dad “gave his daughter a phone six months ago to try to get her used to the phone before she came in,” she said I feel like it’s a wonderful step in the right direction.” The struggle to help teens with screens is consuming parents The federal government says it will ban social media use for under 16s British boarding school Eton will allow its year 9 students to use only a so-called dumb phone PLC gathered research showing many children spend four to seven hours a day on their smartphones and almost 50 per cent of parents say a smartphone had changed their child’s personality identify and manage the apps and provide tech support Parents have asked Hadwen if their sons can get a PLC phone She hopes other schools will adopt the plan “We’d love this to be a broader community initiative which is really what sparked this conversation,” she said “How do we encourage others to get involved in this movement the more people who are in this the stronger it will be.” PLC parent Luisa Hanna was quick to get on board She held off buying her daughter a smartphone but felt having one would be inevitable when she began year 7 next year and took public transport to school “Her phone would have become her world and we’d find it impossible to take it off her,” she said “It’s going to help a lot of upcoming year 7 to keep their time rather than letting it dissolve into their phone and not feel guilty when you look back and see all the time you’ve wasted,” she said Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter and found themselves in the thrall of TikTok\\u2019s algorithm \\u201CIt\\u2019s so much easier to stop the addiction before it starts,\\u201D said Audrey Lin As families globally struggle to manage their children\\u2019s screen obsessions Pymble Ladies\\u2019 College has devised a ground-breaking way to help who are balancing their reluctance to put access to the depths of the internet in a student\\u2019s pocket from age 12 with the reality that everyone else does Two-thirds of year 4 parents have too (the rest don\\u2019t want their children to have phones) She compares it to teaching children to swim \\u2013 we don\\u2019t hurl them in the ocean at 12 without teaching them the skills they\\u2019ll need first One boarder\\u2019s dad \\u201Cgave his daughter a phone six months ago to try to get her used to the phone before she came in,\\u201D she said \\u201CHe felt he lost his daughter [to it] I feel like it\\u2019s a wonderful step in the right direction.\\u201D and almost 50 per cent of parents say a smartphone had changed their child\\u2019s personality \\u201CWe\\u2019d love this to be a broader community initiative which is really what sparked this conversation,\\u201D she said \\u201CHow do we encourage others to get involved in this movement the more people who are in this the stronger it will be.\\u201D \\u201CHer phone would have become her world and we\\u2019d find it impossible to take it off her,\\u201D she said \\u201CIt\\u2019s going to help a lot of upcoming year 7 and not feel guilty when you look back and see all the time you\\u2019ve wasted,\\u201D she said Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories I understand and agree that my personal information will be collected, stored and used, in accordance with the PGA of Australia's privacy policy Two late eagles transformed a day of frustration into a three-stroke win for David Bransdon at the $30,000 Pymble GC Centenary Legends Pro-Am at Pymble Golf Club On the back of a week at the Australian PGA Senior Championship where his putting failed to match his ball-striking Bransdon again failed to hole putts early at Pymble on Monday Bransdon removed the putter from the equation with a brilliant 6-iron into three feet at the par-5 seventh and then holed a gap wedge from 86 metres at the par-4 ninth for a second eagle in three holes “Obviously if you have an eagle with a three-footer on a par 5 and then you hole a sand iron for two on a par 4 that certainly helps your score,” said Bransdon it was going to be a frustrating day before that.” His round of 8-under 64 was three to the better of Adam Henwood (67) as Scott Laycock (68) and Mark Boulton (68) shared third place With birdies at each of his opening two holes after starting from the short par-3 11th He added a third at the par-4 16th but made his only bogey of the day at the par-4 17th He kept pace with the top of the leaderboard with a fourth birdie at the par-5 first and added another at the par-4 fifth before closing with two eagles in his final four holes “It was pretty good ball-striking,” said Bransdon “I’ve done it all last week and then again today and it’s actually good But if I do hole some putts it’ll be a bit scary “I played really good last week and didn’t make a hell of a lot with the putter but I still left a lot on the table out there “But anytime you shoot 8-under is pretty good.” LEADERBOARD RUNDOWN1          David Bransdon           642          Adam Henwood          67T3        Scott Laycock               68T3        Mark Boulton               68T5        Simon Tooman            69T5        Euan Walters                69 The PGA Legends Tour’s week in Sydney continues on Tuesday with the $60,000 The Australian Golf Club Legends Pro-Am at The Australian Golf Club before heading north to the Central Coast on Wednesday for the Kooindah Waters Legends Pro-Am For the latest news and scores on Australian golf Subscribe © 2025 PGA of Australia | Powered by Advertise with us A Sydney girls’ school is offering students in Years 4 to 8 an age-appropriate alternative to smartphones that some parents are calling “a godsend” Pymble Ladies’ College’s (PLC) ‘Pymble Wise Phone initiative’ enables parents to give their daughters a ‘Wise Phone’ which restricts internet and social media access until Year 10 or the age of 16 depending on any changes to the legal age for social media use the response from parents and students has been overwhelmingly positive with 100% take-up among Year 6 and 7 families While parents remain responsible for their daughter's SIM card and phone plan the College will manage Wise Phones in consultation with students to ensure safe practical features tailored to each age and year group Parents also have the option to forgo a phone entirely or activate a Wise Phone later when it suits their family “We understand that mobile phones play an important role in keeping families connected with their children,” Principal Dr Kate Hadwen said the negative impact of social media and smartphone addiction on young people is well-supported by research.” Dr Hadwen said PLC is in a unique position to work with its families and address this issue by providing a solution that promotes responsible and appropriate use of technology and allows girls to learn and develop positive relationships in real life and online Year 6 student Gabriella Hanna expressed excitement about starting Year 7 on a level playing field regarding technology it’s like there’s a big disconnect between people who have phones and those who don’t,” Gabriella said “The Wise Phone is a great option because it will allow us to contact our friends and families when we need to It will also allow the school to add our My Pymble app and any other things we actually need for Year 7.” described the initiative as a relief for parents “I felt like we had no options: our daughter is beginning Year 7 next year and we would have had to give in and get her a smartphone and deal with the repercussions of that decision,” she said “This has been a godsend; the answer to our prayers.” Luisa said it was a thoughtful initiative that not only protects children from premature exposure to social media but also gives parents peace of mind about their child's safety and ability to focus on their development “It allows us to give our daughter a phone that is age-appropriate and allows her to test the waters of responsibility for having a phone without all the apps and worrying extras like social media which are hard to navigate at her age.” A passionate educator with global experience joins the Junior School to champion student growth The program will help Year 7-9 students develop healthy screen habits and make better decisions online Don't miss the chance to spotlight your school's success and impact Copyright © 2025 KM Business Information Australia Pty Ltd Schoolgirl eights racing in NSW has been at its very best this year watching these girls battle it out over the last six months has been a thrill and all six crews have found themselves in the top three at different points in the year St Catherines will aim to win three in a row for the first time since the dominant Pymble crews of the early 2000s Kinross are hunting just their third win in this event in the school’s history whilst Pymble will be trying to convert a fast start to the season into a win at its conclusion The first eight races this weekend will likely be the closest fought battle we’ve seen in a long time at the NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River The most successful school in this event’s history Pymble Ladies College arrive into this race with a point to prove The girls from Sydney’s upper north shore have enjoyed a more successful season over the course of the past few months than in the last few years winning the opening two races and enjoying top-three finishes at all those thereafter The way this crew has raced can only be described as aggressive; they certainly have no issues getting out of the blocks having led in the first kilometre of the last two races It’s in the third 500m where St Catherines and Kinross’ power has proven too much where Pymble were able to come back in the closing stages finishing just a canvas down on the girls from Waverley It’s clear this crew are one to watch and are finding speed week-on-week New Head Coach Harry Randell is known for peaking at the right time as shown with last year’s King’s second eight Expect Pymble to be right in the mix come 3:05 pm on Saturday we haven’t seen much of Kinross since Christmas Except for a dominant performance at the NSW Championships the girls from Orange have opted to stick to Spring Creek Reservoir in Term 1 keeping their powder dry in the leadup to HOTR We’ve only seen the blue boat come down the course three times this season they finished a narrow fourth on a day where the entire crew competed in the four Two weeks later and only doubling up in the four they were five seconds clear of the field – leading from lights to flag It was a similar story at the NSW Championships four seconds up at the halfway point and holding that margin to the line despite a strong third quarter from St Cath’s I’m positive the wisdom of coach Andrew Gannon and the national championship-winning experience of Searle and Jarick will prove the rest to be the right decision The reigning national champions and holders of the NSW Union of Ex-Oarswomen Trophy St Catherine’s will come into this event determined to get one back on Kinross as revenge for their efforts at the State Championships The 2025 crew have certainly not been able to enjoy the dominance of last year’s almost undefeated combination The season began with a rude awakening when Pymble shocked many with a dominant victory at the All Schools Regatta they had certainly found a turn of speed but have raced all term without six-seat Chelsea Baker Despite falling short of Kinross at states the girls from Waverley have cemented themselves as best placed to upset them this weekend 2008 was the last year Queenwood finished off the podium at the Head of the River This year may prove to be the greatest challenge yet for the girls from Mosman with the highest quality field we’ve seen in many years Many would have quickly written Queenwood off at the start of the season Things have been tighter since