Australia’s unrivalled six-star luxury riverfront property is on the market in Perth.
The resort-style oasis at 89 Watkins Road, Dalkeith is famed for its impeccable lush grounds complete with orchards, tennis court and picture perfect ​25m swimming pool.
The 6406sqm estate is spread over six titles on a quiet cul-de-sac, overlooking the Swan River in Perth’s prominent waterside suburb of Dalkeith.
The iconic property, well known as “the Bond mansion”, has been home to Sue Gibson and her family since 2011.
The property offers privacy, security and the ultimate family-friendly lifestyle.
Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park Director, Jody Fewster (nee Bond), has been called upon by Ms Gibson to sell the house where she herself grew up.
“I know the house and the location like the back of my hand and it truly is so special and one-of-a-kind,” Ms Fewster said of the estate, which is on the market with a price guide of $35M+.
Set on the Swan River, the property boasts 270-degree views, boat storage and direct access to the foreshore.
“To have grounds of this scale so close to the city and situated right on the Swan River is unheard of in Perth. Growing up we’d go prawning and collect mussels and the next family to live here will be able to go paddle boarding, boating and jet skiing right out the front of the house,” Ms Fewster said.
“There are very few properties in Perth that have a boat shed nowadays so it’s very special.”
Ms Gibson said the time is for right for her to downsize from her immaculate six-bedroom home.
The delightfully down-to-earth owner divides her time between her holiday home in the Southern Highlands of NSW where she is riding and breeding horses again.
Just like the former Bond house, Ms Gibson is renovating the farm in NSW, which was previously owned by famous fashion designer, Lisa Ho.
“My daughter has a year to go to finish university, so the time is right to downsize,” Ms Gibson said.
“I am really glad to have Jody in to sell the house as I know she loves it as much as I do. She is so passionate about the house that she grew up in. You can see her eyes light up when she talks about it.”
Ms Gibson’s favourite part of the estate was the pool area where she fondly remembers groups of children swimming and playing.
“The property offers so many entertainment options both inside and outside,” she said.
“We used to have BBQs and the kids would go and catch the crabs to eat, which is pretty cool as there’s not too many places where you can do that with such easy access to the river.
“We used to entertain and the chef would be able to source all the fruit from the orchard, like oranges and avocados, plus I have great vegetable garden. I haven’t always been a keen gardener but I do love to keep the house and grounds looking their best.”
On the lower level is a marble-floored ballroom complete with a stage for a band and catering kitchen, an indoor cinema fitted with 21 luxurious seats and a private gym featuring a full-size squash court, sauna and his-and-hers shower rooms.
“The home was immaculate when I bought it but we renovated a few areas to give it our personal touch, like the pool cabana area, and I converted a bedroom into a walk-in wardrobe next to the master suite.
“Now is the time. I have made my mind up and it really is the best time now downsize.”
The home is perfect for the next family who wants direct access to the river.
“It’s so private and you actually don’t know anyone else is around. In fact, we used to walk to school via the river as it is actually quicker than to take the car to get to Christ Church and MLC.
“The house is very functional, and it deserves a family as it’s got all the space and facilities you could ever want.”
The residence was originally designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Summerhayes for the late Alan Bond. Each set of owners since has enhanced and updated the property to ensure its classic contemporary style is honed to perfection.
The gardens resemble an outdoor gallery, with the landscape designer’s art complemented by statement sculptural pieces such as the specially commissioned dolphin quartet fountain.
The property, which is being marketed in Australia and overseas, is for sale via an expressions of interest campaign closing on 2nd December at 5pm.
