Latest news with #Raith
News.com.au
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Newtown: Prestigious Raith offers luxury family living on epic scale
Victorian-era grandeur provides the blueprint for family living on a epic scale at a prized Newtown trophy home overlooking the scenic Barwon River valley. Raith is undoubtedly one of the region's finest residences, occupying an impressive 6434sq m private estate that's continued to evolve since it was first built in 1864. A sympathetic renovation and extension by the previous owner – executed with precision by renowned builder David McDonald – was a huge drawcard for the current vendors when they purchased the five-bedroom house in 2021. She says the sprawling floorplan at 2a Raith Tce, Newtown, offered an appealing sense of scale and warmth rarely found in the tightly held neighbourhood. 'We were instantly drawn to the character and the history of the home, but what made it really special was that it also had light, space and natural flow,' she says. 'It felt grand, yet completely liveable. It has so much to offer a family.' She and her husband have made only minor changes, mainly to the kitchen and outdoor entertainment area, where a pergola now abuts an impressive glass pool house containing a 25m heated pool, sauna, spa and gymnasium. The heart of the home is a vast open-plan space combining a premium kitchen, dining area set into a bay window and a living zone with bi-fold doors onto a veranda and back lawn that's hosted many games of cricket and footy. 'In warmer months we love to sit on the veranda or under the pergola and take in the sunset over the river,' the vendor says. 'The view over the valley makes it feel like you're in the middle of the countryside.' There are any number of alternative living spaces to retreat to, from to the formal dining and lounge rooms, each with its own open fireplace, to the cavernous reception hall/library. Another rumpus room with a high timber-lined ceiling forms part of the children's bedroom wing and features a projector cleverly concealed behind traditional fretwork. There'll be no fighting over bathrooms here as each of the three kids' bedrooms has its own ensuite, plus a walk-in wardrobe and picturesque garden view. The privately positioned main bedroom suite provides a peaceful retreat with a large walk-in wardrobe and lavish ensuite. There's also a fifth bedroom/music room, an underground cellar and mud room included in the expansive floorplan. The vendor says the house offers a great balance between connection and sanctuary, with cosy spots to unwind and also come together. 'And, of course, the heated indoor pool is a year-round favourite for the whole family – it's been an absolute luxury and joy,' she says. Outside, beyond the magnificent Morton Bay fig that welcomes you to the polychromatic brick dwelling, lies a self-contained, three-bedroom guesthouse and two four-car garages. McGrath, Geelong agent David Cortous is calling for expressions of interest in 2a Raith Tce, Newtown, by July 21. Price hopes are $8.5m to $9.3m.
Herald Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
Victoria: Priciest homes revealed including Toorak record-buster
New and old rich-listers splashed an eye-watering $540m-plus on Victoria's 20 most expensive homes of the past 12 months. A record-busting sale reported to fall between $115m to $135m for Toorak mansion Coonac topped the pile. It was also the nation's biggest deal for the 2024-25 financial year although industry sources indicated the transaction likely fell at the range's lower end. RELATED: Arrotex boss billionaire Dennis Bastas firming as buyer of $100m+ mansion PropTrack: Melb six months from record prices Geelong trophy home Raith on track to break record at circa $9m Other Toorak listings clocked up individual circa-$70m and $40m sales. Elsewhere, luxurious pads in Canterbury, South Yarra, Brighton and the Mornington Peninsula scored eight-figure sales. But it was the circa-1867 Italianate mansion Coonac that smashed Melbourne's $80.88m benchmark. Industry insiders linked the off-market sale to Kay & Burton managing director Ross Savas and chair Gerald Delany. While it's not been officially confirmed, billionaire Dennis Bastas was widely tipped to have purchased Coonac. Mr Bastas runs a healthcare empire through his leadership roles at Arrotex Pharmaceuticals, myDNA and DBG Health. Mr Savas said the upper end of the Melbourne market has remained resilient. 'Many are taking a generational view — prioritising long-term security, lifestyle alignment and legacy over short-term market fluctuations,' he said, 'At the same time, favourable economic conditions, including the low Australian dollar, continue to attract international interest — particularly from expatriates and global buyers looking to establish roots in Melbourne.' The luxurious six-bedroom mansion at 2-4 Macquarie Rd fetched a figure in the vicinity of $70m shortly before Christmas. Automation platform Neota chairman John Lord and his wife Sue sold the home where visitors are greeted with a sweeping marble staircase, and are likely to enjoy a dedicated basement cinema or the home's temperature-controlled wine cellar and tasting room. Forbes Global Properties' Michael Gibson handled the listing – along with another $40m Toorak pad that changed hands off market. Mr Gibson said there was often multiple buyers for homes prices at $10m to $30. 