the summer break; however the girls in red and black managed to stay right in touch for the first 1250 of the race at the last two regattas The top four of this crew are clearly a talented unit and Taylor dominating the U19 coxed four at the state championships If this crew can assemble their best race of the season on the weekend Kinross Wolaroi will have a target on their backs as soon as they arrive over the mountains to SIRC this weekend Other crews will have built confidence in their race plans at the last two regattas and will be looking to knock them off the podium’s top step and this Kinross crew has enjoyed success in spades over the past two years; I think they’ll hang on for the win but only narrowly over a fast finishing Pymble who will peak at the right time to hold off the incumbent champions St Catherines Involved in the sport of rowing since 2012 Chris has found himself more at home in the finish tower commentating major Australian regattas since 2019 Chris joined the JRN team in 2024 covering all things Australian rowing Chris launched ‘Rowing Down Under’ a JRN Podcast to cover all things Australian Rowing Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email In preparation for their historic showdown on the tideway Oxford and Cambridge have been taking on top competition from across the country I was both excited and a little sad about her recent announcement to leave rowing behind Following a successful first series in 2024 JRN is delighted to announce the second season of Sharing the Podium About Contact  FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia (formerly Fuji Xerox Australia) has unveiled a new campaign ‘Work Happily Ever After,’ to reinforce its aim to shift from being a document solutions provider to providing end-to-end digital transformation integrated B2B marketing agency Thinksmart Marketing has partnered with FUJIFILM BI Australia to deliver a new brand strategy and develop the creative platform The campaign is set to launch nationally on 10 March 2025 and will be rolled out across mass out-of-home media and integrated customer journeys The campaign follows its move beyond document management graphics and print to offer a suite of business services—including consulting and advisory capabilities process automation and communication solutions “This is more than a rebrand—it’s a transformation As businesses face increasing complexity in digital transformation we believe we are uniquely positioned to help them simplify Our evolution is a natural extension of FUJIFILM BI’s DNA— just as the FUJIFILM Group pivoted in the face of digital photography we are now leading the way in reimagining business solutions beyond document management,” Stephen Sims chief customer officer at FUJIFILM BI Australia said FUJIFILM BI Australia will retire its sub-brand identities FUJIFILM CodeBlue Australia and FUJIFILM Upstream Solutions which will be rebranded as FUJIFILM IT Services and FUJIFILM Process Automation “We were excited by the opportunity to address such an important strategic and creative challenge that reflects a growing appetite for more brand-led and human-centred approach in the B2B tech sector It’s not often you get to help shape the narrative of a business part of a globally recognised brand with a long ninety-year legacy ‘Work Happily Ever After’ celebrates the business outcomes delivered through their broader services in digital transformation while also tying back to the FUJIFILM Group mission of ‘Giving our world more smiles,” Janine Pares founder and managing director of Thinksmart Marketing said “Taking inspiration from Japanese paper-craft connects to the brand heritage and creates vital distinction in a saturated B2B tech market FUJIFILM BI Australia’s incredible transformation is worthy of a brand and re-entrance that reflects their commitment to excellence and innovation and we’ve been incredibly proud to help make this a reality,” Pares added “This marks a new era for FUJIFILM BI Australia as we step forward as a leading organisation offering end-to-end digital transformation solutions we aim to provide businesses an integrated approach to solving complex challenges Our customers are looking for more than just solutions—they want a trusted reliable partner who can help them thrive in a fast-changing world,” Yasuyuki Matsumoto managing director of FUJIFILM BI Australia said FUJIFILM BI Australia is also set to deepen its collaboration across all Fujifilm Group entities The move follows acquisitions including Upstream Solutions in 2010 CodeBlue Australia in 2020 and the global acquisition of MicroChannel in 2023 in the heart of one of the area's most sought-after postcodes Harvie's new development is in Pymble, on the exclusive Telegraph Road, where they're set to deliver Coachwood a collection of just 10 townhouses that will cater for the local downsizer Three of the 10 townhouses have already been snapped up Each townhouse has been designed by Gelder Group Architects and each offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms The design places a strong emphasis on entertaining create a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor entertaining spaces where residents can enjoy patio and landscaped courtyards Each residence is also equipped with premium kitchen appliances, including a five-burner cooktop and a 90cm oven, while the bathrooms feature bespoke inclusions by Bentley Rd such as custom-designed joinery Each townhouse has two secure parking spaces Located within walking distance of local shops and transport Coachwood is well-connected while maintaining the tranquillity of its North Shore setting Telegraph Road is one of Pymble's best addresses with nine sales above $5 million on the street in the last five years Builder Dilcara will commence construction of Coachwood in September. We're on a mission to radically improve the quality of Urban communities being developed across Australia. We aim to showcase every development in Australia to help you find the perfect new home! The agency has announced the formation of Belle Property Wahroonga, Hornsby, Pymble and Thornleigh, following the merger of the network’s local Hornsby and Pymble offices and the acquisition of Soames Real Estate. The new office will be led by Daniel Dennis, principal of Belle Property Hornsby, and Michael Doran, principal of Belle Property Pymble. If you check the box above before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later. As part of the recent merger and acquisition growth cycle, Soames Real Estate, one of Sydney’s oldest real estate businesses in the upper north shore, was acquired in its entirety. Soames had offices in Wahroonga and Thornleigh. It is expected that the acquisition will broaden Belle’s reach across the region. Dennis brings over 20 years of real estate experience to the newly merged office, with 10 years as principal of Belle Property Hornsby. Doran has 25 years of sector experience, and has been principal of Belle Property Pymble since 2017. The integrated network is expected to enable the offices to better connect buyers and vendors, Dennis explained. “This strategic move strengthens our network of integrated offices, allowing us to connect more buyers with prestigious property and expanding our premium real estate services across Sydney’s North Shore,” he said. The acquisition of Soames is expected to complement Belle’s existing local expertise, Doran added. “We’re excited to welcome talented agents from the Soames team to our business, whose expertise and knowledge about the Upper North Shore will complement our existing high-performing Belle Property agents.” The network hopes that the acquisition will help scale the brand, improving systems and processes for clients, and also better enabling staff to meet their objectives. “Our hope is that our office environment will allow everyone to succeed and achieve their own personal financial and life goals,” Dennis added. “For our clients, this merger means that we will be able to bring the largest connected database on the Upper North Shore, which will result in a more premium buyer base, and there will be more structured systems in place to better manage clients’ rental properties.” Breaking news and updates daily. Subscribe to our newsletter. The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has formally recognised Pymble Ladies’ College as an Australian Olympic Pathway School, marking a significant milestone as the first independent school to receive this designation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we are located We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders We celebrate and honour all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Olympians The Australian Olympic Committee is committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land waters and seas and their rich contribution to society and sport especially when they don’t come carrying cameras but Todd McKenney isn’t like most high-profile entertainers When a random fan asked to sit in on his rehearsals at his Pymble home 11 years ago “That one request soon spread to become a fairly regular event,” McKenney said But instead of one or two fans watching on so McKenney created a waitlist on Facebook The result was his high-tea soiree held every few weeks The last of those shows was held recently on Friday and Sunday to clear a backlog on the waitlist before McKenney put his home up for sale in time for Spring with a $5 million guide The September 26 deadline on expressions of interest will end McKenney’s 15 years in the 1918-built house that he purchased for $2.285 million back in 2009 when he was a judge on Dancing With The Stars McKenney’s friends tried to talk him out of it saying it was too much to swap the eastern beaches for a big four-bedroom house with a pool on almost 2200 square metres in suburbia “I opened it up to high teas and charity events and have ended up staying here twice as long as I have any of my previous places.” and son Ben Langsam have scored the listing given McKenney’s plans to move to Melbourne to support his daughter Charlotte during her last year of high school Used car dealer-turned-rich lister Tony Denny is set to test the strength of the Central Coast’s high-end apartment market listing his penthouse in Terrigal’s Elysium building up for $10 million to $12 million At Home with Belinda Jeffrey: Celebrity colourist shares five of her favourite things Celebrity agent Gavin Rubinstein's unique solution to tackle Australia's housing crisis Pop icons Kylie Minogue and Michael Hutchence's 90's apartment listed Denny kept the penthouse as his own after his Central Real Capital boutique development company completed the beachside complex about 2021 given his plans to use it as a weekend getaway from his Killcare Heights acreage home But Denny, who is worth an estimated $790 million on this year’s AFR Rich List 200, has had a rethink on a few of his property moves of late. Plans to sell his Point Piper house, which he bought for $19.5 million in 2020, have been binned despite an offer of $46 million, and there is talk he might be looking to swap the Terrigal beachside pad for a Bondi one. McGrath’s Matt Steinwede has been given the job of selling Denny’s five-bedroom spread, complete with private lift from a six-car garage and high-end finishes throughout, likely setting a new high for apartments on the Central Coast and even topping Newcastle’s $8.5 million apartment record set last year by Michael and Karen Hope, of the Hope Estate Hunter Valley winery. Amid the flurry of listings hitting the market in time for this weekend’s official start to the Spring selling season comes the Newtown home of the Whitlams frontman Tim Freedman. The September 14 auction and $2 million guide by Raine & Horne’s Michael Harris comes 20 years after Freedman purchased the three-bedroom digs for $777,500. Records show he used to own the terrace next door, having purchased it in 2001 for $320,000 and sold it in 2009 for $570,000. Novelist and TV and Film producer Posie Graeme-Evans and her husband, production designer Andrew Blaxland have popped up among Burradoo’s recent slew of buyers. Records show the couple’s investment company has paid $3.8 million for a four-bedroom house on almost 3000 square metres after the house was offered for sale by Angus Campbell-Jones. Also buying into Burradoo recently is medico Susan Conde, the daughter of the late 2UE owner Stewart Lamb. Conde sold her former olive grove Woodlands earlier this year for $7.5 million and swapped it for a house opposite Bowral Golf Club for $2.7 million. Of course, Burradoo’s best buyer this year is billionaire Annie Cannon-Brookes, who paid $14.5 million for the historic Anglewood House after a do-up by Matthew “Ched” Csidei, the latter of whom has since taken his money down the road to buy Knoyle for $8 million from antique dealers Gary and Maryanne Nolan. Still in the Southern Highlands, the corporate interests of Shawn Browne, boss of mining resources firm AME Group, have added to his Kangaloon property interests, paying $7.3 million for the Rosebank property next door. The almost 60-hectare property was initially listed for $8.5 million by James Hall and was owned by the Schofield family for the past 70 years. