Pomeroy

Macleay Street has its fair share of high-end apartment blocks all blessed with sparkling outlooks and striking interiors, but in many ways, the pièce de résistance – in terms of real estate – is Pomeroy at number 14.

This 9-storey building positioned in the ‘Parisian end’ of Macleay Street, is grounded by boutiques, cafés and bars and crowned by a Penthouse with the kind of panoramic views that would crowd a millennial’s Instagram account, on a daily basis.

Its units are considered so prestigious and desirable that buyers pay record-breaking sums for them. In 2012, developer Bob Ell sold his Penthouse along with a separate apartment for $15 million. This was the highest sale price for Potts Point at the time and set a record that remained unbeaten until 2018.

So what is it about Pomeroy that makes buyers reach for their cheque books? Here are just a few noteworthy details.

Design

Pomeroy is relatively new. It was erected in 2004 and designed by Susan Rothwell. However, unlike many contemporary buildings, it’s not minimal or boxy. The architects imbued it with timeless features and proportions that blend seamlessly in with Pomeroy’s Art Deco neighbours: the iconic Macleay Regis and Selsdon Building.

The interior is another matter. The 34 apartments are infused with all of the mod cons: from multi-zoned air-conditioning to Miele gas appliances, to electronic louvres.

Residents enter the premises through an opulent lobby where they are greeted by a concierge and a marble lift transports them to their home. Those who indulge in Potts Point’s food scene (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?) have the option of working off those calories in an indoor pool or gymnasium.

And of course, Pomeroy’s apartments are all blessed with parking – a rarity in Potts Point.

While each apartment is special, the jewel in this building is the penthouse, boasting 370 square metres of internal space, 200 square metres of balcony space, four car spaces and dual harbour views.

Location

Although all its features are enticing, Pomeroy’s real selling point is location. The position serves up all of the conveniences of Potts Point – a stroll to the city, a walk to Kings Cross Station, amenities galore and a dream lock-up-and-go lifestyle – but the apartments are also quiet so residents can feel the buzz that the postcode is renowned for, without necessarily hearing it.

History

Before these luxury units existed 14 Macleay Street was better known as the Chateau Hotel Sydney. This three-star establishment belonged to Mirvac but was closed after the 2000 Olympics, and later demolished.

This was part of a trend often referred to as the Residential Revolution. Following the Sydney Olympics more than 2000 hotel rooms were taken out of the market and most of these were located around Kings Cross and the inner-city fringe districts.

The hotels transformed into apartments included the Top of the Town, Chateau, Landmark Parkroyal, Gazebo, Manhattan and Sebel.

The site at 14 Macleay Street was purchased by Winten Property Group, who have a knack for tasteful, modern architecture. A short walk away is 22 Wylde Street, which is another Winten development from the early 2000s. Like Pomeroy, it’s classic-contemporary fusion which showcases the best of the area.