Darling Point: the richly diverse suburb where there's more than meets the eye

Leigh Cholakos believes Darling Point is a suburb best discovered on foot. 

“As the [late] style queen Diana Vreeland said, ‘the eye has to travel’,” she says. “There are lots of gems to discover if you go walking.”

Every day Cholakos strolls through the dappled shade of Rushcutters Bay Park to Bei Amici, the Darling Point restaurant she owns with husband and chef Felix Rutz.

She marvels at the suburb’s leafy streets, eclectic architecture, beautiful convict-built sandstone walls and hidden grottoes, likening the suburb to a Parisienne neighbourhood.

City sanctuary

As there’s only a handful of commercial offerings in Darling Point, Bei Amici has become a social hub for residents who love the relaxed service, big windows and dog-friendly footpath tables.

“The demographic here [comprises] people who are really well-travelled, and they know their food and wine,” says Cholakos.

“There are a lot of CEOs and government officials and they like good food and service in a causal atmosphere – we’re not stuffy or prententious.”

And if you prefer to dine down by the water, the staff at Bei Amici will happily pack you a picnic to enjoy at Rushcutters Bay, McKell or Yarranabbe park. 

Local agent Daphne Sauvage of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty says for a small suburb Darling Point punches well above its weight for waterfront green space and iconic views.

“One of the biggest drawcards here is the views,” she says.

“Depending on how high up in an apartment block you are, you can get the most magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. If you’ve got an eastern aspect you’ll get wonderful water views over Double Bay and if you’re facing north, you’ll look out to the heads.”

Diverse demographic

While Darling Point regularly appears in Sydney’s top three most expensive suburbs, Sauvage says property prices start from $1 million and range up to $70 million, attracting everyone from young city professionals to captains of industry.

That diversity is due in part to the fact that 87 per cent of dwellings are apartments, while the limited number of free-standing homes tend to be sprawling mansions built on the waterfront.

“Some residents work in the city at full-on jobs and they love to come back home and just watch the water,” says Sauvage.

“Then there are people coming out of big homes who want somewhere quiet and safe to live with stunning views. They might be semi-retired and wanting to get out of the hustle and bustle.”

Sauvage says having such serenity is rare so close to the city, which is easily reached by ferry, bus or train, with Edgecliff Station a short walk along New South Head Road.

One to watch

4/38 Darling Point Road

In a pet-friendly, boutique block of nine with a shared pool, this west-facing apartment captures views across the treetops to the Harbour Bridge and city skyline.

The property has a private entry and level access from the double garage, plus a central skylit atrium maximising natural light.

SOLD - $3,550,000

4/38 Darling Point Road, Darling Point NSW 2027

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Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty‘s Daphne Sauvage takes the home to auction on March 31 with a guide of $3 million.