Visit Darling Point and discover one of Sydney's most desirable destinations

Of all the suburbs in Sydney, Darling Point may well be the closest approximation of a Parisian neighbourhood.

Mature trees line the streets, there are heritage apartment blocks, classic homes and handsome contemporary builds, beautiful convict-built sandstone walls and hidden grottoes. And then there’s something Paris doesn’t have: those glorious harbour views.

Depending on where you live you might capture westerly views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, easterly views over Double Bay, or, if you’re facing north, views across to Mosman and the Heads.

“It’s one of the most sought-after suburbs in the east,” says CBRE senior director Ben Stewart. Double Bay is right on your doorstep, he adds, as well as the neighbouring suburbs of Paddington and Potts Point.

There are two yacht clubs for keen sailors and three waterfront parks – Yarranabbe, McKell and Rushcutters Bay, the latter a favourite with Francophile and local resident Claudia Stahl.

“It’s particularly beautiful near the harbour,” she says. A local of 12 years, Stahl runs her French-style fashion business, Jac Cadeaux, from home, selling her wares direct and through theiconic.com.au.

She often works from her dining room which overlooks the sandstone beauty of St Mark’s, an early Gothic revival church that was designed by Edmund Blacket and was the venue for Elton John’s first marriage.

Elton is among dozens of high-profile people who have been drawn to Darling Point over the years, including Nicole Kidman, Ita Buttrose, Lara Worthington and former prime minister Gough Whitlam.

“Darling Point had always been on our list of places where we would love to live,” Stahl says. “It feels quite serene yet it’s close to everything. We love going up to Potts Point, to the markets or to Govindas. We can walk down the stairs to Double Bay and we’re close to Edgecliff, where we shop. It feels a bit inner-city but it’s really quiet.”

Stahl says another huge advantage is living within walking distance of Ascham School, where her daughters went, and other top schools.

Regularly appearing in Sydney’s top three most expensive suburbs, Darling Point has good public transport with bus and ferry services and Edgecliff Station a short walk along New South Head Road.

There are only a handful of commercial offerings within the suburb’s boundaries, including Richie’s Cafe, which has become a meeting point for residents.

“The girls love Richie’s, we go up there for brunch, it’s got a really lovely menu,” says Stahl. “It’s very local and somewhere we like to hang out.”

Bei Amici, a relaxed Italian eatery on Mona Road, is another Darling Point social hub. It will no doubt become a favourite with buyers at Fortis’ latest project MONA, to be built next door.

Incredibly, 60 per cent of the end value of the building was sold after a bumper first weekend of sales. when the MONA penthouse, complete with rooftop pool, sold for a record $13.75 million.

The team at CBRE have received over 1000 inquiries for the MHNDU-designed residences which will feature interiors by Richard Stanisich.

“Getting a new development in Darling Point is very rare,” Stewart says. “It’s a very well-established and tightly held area, so to get something new with a modern design and outstanding interiors and finishes is exceptional.”

Stewart says the size and configuration of the apartments, with one, two or three bedrooms, is also unusual for the area.

He has fielded interest from young professionals and downsizers and a handful of investors.

“Some buyers are looking for an eastern suburbs bolthole and they have a property up north or down south,” Stewart says. “It can be a lock-and-leave proposition.”

He says the promise of city skyline and harbour views, combined with the quality of the development, have been key drawcards.

“Fortis has done some really high-quality developments in the area and they’ve become known for their attention to detail and for building in brilliant locations.”