A cluster of new restaurants and cafes setting up in Double Bay has cemented the revitalisation of the fashionable harbourside suburb and are bringing renewed interest from buyers along with them. Next month, celebrated chef and restauranteur Neil Perry is launching his new 170-seat modern Australian restaurant in the Pallas House development, next door to The Royal Oak, which will be joined by Damian Monley’s new venture Roxy’s and Bill Grainger has just opened another Bills on Cross Street so the future is certainly looking bright.

Our Double Bay specialist Sean Poche reports that the more the area becomes established as a happening foodie and social hub, the higher the demand from buyers. This week he sold 16/24 Ocean Avenue, Double Bay prior to auction for $1.85m after only 11 days on the market which is a huge result for a 67sqm walk-up Art Deco apartment. Sean says, “The strength of the Double Bay market is a direct result of the expansion of the village into a lifestyle destination with top-notch restaurants and bars meaning that people can socialise and get out while feeling safe and connected thanks to the bay’s village feel. The area came to life again with the Kiaora Lane precinct and eat street in 2016 but now, with the influx of some really exciting new venues, the south side of New South Head Road centred along Knox and Bay Streets is undergoing a revival too.”

Sean has just listed one of the best penthouses in the bay perched atop the Douglas Snelling-designed Bibaringa at 1209/349 New South Head Road, Double Bay. Holding a coveted north-east corner position with expansive views over the harbour to The Heads, the 154sqm three-bedroom penthouse is offered for the first time in 25 years and is just across from the village heart. Sean says, “The views are amazing and so is the location. You just have to walk down through the heritage-listed rainforest gardens that flank the sweeping driveway and you’re right in the heart of the action but its elevated setting means that its incredibly peaceful and private.”

Jason Pantzer and Charlie Beaumont have a three-bedroom apartment on offer at 5/31 Ocean Avenue, Double Bay. Combining the scale and feel of a house with the ease of apartment living, this stylishly renovated apartment offers a peaceful designer haven between the village hub and the harbour foreshore. Both properties will be open for inspection tomorrow, Saturday 29th May, from 10am to 10.30am so come and check them out and then pop into Bills for some signature ricotta hotcakes and soak up the harbour vibes.

This week the sales team secured 17 sales with an average price of $4m and listed 17 new properties. Take care, stay safe and keep connected.