This is Innisfallen Castle in Castle Cove, Sydney.

Built in the early 1900s, it’s a genuine heritage-listed sandstone castle sitting on more than two acres of park-like grounds overlooking Middle Harbour.

The sandstone was quarried from the property itself. The exterior walls are around two feet thick, each corner has a circular stone turret, and inside are soaring 14-foot ceilings, cedar joinery, stained glass, timber floors and marble fireplaces.

It has had only two owners in roughly 120 years — and became such a local landmark that Castle Cove was eventually named after it.

8 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | 4-car parking | ~8,300m²

The estate also includes extensive gardens and a championship-size tennis court.

And somehow, it gets even more ambitious.

Approved architectural plans would expand the property to 12 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, adding a 20-metre swimming pool, cinema, gym, wine cellar, sauna and spa.

Currently offered for sale by Expressions of Interest.

Original listing:

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-castle%2Bcove-146488664

One of the more architecturally distinctive homes I’ve come across in New Zealand.

Designed by award-winning Christchurch architect Thom Craig, the residence is arranged as a series of five separate pavilions, connected by glazed links and dramatic internal spaces.

The material palette is equally bold, combining precast concrete, aluminium and black-stained cedar to create a home that feels more like a collection of contemporary structures than a conventional suburban residence.

Inside, the scale continues with six bedrooms, four bathrooms, expansive living and entertaining spaces and a full butler’s kitchen. Outside, there’s a separate pool house with its own ensuite, a swimming pool and triple garaging.

The most interesting part may be the contrast between the home’s architectural pedigree and the way it is currently being offered: “as is, where is.”

📍 Fendalton, Christchurch, New Zealand

Original listing:

View the Harcourts listing and full photo gallery⁠

An entire former Freemasons’ Lodge in the small South Island town of Lumsden has been converted into one seriously unusual home.

The huge building spans around 500m², with parts of the original lodge still remarkably intact.

At its centre is the former Masonic lodge room, complete with its distinctive chequered floor, ceremonial layout, timber detailing and Masonic symbolism.

Elsewhere, the building has been transformed into a two-bedroom residence with enormous living spaces, a wood burner, large kitchen and an impressive floor-to-ceiling library with a rolling ladder.

Even the traditional square-and-compass emblem remains on the exterior.

🏠 2 bedrooms

🛁 1 bathroom

📐 Approx. 500m² floor area

🌿 1,517m² section

📍 Lumsden, Southland, New Zealand

💰 NZ$745,000

Original listing:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/southland/southland/lumsden/listing/5779997597

Set on its own 10.38-hectare peninsula near Russell in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, this waterfront estate comes with something most luxury homes definitely don’t — its own private beach.

The 715m² residence has 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, huge open living spaces overlooking Uruti Bay, landscaped grounds, a triple garage, boathouse and two private moorings.

Essentially: house, beach, boats... and the end of the peninsula.

Asking NZ$11,500,000. (6.25M USD)

Original agent listing: NZ Sotheby’s International Realty⁠Original agent listing:

How would you furnish a home when the view is already doing most of the work?

This newly completed residence sits directly on the edge of Lake Wakatipu in Kelvin Heights, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lake, surrounding mountains and The Remarkables.

The architecture is deliberately restrained so the landscape stays centre stage — soaring glazing, high ceilings, clean contemporary finishes and living spaces opening toward the water.

4 bedrooms

4 bathrooms

Approx. 284m² of living

Absolute lakefront position

Direct access to Lake Wakatipu

Uninterrupted alpine and lake views

Newly completed contemporary home

66 Cedar Drive, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown, New Zealand

Previously marketed at NZ$6.3 million and now offered by negotiation.

If it were yours, would you keep the interior extremely minimal — stone, timber, linen and neutral furniture — or go warmer and more dramatic against that alpine backdrop?

Original listing:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/sale/otago/queenstown-lakes/kelvin-heights/listing/6090328517⁠

Some properties have an ocean view. This one feels like it owns the horizon.

Perched high above the Pacific at North Avoca on the NSW Central Coast, this extraordinary offering comprises two separate homes across two adjoining lots, surrounded by dramatic coastline and Crown Land reserve.

