Chateau de Benelong, the distinctive Bellevue Hill palazzo residence, back for sale

Chateau de Benelong, the distinctive Bellevue Hill palazzo residence, has been listed for 29 May auction through agents Michael Finger and Diane Wilson of Ray White Double Bay. Over $5 million is being advised to potential buyers.

With its multiple arches, columns, balustrades and detailed decorative exterior adornments including cherubs, lions' heads and a central courtyard fountain, the seven bedroom house has stood out from the crowd since 1977, when it was built by designer Lesley Santy.

Santy, who won a gold medal in the 1957 international furniture exhibition in Milan, designed the building for the Levy family.

It last sold at early 2012 auction at $4,995,000 sale through Michael Finger who has the listing again. It was then listed for rent at $3300 a week.

The Benelong Crescent property had been renovated after trading for $3.67 million in 2009.

The neo-classical house comes with northerly harbour views from its grand columned terraces. Its luxury living spaces include a poolside entertainer's pavilion, home theatre and gym. It comes with eight bedrooms, including a two-bedroom apartment.

The vendors Lynda Giang-Nguyen and Nhi Nguyen bought it in early 2012 from Nare Elio and Makedonka Del Ben, who run a building company called Big Dig Pty Ltd. It was initially listed with unrealistic $7.5 million hopes in late 2011.

Chateau de Benelong, the private palazzo commands sweeping northerly harbour views from its grand columned terraces.

Chateau de Benelong featured in a series of Telstra ads starring comedian Billy Connolly in the late 1990s.