Former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons is selling 11 The Esplanade, Geelong, for $7.7m to $8.2m.
Former Geelong mayor and paparazzo Darryn Lyons’ waterfront mansion has hit the market with a hefty circa $8m price tag.
The colourful personality is selling the grand seven-bedroom residence on The Esplanade as he looks to cut property ties with his home town.
An adjacent three-bedroom house he used as office is also being prepared for sale, paving the way for someone to create a sprawling Western Beach compound.
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That property, at 1 Toorak Pde, Geelong, is expected to fetch in the high $2m range.
The portfolio shake-up is part of a $16m sell-off as Lyons calls time on his Australian chapter.
He is also offloading a $3.8m Sydney apartment and a $2.5m-plus hideaway in Far North Queensland.
He plans to retain the Elephant & Castle pub in Geelong.
Lyons’ lavish Western Beach residence, ‘Lyons View’, is packed with all the glitz and glamour you would expect, including gold columns, a grotto style pool, underground cellar, sauna and a huge ensuite with a statement glass bath.
Along with beds draped in Versace, the interior showcases his antiques and art collection, with the billiards room covered with photos and memorabilia.
The formal lounge has Corio Bay views.
Gold highlights feature throughout the open-plan living area.
Buxton agent David Gray describes the pool and spa area as having a European vibe.
Buxton listing agent David Gray has set a $7.7m to $8.3m price guide for the 892sq m property at 11 The Esplanade, Geelong.
At this level, it would claim the crown of the city’s most expensive house, which currently belongs to Raith in Newtown.
Lyons, who bought the 1930 brick residence for $1.341m in 2002, said it was n his sanctuary during his stint in local politics.
“It was my secret cave … I would walk in in a rage and the world would fall from my shoulders,” he said.
Lush gardens, a regal pair of lion statues and an ornate entry hall introduce the two-storey house, which includes a self-contained retreat and multiple outdoor entertainment areas.
Former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons has owned the property for more than 20 years. Picture: Tim Carrafa
The remodelled kitchen has stone benchtops, Miele appliances, brass tapware and an integrated drinks cooler with drainage.
The corner property is on one of Geelong’s most prized waterfront strips.
Mr Gray said the floorplan was surprisingly spacious, with the elegant front lounge room among his favourite spaces.
“Darryn’s personality is evident at nearly every turn but, at the same time, I don’t think it would be hard to put your own stamp on it,” he said.
He said Lyons had recently invested in a significant kitchen overhaul, featuring premium appliances and an integrated drinks cooler.
“There’s a lot of other aesthetics that he’s changed but he’s stayed pretty sympathetic to the vintage of the home, early 1900s, and he has certainly spent money on the right areas – his ensuite, the kitchen and the external garden,” he said.
The Lamborghini could be included in the sale for the right price.
The first floor billiards room links to a balcony where you can watch the sunrise over the bay.
Lyons’ antiques collection is on display throughout the home.
Mr Gray said the two neighbouring properties would be offered for sale separately, but could be purchased together.
He expects interstate and offshore interest, though hasn’t ruled out high-net worth Geelong buyers.
“I think for someone spending that level of money, with that budget in mind, acquiring that whole composition could make sense,” he said.
“If you’ve got $8m or $10m, you’ve probably got a few extra to buy the adjacent property. It could be a big compound or simply hold and land bank.”
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