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate This is probably not the page you’re looking for A bakery on Sydney's upper north shore has seen a surge in business after one of its cakes went viral on Chinese social media. Du Plessy Pralin & Otello, located in West Pymble, now draws crowds daily, with queues out the door as customers rush to try the trending dessert. The buzz began when a Chinese vlogger visited the award-winning Gumnut Patisserie in the Southern Highlands.  While returning to Sydney, he sat next to an older Australian woman who he offered some cake to.  She was not particularly impressed with the cake, and told him about a hidden gem  bakery she had been visiting for decades. Encouraged by his followers, the creator met up with the woman again, this time to visit the West Pymble bakery together. When the bakery owner learned the vlogger had travelled so far to try their cake, he gave it to him for free. The dessert, a chocolate mousse cake topped with delicate artwork of birds, has since gone viral, particularly among Chinese international students. Officially named Japonaise, the cake features two layers of almond and hazelnut meringue with a light mousse of dark chocolate. On Chinese social media, it's been nicknamed the 'old baby cake', a playful reference to the Australian woman featured in the viral video. The cake comes in four sizes, extra small for $50, small for $58, medium for $68, and large for $75. Bakery owner Paul Adam, along with his family and staff, have been working overtime ever since the cake went viral, even doing overnight shifts to meet the now skyrocketing demand.  They once produced 100 of the cakes per week, but that has now surged to 150 a day. The cake's popularity has grown so much that shortages are expected once the owners busy themselves with making Easter chocolates. The video creator, who revisited the bakery, spoke with the 64-year-old Paul and credited the video's success not only to the cake but also to Paul's 'generosity,' noting that he gave him a free cake. Comments on the video have been largely positive, many praising the heartwarming story, though some were confused by the nickname 'old baby cake.' 'Old baby' is a wild compliment,' one person joked. Others jumped in to defend Gumnut Patisserie, with one user saying their triple chocolate mousse cake was 'pretty damn delicious.' Du Pressy Pralin & Otello first opened in 1961 and was founded by Paul's parents, Marcel and Martha.  Major terror attack 'was just HOURS away' before it was foiled by the special forces and police:... Victim of acid attack 'plotted by his ex-partner who teamed up with a gang' dies in hospital six... 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Why this Australian bakery has gone viral in ChinaComments are subject to our House rules and TermsNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}} No one seems to have shared their thoughts on this topic yetLeave a comment so your voice will be heard first. {{message}} Sydney’s Northshore Travel has celebrated in style with a client high tea 32 years after the Gordon travel agency was established Owner Samantha Young started Northshore Travel in Gordon as a 25-year-old in March 1993 with business partner Nicole Froissard Deborah Moffat joined the agency also in 1998 and was co-owner for 25 years forming an integral part of the travel business Moffat is also transitioning to retirement later this year “We had a lovely morning with about 50 clients and suppliers to celebrate 30-plus years of Northshore Travel,” Senior Travel Advisor Vivienne Maroun said.  who has been in the industry for almost 40 years counts winning the award for Speciality Small Business in the Local Business Awards – North Shore in 2024 as career highlight Past and present employees celebrated the milestone with loyal clients at Avondale Golf Club West PymbleElisia SeeberThe Nightly1 Min Read25 May 2024Updated25 May 2024NSW Police said detectives launched an investigation after the body of a man was discovered in the Lane Cove River in West Pymble Credit: Google MapsPolice are investigating after a man’s body was found in a river in Sydney NSW Police said detectives launched an investigation after the body of a man emergency services were called to the Lane Cove River following reports of a body in the water,” a NSW Police spokesperson said Get the first look at the digital newspaper curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“A crime scene has been established, and detectives have launched an investigation into the incident.” As inquiries continue police are urging anyone with CCTV vision, dashcam footage or information about the incident to contact Chatswood Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner. Latest EditionEdition Edition 5 May 20255 May 2025All-powerful Anthony Albanese says give me some R.E.S.P.E.C.T Fittingly, the elegant eight-bedroom estate at 25B Orinoco Street in Sydney’s Pymble, comes with a sensational, championship-sized tennis court. As stated on the listing, the grand property sold on June 7 for an undisclosed sum. Phil Orr of Orr&Co Estate Agents handled the campaign in conjunction with William Chan and Adam Butler of Chan Yahl. The highest individual honour in Aussie tennis is named the Newcombe Medal in recognition of his stature. “Privately nestled on an impressive 7322 square metres, this stunning estate lays claim to Pymble’s largest land holding and the former residence of Australian tennis champion John Newcombe,” the listing says. “A glorious presentation of timeless elegance, it luxuriates in old world Spanish inspirations across two sweeping levels spanning 500 square metres, complete with magnificent living spaces spilling to Elysian alfresco zones. “Outdoor entertaining highlights comprise a large swimming pool and a championship-sized hard tennis court that has played host to some of the world’s greatest luminaries.” Downsizer pays $9.55 million at auction for unit with jaw-dropping harbour views Rebel Wilson sells apartment to cuts ties with Australia Optical illusion house hides a staggering secret Elegant balconies and lace work speak to the substantial home’s Mediterranean flair. Terracotta floor tiles lend texture and tonal warmth, with ambient open fireplaces, and sunny terraces unfolding through banks of grand, louvred French doors. The house has a gym, pool, sauna and multiple flexible living areas, plus wine storage and a Sonos sound system for entertaining. The median house price in Pymble, according to Domain is $3,547,500, which represents a rise of 50.9 per cent over five years. Pymble is known across the upper north shore for its elite Pymble Ladies’ College and other top schools, making the leafy suburb, which has large blocks, a firm favourite among families. 30 Boronga Ave in West Pymble sold for $2.62 million West Pymble has been singled out in a national property report as a suburb that flies under the radar for buyers – although agents say those days are numbered The tightly held suburb features in the latest report by property valuation and advisory group Herron Todd White as an “unsung hero hotspot” The group’s experts were was asked to identify Australian suburbs which were still flying under the radar when it came to prices MORE: Inside Karl Stefanovic’s waterfront mansion Nicole Kidman leads celebrities moving to this NSW region Ray Hadley sells Dural estate for mega price “It can be difficult when looking at Sydney’s upper north shore property market to find something that is flying under the radar when most suburbs command a median price well above $2 million,” the report said there are pockets of the north shore that do seem to offer comparatively good value and future potential According to realestate.com.au’s latest Market Trends report the median house sale price in West Pymble sits at $1.999 million which represents a 12-month growth of 19 per cent While this might not be considered affordable by Greater Sydney standards (which has a median house price of $1.1 million) when compared with surrounding suburbs like Gordon ($2.72 million) “These comparison suburbs certainly have superior positioning all benefiting from close proximity to the upper north shore rail stations and the amenities located on the Pacific Highway,” the report said “West Pymble is considered to be isolated from this infrastructure but the price level still represents very good value for the affluent upper north shore being located only 15km from the Sydney CBD The report recognised that West Pymble had experienced some good growth during the past 12 months but “with the large disparity in surrounding suburb median prices we believe there is plenty of potential for future price growth.” “Due to the comparatively low median price for the upper north shore West Pymble’s potential for growth is always going to be high as it experiences demand from those trying to get a foot into this blue-chip market,” the report said 10 Victoria Ave in West Pymble is due to go to auction on July 3 The results come as no surprise to Alex Mintorn but he said the lower median price also had a lot to do with the fact that the suburb is so tightly held and that is reflection of what an amazing suburb it is,” he said Mr Mintorn sold a four-bedroom house at 30 Boronga Ave The price guide was $2 million and it had a reserve of $2.2 million “It’s a little pocket of the upper north shore that is still affordable Sales stock is also tight – according to realestate.com.au there are only a handful of homes on the market in West Pymble which is due to go to auction on July 3 through Anna Cavill and Thomas Merriman They have set a price guide of $1.8 million to $1.98 million for the three-bedroom Ms Cavill said there was already strong interest in the home It has a guide of $1.8 million to $1.98 million “I do think it (West Pymble) is undervalued – the location is awesome,” she said but I think it does fly a little bit under the radar It was only when the time came to downsize that properties came to market for the next cohort of young families Ms Cavill said many buyers were choosing to embark on extensive renovations of older-style homes like this one while others were opting for knockdown-rebuilds “It is a family area and people are investing a lot of money because they are going to be there for a long time,” she said “I do think it’s an awesome place to buy into – if you can find something It’s very tightly held and when properties do come to market there are usually a few people chasing them.” 10 Victoria Ave has the added advantage of backing onto the school oval of West Pymble Public School with an “unreplaceable” rear gate leading straight into the school This is likely to make the property extremely popular with young families The home is also within walking distance of the bus third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. 