A prominent creative director has become the new owner of one of Double Bay’s most coveted waterfront properties, purchasing the historic sandstone mansion at 21 Gladswood Gardens for $20 million.
Beau Neilson, aged 38, completed the purchase in July through agents Pauline Goodyer of Goodyer Real Estate and Michael Pallier of Sotheby’s, with the sale now officially settled. The transaction marks a significant addition to the local property market, representing one of the area’s most substantial residential sales this year.
The five-bedroom estate sits on an impressive 978-square-metre block and boasts a rich local history as the former coach house of the original Gladswood Estate. The property had been held by the MacMahon family for more than four decades, having originally purchased it for $782,000 in 1983.
Neilson, who is the daughter of billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson and fund manager Kerry Neilson, brings impressive credentials to the Double Bay community. She currently owns The Vanguard, a popular live music venue in Newtown, and previously served as creative director for Phoenix Central Park, her mother’s free music venue, until last year.
The property purchase comes as Neilson prepares to sell her current Chippendale residence, a converted warehouse known as The Pigeon Shed. She had transformed the 324-square-metre industrial space into a five-bedroom, four-bathroom home with the help of MCK Architects, complete with an indoor pool, studio and gallery spaces. The Chippendale property is currently listed with a $19 million guide through BresicWhitney.
The Double Bay waterfront estate had previously been under contract for $21 million over a year ago, but that sale collapsed when the prospective buyer, reportedly an expatriate, was unable to sell their Hong Kong property to complete the transaction.
Buyer’s agent Tom Penfold from Cohen Handler, who secured the property for Neilson, indicated that his client was immediately drawn to the estate’s character and potential. The new owner is expected to undertake sympathetic renovations while preserving the property’s historic charm before moving in.
The sale adds to Double Bay’s reputation as one of Sydney’s most desirable waterfront locations, with the suburb continuing to attract high-profile residents seeking luxury harbour-side living combined with convenient access to the area’s renowned shopping and dining precincts.
The transaction demonstrates the ongoing strength of Sydney’s premium property market, particularly for rare waterfront holdings in established harbourside suburbs.
Published 11-August-2025