The Sydney socialite and Real Housewives star Christa Billich and artist husband Charles have listed their exotic penthouse with its huge terrace and Playboy mansion-style spa ensuite.
The couple, also famous for their open marriage of 30 years, bought the three-bedroom residence in the Tewkesbury security complex at 78/1 Tewkesbury Ave for $575,000 in 1991.
But it’s now up for sale, with a $6m price guide, via McGrath Surry Hills principal Mark Foy, as the Billichs contemplate a big change — a move to Italy.
Christa, 78, who was born in Munich in Germany and has appeared in both the Sydney and Melbourne Real Housewives series, told the Wentworth Courier: “We just have an idea that we may live a bit more often overseas, and buy a smaller place in Sydney.
MORE:
‘Spaceship on earth’ could sell for $515,000
“With Charles being an artist, Florence would be very tempting.”
In the same breath, Christa says: “I’m wondering why we’re selling — I think I’ve almost talked myself into keeping it, it’s such a great place to have.”
It was the massive terrace with its city and harbour views that won the couple over 32 years ago.
“We moved up from Melbourne and opened the gallery in The Rocks, and we told the real estate agent we wanted a big balcony with a city and harbour view,” she said.
“When we saw it, we had to have it.”
She said her Sydney friends tried to talk her out of it. “They said, ‘Christa, you can’t live in Darlinghurst, this is NOT the area, with all of the crime and prostitution.
“But we lived in the penthouse, I don’t care what the girls are doing down on the street!”
Today, she says, Darlinghurst is very popular with the in-crowd. “I hope it doesn’t change too much — we never want it to end up like Mosman, where everything is perfect — the way it is is just fantastic,” she says.
The 150sqm terrace with its view is the favourite feature, but she does love the spa ensuite.
Although Billich was once part of Hugh Hefner’s inner circle, she denies it was inspired by anything she saw at his Playboy mansion.
“No, that was my husband’s creative idea ... he wanted a spa in the bedroom — and it’s quite nice to have a spa before you get into bed, I can highly recommend it!”
She says people still stop her in the street to remind her of the amazing parties they’ve had over the years.
“We can entertain 200 people on our terrace ... people say: ‘We had a new years eve party at your place, at least 20 years ago, so it must have been memorable!”
Foy says he already has interest in the penthouse, with builders already looking into whether they could add another floor. “It’s a great opportunity, with enormous potential,” he says.
Originally published as Real Housewives star Christa Billich and artist husband Charles Billich list Darlinghurst penthouse
Read related topics:SydneyncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7xaKlmqaTmnyzscClZJ6rpJbBpnvRnpilZZikwrSx1qKtnqtdqMGivoycn6uho6mubq7IpaOim5hirq%2BwjJqpraGjqXqpwdKbmKecXZi1or7Lnqpmmpmhuaqvx2ajoqukYrGivsuipaCgpafAtXnPnqWtoJ%2BqwKZ7zZ6urGWjqbyzxY5xaWublm6wooWQaphyb2ZqsKSCxGubmpmVbYR2gsWamw%3D%3D