High profile New Zealand property investor, Ben Cook, has made headlines reshuffling his professional property portfolio of late and is now offloading his newly renovated Bondi Beach apartment in coveted Notts Ave.
Listing agent Alex Lyons of Raine & Horne Double Bay is auctioning the two-bedroom, two-bathroom 178sqm residence with double garage parking at 2/8-10 Notts Ave on November 23 with a price guide of $16m.
“This really is one of the most unique apartments available in Bondi with the best possible north-facing view of the iconic beach,” Lyons said.
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“Just next-door a one-bedroom apartment recently sold for $11m so that sale really set the benchmark in the boutique building of only three.”
The founder of Auckland-based Cook Property reportedly sold a row of Bondi Beach shops in 2023 for a combined $30.8m.
A rumoured, but yet to be finalised, additional sale in the same Beach House Lane retail centre could take Cook’s total in the deal to more than $36m.
In 2016, he’d paid $31.3m for the beachside strip of 12 stores off bustling Campbell Pde.
With a “strong bias to grocery and large format retail in New Zealand and Australia” according to the Cook Property website, the investor group owns numerous Countdown supermarkets across the ditch and a handful of lucrative Bunnings Warehouses in both countries.
Cook paid a record $56m for Bunnings in the Eastgardens shopping complex in 2015, only to sell it to Newmark Capital for a head-turning $75m in 2021.
Cook, 48, who has frequented New Zealand’s rich list for several years, purchased his Bondi Beach pied a terre in 2015 for $3.925m, but has since undertaken a complete internal rebuild with Stewart + Stewart Interior Designers.
“It’s got to be the most tasteful renovation I’ve ever seen and has the best views,” Mr Lyons added.
“A lot of places in Bondi Beach are facing east or south, but this apartment is north-facing which is pretty rare.”
The designer property has curated interiors which complement the dramatic ocean backdrop and make the most of the natural northerly light.
Sophisticated white marble surfaces in the kitchen and both ensuites also add to the coastal scene.
The kitchen features Gaggenau ovens, a Vintec fridge, Wolf induction cooktops, a large island bench, plus an integrated fridge and dishwasher.
In addition to the enviable beach-facing terrace off the living room, there is also a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard complete with vines, a stone feature wall, built-in seating and a fire pit.
“It’s perfect entertainer’s apartment with room for a dining table seating eight people, two bars and options for alfresco dining,” Lyons said.
“You’ve even got the famous Icebergs just downstairs which will deliver dinner to you.”
Both bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, outdoor access and ensuites including a spa-like retreat off the main with twin ceiling showers, a freestanding bath as well as dual vanities. There is the added convenience of a powder room for guests.
Bonus features at the Bondi Beach apartment include a smart-control fireplace in the lounge room, inset speakers, air-conditioning, a hidden laundry plus a private basement sauna and ensuite next to the double tandem parking.
The small block sits just footsteps from Icebergs dining rooms, the swimming club, gym, beach and the popular coastal walk.