Medicos offer South Yarra home after upsizing
Neurosurgeon Richard Bittar and his wife, Renee, clinical psychologist and managing director of the Precision Brain, Spine and Pain Centre, have listed a South Yarra property for rent after upsizing to Toorak.
The former family home, 135-139 Walsh Street, is asking $4500 per week.
The pair paid $11m in 2017 to developer Michael Yates who offered it after prestige real estate Michael Gibson decided to build a low rise apartment complex on his then private residence next door.
Marshall White’s Kate Humphreys and Renee Hewstone are managing the leasing campaign; the term is short – up to next January.
Mr and Ms Bittar upgraded to Palmilla, in Heyington Place, which cost $22.2m – about $6m less than guide – in late 2019.
That seller was John Zeigler, ex-Asia Pacific chairman of marketing agency DDB, and his wife, Lisa.
135-139 Walsh Street
On 802 square metres, 135-139 Walsh St, developed in 1940, was extended and renovated by Mr Yates 18 years ago at a cost of $750,000.
Over three floors, it contains five bedrooms – each with an ensuite – formal and informal living and dining rooms and a study (story continues below).
There is also a pool.
The property was unsuccessfully offered for sale in February, 2020 – just before the country’s first COVID lockdown – for a speculated $20m-plus; Jock Langley of Abercrombys was the agent.
Elsewhere in South Yarra, last month, a consortium including the Smorgon and Kanat families listed the historic Poolman House, like 135-139 Walsh St, in the revered Domain precinct, after deciding against repurposing it as Australia’s first Soho House resort.
The guide is $21-$23m.
In December, meanwhile, we reported Mazen Tabet purchased the Lyall Hotel & Spa on Murphy St for $30.5m.
Now being refurbished, it is expected to reopen later this year.
Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page.
