Million-dollar views from heritage mansion site

A $125 million transformation of a colonial-era Geelong mansion into luxury waterfront apartments is coming to market.

Developers MONNO – formerly CostaFox – has launched its Stella Maris project at Bay Street, Rippleside with more than 50 properties available, with the top-end homes expected to command up to $6 million.

Stella Maris is at the site of the former Covenant of Mercy at St Helen’s Park, with the original heritage-listed residence to be restored as part of the development

The new residential building will include 50 apartments and three townhouses, with one-bedroom apartments starting at $595,000, and penthouses of three and four bedrooms ranging from $4 million-$6 million.

Architects Rothelowman designed the 1.25-hectare site fronting St Helens Beach with contemporary homes, while Carr Design will aim to return the mansion to a single residence that includes modern extensions.

The development would also include a wellness centre with a lap pool, gym, yoga and steam rooms, edible garden, charging bays, plus sustainability features and layered landscaping.

MONNO expects to begin construction in the second half of next year, with homes finished during 2025.

“We’re incredibly confident to bring Stella Maris to the market. It’s an exceptional costal enclave that offers striking architecture with a new kind of living that the Bellarine Peninsular has not seen before,” managing director Geno Hubay said.

“The project’s size and location are unique for Geelong and we’re excited about launching this November.”