'The premier market over the past year has been as strong as ever … one thing we are short on is properties to sell,' he added. When it came to luxury features it wasn't uncommon for homeowners to want double-level basements for entertaining, exercising and storing car collections, said Forbes Global Properties director Robert Fletcher, who oversaw a $29m Toorak deal in March. 'I think people who have a large amount of cars tend to look for space for between six to eight cars,' he said. Forbes colleague, senior associate Tracy Tian Belcher said some buyers were more hesitant to buy amid uncertainty about many cuts will be made to Australia's official cash rate across the second half of 2025. Ms Belcher said that even if clients were quite well off, the 13 hikes interest rates across the nation between May 2022 and November 2023 had affected many of them – while reporting on current economic conditions could impact people's emotions. 'Last year, one of my buyers was involved in a six-month long negotiation process for a Toorak home,' Ms Belcher said. Melbourne Sotheby's International Realty managing director Antoinette Nido and colleague Max Ruttner oversaw a $25.6m South Yarra transaction in December. 'Look at me addresses' were important to many recently cashed-up buyers, Ms Nido said. 'What's notable is that a lot of young business people who have made money in IPOs are doing very well,' she said. 'People who you have never heard of will call and when you ask how much they want to spent, it can be $40m to $50m.' Marshall White group sales director John Bongiorno said demand in the Melbourne prestige market's top end had consolidated in the past 12 months as the city's population boomed. 'I think that there are more buyers in the $10m-plus category,' Mr Bongiorno said. 'The amount of people out there with substantial wealth, it's a far bigger than what it was 12 months ago, two years ago, five years ago.' Marshall White handled the $30m-plus sale of a French Provincial-inspired Canterbury house boasting a 16-car showroom, eight bathrooms, a cinema and day spa with a sauna in March, listed by agents Andy Nasr and Marcus Chiminello. Many top-end buyers were taking a long view, prioritising the security, prestige and practicality of homes over price movements, Kay & Burton Stonnington director Darren Lewenberg said. 'These aren't short-term flips, they're generational homes,' Mr Lewenberg said. Many homes that transacted had been fully rebuilt or renovated by architects and interior designers well before being listed. 'Buyers at this level don't want to lift a finger. They want to walk in and start living,' Mr Lewenberg said. Industry Insider Property founder and prestige buyers agent Andrew Date said the surge in off-market deals was one of the most notable shifts in 2024–25. 'Most of the biggest sales never hit the portals. They're done over lunch, through networks, and only involve a few key people,' Mr Date said. 'These homes are so rare, they're not just about location, but land, architectural pedigree, and lifestyle.' Mr Date said prestige demand had also crept further afield especially towards the Mornington Peninsula. Additional reporting by David Bonaddio VICTORIA'S MOST EXPENSIVE HOME SALES, 2024-25 FINANCIAL YEAR Coonac, Toorak Price: $115m-$135m Agents: industry sources linked the off-market sale to Kay & Burton's Ross Savas and Gerald Delany. 2-4 Macquarie Rd, Toorak circa $70m Agent: Forbes Global Properties' Michael Gibson Address withheld, Toorak $40m Agent: Forbes Global Properties' Michael Gibson 38 Monomeath Ave, Canterbury circa $30m+ Agents: Marshall White's Andy Nasr and Marcus Chiminello. 27 St Georges Rd, Toorak circa $29m Agent: Forbes Global Properties director Robert Fletcher 177-181 Walsh St, South Yarra $25.6m Agent: Melbourne Sotheby's International Realty Antoinette Nido and Max Ruttner 5 St Ninians Rd, Brighton $23m Agents: Marshall White's Ben Vieth and Andy Nasr 10 Struan St, Toorak $22m Agents: Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French Address withheld, South Yarra $21.2m Agency: Withheld 12 Lansell Rd, Toorak $21m Agent: Kay & Burton's Gowan Stubbings 7 Gawith Court, Toorak circa $20-22m Agents: Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French 3520 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento $20m+ Agents: Kay & Burton's Liz Jensen and Gerald Delany 6 Macquarie Rd, Toorak circa $20m Agents: Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French 10 Highgate Hill, Toorak $19.3m Agent: Kay & Burton's Oliver Booth 4 Grant Ave, Toorak $19m Agent: Forbes Global Properties' Mike Gibson 8 Robertson St, Toorak $19m Agent: RT Edgar's Mark Wridgway 3786 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea $19m Agents: RT Edgar's David Gillham and Ilze Moran 11 Berkeley Street, Hawthorn $18,888,999 Agents: Jellis Craig's Perry Zhou and Elsa Li 11 Kent Court, Toorak circa $18m Agents: RT Edgar's Tim Brown and Sarah Case 14 Grandview Grove, Hawthorn East $17.5m Agents: Marshall White's James Tostevin and John Bongiorno 444 Musk Creek Road, Flinders circa $17.5m Agency: Forbes Global Properties Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Leo's Fine Food & Wine Kew sale linked to James Packer Time-capsule house of Aussie artist to the stars for sale Luxe hotel hits market for just $2 — but there's a catch
