NZ Olympic rowing family lists ultra-luxury Paddington resort-style sanctuary

Entirely rebuilt and extended by owners Cindy and Hilton Ullrich, the state-of-the-art five-bedroom property at 19 Gulliver Street, represents a masterclass in modern entertaining, seamlessly connecting its premium spaces with an internal three-level serviced lift.

The property is being marketed by Ray White Paddington sales agent Michael Kleimeyer with a price guide between high $3 millions to low $4 millions.

Originally a small 1980s timber cottage on a generous, elevated site, the couple transformed the property into a high-end, resort-style haven.

For the Ullrichs, the sale marks the final chapter of a whirlwind few years.

In 2024, while putting the finishing touches on the Paddington rebuild, they traveled to Paris to watch their youngest son win an Olympic silver medal for New Zealand in the men’s four rowing.

Simultaneously, they navigated a major lifestyle shift, purchasing a six-bedroom lodge in Oban on Stewart Island (Stewart Island Lodge), New Zealand’s ruggedly beautiful third island.

After a successful stint managing both worlds - including six months operating the lodge while Cindy maintained her 17-year tenure as publicity manager for Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) - the couple have officially committed to their island lifestyle, leaving their inner-city oasis.

“We have most loved the serenity of this home,” Ms Ullrich said.

“We are right in Paddington just a few kilometers from the CBD, but it feels like we are in a little exclusive country pocket where you are surrounded by trees, enjoy the sounds of bird song, and a sense of space with separation from other properties compared to most other parts of Paddington.”

The home features a state-of-the-art kitchen with high-end Neff appliances, engineered Oak flooring, plush New Zealand wool carpets, and a luxurious parents’ retreat.

Architectural highlights include high raked ceilings, a second lounge with a fireplace opening to a leafy front deck, and custom corner-opening glass sliding doors that dissolve the barrier between the main living hub and a private, north-facing rear courtyard with an in-ground heated swimming pool.

The property’s unique layout also includes a massive 30-cubic-metre storage space, a secure double garage with EV charging provisions, and a fully self-contained studio apartment on the first level with its own private entrance and outdoor balcony - perfect for multi-generational living, a teenage retreat, or a premium home business space.