The historic Cloncrew estate at 12 Valetta Street, an original Spanish Mission-style Manly mansion, hits the market for the first time in 60 years after being owned by the same family for seven decades.
Built in 1938 by renowned Brisbane architect Eric Percival Trewern for barrister Dennis O’Connor, who had longstanding ties to Manly dating back to 1898, the sprawling 2,548 square meter hilltop property offers a grand blend of Spanish mission architecture and Art Deco design.
Its prime waterfront location captures stunning panoramic views of Moreton Bay and the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron marina that many Manly residents know and love.
“Cloncrew is truly one of our area’s landmark estates and most significant remaining historic properties,” said Danny Day of Ocean Realty, who is marketing the property. “Its original condition is immaculately preserved.”
Indeed, many of Cloncrew’s breathtaking original details remain intact, including soaring ornate ceilings, glazed lead-light double doors, walls veneered in rich Queensland timbers, and the home’s pièce de résistance — a spectacular semicircular Piazza terrace overlooking the bay.
Other standout period features are the grand living room’s cantilevered fireplace with Helidon freestone and carved timber mantle, the elegant dining room with servery window, and the opulent main bathroom’s Terrazzo floors and handmade Italian tiled shower.
While the kitchen has been updated, Day notes there is opportunity for the new owners to pursue further modernisation or additions like a glass atrium, subject to heritage approvals to preserve Cloncrew’s history and architectural integrity.
The property has already drawn interest from local buyers, as well as house hunters from Sydney and Melbourne, just days after hitting the market.
“This is really a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own an irreplaceable piece of Manly’s rich history and community fabric,” Day said. “I envision the new owners will be blown away by Cloncrew’s beauty and pedigree, and committed to honouring its past while adding their own vision.”
An indicative sale price is available by application, reflecting the property’s immense historic value and significance to Manly’s character. Locals will surely be watching with anticipation as this iconic estate finds its new custodians.
Published 29-February-2024