2024 - 2:12AMProperties are selling for record prices across Australia in a sign the nation's housing market isn't cooling down anytime soon The latest property insights from Proptrack revealed the suburbs where homes are selling for record-breaking sums 3 bathroom property in the leafy Blue Mountains village of Linden recently sold for $2.55 million The sale in August surpassed the previous house price record of $1.52m A Victorian Tudor-style manor in Springwood sold for an undisclosed sum in October 2023 The three acre property is believed to have smashed the suburb's previous record sale of $2.3 million meaning the new record sale is 70 per cent higher. A warehouse conversion in Newtown which sold $13.5 million was the second record sale of the year The sale of the 5-bed property surpassed the suburb's previous record of $6.65m by 103 per cent a 6-bedroom home sold for $3.04 million in June Located only 30 minutes from Adelaide's CBD the property smashed the previous top sale by $1.35m 2-bath property in West Pymble recently sold for $9 million beat the previous sale record of $4.8 for the Sydney suburb This oppulent 9-bedroom waterfront estate in Sydney's Hurstville Grove was purchased for a whopping $10.45 million in 2023 The sale was a 98 per cent higher than the record sale set by a $5.27m 5-bedder in 2022 3-bath property on the Murray River in Ravenswood The sale was $1.8 million more than the previous record purchase of $1.29 million that took place in February This period home located on the Northernmost peninsula of Lamb Island in Moreton Bay While the exact sale figure can't be revealed the price was 74 per cent more than the previous top sale that went for $775,000 in 2021 Situated in in Elwood's elite Golden Mile this 5-bed renovated Federation-era property sold in February Although the sale price was not disclosed it's believed to be 71 per cent higher than the previous $10m price in 2022 Miriah Davis is a Homepage Lead for Nine.com.au. Miriah has wide-ranging experience in television She first joined Nine in 2018 where she worked in production as a Director's Assistant on Today show In 2020 she completed her Master of Journalism and Communication and went on to work for Daily Mail Australia and Sky News Online She has now returned to Nine as a Digital News Producer for Nine.com.au. Properties are selling for record prices across Australia Most clubs concern themselves with more surface level questions like “are the fairways in good condition?” But when a club is coming up on a significant milestone… let’s say a centenary… the overall state of a course tends to come under sharper scrutiny and so it was for Pymble Golf Club in 2020 with four years to plan for its 2024 Centenary celebrations which are just now coming to fruition Pymble’s members were asked to define what type of course Pymble aspires to be they turned to local Sydney golf course architect James Wilcher whose persuasive style and flexible approach gave the club the confidence to proceed with an ambitious project to replace all 18 greens and tees Wilcher proposed a reimagining of the golf course with a strong visual theme to the bunker and green shapes A theme that would become recognisable as Pymble’s identity and set it apart from the pushed-up greens and rounded boring bunker blobs seen at many of Sydney parkland courses With a meticulously planned build over several seasons Pymble members were able to continue playing a nearly full size 18-hole course throughout the entire project A remarkable feat considering the property is desperately short on acreage and has just one spare hole At times during the construction up to three holes were out of play and yet through clever use of temporary greens and half holes there was minimal disruption to everyday golf Add in a tumultuous few years that were disrupted by Covid which in turn brought record demand for golf followed by a period of unprecedented rainfall in Sydney that severely impacted construction Further challenges came in the form of inconsistent supply of materials and fluctuating costs of sand and turf Right: The drop-shot downhill par-3 11th green sitting beyond a brook complete with a waterfall It is a testament to the project team led by Pymble’s General Manager Jason Atkins and Course Superintendent David Stone and the dedication of their staff that backed themselves with an in-house construction crew who were willing to take on challenges that might have led to massive cost overruns if reliant on external contractors Crucial to the success of the project was Stone’s insistence on growing in the new bentgrass greens from seed on makeshift nurseries dotted throughout the site This took maximum advantage of growing seasons and provided a ready supply of healthy grass optimised for Pymble’s specific micro-climate The time for each hole to go from muddy construction site to being open for play was measured in weeks not months with barely any remnant of the greens’ turf having been freshly laid from sod Stone was also instrumental in introducing Tahoma 31 – a hard-wearing Bermuda couch hybrid grass – to the new green surrounds and tees This gives Pymble’s green aprons and edges that much-desired firmer option for more variety in approach and short game play while also providing a buffer against Poa invading the new bentgrass greens On the teeing grounds it has good shade tolerance and is more effective than kikuyu at keeping Pymble would still be characterised as a kikuyu course since it remains the dominant grass from tee to green but now there is a bit more variety in colour and texture around the greens as the different grasses respond to the seasons and change colours through their dormancy The fine detail in the new design was fashioned into the ground by the experienced hand of shaper Craig Brown who has partnered Wilcher on several projects Brown and Wilcher prioritised the needs of good drainage on Pymble’s dramatic slopes and clay base with the tilt and gradients in and around the greens designed to push water away from playing surfaces and towards the substantial underground drainage infrastructure that accompanied the USGA Spec Greens The club also invested in a form of sub-air piping that can draw water out of the profile when needed and significantly improve playability and minimise turf disease whenever Sydney is hit by its frequent heavy rain events From a golf point of view the new course is undeniably better than what was there Whether or not one likes the wavy edges of the new bunkers is perhaps a matter of personal taste albeit an evolution of the shapes that are found at other Wilcher/Brown collaborations such as Brisbane’s Nudgee Golf Club and Strathfield Golf Club just 30 minutes’ drive to the south of Pymble A signature “look” for many Wilcher designs is to find a way to flash the sand on the bunker faces and create more visual drama… even for uphill vistas In some places this results in unnatural looking pushed up shapes on the reverse side of the bunkers but this also afforded an opportunity for some interesting tie-ins in such as on the 5th and 12th tees where humps from bunkers on the 16th and 11th greens intrude into the teeing grounds in an enjoyably whimsical feature A standout of the new design is the double green shared by the 8th and 14th holes Not only were the existing 8th and 14th greens quite close together but this little section sits on one of Pymble’s highest and most exposed spots and with the clearing of some ugly old hedges its proximity to the 10th green and 9th and 11th tees is emphasised such that now three greens and two tees are within “talking” distance and with relatively clear sightlines between all the playing areas it has become one of the most social spaces on the course Pymble’s double green also has some subtle features in and around the putting surface to encourage play in the intended direction and provide a natural boundary where a player might sense more than see that they’ve strayed onto the wrong hole Some double greens are contoured to provide the offline golfer a way to sling the ball around the edge of the green to get back onto the correct side Pymble’s double green takes the opposite approach with more of a repelling slope in the crook of the elbow which has the effect of keeping the ball on the correct green some notable architectural features include a controversially challenging hump in the 2nd green an enormous shared bunker between the 10th and 12th fairways a new forced carry over water on the short 11th hole and a dramatically sloped 12th green that met enough criticism that it was tamed down with some reshaping in the final phase of the build Whether the initial form of the 12th green worked or not is debatable but the feedback from members to this piece of work perhaps did more to define the rest of the project than anything else The message was clear – take some risks but don’t go crazy A notable outcome of the new design is that where Pymble previously had one clear “signature” hole – the strong par 4 16th – there are now a handful of holes that are visually striking enough to be in the “signature” hole discussion The short par 3 11th is a favourite among many visitors with lots of shapes and features to excite the eye while another par-3 – the 3rd – has emerged as a surprisingly pretty hole that was previously rather drab and suburban the view from the tee on the short par-4 13th features a hillside full of sand and wavy bunker edges leading to a substantially improved green making it another contender as a new “signature” hole but in the end if you’ve got multiple “signature” holes And so returning to the critical question – does the new course at Pymble give the members what they want Part of what Pymble members wanted was a well-run project that didn’t disrupt play too much and invested in drainage infrastructure that would keep the course more playable through periods of significant rainfall the new work is more distinctive and consistently themed while still maintainable in a way that should retain the characteristic look without the greens shrinking and the bunkers forming shapeless blobs The extended shaping beyond the putting surfaces has softened areas where there were inelegant slopes and added interest to areas where there was banal the course is objectively more interesting and enjoyable than what was there before Perhaps the ambition of the work was shackled to the member feedback which tended towards conservative choices and maybe dulled the risk taking that might have yielded a top 50 course from the compact but dramatic terrain But an ongoing program to remove non-indigenous trees widen playing corridors and improve the mowing lines should enhance the strategic value of the work that has been done to the green complexes In Sydney’s North Shore private golf club market Pymble can now hold its head among the redesigns performed at other clubs in the area and it probably joins Elanora Country Club as an example of James Wilcher’s best inland work It might have been interesting to see what could have been done if the entire property was fenced off and redesigned in one go without the prying eyes and feedback of the members at every step but credit should also go to those members for shaping the project in a direction that they