WORDS BY ALLEY PASCOE
The inside scoop on Darwin’s most exclusive address!
When linguists first coined the term ‘wow factor,’ they had 1 Gribble Court in mind. Stepping into the formal foyer of the luxury property, it’s impossible not to drop your jaw in awe. There’s the sweeping curve of the staircase, the grandeur of the open-living design, and the view. Oh, the view.
Positioned on the waterfront at Cullen Bay Marina, the home has uninterrupted views over the sparkling water and beyond. For 13 years, the view has been enjoyed by owner Laurent Le Hars. “It’s a beautiful place, the sunsets are amazing, and the view over the lock is quite unique. From the top veranda, we can watch the fireworks and the ships coming into the harbour,” he says of the property he’s called home for over a decade.
This is the first time a property on Gribble Court has graced the market since the inception of Cullen Bay Marina. When Laurent bought the home all those years ago, it wasn’t for sale. The late Ernie Chin – of Chin Property Group – had gone door knocking in the prestigious enclave on Laurent’s behalf and convinced the then-owners of 1 Gribble Court to let him have a viewing. “As soon as I went in, I experienced the wow factor.”
Seeing the water from the front entrance; there was no comparison,” remembers Laurent. It was love at first sight of the two-story, four-bedroom, architecturally designed house. In the years since that first viewing, Laurent and his wife Kim Page have enjoyed the property with their family and friends. It is a home that welcomes people warmly and brings them together. Laurent has hosted countless Christmases, parties, and feasts. “It’s all about eating, drinking, and celebrating with everyone in the one room,” says Laurent, describing the open kitchen and gourmet wok as two of his favourite features. “We do a killer Singapore chilli mud crab in the wok.”
Laurent is going to miss the home – and the wok – but the time is right. Both his and Kim’s children are grown, and adventure awaits. “This house needs kids jumping in the pool, exploring the marina on kayaks, and sitting on the kitchen bench licking cupcake icing off the blender whisks,” says Laurent, with a smile. “It’s time to let another family enjoy what we’ve gotten to enjoy for all these years. It’s been fantastic.”
For Sale now via Expressions of Interest. If you are interested in this property, please get in contact with Andrew Harding at Ray White Darwin.
E: andrew.harding@raywhite.com
raywhitedarwin.com.au https://raywhitedarwin.com.au/properties/residential-for-sale/nt/cullen-bay-0820/house/3026784
