
Buying in Warrawee – July 2004
Driving through the leafy upper north shore enclave of Warrawee is like stepping into a world that the rest of Sydney has left behind.
Well-groomed teenagers stroll along the grassy verges (for there are no nasty footpaths), sunlight gently dapples through the leaves of the mature Camellia trees and a black Labrador lies in the middle of the road soaking up the sun and refusing to move for any of the BMWs or Mercedes that drive by.
The only blot on this otherwise idyllic suburban streetscape is the checked Water Restrictions Patrol car which skulks the streets, checking for any sneaky gardener trying to hog more than their fair share of Sydney’s dwindling H2O supplies.
Warrawee has some of Sydney’s most architecturally significant houses dating back to the late 1890s and early 1900s, including houses designed by Professor Leslie Wilkinson and BJ Waterhouse.
Local agent John Luschwitz, director of Luschwitz Real Estate Agents, says Warrawee’s modern appeal is as a safe haven, far from the maddening crowds or city pressures.
“This is your classic private school upper north shore family market – they come here because it’s so nice and it’s a great place to bring up kids,” he says.
“Everyone is after quiet streets and quiet situations that you just can’t get in other places in Sydney.”
The Ku-Ring-Gai Historical Society says the tiny suburb between Wahroonga and Turramurra was populated by people so politically influential that they managed to demand their own railway station.
Apparently Warrawee is the Aboriginal word for “stop here”, and local residents had to fight the railway commissioners for a train station that is only one kilometre from Wahroonga.
Burns & Burns principal Julia Burns says Warrawee was founded by “Pitt Street farmers” who bought property back in the days when the Pacific Highway was just a dirt track and the wealthy wanted to claim tax breaks.
“It’s always been a place that powerful people are attracted to, it has a prestige,” she says.
Warrawee has no commercial development at all – not even a shop near the station.
“There aren’t many places in Sydney that are only quiet streets and nice houses with good proximity to a train line,” Luschwitz says.
The record price for the suburb is $11,980,000 for a large mansion on Chilton Parade.
Burns says the eastern side of the Pacific Highway is the premium area, with houses starting around the mid $1 millions.
Luschwitz says homes on the western side of the highway can start in the $700,000 to $900,000 range.
19 Eulbertie Ave
About $2 million
Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac, this 1950s colonial house has been transformed into a modern open plan family home with low maintenance gardens and living spaces all on one level. In a nod to post-war patriotism, there is even a large flagpole in the front yard so the new owner can fly the Aussie flag high.The interiors have high ceilings and an abundance of skylights, all of which have automatic blinds. The outdoor areas have been paved and the garden beds are floodlit with delicate water features and feature plantings.
There is a solar heated inground swimming pool, a garden shed and outdoor entertaining areas in the backyard.
The house has a flexible floorplan, with one side offering self-contained accommodation with its own bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living area opening to the backyard. The main house has three bedrooms, the master bedroom with an ensuite, bay window and large built-in wardrobes. The second bedroom has its own courtyard and walk-in dressing room.The main bathroom has a spa bath and large glass windows looking out to the side courtyard.
The house has an airy entry hall with skylights and an indoor garden, which leads through to the formal lounge room, which has a large sandstone fireplace.
There is also a formal dining room, a media nook and a large open plan family and meals area adjoining the kitchen.
The kitchen has been recently renovated to include Miele appliances, granite benchtops and an island bench.
The house has another jetmaster fireplace, reverse cycle air-conditioning, gas heating and security.
Set on the prestigious east side of the railway, the house is in walking distance to Warrawee public school, Knox Grammar and the train station.
House: Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, double carport, swimming poolBuilt: 1950s
Land 1000 sq m app
For sale by expressions of interest
Inspect by appointment
Inquiries Luschwitz Real Estate Agents 9449 5511
Kirkoswald
$5.5 million
They don’t build ‘em like this any more. This monstrously grand house has a curved sandstone portico and an entry hall larger than most city apartments.
The house was once owned by one of Warrawee’s privileged power brokers and the Ku-Ring-Gai Historical Society says Dame Nellie Melba is reported to have sung in the formal lounge room.
The sandstone and brick house is in an elevated position and the tower room on the top floor was once a viewing room where local children were paid to watch for bushfires.
The house has been completely renovated but retains all original features, including decorative ceilings, timber joinery and leadlight.
Chandeliers hang from the 12 foot ceilings, which soar even higher over the large timber stairwell which is lit by huge curved leadlight windows.
There are three living areas on the ground floor, not including the undercover outdoor living areas which overlook the front tennis court.
There is a modern granite kitchen adjoining a casual dining room and family area, which has a bonus playroom on the side and easy access to the back garden.
Upstairs there are four or more bedrooms, including a massive master suite which has its own walk-in dressing room, a separate study, a hexagonal sitting room and large sleeping area with marble fireplace.
There is an in-ground swimming pool with a separate pool house which is used as a billiards room.
There is a triple car garage with a self-contained one bedroom air-conditioned apartment above it.
House: Five bedrooms, six bathrooms, tennis court, swimming pool, triple garage
Built 1906
Land 2640 sq m
For sale by expressions of interest
Inquiries L.J. Hooker Pymble 9449 8888
Winton
2 Winton Avenue
$1.6 million+
This lovely Federation house is on the local council’s heritage list and has a huge frontage with mature gardens, including Magnolia and Camellia trees.
The level front lawn looks like it might have been a lawn tennis court and the backyard has a vegie patch and outdoor entertaining areas.
The house has three bedrooms, the main with a large sitting room and modern ensuite bathroom. It has picture windows which overlook the gardens.
The other two bedrooms are small, but have high decorative ceilings and large windows.
There is a 1950s style pink and grey bathroom, which has a charming ceramic bath spout and separate shower.
The kitchen has been renovated with granite benchtops and an island bench which adjoins a family room and casual meals area. It has glass doors out to the backyard.
There is a large formal dining room and lounge room, both with fireplaces, high ceilings and timber joinery. These rooms open to an undercover verandah which overlooks the front and side garden.
There is a double garage with a self-contained studio apartment, which could be used as a home office.
The original maid’s quarters are now used as service rooms and storage but have the potential to be converted to extra accommodation.
The main house has a large laundry and mud room, with plenty of storage.
House Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, double garage, swimming pool, self-contained flat
Built 1913
Land 2016 sq m
For sale by expressions of interest
Inspect Saturday 1pm to 3pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm
Agent Burns & Burns 9449 9211