Furious neighbors in a luxurious Sydney enclave are preparing for more disturbances as filming for the “Golden Bachelor” continues at the historic Tresco mansion. The residents, who recently resorted to pelting the cast and crew with raw eggs during a late-night party, are bracing for further disruptions as the reality TV show gears up for its finale.
The “Golden Bachelor,” a Channel Nine production, is being filmed at the Tresco estate in Elizabeth Bay, an elite area in Sydney’s east. The series, featuring bachelors Ed Savage and Mat Collett, both in their late 50s, along with 20 women aged in their 50s and 60s, has scheduled more late-night parties, culminating in a finale set for March 1.
Police and council rangers were called to the first of these events on February 4, as loud karaoke music echoed through the seafront cul-de-sac until 4 a.m. The noise reportedly disturbed thousands of apartment residents, leading to tensions boiling over. One neighbor even retaliated by blasting a trumpet in protest.
Escalating Tensions in a Prestigious Neighborhood
The Tresco estate, valued at $110 million and owned by bookmaking identity David Waterhouse, has become a contentious site. Waterhouse, who rents the mansion to the show’s producers, has faced backlash from affluent neighbors. The Oceana, Deepdene, and Toft Monks buildings, which surround Tresco, house some of Sydney’s wealthiest residents, including the late billionaire media mogul Kerry Packer.
Residents have complained about the bright lights and noise from the parties, which have disrupted the tranquility of the area. Warner Bros, the show’s producer, issued an apology, promising no more loud music. However, they warned of more late-night events with strong outdoor lighting, which has continued to vex the community.
Historical Context and Ongoing Disputes
The Tresco mansion is steeped in history, having housed senior Royal Australian Navy officers for nearly a century. Its Victorian-era Italianate architecture and expansive grounds are a rare remnant of the original Elizabeth Bay Estate subdivision. Yet, the property has been at the center of various controversies.
David Waterhouse, an art collector and estranged member of the Waterhouse bookmaker dynasty, has a history of neighborhood disputes. His previous feuds include a notorious conflict at Villa Biscaya in Rose Bay, which involved noise complaints and legal battles over property rights.
In 2019, Waterhouse clashed with neighbors in Darling Point over access to shared amenities and accusations of nuisance behavior. The dispute culminated in legal proceedings, which were eventually dismissed.
Future Developments and Community Concerns
The ongoing filming of the “Golden Bachelor” is just one chapter in Tresco’s contentious history. Waterhouse has submitted a development application to subdivide the property and build additional luxury homes, a proposal met with resistance from the community. The City of Sydney council rejected the application last year, citing concerns over heritage and environmental impacts.
Despite the setbacks, the production of the “Golden Bachelor” continues, with Warner Bros attempting to mitigate disruptions. Their efforts include limiting music during filming and ensuring compliance with local regulations. However, the tensions highlight the broader challenges of balancing historical preservation with modern entertainment demands.
As the show approaches its finale, the community remains divided. Some residents, like opera singer Richard Forbat, are more tolerant of the noise, while others feel their concerns have been ignored. The situation underscores the complexities of urban living in one of Sydney’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
With the estate listed for sale at an estimated $110 to $120 million, the future of Tresco remains uncertain. Whether it will continue as a filming location or undergo redevelopment, the saga of Tresco and its neighbors is far from over.
