Got a cool $17 to $18.5 million to spare? You could be the next custodian of a sprawling, elevated estate on Sydney’s North Shore designed by renowned architect Walter Burley Griffin.
Set on almost 5640 square metres (1.4 acres), ‘Coppins’ is a six-bedroom mansion with formal landscaping by Paul Bangay and a Pinterest-worthy swimming pool.
It’s being offloaded by former fintech exec Stuart Grimshaw and his wife, Annalise, who, late last year, listed the property for sale with hopes of $19.5 to $21 million, then again in March 2025 with a $17.75 to $19.5 million price guide.
In other words, you could snap up this significant heritage-listed house at a (roughly) 20 per cent discount. Sounds like a bargain.
Also referred to as the Eric Pratten House after its first owner, the Pymble pile was Walter Burley Griffin’s largest domestic commission in Australia, and the last residential project he designed before he and his wife, fellow architect and collaborator Marion Mahony Griffin, relocated to Lucknow, India, in 1936. Sadly, Walter died there from complications following gall bladder surgery in 1937.
Originally from the US, the Griffins also dabbled in town planning, designing a wee city called Canberra, as well as the affluent Sydney suburbs of Castlecrag and Castle Cove and the NSW Riverina towns of Griffith and Leeton.
They championed the Prairie School of architecture, characterised by horizontal lines, overhanging eaves and flat or hipped roofs, solid construction, earthy palettes and ornamental features.
Coppins is a beautiful example of the style, although during its last renovation, many of the home’s original features were gutted. Court orders were placed and some features were reinstated (thank gawd).
The result? An architectural, historical gem that is 25 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, and comes with sophisticated modern-day trimmings. Forbes Global Properties is taking expressions of interest from those with deep pockets.
Luckily, looking is free.
Kitchen, dining and living
The black-and-white themed kitchen, dining and living spaces — featuring Cole & Son ‘Procuratie e Scimmie’ wallpaper — provide a neutral base for future homeowners.
The kitchen’s been reimagined with stone benchtops, fresh cabinetry, a double oven and a wine fridge. Tucked away is a well-appointed butler’s pantry.
Kids’ bedrooms
Among the four bedrooms in the main house, the kids’ rooms are standouts, with chandeliers and slightly whimsical wallpapers, as well as leafy views — sure to inspire young minds during homework time (maybe).
There are an additional two bedrooms in a separate guest house or entertainer’s cabana.
Bathroom
With floor-to-ceiling marble, a dual vanity and deep bath, this bathroom personifies luxury on steroids. Coppins sports five bathrooms altogether.
Outside
What’s better than one luxury house? Two luxury houses. The estate includes a spacious guest house or entertainer’s cabana at the rear, featuring two bedrooms with ensuites, a five-star outdoor kitchen and an alfresco area.
While it was factored into the original garden design — purportedly by Marion Mahony Griffin — the laned swimming pool wasn’t completed until 15 years after Coppins was built.
The Griffins were methodical, leaving no stone unturned (literally) when it came to their vision. It’s rumoured that Walter even designed the dog kennel on the country-style property.
