A prestigious piece of Australian social history has come onto the market, with the four-bedroom harbourside apartment of the late socialite Eileen Bond being offered for sale by her children with an auction guide of $17 million.
The gorgeous Art Deco building, positioned in the heart of Double Bay at 3/9 Gladswood Gardens, boasts full, sweeping views of the bay and is being sold by her children, including daughter Jody Fewster.
Ray White Double Bay agents Elliott Placks and Thomas Popple are handling the auction campaign.
“This is very special. It’s such a stunning location. A very large house-like duel level apartment that’s 492sqm in total, with its own private entrance and foyer,” said Sydney’s top prestige agent Mr Placks.
“We expect we’ll see a lot of local and possibly even international interest given it hasn’t changed hands for 40 years. This is a truly rare gem of an apartment.”
Ms Bond, affectionately known as “Red,” owned the property, which she considered her “Sydney pad” since June 1986.
“The views tell the story,” said Ms Fewster from her home in Perth, adding that the apartment was a cherished retreat.
“She absolutely loved it and would spend three months at a time there each year and short stays in between.”
An elite agent herself, Jody Fewster owns Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park in the blue chip western suburbs of Perth.
Ms Bond’s affinity for the area was personal, with the “proximity to Redleaf pool and the short walk to the shops at Double Bay” providing her with exercise.
The nearby harbourside tidal enclosure (known as Redleaf Pool) is a popular local fixture, offering a stunning view from the apartment’s enclosed verandah.
Eileen Bond passed away last year. She was remembered by her family as a “larger than life” figure whose passion for interior design brought colour and vibrancy to her homes.
“It was pretty common to go to one of mum’s houses and what used to be white was later pink or green,” Ms Fewster recalled. “She was larger than life, and she loved colour.”
As the first wife of business magnate Alan Bond, Eileen and her family were thrust into the national spotlight, most notably during the historic 1983 America’s Cup win.
Jody Fewster remembered his mother’s impact during the sailing race in Newport, United States, where she helped turn the American public’s support toward the “Boxing Kangaroo,” as the Australian team was known.
“She was the matriarch, the glue of our family and a vibrant, unforgettable woman. Mum only knew one speed, flat out, and she brought everyone along for the ride,” Ms Fewster said.
