Seabrook House back on the market
The heritage-listed Seabrook House, at 573-577 Lonsdale Street, was last offered to buyers a year ago when it was reportedly sold to a small legal firm. The Age reported that Hambros & Cahill Lawyers had bought the building six days after its auction with plans to occupy.
The firm reportedly agreed to pay $4.8 million to a group of barristers who had used it as their chambers for 28 years.
Since the purchase last year, Hambros & Cahill has been fighting the Australian Taxation Office in a separate, unrelated matter over a $4.5 million GST refund. The case, involving the two partners of H&C, Francis Cahill and Peter Hambros, is being appealed in the Federal Court.
Legal representatives of the partners told the court before the appeal that the money being sought by the ATO had been used to pay legal fees, equipment, employ staff and for a $500,000 deposit to buy Seabrook Chambers.
A $2 million loan to each director accounted for the remainder of the money, the court was told.
Following Seabrook's failure to settle, the group of 20 barristers who own it have moved to resell the property, which has been empty since its attempted purchase.
The free-standing building is on a rare "island site" fronting Lonsdale Street but with three access lanes.
Heritage Victoria lists it as architecturally significant because of its palazzo warehouse design — a style not uncommon in mid-19th century Melbourne that is typified by large windows, rusticated quoins and projecting cornices.
Inside, Seabrook has a formal reception area, about 979 square metres of lettable office space, basement with wine cellar, spa, shower and changing room, full commercial kitchen, conference rooms and a courtyard.
Selling agent is Knight Frank.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Seabrook House is a heritage‑listed bluestone warehouse in Melbourne, located at 573–577 Lonsdale Street. It dates from the city's earliest days and has been used as barristers' chambers.
The building was reportedly sold about 12 months ago but the sale did not settle. After the failed settlement, the group of 20 barristers who own Seabrook moved to resell the property, which has been empty since the attempted purchase.
Reports say the small legal firm Hambros & Cahill Lawyers bought the building six days after its auction and reportedly agreed to pay $4.8 million to the group of barristers who had used it as their chambers.
Yes. Since the reported purchase, Hambros & Cahill has been involved in a separate Federal Court appeal with the ATO over a $4.5 million GST refund. Legal representatives said some of the money sought by the ATO was used to pay legal fees, equipment, staff and a $500,000 deposit for Seabrook Chambers, with $2 million loans to each director accounting for the remainder.
Heritage Victoria lists Seabrook House as architecturally significant for its palazzo warehouse design, a mid‑19th century style characterised by large windows, rusticated quoins and projecting cornices.
Seabrook House includes a formal reception area and about 979 square metres of lettable office space. It also has a basement with a wine cellar, spa, shower and changing room, a full commercial kitchen, conference rooms and a courtyard.
The selling agent is Knight Frank. The property is owned by a group of 20 barristers who previously used it as their chambers and have moved to resell it after the failed settlement.
Seabrook is a free‑standing building on a rare 'island site' fronting Lonsdale Street with three access lanes. Its heritage listing, distinctive palazzo warehouse architecture and nearly 979 sqm of lettable office space are notable attributes for investors considering a Melbourne heritage property.
Call 1300 880 160
Start a chat
Schedule a call
