Cronulla's Oscar Niemeyer inspired Apollo Gate waterfront seeking $4.2 million plus buyers
Bidding on one of Cronulla’s most admired homes, listed for auction last night after an eight month makeover, topped out on a $4.2 million bid.
Ray White Rockdale listing agent Con Economos told Property Observer there were five registered parties.
But the vendor builder Tony Bittar wants more for the the still futuristic Apollo Gate, an icon of the Sutherland Shire's waterfronts since the 1970s.
Nicknamed the Cronulla spaceship house, or the White House, it has a reputation that dates back to its completion, with its Reuben Lane design motivated by spiritual and architectural links to Mediterranean villages and with whitewashed buildings clinging to the coastlines.
It first changed hands for $185,000 in 1978 when sold by the Breen family who owned the Metropolitan Sand Company at Cronulla.
The house at 4-6 Cowra Place has direct access to Salmon Haul Bay.
It featured in NSW Builder magazine, the official journal of the Master Builders' Association, in May 1975 (pictured below). It was built by CH & CR Ellis with spiralling western red cedar ceiling.
Reuben Lane, who died in 2012, was inspired by the work of his mentor Oscar Niemeyer, the architect of the capital city of Brazil, Brasilia.
Ray White listing agent Con Economos marketed the property as a "one-off’.
"A truly spectacular home with an unbeatable location,” said Con Economos.
The 6 Cowra Place, Cronulla property was initially marketed with $3.5 million plus expectations having been renovated extensively since sold at $3.2 million last May.
It offers five bedrooms plus study, a double garage and two car spaces and guest quarters. There's an atrium lounge, an internal spa, and landscaped gardens. Its four bathrooms’ original tiles are sourced from the same suppliers as the Sydney Opera House.
