Vibrant beach murals and flowers adorn the walls of this soulful Sydney harbourside home. But even for those who prefer neutral, they'll still love the price tag.
If you're enchanted by mermaids dancing on your walls, vibrant beach scenes on your ceilings, and a hallway that feels like a whimsical underwater tunnel, you'll love this harbourside apartment that once belonged to an artist.
The home is full of hand-painted murals by advertising icon, the late Susie Henry. Picture: realestate.com.au
But if that's not quite your vibe, you'll still love this place — and particularly the price tag, which has been revised down to account for the atypical decor.
The one-bedroom treasure at 4/120 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point was once the colourful sanctuary of eccentric Sydney advertising icon Susie Henry.
Ms Henry joined Leo Burnett in 1985 and was a personal assistant to the CEO, the chairman and the CFO, before taking on the front of house receptionist role.
Vibrant paintings of Australian flora and fauna, sunlit beaches and underwater life cover the ceilings and walls. Picture: realestate.com.au
Since her death in 2021, her home has been preserved as a piece of art by Stephanie McMilan, who bought the home in 2022 from Ms Henry's family for $960,000, knowing it would be a fabulous holiday let investment.
"I loved that it had a great location, that it was a small brick and that it was fun — that was the extra icing on top for us," she said.
The property has been used as a popular Airbnb in recent years. Picture: realestate.com.au
Being just a stroll from North Sydney and almost a stone's throw to the CBD across the harbour, Ms McMilan said the apartment is popular both during the week and at weekends among guests — especially overseas visitors.
"For an investor interested in a high return, Airbnb is the way, and we get a lot of traffic because of the way that it is. It's a special place," she said.
"But there are some eccentric people out there who might actually love to live in it."
The one-bedroom unit has views of the harbour. Picture: realestate.com.au
The home is cosy at 69sqm — but unique. There's an open plan living and dining room flowing to a wraparound balcony with views of Berrys Bay, a refreshed bathroom, a bedroom with ornamental fireplace, and a dated yet stylish kitchen.
And throughout, the interiors are adorned with Henry's bright hand-painted murals that celebrate Australia's flora and fauna, sunlit beaches and our fantastical underwaters.
Every room is unique. Picture: realestate.com.au
The top-floor strata apartment is tucked at the rear of a boutique building of six in the heart of McMahons Point village.
With Ms McMilan moving to Dubai, the home is on the market for $1.05m through private negotiation.
Listed by Lorinda Mansfield and Maggie Mackenzie at Raine & Horne Lower North Shore, Ms Mansfield described the home as "a piece of artwork and local history".
A portrait of the late Susie Henry sits in the bedroom's decorative fireplace. Picture: realestate.com.au
She said it had attracted interest from locals as well as first-time buyers eager for an affordable slice of harbourside living — adding it was also ideal for investors, art lovers or those seeking a home or a city base with soul.
But it won't appeal to everyone, she added, which is affected in the guide price. A comparable freshly renovated apartment in the area would typically sell for $1.15m to $1.2m, she said.
The unit has been priced accordingly for the home's polarising decor. Picture: realestate.com.au
The median price for apartments in McMahons Point is $1.15m, down 13.2% over the year.
"It's an interesting property with interesting artwork and it's going to suit a particular taste," she said.
While Ms Mansfield accepts some buyers might cover the home in white paint to broaden its appeal, she believes others would find their paradise.
"For some people it may feel overwhelming, but for others, after a stressful day, they may want to come home and float with the mermaids."
The home is on the market for $1.05m through private negotiation. Picture: realestate.com.au
Henry herself admitted that the decor was over-the-top.
"No one would ever buy [this place], they couldn't live here," she said in a 2020 video to celebrate 35 years at Leo Burnett.
"But I'm not going anywhere."
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