Scotsman
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts youngster handed new deal after impressing under former Celtic star at Championship club
Hearts have announced they have handed a new deal to one of their brightest prospects. Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hearts have rewarded young midfielder Finlay Pollock for his progression over the last year with a new contract. The Scotland Under-19 international has made eight senior appearances for the club and scored his maiden first-team goal in a League Cup win against Stirling Albion in July 2021. After spending time on loan with East Fife during the second half of the same season, Pollock enjoyed another productive stint away from Tynecastle last season as he joined Championship club Raith Rovers on a season-long deal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A return of six goals in 25 appearances was enough to see Pollock named as the club's young player of the year - although his season was curtailed by an injury suffered in a win against Ayr United. However, he will now return to Tynecastle this summer and will hope to force his way into the Hearts side under new manager Derek McInnes after impressing working under former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Barry Robson during his time with Raith. Pollock was not the only Hearts youngster to commit to the club this week after B Team prospect Gus Stevenson put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract extension. The versatile youngster has made 43 appearances over the last two seasons and his impact has been praised by B Team head coach Angus Beith. He said: 'We're delighted that Gus has extended his contract by a further year. He is someone who has a strong passion for the game which, as a coach, makes him a joy to work with. Gus had to deal with some unity setbacks last season which hampered his consistency and game minutes. However, with his attitude and willingness to improve, alongside his exciting qualities, we are confident that Gus can thrive next season, with the support and challenge of all the coaching staff." What have Hearts said about Finlay Pollock's new contract? Raith's Finlay Pollock was named the Kirkcaldy club's Young Player of the Year (Pic by Ross Parker/SNS Group) A club statement released on Thursday read: 'The club is pleased to announce that Finlay Pollock has signed a one-year contract extension, taking his current deal to the summer of 2027. A product of the Hearts Academy, Finlay signed his first professional contract with the club in 2021, shortly after making his first team debut against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tynecastle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Injuries robbed the attacker of valuable game time in the campaigns that followed, but season 24/25 saw Pollock return to form in fine fashion. Having begun the season impressing in the Lowland League with Hearts B, the 21-year-old made the move to Raith Rovers on loan in September. Under Rovers' boss Barry Robson, Pollock found himself in a new role, playing as a central striker, using his pace to stretch defences and with the coaching of former Jambo Colin Cameron, Finlay hit form, scoring six goals as the Stark's Park side pushed for the playoffs. 'It was a frustrating end to the season for Pollock, who missed the final four matches of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained in a victory over Ayr United. That didn't stop Finlay from picking up Rovers' Young Player of the Year Award at their end of season awards and he now puts pen to paper on an extra 12 months in Gorgie as he continues his recovery.' Your next Hearts read: Tony Bloom Hearts investment proposal takes latest step as timeline for completion emerges