ultimately found satisfying the redesigned course at Pymble has – for the most part – answered the question of delivering what the members want WEBSITE: www.pymblegolf.com.au DESIGNERS: Carnegie Clark & Dan Soutar (1928); Eric Apperly (1953); Ross Watson (2006); James Wilcher (ongoing) PLAYING SURFACES: A1/A4 Pencross bentgrass (greens); kikuyu (fairways); Tahoma 31 bermuda (green surrounds and tees) Tee time enquiries from interstate club members can be made via the office ACCOLADES: Ranked No.90 in Golf Australia magazine’s Top-100 Courses for 2024 While Sydney’s broader housing market braces for price falls after rising interest rates in a parallel universe known as the high-end market a buyer from Adelaide has paid $15 million in cash for a house in Pymble The 2900-square-metre property with impressively landscaped gardens and tennis court set a suburb high after a brief two-week settlement in the name of Lin Li wife of technology entrepreneur “Jerry” Jian Huang The Pymble residence sold behind closed doors for $15 million to Lin Li and required no finance.Credit: The sale – rumoured to be by Knight Frank’s Adam Ross and McGrath’s Nicole Zeng – comes just three months after the nearby Coppins estate sold on the quiet for what was a high of $13 million Coppins is the heritage-listed residence designed in 1935 by architect Walter Burley Griffin for Eric and Sheila Pratten and recently purchased by former Bank of Queensland chief Stuart Grimshaw and his wife Anneliese Coppins was designed in 1935 by Walter Burley Griffin on behalf of Eric and Sheila Pratten Former Bank of Queensland chief executive Stuart Grimshaw has returned to Sydney’s high-end housing market The Grimshaws look to be making a permanent return from Texas where they moved in 2016 when Stuart took up as chairman of US pawnbroker EZCORP Coppins was sold by Telstra senior executive David Burns and his wife Edwina where they bought the 1927-built Wongala residence last year for $7.87 million Petersham’s high has been reset at $5.35 million thanks to techie Nicholas Wittison and Mirvac’s communications manager Frances Wittison The Federation residence with a contemporary rear and a pool should make a decent upgrade for the couple from their Marrickville rental that was sold by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last July for $2.35 million The Petersham house sold recently for a record high of $5.35 million The Petersham sale by CobdenHayson’s Alex Mastoris was on behalf of authors Paul McEvoy and Katy Pike who undertook the up-scale redesign since they bought it in 2006 for $1.5 million Wittison’s purchase comes a few months after Canva’s chief financial officer Damien Singh settled on Paddington’s most expensive house for $12 million Mike Messara sold his investment house on the Mosman harbourfront for more than $25 million Former BHP senior executive Geoff Healy and his wife Christine have been looking to buy decent Mosman digs for years so it is no doubt a relief they have finally landed on just the place – for more than $25 million Geoff Healy stepped down from BHP’s top ranks in 2020 to join Boston Consulting Group early this year.Credit: Steven Siewert who in January joined Boston Consulting Group to head up its climate and sustainability practice is the rumoured buyer of fund manager Mike Messara’s investment mansion in Mosman’s Golden Triangle The Caledonia Investments co-chief investment officer purchased the Burran Avenue residence – just a few doors away from his Seacliff family estate – early last year for $21.75 million from Glenburn Private Capital chairman Brett Whitford It has been earning Messara a decent $7800 a week in rent until recently when it was listed by Atlas’ Michael Coombs who declined to reveal the exact sale price Don’t be surprised to see the Healys’ Lindfield home of the past 20 years hit the market soon While Sydney\\u2019s broader housing market braces for price falls after rising interest rates wife of technology entrepreneur \\u201CJerry\\u201D Jian Huang The sale \\u2013 rumoured to be by Knight Frank\\u2019s Adam Ross and McGrath\\u2019s Nicole Zeng \\u2013 comes just three months after the nearby Coppins estate sold on the quiet for what was a high of $13 million Petersham\\u2019s high has been reset at $5.35 million thanks to techie Nicholas Wittison and Mirvac\\u2019s communications manager Frances Wittison The Petersham sale by CobdenHayson\\u2019s Alex Mastoris was on behalf of authors Paul McEvoy and Katy Pike Wittison\\u2019s purchase comes a few months after Canva\\u2019s chief financial officer Damien Singh settled on Paddington\\u2019s most expensive house for $12 million so it is no doubt a relief they have finally landed on just the place \\u2013 for more than $25 million is the rumoured buyer of fund manager Mike Messara\\u2019s investment mansion in Mosman\\u2019s Golden Triangle The Caledonia Investments co-chief investment officer purchased the Burran Avenue residence \\u2013 just a few doors away from his Seacliff family estate \\u2013 early last year for $21.75 million from Glenburn Private Capital chairman Brett Whitford It has been earning Messara a decent $7800 a week in rent until recently when it was listed by Atlas\\u2019 Michael Coombs Don\\u2019t be surprised to see the Healys\\u2019 Lindfield home of the past 20 years hit the market soon (Steven Saphore/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAPA crime scene has been established after a female pedestrian was killed after being struck by a vehicle on a busy highway during morning traffic on Tuesday The incident occurred just before 6.30am on the Pacific Highway in Sydney near the Beechworth Road intersection Officers from the Kuring Gai Police Area Command were dispatched to the scene after reports that a northbound van had struck a woman Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics, the woman believed to be in her 60s, died at the scene. A crime scene has been established as authorities launch an investigation into the cause of the accident. The male driver of the van will undergo mandatory testing as part of the inquiry. Traffic in the area is expected to be disrupted for several hours. Motorists are advised to avoid the vicinity if possible. Two of the three northbound lanes are closed. Motorists travelling northbound cannot access Bobbin Head Road as the right turn lane is now closed. Police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Picture supplied.In the space of just a couple of months the trajectory of Alexis Whitton's life has changed dramatically All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIn March decided to sit down and apply for a scholarship to Pymble Ladies' College in Sydney but thought it couldn't hurt to toss Alexis' name into the ring and couldn't believe when we got an interview," she said So when they got a call the next day from the school's Director of Sports with the offer of a scholarship The school is now part of the Olympic pathway and the scholarship ensures Alexis will be able to train under some of the best coaches in the country for the duration of her high school years boarding school wasn't part of our plans as parents Whitton followed that news with a silver place finish in the 50 metre freestyle at the NSW All Schools Championships on Friday past She lost narrowly to the reigning Australian champion but guaranteed herself a spot at her second nationals campaign in July Mat and Alexis at the NSW All Schools Championships last week Picture supplied.It will be the last time she competes at a that level with Swimming Gunnedah Inc (during her first campaign last year and head coach John Hickey sang her praises "She's been one of Gunnedah's greatest-ever swimmers already "She's become the second-fastest swimmer in Gunnedah's history over 50 metres as a 12-year-old so that's remarkable considering some of the athletes we've had come through." When she does move to Sydney early next year does the chores in between 20 hours of swimming a week and school That ability to motivate herself and remain disciplined is one of the key reasons Alexis was awarded the scholarship and the real grit she's got to go harder when the pressure is higher .. Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords will have its first open on Wednesday March 20 now grand character residence will go to market next week for the first time in more than a decade was for 28 years the Bernard Smith Children’s Home 104 Livingstone Ave welcomed children from broken homes or from parents who could not care for them All the children would attend West Gordon Primary and church on Sunday as a group The Mission purchased the home for in 1959 after outgrowing their other site where they were turning away 50 children a week The home has a pool with grassed entertainment area The home’s origin traces back to Frederick James Hamilton who purchased the site for £1350 or roughly $200,000 in today’s money after settling in Pymble in the late 1800s It was once part of a 79ha property used for grazing and as an orchard but the grand home remained part of the current 3149 sqm estate Luschwitz director Mark Blake has the listing after selling it to the current owners in 2008 for $3.15 million Mr Blake said while many of today’s residents may not know the history behind the iconic estate The interior has undergone a contemporary renovation “The last time we sold this property there were many who came to the opens to visit the place where they resided in the dorms for many years,” he said While a price guide is yet to be finalised Mr Blake expects the home to sell anywhere between $4 million and $5 million Most of the interest in the property is expected to come from local families after big old houses CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) West Pymble housing has topped a list of the 20 most tenant-friendly rental markets in Sydney as surging vacancy rates put the ball back in the court of renters Research commissioned by RentRabbit.com.au showed vacancy rates in the West Pymble housing market had leapt 3.7 percentage points over the past year to 5.5 per cent while the median rent had fallen from $870 to $850 This indicated there had been less competition among tenants with landlords dropping the rent in order to attract more interest MORE: Tenant turmoil: where rents are rising faster than prices Why renters are some of Australia’s unhappiest people The Better Renting report identified 10 housing markets and 10 unit markets where vacancy rates had increased and rents had either fallen or stayed flat over the past 12 months giving more power to renters looking to negotiate favourable rent and living conditions The median house rent in West Pymble has dropped to $850 a week All of the markets listed had a vacancy rate of at least 1.7 per cent with weekly rents ranging from $285 to $850 suburbs needed to be within 200km of the Sydney CBD Vacancy rates needed to have increased by at least 0.4 per cent over the year The Girraween unit market came second in the list with a 2.3 percentage point increase in vacancy rates to 4 per cent despite rent staying flat at $450 per week in the 12 months to February The median house rent in the “commutable” suburb of Heckenberg dropped 5 per cent from $400 to $380 a week after a two-percentage point increase in vacancies while house rents in Parramatta’s Pendle Hill dropped 4.3 per cent to $450 Vacancy rates in the Girraween unit market have increased over the past year RentRabbit.com.au co-founder Ben Pretty said while markets considered to be tenant friendly did exist in Sydney “This is all about supply and demand,” said Mr Pretty “Where supply is relatively low and demand relatively high it’s hard for tenants to find accommodation which leads to falling vacancy rates and rising rents.” Market rent