Kilmory, 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper

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Kilmory, 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper NSW 2027

Kilmory, 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper

"Squatting on the highest knoll in Point Piper is an enormous house the size of 12 large three-bedroom homes. It has about 50 rooms, panoramic views over Sydney Harbour, a sweeping circular driveway and is set in gardens the size of 10 quarter-acre blocks. Kilmory is a mansion in anyone's language.

Despite its location and size, or maybe because of it, Kilmory lay empty until recently, slowly falling into disrepair. Former owner Rodney Adler had the house on the market for two or three years before eventually it selling to a developer earlier this year.

After ten years of consultation between Woollahra Council, the developer (Byrne Lewis Group), the State Heritage Office, architects and countless other interested parties, the property was converted into 11 luxury homes - seven apartments within the actual house and four new residences in the grounds.

As converted, Kilmory will join a series of palatial harbourside mansions, including Ardenbraught across the road, Gladswood House in Double Bay and, the most recent and high profile of mansion conversions, the 112-room,State Heritage-listed Babworth House in Darling Point, the former family home of Sir Samuel Hordern, as grand old homes which have been given a new lease of life."[1]

Aerial view of Kilmory, 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper NSW 2027 (looking North-East over Sydney Harbour)

Aerial view of Kilmory, 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper NSW 2027 (looking North-West over Sydney Harbour)

"Houses like this are mostly too big for today's market. Buildings like Kilmory can fall into disrepair quite badly and rapidly while waiting for an owner." Therefore, Caroline Pidcock argues that the next best way to preserve them is by their sensitive conversion into apartments.

And they have proved popular with buyers.
Five of Kilmory's seven apartments and two of its houses have already sold, although completion is not due until June 2005(2015)
Prices for Kilmory have so far ranged from $3.5 million to $5.5 million, with the largest apartment still available."

The grand size and scale of the buildings and the apartments are a big drawcard for buyers. Kilmory apartments range from 280-400 sq m and Babworth House's from about 300-550 sq m.

And unlike the mansion conversions in the1960s and '70s, the emphasis is now on preserving and restoring important heritage features.
Apartments in the Babworth and Kilmory developments feature
- high ornate ceilings,
- extensive oak panelling,
- slate roofs and copper guttering.
Contemporary lifestyles are incorporated in the heated swimming pools, private lifts, and three-car garages.
The Royal Australian Institute of Architects NSW president, Caroline Pidcock, says conversions present a viable option for increasing the density of a suburb without changing its character, and offer another housing option for people who want to downsize within their local area.
- "A lot of these mansions have rooms with fantastic proportions that feel fabulous to be in,"she says, "Owners can enjoy all of that without having a vast house to maintain and afford. It allows people to remain in their community."[2]

Kilmory 6 Wentworth Street Point Piper.

No. 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper, known as Kilmory, is located on an elevated position on the northeastern bend of Wentworth Street.

Kilmory is the largest site on the Point Piper peninsula and the last of that suburb’s grand estates.
The property has exceptional local heritage significance and is listed as a heritage item in Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 1995.

Kilmory, Point Piper NSW

Kilmory is on the highest part of Point Piper. Because of this elevated position the building and its landscaped grounds can be seen from areas in Vaucluse, Rose Bay and Darling Point.[15]

Aerial view Kilmory 6 Wentworth Street Point Piper.

The house occupies a prominent and highly visible position on the site. From parts of Wentworth Street, it presents a striking and dominating form against an uninterrupted skyline. This elevated position also provides the house and the upper landscaped areas with expansive views of Sydney Harbour and the northern foreshore.

Kilmory, 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper, Sydney

"Kilmory", 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper was commandeered by the military during WW2 from Sir Alexander MacCormick to establish Eastern Area Headquarters on 15 May 1942.

"Kilmory" was built in 1912 for Sir Alexander MacCormick, who was a surgeon and a member of the Sydney University Medical School. After the war, it became Riverview College and then became a Franciscan Retreat. [16]
"A grand though simple house, it uses the harled walls, slate roofs and robust stone chimneys characterstic of architect C.R. Mackintosh (1868-1928) such as the houses Hills House, Helensburgh, Scotland, and the house built for C.F.A. Voysey (1857-1941).
It was known as the Ave Maria Centre, and was the Provincial House of the Roman Catholic Order of the Franciscan Missionaries of [17] Mary. seven apartments
Now it has been converted into just seven highly-individualised apartments within the creatively reinvented "Kilmory" security mansion (c.1913), made for entertaining with scenic Bay and Harbour views..[18]

Renovation of Kilmory, Point Piper, completed in 2015.

The house is an Arts and Crafts style building designed in 1913 by John William Manson of the architectural firm Manson and Pickering for Dr Alexander MacCormick (later Sir Alexander), an eminent member of Sydney’s medical profession.