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘So far no official proposal has been sent' – Inside Rangers link-up with SPFL Championship side as hold-up revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RAITH ROVERS have confirmed that Rangers have made an approach over a partnership involving loan players. It is after the Scottish FA passed more flexible rules for under-21 Scottish players to move between clubs under the new 'cooperation system'. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 3 Rangers look set to link-up with Raith Rovers under the new cooperation system Credit: Andrew Barr 3 Ex-Rangers man Nils Koppen was leading the talks Credit: Willie Vass 3 But talks have stalled now that Rangers are under new ownership,and Koppen finds himself out of a job Credit: PA And under the initiative Rangers proposed a tie-up with the Championship club. But that was before Rangers technical director Nils Koppen left Ibrox and the club's takeover. And Raith director Ruaridh Kilgour admits Raith are waiting to find out if Rangers will get back in touch. He said: 'It's not kind of one of [technical director] John Potter's priorities right now. 'There's a lot of other things going on, like just basically building a squad through the transfer window. 'But completely out of the blue, Rangers contacted John and asked him to go for a meeting at Murray Park with Nils Koppen, the then technical director. 'They said that they'd pinpointed Raith Rovers as someone they would like to have a partnership with to develop their young players. 'They then came to Stark's Park the week after to have a look around and see what the facilities are like, which again they were really impressed with. 'The way it was left was that we asked them to come up with a proposal of what this could look like. 'They saw this as something where they could potentially send us other players. Rangers fans react to news Russell Martin is their new manager "So players who are maybe a bit older than 21 and also players who weren't Scottish. 'It was left with Rangers to draw up a proposal. "As an overall update, no official proposal has been sent, Rangers have gone through a takeover and Nils is no longer there and nothing has happened in the last three or four weeks.' And Kilgour insists Raith will only enter into a partnership if it is right for them and their fans. He added: "The way we will then approach this is decided on three factors. 'Number one will be a football factor where Barry [Robson] and John would make a decision based purely on the playing side of it. 'We as a board would make a financial decision on it about how this can help us with our budget, in terms of what the cost would be to bring in these players – or maybe they would be free, who knows. 'And then finally – and most importantly – there'd be a kind of brand perspective where we would put it to supporters. 'Because this is one of those decisions where we feel supporters should be consulted. And the reason for that is we know that some supporters will not like the potential to be partnered with other clubs." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
Aidan Connolly to face Raith Rovers next season after joining Championship rivals
Freed Raith Rovers winger Aidan Connolly has re-signed for first club – and Championship rivals – Queen's Park. The 29-year-old departed Raith this summer after four years and has spoken of his frustrations at a lack of game-time towards the end of his spell in Kirkcaldy. However, despite loving his time at Stark's Park, he confessed it was time for a change of scene this summer. And the former fans' favourite could now come back to haunt Rovers after joining their second-tier competitors. Connolly began his career with the Spiders and famously left to join Dundee United with Andy Robertson in 2013. He has since enjoyed moves to Raith (twice), York City, Dunfermline and Falkirk before bringing his career back full circle this summer. He said: 'This is where I started in football and I can't wait to get started – or re-started! 'The memories came back when I took the call. It's a great club and it's come so far since I was here. 'There have been changes but I am more experienced myself too, played a lot of games in this division and know it well. 'I've learned from lows and highs and I'm just excited to get going with the club again.' Connolly scored 39 times in 177 appearances for Raith, including a prolific 15 goals in an impressive 2022/23 campaign. However, he started just 17 matches in the league as Rovers pushed for the title two seasons ago and made Barry Robson's chosen line-up just once in making eight league starts last term. It was clear the attacker was likely to move on this summer at the end of his contract and new Queen's Park boss Sean Crighton is thrilled to have moved in to snap him up. The former Airdrie, Livingston and Morton defender told his club's website: 'I'm absolutely delighted to have Aidan here at Queen's Park. He's a player who was in my mind as soon as I got the job and I was looking at. 'You do your homework on players who know this division and players you may have played against. I have played against Aidan in the past and he can be a tricky customer. 'He has very good experience now, which is something I mentioned I wanted in the building when I took the job. 'He's been here before, although not when The City Stadium (Lesser Hampden) or the club has looked like it does now. But I think that helps. 'I also said I wanted continuity and, though Aidan has left and come back, he knows the club, came through the system and knows what is expected. 'He can play a number of positions, which is something I was also looking for and the style of football I want to play will help him. And I think he'll help the players around him.'
