The era of the Golden Bachelor has begun and while it is a show about mature-aged dating, the program is a perfect opportunity to peak behind the gates of one glamorous Sydney trophy home.
Tresco at 97 Elizabeth Bay Rd in the city-fringe suburb of Elizabeth Bay is the on-screen home of 61-year-old Barry “Bear” Myrden and his bevy of 20 romantically hopeful suitors.
Designed in 1868 by the leading architect of the day, Thomas Rowe, the existing heritage-listed sandstone residence was built by Italian stonemasons and features two storeys and 13 rooms.
By the 1880s, Tresco had more additions and Victorian period renovations before becoming the official residence of the Royal Australian Naval support commander for almost a century.
The Golden Bachelor has been filmed in one of Sydney's most coveted mansions. Picture: Channel 9
The wealthy Anstee family then bought it from the government in 1997 for $9 million, before selling into racing royalty.
Today, Tresco is the real life home of Janette Waterhouse, the ex-wife of David Waterhouse, son of the late bookmaker Bill Waterhouse.
The Elizabeth Bay mansion was decked out in lights during filming. Picture: Channel 9
The former couple paid $11 million for the prestige pile in 2004, but it was reportedly being quietly shopped around off market with price expectations of $110 million and $120 million just last year.
During Covid, the history house was rumoured to be asking $50 million, according to published reports. Title records also show that the property was officially listed in 2019, 2018 and 2017.
The seven-bedroom mansion at 97 Elizabeth Bay Road is the home of the Golden Bachelor. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Throughout the Waterhouses’ ownership they have modernised the interiors of Tresco, converted the stables into an office and cellar while also adding a one-bedroom apartment above the garage.
It is home to first-class boating facilities including a highly and unique deepwater jetty with a double-sided wharf and extra sea wall pillars extending out into Sydney Harbour along with a large pontoon, seawater pool and boat house.
The mansion is right on the waterfront. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Interiors feature high decorative ceilings, antique chandeliers and contemporary updates including two kitchens and two home offices. Then there are the vast landscaped grounds and terraces where the Golden Bachelor and his ladies mingle for cocktail parties and dates.
Earlier this year, Janette lodged a Development Application with the City of Sydney to build two additional houses on the on 3300sq m waterfront lot for the ex-couple’s two children.
Designed in 1868, Tresco is a heritage-listed sandstone residence. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
DA papers estimated the potential cost at about $23 million for what had been earmarked to be a new “East House” and “West House” sharing the pool and harbour beach.
However, the designs by prominent architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer were knocked back by council. Under the Heritage Act of 1977, the local government body refused to grant permission for the new builds, citing that Tresco’s grounds and trees as a place of “State heritage significance” protected on the State Heritage Register for its historic, aesthetic, associative and rarity values.
The Golden Bachelor Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden with host Samantha Armytage. Picture: Channel 9
The denial also stated that the proposal “exceeded the tolerance for change of a relatively intact designed mid-19th century garden” that, along with the house and waterfront structures, makes an “important contribution to the character of the area”.
Although, the heritage issues haven’t stopped approval for a new conservatory and swimming pool on the estate.
Despite the quashed plans to create a multimillion-dollar family compound, Tresco now has a more high-profile role, starring in Australia’s first Golden Bachelor.
But it is also not the only foray into television for a Waterhouse-owned home with David’s personal residence a Spanish mission mansion in Rose Bay known as Biscaya - previously featuring on Married at First Sight, The Voice and The Bachelor.
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