Rosebery icon set for first handover in half a century

Bought in 1975 by the parents of Lema Najjar and her two brothers Roc and Khalil, the three-bedroom double-brick home at 101 Harcourt Parade, Rosebery has been the backdrop to a lifetime of milestones, laughter, and deep community connection.

Ray White Wentworth Point director Jeremy Deviesseux is marketing the property which has received more than 100 inquiries in the first 48 hours since launching the campaign.

The property is set to go under the hammer on 8 August and now, the siblings are preparing to pass the keys to the next generation.

“Mum passed away at 94 years old, and this was her and our family home for 51 years,” Lema said.

“It’s time to pass it on, maybe to another young family who might create cherished memories as we did.”

The home grew alongside the family, undergoing major renovations as their parents (Souhaila (mum) and Farid (dad) saved money.

“The house has been renovated and extended by us three times,” she said.

“The last renovation to the main house was following the Sydney hailstorm in 1999 - Rosebery looked like a war zone for many months and everyone renovated their homes, not just repaired.”

The result is a beautifully balanced 557sqm property, featuring light-filled living areas, three spacious bedrooms, and a massive, deep backyard.

However, it was the unique, village-like location that defined their upbringing.

“Being a no-through road, as kids after school and weekends we played cricket in the middle of the road with the other neighbourhood kids,” Lema recalled.

“Two garbage bins were the stumps, and we just moved them slightly if a car was coming. It was so safe!

“Being a no-through road creates such a sense of community, almost like a village.”

The home’s generous proportions also made it the ultimate hub for extended family gatherings.

“Our parents had friends over for coffee in the backyard, sitting under the lemon tree, every Sunday morning for decades - just chewing the fat and drinking pots of Lebanese coffee,” Lema said.

“We had so many family barbecues and spent every Christmas Eve here. Luckily, the driveway can comfortably hold four or five cars, which always reminds me of the car scene in the movie The Castle - if you know, you know."

The absolute standout feature of the estate is the oversized, modern detached studio at the rear of the block.

Complete with a kitchenette and bathroom, it served as a versatile sanctuary for every generation of the family.

“The studio at the rear of the property is incredible for entertaining,” Lema said.

“For mum’s 90th birthday party, we had 30 people and it was torrential, sideways rain.

“The plan was to be in the backyard, but the studio held everyone comfortably, and the barbecue area was protected.

“Of course, no celebration was held without mum’s famous tabouli, with most of the herbs and parsley coming straight from the garden.”

When it wasn't hosting major family milestones, the studio became a private retreat for the younger generation.

“Our nephew, Roc’s son Alex, had his mates over twice a month exclusively in the studio, affectionately named ‘the cave’,” Lema said.

“They would play video or card games until the wee hours. It was safer than being out on the streets and as much fun for them.”