will often come down to a simple case of supply and demand the unit markets of Matraville and Paddington both experienced the largest decline in median rent in the whole list with Matraville’s median dropping 9.3 per cent to $490 and Paddington’s dropping 9.1 per cent to $450 The market with the cheapest rent in the list was Carramar in the Merrylands to Guilford region * 0% vacancy rate means all rental properties are being filled within 21 days of being listed MORE: Best Sydney suburbs for unit homebuyers and investors ‘Ominous’: homeowners brace for mortgage rates to double New mum wins $6m home with $18 lotto ticket where house prices have risen 17.7 per cent in three monthsKathryn Welling has a $4,995,000 price guide for a May 21 auction one Sydney suburb that’s 21km from the CBD has seen extraordinary price growth in the past three months where PropTrack data shows the median house price grew 17.7 per cent over that time proving it to be the most resilient property type on the north shore North Sydney unit prices have dipped by 24 per cent over the quarter and house medians in Roseville and Lindfield have fallen 16 per cent and 12.3 per cent respectively where the blocks are big and the schools prestigious the median house price has been rising all year and is now $3,265,000 Second generation resident Matthew Ayres isn’t at all surprised that Pymble prices have grown even while neighbouring suburbs have dropped Top agent’s savvy purchase in ‘best street’ Rate rise spooks sellers The solar-heated swimming pool is one appealing feature The home offers 468 sqm of internal living space “Pymble with its large leafy blocks sits between North Ryde Chatswood and Hornsby like a green centre between three tectonic forces,” he said “And the residents of Pymble fought hard to hold onto the bigger block sizes,” he added The business consultant built a luxury new home in Bannockburn Rd regarded as one of the blue-chip addresses of the suburb and spared no expense creating a large family house He got permission from Ku-ring-gai Council to build a four-car garage and in the house he included a 1000-book library a rumpus and a triple-layered wooden floor in the kitchen so it was warm underfoot even in winter The suburb is rarely impacted by downturns in the market because of its ongoing popularity with young families There is 468 sqm of internal living in the seven-year old house and the property is for sale with a $4,995,000 auction guide Ayres was at pains to retain all the trees on the 1157 sqm block a short walk from Pymble station Number 29 Bannockburn Rd has a solar-heated swimming pool Travertine outdoor entertaining area and a Gone With The Wind spiral staircase said Pymble is rarely impacted by downturns in the market because of its ongoing popularity with young families “It is ideally positioned close to both private and public schools and Macquarie University as well as having transport to the city Chatswood and the Northern Beaches,” he said is the co-agent and the six-bedroom house is scheduled to go to auction on Saturday May 21 MORE: New hotspot for luxury city buyers to splurge Nick Kyrgios scores super cool new penthouse Benji Marshall wins $5m post-footy forever home Most of us can’t wait to get home after a day’s hard graft but turning into the long driveway of 40 Livingstone Avenue Tall trees and greenery fringe the drive before you arrive at the impressive “The house sits beautifully in its environment,” says Christie’s International Real Estate’s Darren Curtis. “The bushland setting is a haven – sheer privacy and seclusion.” Ample terraces and balconies mean you can get out into that restorative scene but you’d just as soon gaze at the interiors here The upper entry level brings you into the sweep of the brilliant communal spaces beamed ceiling pushes across from the sharp kitchen – love those pale emerald quartzite benches – to luminous living and dining rooms with double-height glass bringing that divine outside in The lofty roofline carries outside to the superb a built-in barbecue and a fireplace floating above the cool pool below smart wiring and splendid accommodation on both levels underscore the quality here this lovingly renovated sandstone home offers a sweet escape on one of Paddington’s quietest streets spans two blocks with an 11-metre frontage,” the agent notes “The north-facing courtyard with its saltwater swimming pool is perfect for summer the library and fireside living rooms become cosy retreats.” this stunning circa 1906 period home captivates with its sprawling 1105 square metres of land “Watching the sunrise from the front steps in the early morning offers elevated views of the Pacific underscoring the home’s proximity to Coogee Beach,” the agent remarks Rising to the 32nd floor of the eagerly awaited One Sydney Harbour this luxury apartment occupies a prime north-east corner with a dramatic sightline over the Harbour Bridge “Renzo Piano crafted the architecture and Darling Associates the interiors boasting expansive glass walls that capture the Barangaroo headlands and Luna Park,” the agent highlights “The first resident will indulge in a six-star hotel lifestyle in one of Sydney’s most exclusive locales.” Nestled along a tree-lined street of its premier postcode this exquisite period home unveils architectural grace through a stunning renovation and extension “The heart of the home is the family-centric open-plan living area encompassing the kitchen and dining spaces designed for family time and entertaining,” the agent details Set to the soundtrack of gently lapping waves this top-floor penthouse epitomises tranquil waterfront living “Every aspect of the apartment’s design intends to enhance the stunning water and Harbour Bridge views using a soft palette of materials like quality wood veneer and natural stone benchtops,” notes the seller and architect Classic to the front and contemporary to the back the transformation of this idyllic cottage flawlessly captures the upscale allure of Woollahra “It’s designed for both daily life and entertaining featuring cultivated open-plan interiors and excellent indoor-outdoor flow to a private garden,” the agent says “Premium materials such as marble and polished concrete are present Especially striking is the concrete slab island used in the chef’s kitchen.” This article was originally published by Domain.com.au. Reproduced with permission. Looking for your next home in Sydney? We\\u2019ve got you covered. Most of us can\\u2019t wait to get home after a day\\u2019s hard graft, but turning into the long driveway of 40 Livingstone Avenue, Pymble, must feel like heaven. Tall trees and greenery fringe the drive before you arrive at the impressive, generous entrance here. \\u201CThe house sits beautifully in its environment,\\u201D says Christie\\u2019s International Real Estate\\u2019s Darren Curtis. \\u201CThe bushland setting is a haven \\u2013 sheer privacy and seclusion.\\u201D Ample terraces and balconies mean you can get out into that restorative scene, but you\\u2019d just as soon gaze at the interiors here. \\u201CThe finish is immaculate,\\u201D he says. The upper entry level brings you into the sweep of the brilliant communal spaces. A raked, beamed ceiling pushes across from the sharp kitchen \\u2013 love those pale emerald quartzite benches \\u2013 to luminous living and dining rooms with double-height glass bringing that divine outside in. The lofty roofline carries outside to the superb, broad al fresco space with stone walls, a built-in barbecue and a fireplace floating above the cool pool below. Italian floor tiles, Japanese wall tiles, smart wiring and splendid accommodation on both levels underscore the quality here. Excellent schools are nearby, so too good transport links to Sydney. Enveloped by a serene wonderland of trees, this lovingly renovated sandstone home offers a sweet escape on one of Paddington\\u2019s quietest streets. \\u201CThis rare property, available for the first time in 36 years, spans two blocks with an 11-metre frontage,\\u201D the agent notes. \\u201CThe north-facing courtyard with its saltwater swimming pool is perfect for summer, while in winter, the library and fireside living rooms become cosy retreats.\\u201D Bathed in sunlight, this stunning circa 1906 period home captivates with its sprawling 1105 square metres of land, restored period details, and refined renovation at the rear. \\u201CWatching the sunrise from the front steps in the early morning offers elevated views of the Pacific, underscoring the home\\u2019s proximity to Coogee Beach,\\u201D the agent remarks. \\u201CSummers are best spent enjoying the pool, garden, and spacious open-plan living areas.\\u201D Rising to the 32nd floor of the eagerly awaited One Sydney Harbour, this luxury apartment occupies a prime north-east corner with a dramatic sightline over the Harbour Bridge. \\u201CRenzo Piano crafted the architecture and Darling Associates the interiors, boasting expansive glass walls that capture the Barangaroo headlands and Luna Park,\\u201D the agent highlights. \\u201CThe first resident will indulge in a six-star hotel lifestyle in one of Sydney\\u2019s most exclusive locales.\\u201D Nestled along a tree-lined street of its premier postcode, this exquisite period home unveils architectural grace through a stunning renovation and extension. \\u201CThe heart of the home is the family-centric open-plan living area, encompassing the kitchen and dining spaces, designed for family time and entertaining,\\u201D the agent details. \\u201CMeanwhile, original elements, such as ornate ceilings and fireplaces, have been carefully preserved.\\u201D Set to the soundtrack of gently lapping waves, this top-floor penthouse epitomises tranquil waterfront living. \\u201CEvery aspect of the apartment\\u2019s design intends to enhance the stunning water and Harbour Bridge views, using a soft palette of materials like quality wood veneer and natural stone benchtops,\\u201D notes the seller and architect, Rob Mirams. \\u201CThe master suite is particularly special, offering constant views of the bridge, day and night.\\u201D Classic to the front and contemporary to the back, the transformation of this idyllic cottage flawlessly captures the upscale allure of Woollahra. \\u201CIt\\u2019s designed for both daily life and entertaining, featuring cultivated open-plan interiors and excellent indoor-outdoor flow to a private garden,\\u201D the agent says. \\u201CPremium materials such as marble and polished concrete are present. Especially striking is the concrete slab island used in the chef\\u2019s kitchen.