The Art of Selling Heritage Homes in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

In September 2019, 86 Coogee Bay Rd Coogee sold at auction after a popular campaign that saw unprecedented interest in the heritage listed home. Selling agent Robbie Thorncroft noted that “heritage homes are popular in the East, because people not only appreciate the historical significance of a property, they can expect features we don’t see in contemporary builds.”

Positioned in a landmark corner position, the property sold at auction for $500K over its reserve, creating a street record for both Carrington Rd Coogee and Coogee Bay Rd Coogee by Robbie and co-agent James Ball. Ballard Property project managed a meticulous overhaul prior to the campaign, ensuring the heritage features were beautifully highlighted.

“A lot of people are intimidated by heritage listings, which is why it’s essential to work with an agent who understands their position in the market.” Robbie commented on Ballard Property’s excellent track record with heritage homes.

Clint Ballard has long seen the popularity of heritage homes in the East. “From Woollahra to Randwick and up to Watson’s Bay, in my twenty years of selling homes, whenever we have a historical property, there’s increased interest.”

115 Queen St, Woollahra

One property of note in recent years was 115 Queen St Woollahra, where Clint and Mark Lowe achieved a street record for a house steeped in history. Mark commented that “115 Queen St is a good example of where restoration and renovation have amplified the property’s appeal.” Comprising of an extensively restored Victorian front section and a magnificent contemporary rear pavilion, the property is one of the suburb's most significant homes. The heritage section was the home of opera star Dame Joan Sutherland's grandfather and her home during childhood.

Robbie Thorncroft also worked with Clint to achieve a Randwick terrace record earlier in 2019 at 28 The Avenue, Randwick. The award-winning revival of one of Randwick's finest Victorian Italianate home had been transformed by interior designers Arent & Pyke and architect Tom Ferguson with a collaborative design that injected a sense of life and vitality into the striking interiors. Built in 1888 as part of the historic Avonmore Terrace row, a heritage-listed row of nine three-storey Italianate homes at 26-42 The Avenue, Randwick.

28 The Avenue, Randwick

In nearby Kensington, several streets are covered as part of a local heritage conservation area. While the properties may not have individual heritage items, any alterations are be assessed with heritage in mind. In 2017, Clint Ballard and Mark Lowe sold 28 Lenthall St, Kensington, a freestanding Queen Anne style Federation residence. Built c1920 as one of the earliest properties on the street, Lenthall House presented a rare opportunity to buy in a tightly held pocket of Kensington, demonstrated in the high level of interest in the home and a street record result.

If you would like any further information regarding these sales, or would like a confidential discussion about your property, please contact Clint Ballard on 0411 426 600, Robbie Thorncroft on 0412 124 516, or Mark Lowe on 0403 136 530.

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