The waterfront mansion of former Geelong mayor and paparazzo Darryn Lyons has hit the market with a hefty price tag of about $8 million.
The colorful personality is selling the large seven-bedroom home at The Esplanade as he wants to break ownership ties with his hometown.
An adjacent three-bedroom house that he used as an office is also being prepared for sale, paving the way for someone to create a sprawling property in Western Beach.
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That property, at 1 Toorak Pde, Geelong, is expected to fetch a high $2 million.
The portfolio shake-up is part of a $16 million sell-off as Lyon takes time for its Australian chapter.
He is also offloading a $3.8 million apartment in Sydney and a $2.5 million hideaway in Far North Queensland.
He plans to keep the Elephant & Castle pub in Geelong.
Lyon’s opulent Western Beach residence, ‘Lyons View’, is packed with all the glitz and glamor you’d expect, including golden columns, a cave-style pool, an underground cellar, a sauna and a huge bathroom with a striking glass bath.
Along with beds draped in Versace, the interior showcases its antiques and art collection, while the billiards room is covered in photos and memorabilia.
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Gold accents can be found in the open living room.
Buxton agent David Gray describes the pool and spa as having a European feel.
Buxton listing agent David Gray has set a price guide of $7.7 million to $8.3 million for the 892 sq m property at 11 The Esplanade, Geelong.
At this level it would take the crown for the city’s most expensive house, which currently belongs to Raith in Newtown.
Lyons, who bought the 1930s brick home for $1.341 million in 2002, said it was his refuge during his stint in local politics.
“It was my secret cave… I walked in in anger and the world fell off my shoulders,” he said.
Lush gardens, a regal pair of lion statues and an ornate entrance hall introduce the two-storey home, which includes a self-contained retreat and multiple outdoor entertainment areas.
Former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons has owned the property for more than 20 years. Photo: Tim Carrafa
The renovated kitchen has stone worktops, Miele appliances, brass taps and an integrated drinks cooler with drainage.
The corner property is located on one of Geelong’s most prized waterfront strips.
Mr Gray said the floor plan was surprisingly spacious, with the elegant front living room being one of his favorite spaces.
“Darryn’s personality comes through almost everywhere, but at the same time I don’t think it would be difficult to put your own stamp on it,” he said.
He said Lyons had recently invested in a major renovation of the kitchen, with high-end appliances and an integrated drinks cooler.
“There are a lot of other aesthetics he changed, but he stayed quite sympathetic to the vintage of the house, early 20th century, and he certainly spent money on the right areas: his bathroom, the kitchen and the outside garden,” he said.
For the right price, the Lamborghini could be included in the sale.
The billiard room on the first floor is connected to a balcony where you can watch the sunrise over the bay.
Lyon’s antique collection is on display throughout the house.
Mr Gray said the two adjoining properties are being offered for sale separately but can be bought together.
He expects interstate and offshore interest, but is not ruling out wealthy Geelong buyers.
“I think for someone spending that much money, with that budget in mind, acquiring that whole composition could make sense,” he said.
“If you have $8 million or $10 million, you probably have a few extra to buy the adjacent property. It could be a large complex or just a holding and land bank.”
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