Is there life on Mars? I don’t know. But there’s definitely life in David Bowie’s newly-sold waterfront home in the Harbour City which –after a mere two weeks on the market – has been sold to art dealer Dennis Savill for a cozy $8.8 million, including some of the rockstar’s strangest fixtures and fittings…
Despite its current difficulties, the Sydney property market is – and always has been – awash with glamorous homes befitting the super-rich and super-cool. This week, a waterfront property owned by the one and only David Bowie, glam-rock icon to the stars, sold for a plump sum, proving that Sydney’s cool factor remains untouched.
The sub-penthouse in Elizabeth Bay sold for $8.8 million to art dealer Denis Savill after just fourteen days on the market. The apartment was owned by Bowie from 1983 to 1992 and was his chosen base during month-long trips to north Queensland and the outback during the 1980s.
The apartment, located at 51/93 Elizabeth Bay Rd in the Kincoppal building, was listed for sale by the late Sylvia Eisman, who purchased it for $2.35 million in 2009. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with double parking was due to go to auction next month with an $8 million guide price but was sold quickly after receiving the $8.8 million offer.
Bowie had been fascinated by Australia since he was a 12-year-old living in London. Later, after he had purchased the home, it was said to be as ‘out there’ and ‘bizarre’ as the man himself…
Bowie had wall-to-ceiling mirrors installed in the living room and a chest-high glass shelf ran around the apartment. However, later owners weren’t won over by Bowie’s home decor and many of his personal touches have been removed since.
The Kincoppal building is rich with history, built on what was once the Kincoppal estate. The estate housed a grand manor built by grocer-turned-landowner John Hughes. It was later turned into a private girls’ school by his daughter Maria before Mirvac purchased the site and built a luxury block sometime in the 1980s.
WATCH the grim reality of Sydney’s rental market below.
The waterfront block is located in the much sought-after “loop” of Elizabeth Bay Rd and is awash with perks including, but certainly not limited to: concierge, resort-style facilities, and grounds extending to the water’s edge.
The sub-penthouse on the eighth floor has one of the largest footprints in the building, along with panoramic harbour views that capture Rushcutters Bay, the Cruising Yacht Club, and Clark Island over to Mosman and Manly.
The large open-plan living space is framed by a glamorous entry foyer on one side and a full-width balcony on the other.
Savill, who sold his Paddington art gallery for $5.3 million back in 2021, purchased the apartment for himself and partner Anne Clarke.
Though the news that Sydney’s luxury property market continues to soldier on undeterred by the wider concerns of those unable to secure deposits or even rental homes is cause for some concern, committed Bowie fans will welcome the news that their messiah’s legacy in Australia lives on… even if it does lack some of the leftfield fixtures and fittings that the Starman himself adored.