One of Sydney’s historic waterfront gems has been unveiled as the secret filming location of Channel Nine’s upcoming dating series The Golden Bachelor.
The grand Tresco mansion in the harbourside suburb of Elizabeth Bay, designed by colonial architect Thomas Rowe and constructed between 1867 and 1883, has long been a symbol of elegance.
Originally Rowe’s private home, it later served as the official residence for Navy rear admirals for nearly 90 years before being sold into private hands in 1997 for $9m.
The lavish 1860s sandstone villa, featuring high ceilings and spacious rooms, has recently become a hive of activity with filming equipment discreetly set up on its sprawling 3300sqm grounds.
While sightings of host Samantha Armytage at the residence remain unconfirmed, local residents were quick to notice the sudden presence of production equipment.
The breathtaking property boasts a rich history that includes a notable $11m transfer in 2004 to Janette Waterhouse, wife of entrepreneur David Waterhouse.
One of Sydney’s historic waterfront gems, Tresco mansion in the harbourside suburb of Elizabeth Bay, has been unveiled as the secret location of Channel Nine’s upcoming dating series The Golden Bachelor. (Pictured: Series host Samantha Armytage)
Today, it stands as a seven-bedroom, four-bathroom estate and serves as David’s registered address on ASIC documents.
Its breathtaking location, which is close to a variety of amenities and gorgeous oceanside views, makes it the perfect filming location for Channel Nine’s new series.
Last year, the property was listed on the market for a jaw-dropping price of between $110m – $120m.
Sydney City Council was seemingly caught off guard by the development, has initiated inquiries despite the project falling within the purview of private property regulations.
A council spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph while filming on private grounds does not necessitate council consent, it does require a comprehensive filming management plan.
This includes detailing logistical specifics like crew size, temporary structures and potential impacts on the surrounding area.
Unlike The Bachelor and The Bachelorette which feature young men and women, the Golden Bachelor is targeted at a more mature audience eager to watch how those who have already experienced great love and loss are chasing companionship.
Filming is reportedly underway, with reality TV veteran Abbie Chatfield’s 65-year-old mother Laura set to join the cast of matured-aged women competing to win the heart of Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden.
The grand Tresco mansion in the harbourside suburb of Elizabeth Bay, designed by colonial architect Thomas Rowe and constructed between 1867 and 1883, has long been a symbol of elegance and wealth
Originally Rowe’s private home, it later served as the official residence for Navy rear admirals for nearly 90 years before being sold into private hands in 1997 for $9m
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EXCLUSIVE
Abbie Chatfield's glamorous 65-year-old mother set to make reality TV debut on The Golden Bachelor
In November, it was reported The Golden Bachelor has been scouting for contestants in a very unusual way.
A talent scout for the show was spotted handing out business cards to attendees at Royal Randwick racecourse in Sydney.
Casting agent Ivanna Tang opted for the unusual method of attempting to recruit racegoers to the upcoming spin-off show.
Nine secured the rights for The Golden Bachelor in and Samantha Armytage has been signed up to host the reality dating show.
The lavish 1860s sandstone villa has recently become a hive of activity with filming equipment discreetly set up on its sprawling 3300sqm grounds
The breathtaking property boasts a rich history that includes a notable $11m transfer in 2004 to Janette Waterhouse, wife of entrepreneur David Waterhouse
Samantha got involved with the casting call, urging people to give family members ‘a nudge.’
The outgoing Farmer Wants A Wife host had shocked fans when she stepped down from Seven after 21 years, sparking wild rumours about her next step.
Her new TV gig on The Golden Bachelor was revealed at Nine’s Upfronts in November, where the network’s schedule of 2025 programming was unveiled to invited guests.
The U.S. version of the show has been wildly successful, with its finale garnering 6.1million viewers, making it the most watched final episode of the American Bachelor franchise since 2021.