\\u201D This article was originally published by Reproduced with permission. and one Pymble residence sold behind closed doors for $15 million SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe Sydney’s broader housing market may be bracing for price falls after rising interest rates. But in a parallel universe known as the high-end market, a buyer from Adelaide has paid $15 million in cash for a house in Pymble The 2900 square metre property with impressively landscaped gardens the wife of technology entrepreneur “Jerry” Jian Huang Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Many agents and vendors shy away from taking $10m-plus properties to an open auction preferring to sell via private treaty or discreet expressions of interest campaigns But this year’s unprecedented upper north shore property market has been a game changer for auctions of all shapes and sizes brought one of Pymble’s finest estates to market last month with a guide of $10m and an auction date of November 27 He had complete faith in putting the six-bedroom “I felt there would be buyers who would be prepared to compete for it.” with four of them placing bids during the quick auction MORE: Billionaire’s famous wedding venue up for grabs Chris Hemsworth ‘eyes off’ $15 oceanfront site The home, at 29a Bobbin Head Rd, sold under the hammer for a whopping $12m to a local family who were upsizing The home sold under the hammer for a whopping $12m to a local family who were upsizing Mr Farquhar says he believes it is the biggest auction result ever in the Ku-ring-gai area CoreLogic records show it is also a new suburb record The previous residential record was held by 5-7 Lonsdale Ave, Pymble a 5048sq m estate that traded in 2020 for $9.875m The Bobbin Head Rd estate sprawls over 2790sq m and includes a palatial 688sq m a mosaic-tiled gas-heated pool with two cabanas “It literally has everything,” Mr Farquhar says CoreLogic records show the home has set a new suburb record The home boasts six-bedrooms and six-bathrooms He says the upper north shore market has had a phenomenal year when it comes to price growth “I’ve worked in the area for 26 years and I’ve never seen a market like this,” he says MORE: Homebuyer boost as Sydney market cools off Watson’s Bay waterfront sells for $3m over guide Shock time it takes to save for a deposit The Bobbin Head Rd estate sprawls over 2790sq m It’s been a big year for the upper north shore market A woman who was killed and placed into a freezer at her home in Sydney’s upper north shore was stabbed to death by her husband after telling him she wanted a divorce was discovered inside her Pymble home on November 27 left a message for his colleague which said: “I was a little mentally abnormal a few days ago and accidentally killed my wife during a fight with her.” Neighbours had called triple zero on November 24 after hearing “raised voices and children screaming” about 11.45pm when multiple police responded and patrolled the apartment building they were unable to hear any further noises Ms Chen’s employer received a text message from Ms Chen saying she wouldn’t be at work for several weeks Mr Luo answered and said his wife couldn’t come to the phone told the NSW Coroners Court that Mr Luo bought a chest freezer from Bing Lee later that day then attempted to fly to China with their children however his flight was cancelled due to bad weather The apartment block in Pymble where Ms Chen was killed.Credit: Wolter Peeters He returned to the apartment and spent the night before flying to China the next day he confessed to Ms Chen’s father that he had killed her with Chinese authorities indicating they intended to prosecute him for the killing A medical examination determined that Ms Chen died from three stab wounds to the chest Witnesses who spoke to police described Mr Luo as becoming “increasingly erratic” through 2019 including holding out his phone and saying it was “tapped” A doctor in China believed he had schizophrenia The inquest heard Mr Luo thought people around him were trying to hurt him and kill him and at one stage made his family sleep in the corner of the living room while he wielded a cooking knife to protect them Mr Luo also believed his wife was having an affair and would inspect her phone She told a friend on WeChat that she had asked him for a divorce Mr Luo told another person that Ms Chen wanted to move out and live by herself Deputy State Coroner Elaine Truscott said Ms Chen was killed in the home that day or the next day in a “homicide by [a] known person in a domestic relationship” with her Ms Truscott found the cause of death to be stab wounds to the chest Mr Welsh said DNA belonging to Mr Luo was found on a Band-Aid inside the freezer and under his wife’s fingernails with his palm print also found on the freezer Detective Sergeant Richard Howe from the homicide squad was asked if police were able to establish precisely where in the unit Ms Chen was stabbed “The location of the deceased’s blood in the lounge room makes it likely there was a bloodshed event in that area.” Ms Truscott said her understanding was that there was no extradition treaty between China and Australia Support is available by phoning the National Sexual Assault Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line on 1800 737 732 A woman who was killed and placed into a freezer at her home in Sydney\\u2019s upper north shore was stabbed to death by her husband after telling him she wanted a divorce left a message for his colleague which said: \\u201CI was a little mentally abnormal a few days ago and accidentally killed my wife during a fight with her.\\u201D Neighbours had called triple zero on November 24 after hearing \\u201Craised voices and children screaming\\u201D about 11.45pm Ms Chen\\u2019s employer received a text message from Ms Chen saying she wouldn\\u2019t be at work for several weeks Mr Luo answered and said his wife couldn\\u2019t come to the phone he confessed to Ms Chen\\u2019s father that he had killed her Witnesses who spoke to police described Mr Luo as becoming \\u201Cincreasingly erratic\\u201D through 2019 including holding out his phone and saying it was \\u201Ctapped\\u201D in a \\u201Chomicide by [a] known person in a domestic relationship\\u201D with her Mr Welsh said DNA belonging to Mr Luo was found on a Band-Aid inside the freezer and under his wife\\u2019s fingernails \\u201CNot precisely,\\u201D Sergeant Howe said \\u201CThe location of the deceased\\u2019s blood in the lounge room makes it likely there was a bloodshed event in that area.\\u201D A grandmother was “over the moon” selling her charming house for $4.35 million at auction to a retired couple who bought it for the land value only Five bidders registered and two actively participated in Saturday’s auction for the five-bedroom property located on Pymble’s “blue ribbon” east side at 10 Graham Avenue when the underbidder placed the opening bid The auction slowed about the $3.7 million to $3.8 million mark but quickly picked up again at $4 million and the auction lasted 11 minutes from start to finish in front of a crowd of 150 It was one of 607 homes scheduled to go under the hammer in Sydney on Saturday Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 76.6 per cent from 364 reported results Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate Vendor Kim Ward was present at the auction and was happy once it went past the reserve Everything worked in my favour with interest rates not going up And not having any competition in that price bracket in my area,” she said The vendor is relocating locally to help her daughter with her grandchildren Both bidders at the auction live in the area The Pymble home attracted two active bidders.Credit: McGrath Selling agent James Sutton from McGrath Wahroonga said the location size of the block and north-facing aspect were major drawcards “Pymble has performed really well this year That’s creating high levels of competition for the properties that are on the market We’re finding open numbers are really strong and active buyers are more common now than they were last year.” The house last traded for $1,625,000 million in 2006 Elsewhere, a state-of-the-art waterside home at 3 The Esplanade and two actively participated in the auction for the five-bedroom four-bathroom home boasting 180-degree views and guided at $6.5 million Bidding opened at $6 million and increased by $100,000 with each bid until the final $50,000 raise are looking forward to a lifestyle change and are now planning to buy a boat Selling agent Daniel Patterson from CobdenHayson Drummoyne said the vendor was extremely happy and would be upsizing locally “A lot of people are trading their property well being quite aggressive and ambitious on the next purchase,” he said AMP Capital chief economist Dr Shane Oliver said Saturday’s 76.6 per cent clearance rate shows the auction market has continued to strengthen It will probably get revised down to around 74 per cent Oliver said the clearance rate was being supported by buyers showing interest but the stock was low “Post-Easter you often see the listings have fallen again buyers out there pick up bargains after the slump in prices Oliver expects a slowing down in activity as we go into winter and warns we are yet to see the impact of 880,000 people on fixed-rate mortgages reset from 2-2.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent A redbrick knockdown in Lakemba sold for $1,561,000 selling $61,000 above the $1.5 million reserve and $1.4 million to $1.5 million guide Bidding opened at $1.3 million for 35 Dennis Street and 30 bids were placed over a rapid 15-minute auction which was on the market for the first time since the 1940s The site is within walking distance to the Ramadan night markets Lakemba train station and the local mosque The successful bidder was a Bangladeshi family keen to develop a family home close to the mosque said the market for houses was in extremely high demand at the moment In Wiley Park, an investor bought a two-bedroom unit for $330,000. Three registered and actively bid on 6/624 Punchbowl Road Bidding opened at $280,000 and went quickly above the $300,000 guide This sale was the most affordable in reported auction results in Sydney on Saturday The investor plans to rent the unit out for $380 per week said more investors were looking to jump into the market due to increased returns A grandmother was \\u201Cover the moon\\u201D selling her charming house for $4.35 million at auction to a retired couple who bought it for the land value only Five bidders registered and two actively participated in Saturday\\u2019s auction for the five-bedroom property located on Pymble\\u2019s \\u201Cblue ribbon\\u201D east side at And not having any competition in that price bracket in my area,\\u201D she said \\u201CPymble has performed really well this year That\\u2019s creating high levels of competition for the properties that are on the market We\\u2019re finding open numbers are really strong and active buyers are more common now than they were last year.\\u201D \\u201CA lot of people are trading their property well And that\\u2019s following up the food chain everyone selling whatever they\\u2019re selling being quite aggressive and ambitious on the next purchase,\\u201D he said AMP Capital chief economist Dr Shane Oliver said Saturday\\u2019s 76.6 per cent clearance rate shows the auction market has continued to strengthen \\u201C76.6 per cent is a fairly solid outcome But it\\u2019s still pretty solid,\\u201D he said \\u201CPost-Easter you often see the listings have fallen again but there\\u2019s not a lot of listings.