After more than four decades of family ownership, the most recognisable Seaforth ‘wedding cake’ residence is looking for new owners.
The Mediterranean-style home, affectionately known by locals as the “wedding cake house,” has been listed with a $9 million price guide and is scheduled for auction on 10 September.
The distinctive three-tiered property, perched above Middle Harbour, has become a beloved landmark for anyone travelling across the Spit Bridge or cruising the waterways. Its classic European architecture, complete with colonnades and arches, makes it impossible to miss.
The story behind the home begins in 1979, when painter-builder Nikolaous Dimitriadis and his dressmaker wife Kiriaky purchased the 1100-square-metre waterfront block sight unseen at auction for $93,000. The couple had quite the romantic beginning themselves – both Greek migrants who met at a small milk bar on Lyons Road in Drummoyne after travelling separately to Australia.
Nikolaous, originally from Athens, and Kiriaky, from the small Dodecanese island of Lipsi, decided to create something special on their harbourside block. Working with architect Robert Blackmore, they demolished the existing structure and built their dream home during the 1980s.
The resulting five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence reflects the family’s Greek heritage through its Mediterranean design elements. Every room captures harbour views, whilst two entertaining balconies showcase the classic architectural features that earned the home its wedding cake nickname.
Nikolaous continued building similar properties around Sydney, establishing himself as a skilled craftsman, whilst Kiriaky worked as a dress designer for the department store Mark Foys. Tragically, Nikolaous passed away just three years after completing their dream home, but Kiriaky and their children remained in the property for decades.
The home has remained in original condition and has hosted countless family gatherings and celebrations over the years. For the next owners, there’s potential to add modern amenities – a development application is currently pending for a swimming pool and pontoon, which would certainly appeal to boating enthusiasts.
The sale is being handled by Brad Pillinger of Pillinger real estate, who has been selling luxury Sydney properties since 1995. Given its status as one of Sydney’s most photographed houses, the September auction is expected to attract significant interest from buyers seeking a piece of Sydney’s architectural history.
Whether the successful bidder will preserve the home’s original Mediterranean charm or modernise the interiors, one thing seems certain – the wedding cake house will continue to be a treasured part of Seaforth’s landscape for generations to come.
Published 17-August-2025