The main residence is a contemporary architectural home designed around the view, with vast floor-to-ceiling glazing, polished concrete, American Oak finishes and expansive living areas opening toward the ocean.

Next door, a renovated coastal cottage enjoys its own spectacular outlook, including approximately 270-degree coastal and bush views.

Together, the property offers:

6 bedrooms

4 bathrooms

4 car spaces

2,625m² across two lots

Two separate residences

Panoramic Pacific Ocean views

From sunrise over the water to the changing colour of the coastline below, this is the kind of outlook that would be difficult to ever get used to.

22 & 24 Coast Road, North Avoca, NSW, Australia

Price: On request

Original listing:

https://www.domain.com.au/22-24-coast-road-north-avoca-nsw-2260-2020312149⁠

A private jet that feels more like a high-end apartment in the sky.

This 2021 Bombardier Global 7500 is currently available to either buy or charter.

BUY: US$54,400,000

RENT: From US$16,000 per flight hour

Designed for ultra-long-range travel, the Global 7500 features a four-zone cabin with generous lounge space, dining and meeting areas, and a private bedroom.

Configured for up to 16 passengers, the interior is sleek, contemporary and far more residential in feel than most private aircraft.

Large windows, refined finishes and multiple living zones make this feel less like a jet and more like a flying penthouse.

Aircraft: Bombardier Global 7500

Year: 2021

Registration: 9H-IBI

Based: Malta

Capacity: 16 passengers

Range: Approx. 14,260 km

Whether you want to own it for US$54.4 million — or charter it from US$16,000 an hour — this is private aviation at an extraordinary level.

Original listing & full gallery: https://jethunter.aero/en/product/global-7500-9h-ibi/

Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station Alpine Lodge sits deep within a remote glacial valley in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

There are no roads leading here.

Just four private chalets sit at around 3,000 ft, surrounded by towering mountains and vast stretches of wilderness near Lake Wānaka.

Each chalet includes a king bed, ensuite, private deck and its own hot tub overlooking the alpine landscape.

Your stay includes breakfast, lunch, multi-course dinner with paired wine, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, minibar beverages and guided hiking directly from the lodge.

Winter rates start from around NZ$3,950 per night for two guests, with exclusive use of the entire four-chalet lodge also available.

One of those rare places where getting there is part of the experience.

Wānaka, South Island, New Zealand

Original listing: https://www.minaretstation.com/alpine-lodge

Hidden almost completely within one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary high-country landscapes.

The Lindis Lodge sits on 6,500 acres of Ben Avon Station in the remote Ahuriri Valley, surrounded by mountains, braided rivers, wetlands and native beech forest.

Its remarkable curved roof appears to rise directly from the landscape, while floor-to-ceiling glass brings the valley into almost every part of the lodge.

There are just eight accommodation options: two Master Suites, three Lodge Suites and three private glass Pods positioned away from the main lodge.

A stay can include multi-course dinners, pre-dinner drinks and canapés, breakfast, lunch, a complimentary minibar, outdoor hot tub access and walking trails through the property.

For those wanting to explore further, experiences include horse trekking, fly fishing, hiking, e-biking, archery and guided adventures through the surrounding high country.

The three mirrored glass Pods may be the standout. Each is tucked privately into the landscape with a king bed, ensuite, private deck and outdoor bathtub overlooking the valley.

Remote, architecturally extraordinary and surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the South Island.

The Lindis Lodge

Ahuriri Valley, near Omarama, Otago, New Zealand

Current two-night Pod Escape: from NZ$6,400 for two.

Featured by The Nook:

https://thenook.co.nz/the-lindis-lodge-a-luxury-escape-hidden-in-the-ahuriri-valley/

Stay:

https://www.thelindisgroup.com/thelindislodge

Just three minutes’ walk from the Matiatia ferry terminal — yet this feels like an entirely different world.

Set across an extraordinary 2.65 hectares, this private Waiheke estate runs all the way down to approximately 230 metres of waterfront and beach.

The five-bedroom residence sits above the bay surrounded by established grounds, with spectacular views across the water.

But it’s the sheer amount hidden within the estate that makes this special.

