Overview:
Bellevue Hill is a mere 4.5kms from the CBD of Sydney and appropriately is positioned on a large hill with commanding views of both Sydney Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. More immediate views are most likely comprised of the green acreage of Cooper Park or Royal Sydney Golf Club not to mention the established trees of the numerous great gardens found in this lush and opulent suburb. Public transport is well serviced by bus routes that lead to either Bondi Junction and Edgecliff Stations, Rose Bay Ferry or into the city itself. But its central position within the eastern suburbs means that living in Bellevue Hill means not being more than 10 minutes from all the best life has to offer.
Lifestyle:
Like Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill is primarily a privileged suburb for families. Large homes, large gardens and two of Australia’s most exclusive private boys schools are the hallmarks of life in Bellevue Hill. There are some apartments in Bellevue Hill, mostly on a grand scale favoured by affluent couples whose children have left home. Depending on which part of Bellevue Hill you live, stroll to Double Bay, two shopping villages in Bellevue Road providing all the necessities, several shops at the bottom of Cooper Park, and at the bottom of the hill, the popular Plumer Road shops alongside Woollahra Golf Course. You could even walk to Bondi Junction but if you go by car you’ll be there in around 5 minutes. Close by are Ascham, Kambala and Rose Bay-Kincoppal, three top private girls schools and within Bellevue Hill itself Bellevue Hill Primary. If exercise is required, there’s the scenic pathways of Cooper Park’s 38 hectares plus its tennis courts and BBQ facilities. Adjacent is Lough Playing Field with its facilities and amenities for anything as simple as a friendly casual footy game to serious athletic events. Sailing is at the bottom of the hill to the north, while sand and surf are on the other side, equally accessible. What Bellevue Hill offers is akin to a garden sanctuary in the midst of Sydney’s most populated, lifestyle-rich region.
History:
Governor Macquarie (thankfully) thought the original name, Vinegar Hill, somewhat vulgar and renamed this part of the original Cooper Estate ‘Belle Vue’. It then became Bellevue Park and finally achieved its present name. Its magnificent position and breathtaking views were no doubt the enticement that drew - and continue to draw - attention from those whose pockets were deeper than most. As a result, Bellevue Hill is dotted with numerous grand and gracious estates and historic residences such as Rona (sister residence to Greycliff in Vaucluse, by the founder of CSR), Leura, Barford, Caerlon (considered Australia’s finest example of Queen Anne style architecture), Aspinall House, McIntyre and Fairfax Houses and many more. Two of Australia’s most prominent architects in the first half of the 20th century, F.Glen Gilling and Professor Leslie Wilkinson also left their gracious influences on many homes in the area. It continues today to be home to many high profile names, some of whose families have held the same estates for generations. Indeed a tiny street known as Rose Bay Avenue with just 5 homes is considered the most expensive non-waterfront address in Australia.
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