\\u201D an investor bought a two-bedroom unit for $330,000 Walter Burley Griffin’s last and largest Australian house is about to test the benchmark for Sydney north shore prices – despite having an unauthorised renovation needing remediation The visionary house on 5640sq m of land on Telegraph Rd was built in 1935 and is on local and state heritage registers Former bank of Queensland chief Stuart Grimshaw and his wife Anneliese purchased the six-bedroom house almost three years ago for $13m and after a long settlement set about renovating inside and out Kyle Sandilands new $13m+ home $3m guide as mum says ‘just buy it’ he hasn’t seen anything as luxurious and would-be buyers are already comparing it to luxury homes in LA or a converted palace hotel in Spain “In its own way it’s the most spectacular home I have ever seen,” he said there are court orders in place to reinstate some of the heritage features lost in the renovation Mr Mintorn said the instructions were clear and simple in identifying what needs to be done interstate and overseas and expressions of interest close on December 19 There is no advertised guide for the house but the property has set northside records before – the current benchmark is $25m for a house that sold last year in Northbridge Walter Burley Griffin was the designer of Canberra beating 136 international designs to create the nation’s capital Coppins was his last residential project before he left Australia While the famous architect concentrated on the house his wife Marion Mahoney Griffin designed the gardens The gardens have been beautifully maintained “It presents an opportunity to become the custodians of an estate of peerless luxury and historic grandeur … one of Sydney’s finest,” Mr Mintorn said The Homicide Squad is investigating after a woman's body was found inside a freezer in her Pymble unit on Wednesday one day after her husband allegedly left the country who has not been formally identified but is believed to be the occupant of the North Shore apartment and aged in her 30s She had shared the apartment in the Bobbin Head Road building with her husband and the couple's two sons Police establish a crime scene at a unit block at Pymble after a woman's body was found in a freezer.Credit: Wolter Peeters Sources said that neighbours had reported hearing a loud domestic dispute at the unit earlier this week The man is then believed to have left Australia for China on Tuesday The family's pet rabbits were also missing from the apartment A police officer with direct knowledge of the investigation told the Herald that an associate of the man made a call to police on Wednesday morning police confirmed that there had been a "concern for welfare check" around 10am on Wednesday "A crime scene has been established which will be examined by specialist forensic officers," read the statement "A post mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death." Detectives from the Homicide Squad were on Wednesday night making inquiries about the couple's citizenship of both Australia and China A crime scene was established at the Pymble unit block.Credit: Wolter Peeters local police from Ku-Ring-Gai Police Area Command and several officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad spent Wednesday night canvassing the three-building complex on Bobbin Head Road As well as speaking to residents in the complex and in nearby homes police were going through the rubbish bins in the complex's garage The unit remained a crime scene on Wednesday evening One neighbour told the Herald that she was “shocked” by the woman’s allegedly violent death “The police haven’t told us much – I just got home and found the apartment like this.” the Australian government shelved contentious legislation that would ratify an extradition treaty with China The Homicide Squad is investigating after a woman's body was found inside a freezer in her Pymble unit on Wednesday She had shared the apartment in the Bobbin Head Road building with her husband and the couple's two sons The family's pet rabbits were also missing from the apartment police confirmed that there had been a \\\"concern for welfare check\\\" around 10am on Wednesday \\\"A crime scene has been established which will be examined by specialist forensic officers,\\\" read the statement \\\"A post mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death.\\\" Detectives from the Homicide Squad were on Wednesday night making inquiries about the couple's citizenship of both Australia and China police were going through the rubbish bins in the complex's garage One neighbour told the Herald that she was \\u201Cshocked\\u201D by the woman\\u2019s allegedly violent death \\u201CThe police haven\\u2019t told us much \\u2013 I just got home and found the apartment like this.\\u201D Plans to build new classrooms and a dance academy at an exclusive private school have been condemned by residents and a local council that say the proposed building is too large and will affect neighbouring properties and worsen traffic congestion Pymble Ladies’ College submitted $46 million plans for a five-storey building of classrooms for its junior school and science and technology labs to replace temporary classrooms Local traffic congestion outside Pymble Ladies’ College during school pick-up time.Credit: Brook Mitchell The Grey House Precinct would also include a healthcare centre out-of-school hours care (OSHC) facilities and a childcare centre The new building would open from 6.30am on weekdays for dance students while the OSHC would open at 6.45am during school term There have been more than 120 public submissions most objecting to PLC’s building plans because of traffic and parking student numbers and the design of the proposed building PLC principal Kate Hadwen did not answer The Sun-Herald’s questions but said in a statement the school had consulted residents before submitting its development plans which will be determined by the Independent Planning Commission because of the widespread opposition “The Grey House Precinct development sits within the existing campus boundaries and will primarily provide improved academic and co-curricular learning spaces for Pymble students,” she said An artist’s impression of the proposed Grey House precinct development at Pymble Ladies’ College.Credit: Pymble Ladies’ College Hadwen said the school had continued to evolve to meet changing academic and co-curricular needs of students since 1916 “The College proactively works with the local council on an ongoing basis to identify and implement appropriate and safe traffic-calming solutions,” she said the building plans attracted many objections from residents – some of whom provided detailed submissions written by town planners – and Ku-ring-gai Council which prompted the school to change aspects of the proposal’s design “Traffic is stopped for up to 30 minutes in both directions on Avon Road by vehicles that queue to enter and leave PLC grounds.” “Council has received complaints in past years about activities at Pymble Ladies College relating to noise and lighting,” its submission said A council spokeswoman said the suburban private school’s amended plans had not resolved concerns about the height and bulk of the proposed building and its impact on nearby residents She said the council was also concerned about traffic and parking landscape design and whether the development was ecologically sustainable The council was also opposed to the school’s plan to use Pymble Avenue for student drop-off and pick-up instead of a designated car park within the school grounds Sydney’s private schools continue to attract concern from residents and councils worried that extravagant new facilities will negatively impact their neighbourhoods with traffic congestion Japan’s consul-general complained about Cranbrook School’s new sporting facilities, while police will be deployed to supervise parents dropping off and picking up kids at SCEGGS Darlinghurst after complaints PLC was overfunded by $1,915,901 in 2021 by the NSW government, according to a report by education economist Adam Rorris commissioned by the NSW Teachers Federation – one of more than 200 private schools given extra state government money Resident Ray Barbero said Avon Road became gridlocked on school days – particularly between 8am to 9am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm – with vehicles dropping off or collecting some of the school’s 2200 students the traffic is stopped for up to 30 minutes in both directions on Avon Road by vehicles that queue to enter and leave PLC grounds,” he said Another resident said the site chosen for the Grey House precinct was “very disappointing” “For such a large building and one that contains a multitude of high-noise-producing activities .. to be sited so close to neighbours seemingly demonstrates very little concern for the welfare of the residents it shares a boundary with.” State Liberal MP for Ku-ring-gai Alister Henskens acknowledged local traffic concerns in his submission and said residents felt the five-storey building was “out of keeping” with surrounding one- and two-storey homes “Moreover they find that the contemporary building does not respect the heritage streetscape.” The Planning Department also criticised the building’s design saying its bulk and scale was incompatible with the low-density character of nearby homes “The Department is concerned that the level 3 classroom windows and level 2 balcony of the proposed building may directly overlook onto the swimming pool and courtyards of the residential properties to the south,” its submission said Pymble Ladies\\u2019 College submitted $46 million for a five-storey building of classrooms for its junior school and science and technology labs to replace temporary classrooms most objecting to PLC\\u2019s building plans because of traffic and parking PLC principal Kate Hadwen did not answer The Sun-Herald\\u2019s questions but said in a statement the school had consulted residents before submitting its development plans \\u201CThe Grey House Precinct development sits within the existing campus boundaries and will primarily provide improved academic and co-curricular learning spaces for Pymble students,\\u201D she said \\u201CThe College proactively works with the local council on an ongoing basis to identify and implement appropriate and safe traffic-calming solutions,\\u201D she said the building plans attracted many objections from residents \\u2013 some of whom provided detailed submissions written by town planners \\u2013 and Ku-ring-gai Council which prompted the school to change aspects of the proposal\\u2019s design \\u201CCouncil has received complaints in past years about activities at Pymble Ladies College relating to noise and lighting,\\u201D its submission said A council spokeswoman said the suburban private school\\u2019s amended plans had not resolved concerns about the height and bulk of the proposed building and its impact on nearby residents The council was also opposed to the school\\u2019s plan to use Pymble Avenue for student drop-off and pick-up instead of a designated car park within the school grounds Sydney\\u2019s private schools continue to attract concern from residents and councils worried that extravagant new facilities will negatively impact their neighbourhoods with traffic congestion about Cranbrook School\\u2019s new sporting facilities while parents dropping off and picking up kids at SCEGGS Darlinghurst after complaints PLC was overfunded by $1,915,901 in 2021 by the NSW government according to a commissioned by the NSW Teachers Federation \\u2013 one of more than 200 private schools given extra state government money Resident Ray Barbero said Avon Road became gridlocked on school days \\u2013 particularly between 8am to 9am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm \\u2013 with vehicles dropping off or collecting some of the school\\u2019s 2200 students the traffic is stopped for up to 30 minutes in both directions on Avon Road by vehicles that queue to enter and leave PLC grounds,\\u201D he said Another resident said the site chosen for the Grey House precinct was \\u201Cvery disappointing\\u201D \\u201CFor such a large building and one that contains a multitude of high-noise-producing activities .. to be sited so close to neighbours seemingly demonstrates very little concern for the welfare of the residents it shares a boundary with.\\u201D State Liberal MP for Ku-ring-gai Alister Henskens acknowledged local traffic concerns in his submission and said residents felt the five-storey building was \\u201Cout of keeping\\u201D with surrounding one- and two-storey homes \\u201CMoreover they find that the contemporary building does not respect the heritage streetscape.\\u201D The Planning Department also criticised the building\\u2019s design \\u201CThe Department is concerned that the level 3 classroom windows and level 2 balcony of the proposed building may directly overlook onto the swimming pool and courtyards of the residential properties to the south,\\u201D its submission said \\u201CTraffic is stopped for up to 30 minutes in both directions on Avon Road by vehicles that queue to enter and leave PLC grounds.\\u201D