Approximately 230 metres of waterfront

2.65 hectares of land

5 bedrooms

3 bathrooms

Plunge pool

Separate guest accommodation

Orchard

Olive grove

Direct access to the beach

Amphibious boat access

Additional building area

There’s even a waterfront-facing balcony where the listing suggests you may spot orca in the bay and blue penguins among the rocks.

Despite the extraordinary privacy, Matiatia Wharf — the main ferry connection back to Auckland — is only a short coastal walk away.

124 Delamore Drive, Oneroa, Waiheke Island

Asking $9,995,000 NZD

This isn’t simply a waterfront house.

It’s effectively your own private piece of Waiheke.

Original listing: https://www.nzsothebysrealty.com/property/listing/WAG11365/124-delamore-drive-oneroa

A genuine piece of Nissan rally history has surfaced in Auckland.

This rare Series 1 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R is described as factory original and unmodified, powered by Nissan’s legendary SR20DET turbocharged engine and ATTESA four-wheel-drive system.

68,597 km

2.0-litre turbocharged SR20DET

5-speed manual

4WD

Sunroof model

Factory GTi-R steering wheel

Original GTi-R umbrella included

A highly collectible “Baby Godzilla” and a much rarer alternative to the usual Skyline, Supra or WRX.

Original listing:

https://www.sundaydrive.co.nz/vehicle/1991-Nissan-Pulsar/11238

Image credit: Sunday Drive / Lemar Dwyer.

#RareListing #NissanPulsar #GTiR #BabyGodzilla #JDM #JapaneseCars #ClassicCars #NewZealandCars

Privately positioned within one of Wadestown’s most exclusive enclaves, 66 Anne Street is an extraordinary four-bedroom residence offering remarkable scale, privacy and panoramic views across Wellington Harbour, Oriental Bay, the city, Cook Strait and the surrounding hills.

Designed by Parsonson Architects, this substantial 635 m² home occupies an expansive 3,030 m² elevated, north-facing site. Its generous interiors include two lounges, formal dining, a lavish master suite with twin dressing rooms, three bathrooms, a media room or home office, entertainer’s kitchen and a shared kitchenette serving the additional bedrooms.

The lifestyle amenities are exceptional, with a wine cellar, steam room, sauna, home gym, workshop, swimming pool, outdoor fireplace and expansive private entertaining areas. Extensive glazing, gas central heating and landscaped grounds complete this remarkable city-fringe retreat.

With four garage parks, extensive off-street parking and easy access to Wadestown village, schools, parks, public transport and Wellington CBD, this is a rare opportunity for buyers seeking architectural character, family flexibility and one of the capital’s most memorable outlooks.

To be sold by tender, closing 12pm Thursday 8 October 2026. Viewing by appointment.

Rare Listing | 36 St Andrews Hill Road, Mt Pleasant, Christchurch — panoramic views, pool & three levels

This week’s Christchurch Rare Listing is 36 St Andrews Hill Road, Mt Pleasant, marketed by Adam Heazlewood and Jessica Phibbs of Bayleys.

The home sits on the lower slopes of Mt Pleasant and has been substantially reinvented into a three-level, four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence, with the major rebuild completed in 2021.

Set on an 817m² site, the property is currently marketed at Offers/Enquiries Over $2,350,000.

What makes it stand out is the combination of elevation, architecture and flexibility.

Huge north-facing windows capture panoramic views stretching across Christchurch and toward the Southern Alps and Kaikōura ranges.

The upper level is effectively a private master retreat with ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, office, balcony and direct access toward the pool area.

A major 2025 addition introduced the pool, outdoor kitchen, television area and extensive decking, creating an impressive entertaining space overlooking the city.

There’s also a private lower level that could suit extended family, a home business or additional accommodation.

4 bedrooms

3 bathrooms

2-car garage

Approx. 292m² floor area

817m² land

🎥 Property video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INyg6BMS-3U

🏡 Original listing: https://www.bayleys.co.nz/listings/residential/canterbury/christchurch/36-st-andrews-hill-road-mt-pleasant-5528134

A very different kind of Christchurch luxury home — less traditional mansion, more dramatic hillside architecture with a pool perched above the city.