Seaforth gem built over caves on the waters edge.
A rare private beach front home with an eye-catching mermaid statue, outdoor golf-simulator, private caves, an exclusive boatshed and jetty, has hit the market on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Retired businessman John Karren and his wife Fiona Karren have owned their Seaforth home known as ‘The Caves’ located right on the waters edge for 20 years.
Having hosted their sons wedding, Ms Karren’s 50th birthday party that included a surprise Three Tenors performance, as well as raising their kids who enjoyed a childhood of jumping in the water from the private jetty, the now empty nesters were preparing to downsize.
Listing with Joshua Perry at Belle Property Manly, he was encouraging buyers with a budget of at least $10m to inspect the property.
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Stunning views from pool, deck and outdoor golf simulator.
A mermaid statue, jetty, boat shed and private beach.
“It’s been a fantastic place (for the kids) to grow up,” Mr Karren said. “It’s a bit of a resort … we’ve had a lot of good parties every year here. We had my eldest sons wedding in the lower area with 140 people dancing on the deck,” he added.
Before purchasing the home, Mr Karren had eyed of the property from the water, passing by on his Kayak for many years.
“I thought it was the most beautiful house. I kayaked past it for a year or two, and when it came up for sale I thought we had to buy it. We stretched ourselves, but we bought it,” he said.
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Keeping the original floor plan, they had overtime modernised the house, redoing the decking and pools as well as adding extra amenities.
Outdoor golf simulator with Middle Harbour views.
Stunning aspect from the lounge and dining areas.
“We added various toys like a golf simulator, which is fantastic, we did the sauna and added things in the gym,” he said.
“It’s probably the only outside golf simulator in the country. You can practice your golf up there and have an amazing view out to Middle Harbour.”
The five-bedroom, six-bathroom retreat with four parking spaces at 13 Seaforth Crescent is located right on the waters edge with 200 degree water views.
Completely private with all neighbours situated further up, it included 60ft deep water frontage with exclusive-use jetty and boat shed, surrounded by natural amenity.
“We’ve had lots of kayaks, I’ve built a couple too and we’ve kayaked all over the place from there. We’d take the boats out, take the kids skiing or go out for the night or day to a nearby beach,” Mr Karren said.
Private boatshed and jetty.
Surrounded by nature.
He also said the wildlife in the area was “amazing.”
“We’ve had seals and penguins and even a whale that came through a few years ago,” he said.
“On land we have had wallabies living next to the house, tons of water dragons, you name it.”
A mermaid statue that sat on a rock at the private beach had become a bit of a local attraction, with boats and tourists snapping pictures of the bronze beauty from the water.
“She’s had a bit of a facelift since we bought the property, we got an artist, an expert in bronze style to touch her up – she looks fantastic,” Mr Karren said.
The namesake of the home was inspired by a number of caves that were dotted around and under the property, which the family has used to spotlight art.
Caves throughout the property and mermaid statue sitting on waterfront.
Old Balinese style door allegedly from the Jenolan Caves House.
An old Balinese style door opened into the home, which was allegedly from the original Jenolan Caves home. Imported Tucci pool umbrellas, convenient inclinator from the car park, security cameras, retractable awning, private au pair accommodation, fish ponds and a water feature also elevated the luxurious property.
Lead agent Joshua Perry said a home this close to the waters edge was rare, due to council no longer approving future preposed positioning.
More water views on the deck.
Views from lying in bed.
“You can’t replicate that,” he said. “To be in this position, so close to the water’s edge is quite rare. It’s also a slow zone there too so you can have a more substantial boat … this lifestyle can’t be repeated.”
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