An enchanting Victorian terrace in North Sydney, completely draped in thick Boston ivy and affectionately known as the 'Jumanji House', has finally changed hands for the first time in over four decades. The iconic five-bedroom home at 63 Ridge Street sold for an impressive $4.2 million in January, concluding a remarkable 40-year chapter with the same family who cherished it as their home.
A Local Landmark with Cinematic Charm
For generations, this striking three-storey property has captured the imagination of Sydney residents, particularly schoolchildren from the neighbouring Wenona School. Its nickname derives from the 1995 film Jumanji, starring the late Robin Williams, where a suburban house becomes engulfed by jungle growth. While no wild animals have emerged from this real-life version, the visual resemblance has cemented its cult status in North Sydney folklore.
Listing agent Djordje Kresovic of Atlas Lower North Shore confirmed the property's legendary local reputation. 'If you say 63 Ridge Street, no one would know what it is, but say the Ivy House or the Jumanji House, 99 per cent of everyone who is local knows exactly what it is,' he explained. Positioned directly opposite St Leonards Park and North Sydney Oval, the terrace has served as a daily landmark for students, parents, and park-goers passing by.
Heritage Features Frozen in Time
Built in 1890 and listed as a local heritage item under New South Wales legislation, this late 19th-century Victorian Filigree-style terrace represents one of the last remaining homes of its kind in the area. Remarkably, the interiors haven't been renovated in at least forty years, preserving a grand family home frozen in time.
Inside, the residence maintains refreshingly understated decor that allows original period features to shine:
- Polished honey-coloured floorboards anchor the main living and dining areas
- High ceilings with decorative cornices create spacious proportions
- Crisp white walls contrast with deep navy-blue feature walls around original cast-iron fireplaces
- Classic timber furniture and traditional rugs establish a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere
The bedrooms follow a similar pared-back colour scheme with white walls and timber floors, some featuring their own fireplaces. Large windows and balcony access in one room flood the space with natural light and leafy outlooks, while solid timber dressers and minimal furnishings reinforce the home's heritage character.
Practical Family Living Across Three Levels
The kitchen leans toward practical and unfussy finishes, with dark blue walls paired with white cabinetry and timber benchtops. Open shelving displays everyday crockery and cookware, while stainless steel appliances, a gas cooktop, and well-worn floorboards complete the functional family space.
Spread across three generous levels, the residence features:
- Two bathrooms and two car spaces
- Multiple living areas and oversized bedrooms
- A ground level that functions almost as a separate dwelling with its own entry
- Paved front and rear courtyards, a private lawn garden, and a balcony with parkland views
This flexible layout proves ideal for blended families or future adaptation, while the property's position opposite green spaces provides constant connection to nature.
The Ivy Dilemma and Market Context
As the identity of the new owners remains confidential, one pressing question dominates local conversation: will the famous ivy remain? Heritage experts present conflicting perspectives on this matter. Some warn that removing long-established ivy from historic buildings can cause structural damage, while others argue the dense greenery provides insulation, pollution protection, and weather shielding.
The sale occurs amid strong demand across North Sydney, where median house prices hover around $3 million according to recent property data. Despite its weekday identity as a commercial hub, North Sydney transforms during weekends into a quieter, village-like enclave surrounded by green spaces, harbour walks, and nearby neighbourhoods including Neutral Bay, Wollstonecraft, and Crows Nest.
Enduring Legacy and Future Potential
Mr Kresovic emphasised the property's unique status, noting that this 'interesting property' represents the last of its kind, with the other four historical terraces that once stood beside it now gone. During open homes, the agent observed more admirers than serious bidders, with many neighbours and local history buffs attending to appreciate the period architecture.
With its unforgettable street presence, rich history, and rare renovation potential, the Jumanji House now turns the page on its next chapter. The property maintains its grip on admirers of Sydney's most mysterious and beloved homes, ensuring its legacy continues even as new owners contemplate changes behind the legendary vine-covered façade.
