An iconic Roman-style mansion in one of Sydney’s most exclusive enclaves has just been sold for an impressive $15 million, marking a standout moment in the city’s luxury real estate market.
Chateau de Benelong, a landmark seven-bedroom manor nestled in the affluent suburb of Bellevue Hill, is a stunning architectural marvel reminiscent of ancient Roman estates. With its majestic Greek columns and elegant Roman archways, the home stands in striking contrast to its more subdued neighbours on prestigious Benelong Crescent.
The opulent property was listed in March with a price guide of $15 million, marketed by renowned real estate agents Paul Biller and Ben Torban of Biller Property. The home quickly attracted considerable attention, contributing to what was an extraordinary $80 million sales week for the Biller team.
Although Biller remained discreet regarding the exact sale price and the identity of the new owners, he confirmed that interest in the unique property had been exceptionally strong. Chateau de Benelong last changed hands in 2015 for $5.9 million, making its latest sale a remarkable leap in value.
The neoclassical estate, designed by celebrated designer Lesley Santy, is also affectionately known as The White House or the European Palace. Though Santy was not an architect by trade, his talents earned him international acclaim, including a gold medal at the 1957 Milan International Furniture Exhibition.
Having remained largely untouched for decades, the home underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2011. It was revitalized by previous owners Nare Elio and Makedonka Del-Ben from the Big Dig Build Group, who had purchased the property for $3.67 million in 2009. They added several modern luxuries including a home theatre, wine cellar, pool, and outdoor pavilion. The estate was sold again in 2012 for $4.995 million.
The mansion boasts sweeping harbour views, expansive living areas, soaring ceilings, and a sequence of iconic arched windows that lead to private terraces. These features make the estate not just a home, but a showpiece of grandeur and architectural prestige.
Adding to its luxury, the property holds DA approval for a rooftop terrace, features a separate self-contained wing for guests or staff, a heated mosaic-tiled pool, outdoor kitchen, and meticulously landscaped gardens.
In addition to the sale of Chateau de Benelong, Biller Property closed multiple high-end transactions as April transitioned into May. According to Paul Biller, “Now the Easter and Anzac Day holidays plus the election is behind us, regardless of who won, as well as a couple of interest rate drops, it’s led to a lot more buyer confidence. We’re finding stronger numbers at inspections and more competition on every property; which is what we haven’t had for the last 12 to 18 months.”
One such sale included a five-bedroom home opposite Neilsen Park at 10 Greycliffe Ave, Vaucluse. Initially listed with a $17 million guide, the property sold at auction for over $20 million. “That was a great family home and the position is as good as it gets in the east without harbour views,” said Biller.
Another remarkable deal saw Biller, along with Adar Barhaim, sell 770 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay for nearly its $20 million guide. The eight-bedroom residence, offering postcard-perfect views of Sydney Harbour, was once the childhood home of Alexander Briger, a Paris-based conductor and founder of the Australian World Orchestra. The house had been in the family for more than a century.
In collaboration with Di Wilson from Ray White Double Bay, Biller also oversaw the auction of a five-bedroom house at 95 Hardy St, Dover Heights. The home, on the market for the first time in 40 years, sold under the hammer for $8.825 million—around $1 million above its campaign guide of $7.7 million.
Biller’s recent activity also included two significant sales in Watsons Bay. A property at 3 Pacific St fetched $15.7 million in April, and its neighbour, number 5, sold last week for between $7 million and $7.5 million. Both homes were owned by developer Jason Camuglia and sold to undisclosed buyers.
Lastly, Biller and Torban, together with Steven Zoellner from Laing and Simmons Double Bay, sold an art deco block of five units on Lamrock Avenue, just 300 meters from Bondi Beach. The deal reportedly reached approximately $7 million.
The Sydney luxury real estate market is clearly experiencing a robust revival, and the sale of Chateau de Benelong stands as a testament to the growing demand for architectural treasures that combine heritage with high-end living.
