One of Bronte’s highest and most impressive homes, ‘Panorama House’ sits atop a sandstone escarpment on a level and private block with views to die for. What’s not to love?
For Sydney’s high-end property buyers, a harbour or ocean view is a must. If that vista is uninterrupted and from a flat block of land, then the buzz becomes as loud as the city’s mid-summer cicadas.
‘Panorama House’ at 31a Yanko Avenue, Bronte is one such place that has well-heeled Sydneysiders talking.
With a guide price of $25.5 million, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom stunner on 841sqm boasts not only amazing views but also a north-facing aspect and is an architectural masterpiece — tick, tick, tick.
Local anaesthetist Dr Erin Cook and his wife Sophie bought a Californian bungalow on the block in 2010 for $5.85 million. A few years later, they demolished it to build what Mr Cook described as an “incredible piece of art in a perfect spot”.
“It’s right on the tip of the escarpment overlooking Bronte Beach. We get this beautiful sunrise over the ocean then northern sun all day. As you look out to the horizon, you can see the whales passing by and on Boxing Day, Sydney to Hobart yachts,” Mr Cook said.
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Designed by Richard Cole Architecture and built by Jeff Towler Building, Panorama House beautifully combines brick, stone, concrete, zinc and Blackbutt.
“It’s all curves with a roof that features a wave line to replicate Bronte’s waves. I still get a new appreciation for the artistry of the architecture; it’s just mind-blowingly gorgeous,” said Mr Cook.
This three-storey home, winner of the 2019 NSW HIA-CSR House of the Year award, features a striking double-height lounge room walled by glass with a two-way Escea fireplace.
The ground floor also includes various dining areas, one with a built-in cocktail bar, a high-spec kitchen with a butler’s pantry and a Calacatta Oro breakfast island, plus two bedrooms.
The upper level offers a parent’s retreat with an ensuite featuring a double shower and bath with ocean views, a custom-fitted office, and additional living areas. The lower ground floor includes a rumpus room, gym or media den.
The house spills out to a wraparound deck, a sundrenched garden and a heated saltwater pool and spa that appears to float over the ocean.
“Every room has a view,” said Mr Cook. “And the spa is magnificent; you can turn it on at work so when you get home you can crack a beer and enjoy it while overlooking the beach — nothing beats it.”
Additional features include a 11.9kW solar power with 10kW battery, hydronic heating, triple parking and a double garage with an EV charger.
On a battleaxe block down the end of a long cobblestone driveway, the property is also immensely private.
“It’s a very discreet spot. You’re a few minutes’ walk to all the beautiful spots of Bronte and the busyness of the beach, but it’s totally quiet,” said Mr Cook.
Agent James Ball at Sotheby’s describes the panoramic views of the gully, beach and ocean as “probably one of the best I’ve seen in that market”, with the level block unusual for the area.
“Normally, properties there tier up or down to get that view, so this is a really unique feature of the home,” Mr Ball said.
He said he has had “good interest” in the property, prompting him to raise the original $24 million guide price.
“It’s pulling interest from overseas and locals looking to upgrade from nearby suburbs like Double Bay and Bellevue Hill,” he said.
The current Bronte price record was set by 3 Tiper Avenue, which sold for $29.25 million in April 2023, also through Mr Ball.
With their children off to university, the Cooks are downsizing and planning to buy an apartment in Sydney and a weekender down the coast.
“It’s time for someone else to enjoy this gorgeous spot,” said Mr Cook.
Sydneysiders, form a queue.
31a Yanko Avenue, Bronte will go to auction on Saturday 3 May at 12.30pm.
