Ex-Sotheby’s owners land historic bayside mansion
Former deputy lord mayor Gary Singer and his partner, Geoffrey Smith, who lead the art house formerly known as Sotheby’s, are outlaying nearly $10 million for St Kilda’s historic Eildon.
On 2203 square metres at 51 Grey Street, the mansion was offered by not-for-profit French language school Alliance Francaise de Melbourne, which paid $4.15m in 2006, then renovated.
For generations before, the 10 bedroom home was owned by the Ymer family, which occupied and operated it as a guesthouse.
Eildon sold this time around against an $8-$8.8m guide; Allard & Shelton’s Christian Hatzis and Joseph Walton with Abercromby’s Tim Derham and Jock Langley were the agents.
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Developed in 1855 as Barnham House, the dwelling was extended and renamed by pastoralist John Currie about 15 years later.
Alliance Francaise de Melbourne is understood to have spent over $1.5m refurbishing the c126 sqm of internal area (story continues below).
The asset also includes a double storey former stables, 17 car parks and garden.
Despite the sales campaign targeting commercial investors and users, it is speculated Mr Singer and Mr Smith could convert Eildon into a residence; they declined to comment.
The property was purchased by the pair personally – just like their existing home, Toorak’s c1867 Trawalla, which set them back $22m last March.
The couple also own 14-16 Collins St, in the city; held via an entity, it cost $12m in 2016 for the Sotheby’s business now known in Australia as Smith & Singer.
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