Derived from sales reports and heritage listings, here are my choice of the best Federation homes for each state of Australia.
I have also compiled the top 10 Federation Homes list for NSW and South Australia. I try to list residential properties, rather than offices or institutional uses.
1. Fairwater, Double Bay NSW
THE most expensive home in this country’s history has just been snapped up by Aussie millionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes (September 2018).
The Atlassian co-founder broke the record after buying Lady Mary Fairfax’s Point Piper mansion, Fairwater.
2. The Hermitage estate, Vaucluse NSW
The Hemmes family has lived in The Hermitage, an expansive waterfront estate at Vaucluse, for 45 years. Justin, 46, still occupies his own private wing.
However,the family is not moving any time soon, according to Justin Hemmes' father.
Contrary to rumours, John Hemmes once said the home was not for sale.
"They're talking $60 million now,'' he said.
"But it's not on the market; it's not for sale. We love it here.''
3. Addenbrooke, Bellevue Hill NSW
Federation Queen Anne style: "A very choice position on the crown of the hill, with delightful views over the harbour"
It came with $33 million hopes by the downsizing vendors, Denis and Charlotte O'Neil.
Top Homes in NSW...
The list resumes from above to...
4. 60 Wunulla Road Point Piper NSW
(formerly Ni-No-Nan)
Another waterfront trophy home sale, the sixth in 2014 to sell for $30 million or more.
"The Federation Arts and Crafts style mansion of liquor baron John Piven-Large sold on Friday, bringing Point Piper's sales tally to some $200 million worth of prime real estate sales within five months. The six-bedroom residence with a tidal beach was first up for sale early last year with hopes of $40 million."
Top Federation Homes of South Australia
These properties are tightly held, and even then are likely to be sold privately, so they are ordered here by their rich heritage and their preservation rather than only by sale price.
1. Tarrangower 21 Victoria Ave, Unley Park SA
Unsuprisingly, Victoria Avenue in Unley Park is the location of a few of these listings.
Tarrangower is a grand early Federation Bungalow, heritage listed for its external form, materials and the period detailing of this 1917 Edwardian dwelling. The masonry and iron front fence is also included in the listing.
2. Dawley, 419 Glynburn Road, Leabrook
Sold on 28 Aug 2015 for $3,520,000.
6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces
c.1905, Gracious Family Residence of some 15 Main Rooms on park like grounds with a swimming pool, plus a vacant allotment.
3. Yurilla Hall, 20 Victoria Ave, Unley Park
Mysteriously, this Federation property was listed as Italianate in style, and assumed the listing of its older neighbour at 24 Victoria Avenue. Obviously this 1912 property on very large grounds is a grand Federation Queen Anne property. This was last sold in 1986 when C. and D. Angelopolous became the new owners.