“The first thing you will notice is that it feels like a grand home, on a smaller scale,” explains Glen, as she welcomes us through the striking yellow front door of 32 Park Avenue, Mosman. “It’s not a stereotypically ‘Mosman’ home either – the space is really a reflection of our love for travel, we’ve taken inspiration from all our favourite places”, says Glen, moving through the eye-catching lilac-coloured entrance hall. The collection of ornaments on display, and the fine-bone China tea set on the kitchen countertop reaffirms this. We meet Glen for a tour of the home – one that we agree with her is “best experienced in-person”. Warm and welcoming (both Glen and the home), there is a comfortable yet curious ambience; a tapestry of fresh flowers, lush textures, and worldly artefacts.

“We put so much care and attention to detail into this house, everything has been considered both practically and aesthetically – in fact, I don’t think there is a single thing we haven’t thought of.” Glen speaks to the intricacies of the home’s design, as she reflects on her two decades in the residence she’s shared with her husband, Charles. She’s pleased with how the space has evolved to reflect her taste for the finer things and worldly experiences. Under the guidance of Coco Republic and Classic Outfitters, she has curated a classic home with features such as bespoke cabinetry and flooring from New York, lighting and textiles from Paris, and fixtures from the United Kingdom – all of which are destinations Charles and Glen hold close to their heart. After what has been a long and fruitful chapter here, a desire to downsize has motivated Charles and Glen to offer the home to market – with BresicWhitney’s Guido Scatizzi. 

The aptly named ‘Rockcliffe’ assumes a coveted vantage point upon the sandstone rockface leading down to Mosman Bay, with views of Reid Park. While Glen and Charles have been the most recent custodians of the home, the history of the now five-bedroom residence dates back to the early 1900’s. The spacious rear extension and second story were a later addition in the 1980’s. 

Charles and Glen purchased the site with every intention of renovating. A labour of love, the recasting process was carried out in stages and prioritised the paring back of materials to expose the home’s original bones. To their delight, the process uncovered hidden gems such as the original Jarrah timber floorboards that now feature in the kitchen, and a traditional hearth, located at the junction of the home’s original structure and extension. The subterranean wine cellar is complete with a thermostatic regulator and storage for up to two thousand vintages. A stereotypically uncommon decision to expand the garden area has resulted in lush foliage that extends to the block’s sandstone boundary, providing space to entertain with ample privacy from neighbours.

It’s perhaps the master suite that is the most awe-inspiring. A marble encased ensuite flaunts a Victoria and Albert bathtub, placed below an Aerin Lauder chandelier drawing the eye up to private views of the tranquil surrounds. Adding to the luxuries is the walk-in wardrobe, utterly reminiscent of a high-end home on New York’s Upper East Side with its mirrored parlour with dedicated space to display treasures and trinkets. A place that will be special for the next owners, just as it has been for Glen.

Writing this chapter of her life in Mosman has been gratifying and deeply personal for Glen – a beloved destination that has maintained relevance for her family in one way or another for some generations.

Her answer to what she’d like a new custodian to enjoy, is one of resolute fulfilment. “Everything here has been finished to the best standard – I hope this will spark joy and satisfaction for the new owners. We are proud of what we have built in our time here and we know the home is ready to provide for its next generation.”

View the property here: 32 Park Avenue, Mosman