Property Watch
A Berkeley house, with uninterrupted views across Lake Illawarra, has sold at auction for $865,000, breaking a new record for residential sales in the suburb.
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The home at 32 Shearwater Drive was sold to Sydney buyers who paid above market value to secure the three-storey luxury property.
Agent David Bliss, of McGrath Estate Agents, who was responsible for the sale, said the highest previous residential sale in Berkeley was $715,000.
Set on 1000 square metres of land, the home has six bedrooms, four bathrooms and two garages.
Mr Bliss said the property was built to a very high standard with double brick throughout and suspended concrete slabs on all three levels.
There are four living areas including formal living and dining, casual lounge as well as a home entertainment room.
Mr Bliss said some of the luxury appointments included a 24 carat gold-plated Swarovski crystal chandelier in the entrance hall originally designed for a cathedral; a rosewood timber kitchen with European stainless steel appliances; custom timber work throughout, including staircases, built-in wardrobes and skirting boards; handmade ornate cornices and vitrified floor tiles.
He said the auction campaign drew five bidders from the local area and Sydney.
"It ultimately came down to two Sydney buyers competing at the end and we were able to secure the sale shortly after auction," he said.
"The vendors and I are ecstatic with the result.
"This is my second sale this month to Sydney buyers who have paid above market value for a property in Berkeley."
According to Australian Property Monitors, the Berkeley median house price is $315,000 - an increase of 5 per cent in the 12 months to July 2014.
Former B&B for sale
A two-storey former bed and breakfast at Robertson, which is now used as a private residence, is up for sale.
Rose Ella, as the property is known, has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, formal dining area, lounge room, family room, large country style timber kitchen, large sunroom and a one-and-a-half car garage.
There is a detached cottage next to the main residence, which has a lounge room, kitchen, dining, two bedrooms and garage.
The cottage is suitable for teenagers, in-laws' accommodation or private rental.
Listed with Rob Linnehan of Ray White Albion Park, Rose Ella is situated on more than two hectares of east-facing land, with commanding views to the east and Illawarra coastal plans.
The land consists of clear paddocks and light timber. There is a plentiful water supply from on-site tanks.
The property at 72 McGuinness Drive will go to auction on November 1 at midday.
Elegant luxury
A Keiraville home, set on a generous 1355-square-metre double-block which backs on to a bushland reserve, will go to auction next month.
The home at 33-35 Shoobert Crescent is an elegant double storey residence with classic architecture, generous proportions and easy outdoor flow.
Listed with Daniel Norris, of Ray White Dapto, the home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three garage spaces.
Mr Norris said the upper level living and dining areas set a mood of relaxed luxury while ducted airconditioning afforded year-round comfort.
The lower level opens out to a huge poolside terrace with multiple entertainment areas creating a private haven.
It is open for inspection on Saturday from 11am to 11.45am and from 1pm to 1.45pm.
The home will go to auction on Sunday, November 16, at 11.30am.
New Belle office
Riding the wave of success of their Belle Property Wollongong office, real estate dynamos Darren and Nicole Kay have opened a new office at Thirroul.
Mr Kay said Belle Property Thirroul, located at shop 5/309 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, represented his and Ms Kay's commitment to their strong northern suburbs client base.
Ms Kay (nee Isley), who was born and bred in Austinmer, said the couple saw the need for a local presence.
The new office, complemented by Belle Property northern suburbs agents Amanda Moore and Daniel Field, is open.
Cottage living
A three-bedroom home at Gwynneville, on a corner block in a quiet street, is on the market for $620,000.
The weatherboard and tile cottage at 35 Crawford Avenue is positioned on a level 594-square- metre block of land.
Listed with Mark Jackson, of Jackson Residential - Gwynneville, the single-level home consists of a large living room, separate dining area, three bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings and a large, detached garage plus a carport.
It is open for inspection on Saturday from midday to 12.30pm.
Worth a look
- A three-bedroom Kiama duplex for $750,000 through Raine & Horne
- A three-bedroom Lake Illawarra unit for $360,000-plus through Ray White
- A two-bedroom Mangerton townhouse for $339,900 through MMJ
- A four-bedroom Tarrawanna house for auction through McPhail Real Estate
- A two-bedroom Wollongong apartment for $450,000 through One Agency