THE STORY OF OSKARS A TUSCAN-STYLE ESTATE

OSKARS

Nestled into the side of a steep hill in Killcare Heights you will find Oskars, a remarkable Tuscan-style estate that boasts panoramic water views and a fascinating history.

Once owned by German adventurer Oskar Speck, Oskars is one of Killcare’s most iconic homes. Oskar is famous for kayaking from Germany to Australia in the 1930s; his story is vividly recounted in Vanity Fair, which described his epic 30,000-mile journey as “an adventure nearly lost to history”. He paddled for more than seven and a half years, battling malaria, sharks and hostile locals, only to be arrested as a prisoner of war when arriving in Australia. Jeffrey Mellefont, a retired worker from the Australian Maritime Museum and an international yachtsman, told Vanity Fair that the voyage “dumbfounded” him. “Sailing, I could always heave to in storms or stand off a dangerous coast, get some rest and try again at daybreak. Speck had to get it right the first time, every time,” he said. Oskar was kayaking through the Middle East, India and South-East Asia, facing treacherous conditions at the same time that Hitler rose to power during World War II. As a result, he was shot at, robbed and accused of being a Nazi spy and spent six years in Australian internment camps as a German prisoner of war. Released in January 1946 when he was 39 years old – eight months after the war with Germany ended – he found work as an opal cutter at Lightning Ridge before moving to Sydney to begin a successful career as an opal merchant. Once he was established, Oskar could have settled anywhere but he chose to buy the entire side of a hill at Killcare Heights. He operated his opal factory from the neighbouring block, which was later subdivided.

The property spans more than 3,207 square metres and has 180-degree vistas across Brisbane Water to the Pacific Ocean – you can understand why Oskar fell in love with the place. Unrivalled in luxury and position, Oskars has been featured in numerous design publications and it is undoubtedly Killcare's premier coastal property. It has recently undergone extensive renovations and has long been a favourite escape for celebrities.

Featuring elegant interiors spilling out to magnificent gardens, sun-soaked terraces and a stunning, award-winning 11.7-metre infinity pool and spa, the Tuscan-inspired architecture has been beautifully designed around the concept of relaxed sophistication, with multiple private spaces for family and guests. Winding paths lead towards the bay, lending the property a magical, Mediterranean ambience. Recently sold for $6.5m with Cathy Baker of Belle Property, Cathy says that the spectacular estate “must be seen to be fully appreciated”. “I have sold numerous luxury properties around Killcare, but Oskars is truly one of a kind," she says. “From the unique history to the water and beach views spanning the entire coastline and bay, the gorgeous pool and expansive outdoor entertaining areas, it really has everything you could want in a high-end home.” If you are thinking of selling and looking for an agent who can deliver a premium result contact Cathy Baker on 0414 241 005, email cathy.baker@belleproperty.com

CLEONIE SWIM

For the launch of Oskars, CCL&S teamed up with Kitty Scott of Cleonie Swim, a talented local designer who provided the beautiful swimwear featured in the shoot. Kitty says Cleonie Swimwear is made with the “consciousness, love and a completeness” that only an independent label can offer. “We are focused on supplying sustainable and all Australian made products to the world. We believe in slow fashion,” she says. A graduate of RMIT University, Kitty won a scholarship to study in London, Milan and Paris at the renowned Istituto Maringoni. She has worked with world-class brands such as Revolve, Free People, Intermix, Bloomingdales and David Jones. See cleonie.com