Construction of the house was undertaken by the leading building firm of Stuart Bros. Co. over the period 1913 to 1914.
The house and its landscape setting, including sandstone walling, driveway, entry posts and gates, elevated terraces, gardens and prominent trees are highly significant and contributory elements in the Wentworth Street streetscape.[19]
Gallery of Unit 3, 6 Wentworth Street, Kilmory, Point Piper.
Gallery of Unit 5, 6 Wenworth Street, Kilmory, Point Piper

Renovated Kilmory, now a block of apartments at Point Piper, NSW.

These existing character elements represent the distinguishing and important features of Kilmory, which are:

the dominant form and visual presence of the house as seen from Wentworth Street and from other locations, both local and distant
the landmark qualities of the site
the open appearance of the site which contrasts with the densely built up character of Point Piper
the distinctive and unifying use of sandstone in the boundary walls, garden terraces and house
the terraced landform rising from street level and terminating with the house
the uninterrupted form of the house, particularly the roof lines, against the skyline when viewed from Wentworth Street
the formal entrance gates and gate posts on Wentworth Street and the winding driveway, ascending to the house
the sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, Woollahra foreshores and the northern foreshore areas from the house and upper gardens
the individual elements of the house and its grounds that are of heritage significance as identified in the document titled Conservation Management Plan for Kilmory, 6 Wentworth Street Point Piper (January 1998 - issue F)
the significant trees and vegetation.[1]

Unit 2, Penthouse, Kilmory, 6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper NSW

Taking pride of place in the landmark Kilmory Estate, this exceptional two storey residence enjoys one of Sydney's most coveted addresses.

With a commanding position and incredible sense of light, space and privacy, it's wrapped in panoramic northerly harbour views. Offering 406sqm (approx) of internal living space, it has been meticulously recreated showcasing exceptional attention to detail and a seamless fusion of heritage architecture and cutting-edge design.

It's introduced by a substantial reception vestibule with European Oak floors and Baccarat chandelier and wall sconces creating an ambiance of refined elegance. Features include

grand formal living and dining rooms with 3.6m ceilings,
state-of-the-art marble island kitchen,
casual dining with Jetmaster fireplace and marble floored entertaining loggia.

Accommodation comprises a separate wing with two large ensuite bedrooms and living room on the main level and a master retreat with dual ensuites, dressing room, sitting area and extensive storage on the upper level.

The property features a four car garage with mezzanine storage, lift to foyer, private garden, CBus, ducted a/c, back-to-base security, surround sound, heated indoor pool, gym and visitor parking.

Kilmory Penthouse has an alfresco dining area and harbour views.

Inside the prestigious Point Piper penthouse

China’s ‘Tina Turner’ buys $11.5m Point Piper penthouse

The Daily Telegraph, March 25, 2016 11:31am

Kilmory Penthouse, Point Piper NSW

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CHINESE rock queen Tian Zhen has bought into one of Sydney’s most coveted addresses, laying out more than $11.5 million for a prestigious Point Piper penthouse.

The Beijing-based star, who lists Tina Turner as her rock idol, has bought into the eastern suburbs’ landmark Kilmory Estate in exclusive Wentworth Street.
Described as an extravagant private haven, the penthouse with harbour views is one of just seven highly-individualised apartments within the creatively reinvented “Kilmory” security mansion, built around 1913.

Luxurious North East Facing Garden Apartment with Harbour Views

5/6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper NSW 2027

Spanning a magnificent 1,079 sqm (approx), this level garden apartment boasts house-like proportions, prestigiously set within Point Pipers landmark ‘Kilmory Estate’.

Featuring a north easterly aspect capturing expansive views across Sydney Harbour, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and the northern foreshore with secure level private lift access directly into the apartment.

5/6 Wentworth Street, Point Piper NSW 2027

Opulent light filled, formal and informal living and dining areas enjoy original period features throughout including 3.9-metre-high ceilings, polished timber floorboards flowing onto vast sandstone entertaining terraces, vast sunny level lawns and meticulously manicured gardens commanding sweeping harbour views.

The enormous open plan informal dining room and contemporary kitchen, featuring an extensive Caesarstone island and Gaggenau oven and stove flow onto the north facing gardens, lawns and outdoor BBQ and entertaining areas. Central to this private and tranquil apartment is a leafy sunlit courtyard garden featuring a koi pond and pergola.
Accommodation comprises of 3 generous bedrooms including a master suite luxuriously appointed with an ensuite bathroom and walk in robe, opening directly onto an exquisite sandstone loggia offering captivating garden and harbour views. An additional deluxe family bathroom plus separate powder room, laundry and wine cellar complete this distinguished and unique home.
Additional features include; ducted air conditioning, security intercom, laundry chute, communal heated indoor pool, gym and visitors parking. Presenting a rare opportunity to purchase an exceptional low maintenance home within one of Point Piper's most coveted streets, just a short stroll to nearby Rose Bay esplanade and ferry wharf, Double Bay, Redleaf Beach, Royal Motor Yacht Club, prestigious schools, transportation and 5km of Sydney’s CBD.