Double Bay Skyline to Be Redefined by Record $60m Penthouse

Developers are making a bold new claim that Double Bay now rivals Beverly Hills, and they are backing it with a new $60 million penthouse designed to redefine the suburb’s skyline.



The residence will be the ‘crown jewel’ atop a four-level commercial building known as Ruby House. This new development aims to more than double the suburb’s current apartment record, a $24.95 million sale set in 2022.

A New Benchmark for the Suburb

penthouse
Photo Credit: Hudson Capital

The scale of the proposed penthouse is a first for the area. It will cover 1,100 square metres on title, a size almost unheard of for apartment living. This space is reportedly split between 550 square metres of internal living space and 650 square metres of outdoor terraces.

The internal layout includes features like three-metre vaulted ceilings, a private wine cellar, a library, and a wellness retreat. The plans also include a ‘great room’ intended for large-scale entertaining.

Security and privacy are central to the design, which includes a private six-car garage and a direct lift exclusively for the penthouse. The extensive north-facing terraces, designed by landscaper Wyer & Co, will feature a spa, a full outdoor kitchen, and dining areas, all with panoramic views over Double Bay.

Changing Face of the Village

penthouse
Photo Credit: Hudson Capital

This project is the latest and most expensive example of the suburb’s ongoing evolution. Developer Charles Mellick of Fortis stated that his firm’s owner, Pallas Group, has been a key player in reshaping Double Bay over the last five years.

He believes this investment has helped turn the area into one of the country’s most desirable lifestyle precincts.

This transformation includes other significant developments, such as Pallas House on Guilfoyle Avenue. That commercial building is now home to high-profile tenants like celebrity chef Neil Perry and the popular Baker Bleu bakery.

Ed Eve, the general manager of Pallas Group, noted that Double Bay always had potential. He said it just required the right vision and investment, which he believes is now helping it become a social and cultural centre. The group’s work in the area is not finished, with plans for ‘Forum,’ a luxury co-working space, to begin operating early next year.



A ‘Beverly Hills’ Vision

Mr Mellick was bold in his comparison, stating that Double Bay is entering a new period that mirrors the glamour and polish of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles.

This new penthouse is seen as the landmark that defines this new standard of prestige. Alex Lyons of Raine and Horne Double Bay, who is managing the listing, described the residence as the largest and most meticulously finished penthouse in the eastern suburbs, suggesting it would be impossible to duplicate at any price.

The agents involved believe the home will suit a buyer who values high-end architecture and may live internationally, needing a secure and luxurious Sydney base.

Published Date 06-November-2025

Storied Double Bay Hotel, Site of Celebrity and Tragedy, Set for $1bn Rebirth

The Double Bay hotel that once hosted Princess Diana and saw the tragic death of Michael Hutchence will soon be gone, making way for a $1 billion mixed-use precinct after developers won final approval for its demolition.



A Landmark’s New Look

Double Bay hotel
Photo Credit: Cox Architecture

The InterContinental Hotel site at 33 Cross St, which has long been a key part of Double Bay’s identity, has received the green light for a major overhaul. The project, led by Sydney developers Eduard Litver of Capitel Group and Allen Linz of Rebel Property Group, will see the current six-storey building replaced.

In its place, a new landmark building designed by COX Architecture will be constructed. This new structure will feature a mix of high-end shops and dining, commercial offices, boutique accommodation, luxury residences, and a wellness centre. The development application, which was lodged late last year, was approved in under 12 months.

A Site Rich with History

Double Bay hotel
Photo Credit: Cox Architecture

For many, the hotel holds powerful memories. It was the preferred hotel for visiting celebrities and royalty, including the late Princess Diana, who stayed there just a year before her death. The site is also remembered as the Ritz Carlton, where, 28 years ago, INXS frontman Michael Hutchence tragically died. This approval marks the end of that specific era for the building, paving the way for a complete revitalisation.

A Focus on the Future Village

Double Bay hotel
Photo Credit: Cox Architecture

The developers behind the project expressed that the approval is a significant milestone for Double Bay’s ongoing evolution. Allen Linz said the team welcomes the decision and looks forward to creating something that enriches the local community. He stated their goal is to strengthen the area’s appeal as Sydney’s top harbourside destination.

Eduard Litver added that the project will make a lasting contribution to the village’s future. He noted that the new retail and hospitality spaces are designed to support local life and business, adding to the vitality of the area.



From Planning to Building

With the project now fully approved, the team’s attention is shifting to the next phase. Arian Galanis of Metis Group, who managed the project through the approval process, said the focus now turns to delivery. He confirmed the team is working closely with designers to bring the vision for 33 Cross Street to life, aiming to set a new benchmark for quality lifestyle-led development in Sydney.

Published Date 28-October-2025

Double Bay Style Maven Maree Conley Lists Bellevue Hill Sanctuary for $11.5M

Maree Conley, founder of Conley + Co in Double Bay, has listed her meticulously redesigned Bellevue Hill apartment with an $11.5 million price guide, following years of luxurious renovations.



Ms Conley, a well-known figure in the Double Bay homewares scene, purchased the Bellevue Hill apartment at 2/34 Drumalbyn Rd for $1.95 million in 2014. 

Over the past decade, she has transformed the residence into a high-end sanctuary featuring bespoke interiors and luxury finishes. Ms Conley is now looking for her next creative challenge, having recently acquired an $8.4 million property nearby, reportedly for her daughter.

Property Features

The four-bedroom apartment boasts high ceilings, curved Crittal windows, and expansive north-facing views towards Manly from every seat in the room. 

Luxury property listed in Double Bay by Maree Conley
Photo Credit: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube

Design elements include Versailles parquetry flooring and a 19th-century French Carrara marble mantelpiece, adding Parisian sophistication to the space. 

The bedrooms and bathrooms exhibit meticulous artistry, enhancing the overall luxurious atmosphere. The apartment is situated within a boutique block of five whole-floor residences, providing exclusivity and privacy. The interiors feature super high-end finishes, with every detail carefully curated to create a seamless blend of elegance and comfort.

Double Bay apartment with high-end interiors and views
Photo Credit: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube
Exclusive Bellevue Hill residence
Photo Credit: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube

Market Response and Trends

Listed with agents Richard Faludi of Raine and Horne Double Bay and Clint Ballard of Sotheby’s, the property has attracted significant interest since it was placed on the market just before Christmas.

Mr Faludi noted a strategic advantage in listing ahead of the traditional post-Australia Day rush, positioning the property uniquely in a competitive market.

Parisian-inspired home in Double Bay
Photo Credit: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube
Conley’s Double Bay home
Photo Credit: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty/YouTube

Future Prospects

Market experts anticipate a strong 2025, with potential interest rate cuts driving buyer sentiment. 

Despite current market conditions, Ms Conley’s track record and the apartment’s exceptional features are expected to command strong offers.



As Ms Conley moves on to her next venture, her Bellevue Hill apartment stands as a testament to her signature design style, offering prospective buyers a rare and luxurious opportunity in one of Sydney’s most sought-after suburbs.

Published 22-Jan-2025