AN ICONIC LANDMARK: A Piece of Australian History
An iconic landmark for sea-goers travelling into Sydney harbour, Pt. Seymour has stood for 83 years between Parsley and Vaucluse Bays – one of the most exclusive suburbs in Australia. For the first time since its original construction, the plot has made its long-awaited return to the market, listed exclusively by Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty. Now, buyers will compete to be able to call this unique luxury property home.
The main building is a timeless design that accentuates the property’s waterfront location. The plot originally belonged to Sydney Ferries Ltd., but was sold to Horace Bracey in 1939, who christened the property Pt. Seymour after his father’s third Christian name. Until his death in 1948, Horace used Pt. Seymour as the site for his local convenience store, and when Horace’s brother Eric Bracey inherited the building, it became a holiday home for the Bracey family. Eventually, after Eric’s son’s passing in 2008, and his wife’s in 2021, Pt. Seymour was listed on the residential property market.
When Horace Bracey originally purchased the plots of land that became Pt. Seymour, he had spent 2110 pounds in total, which translates to $4220. However, the real value of the land would have been $195,000. Today, for the entire property, Sotheby’s have set a guide price of $50m, reflecting the building’s landmark status and unrivalled coastal location. “People know this property well, because as you travel through the harbour it’s a home that has stood out”, says Sotheby’s Micheal Pallier. “There are a lot of people who have waited a long time for it to be listed.”
Of course more than just paying for a singularly recognisable building, Pt. Seymour’s buyer will be the owner of a beautifully designed piece of period architecture. Horace Bracey, when constructing the home of his future business, turned to his local friend the architect George Thomas to draw up plans for Pt. Seymour. With its recognisable cylindrical massing and characteristic P&O architectural style, mimicking the nautical form and colour of cruise liners, Thomas embedded Pt. Seymour with a modern feel that has undeniably stood the test of time, and continues to be uniquely attractive to potential buyers.
Five bedrooms are spread across two stories, nearly all of which benefit from panoramic ocean views thanks to the property’s stunning location. Residents also have access to wrap-around balconies on both levels, perfect for gazing out at passing ships, or enjoying evening drinks at sundown. Inside, the building features a spiral staircase evoking a lighthouse, another reminder of Pt. Seymour’s impressive location. Living spaces are defined by warm wooden beams and window frames, as well as soft colours on walls and furnishings.
Perhaps one of Pt. Seymour’s most envious features, though, is its generous garden space, which extends right up to the Parsley Bay waterfront. On warm days, one can imagine relaxing on the grass, before cooling off by jumping straight into the water. The sea will be a constant presence to Pt. Seymour’s buyers: Sotheby’s claim that from every level of the building, residents will be able to hear the gentle lapping of the ocean.
Over the next few months, many will bid to take over this dream waterside home. However, at the end of bidding, whoever is able to enjoy Pt. Seymour will surely be able to count themselves part of an incredibly privileged few.
Discover more: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty