Whale Beach Mega Mansion Sold Amidst Ongoing Construction
Jennifer Hawkins, the former host of Australia’s Next Top Model, and her husband, Jake Wall, have recently sold their ambitious Whale Beach mansion project for a staggering $30 million. The sale occurred off-market in September, with a neighbour reportedly making the purchase while construction on the sprawling property was still underway. The couple, who co-own the design and construction firm J Group, have dedicated the last four years to transforming a substantial plot of land in the exclusive coastal suburb, located approximately 40 kilometres north of Sydney’s central business district.
The Whale Beach property is just the latest in a series of high-profile property transactions for the couple, who have consistently built and expanded their real estate portfolio throughout their relationship. This recent sale marks a significant chapter in their property development ventures.
The Whale Beach Investment: A $30 Million Project
Acquired in 2021 for $6.5 million, the Whale Beach site was earmarked for the development of a luxury mega mansion with the intention of a subsequent sale. Construction commenced in 2022, following the approval of a $3.3 million construction budget by Sydney’s Northern Beaches Council. However, the scale of the development soon attracted attention and, at times, friction from nearby residents.
The project earned the informal moniker “the Taj Mahal of Whale Beach” from some locals, who expressed concerns about its immense size and its perceived deviation from the area’s established character. One neighbour, speaking to the Daily Mail last year, described the development as “the biggest thing in the whole peninsular at the moment” and voiced feelings of anxiety due to its overwhelming scale, deeming it “too big and unnecessary.”
Concerns were also raised about the project’s escalating costs. The same resident estimated that the actual expenditure had far surpassed the initial $3.3 million budget, suggesting costs were closer to $10 million. The resident further claimed that the council might be missing out on significant revenue due to insufficient oversight and potentially undercharged fees and taxes. “I want the council to assess the building properly and charge the appropriate fees. We as the ratepayers are missing out on a lot,” they stated.
Despite these observations and ongoing construction, the property was sold for $30 million. While realestate.com.au reported the sale in September 2025, industry insiders, according to The Daily Telegraph, estimate the property’s final market value could reach as high as $45 million once completed.
Terrigal Retreat: A Family-Focused Move
In 2022, Jennifer and Jake acquired a 3.3-hectare property on Avoca Lake in Terrigal, located on New South Wales’ central coast. This move was driven by a desire to be closer to Jennifer’s family. The sprawling estate, purchased off-market for $6 million, boasts direct frontage to the picturesque lagoon. Reports from locals indicate that the couple planned to demolish the existing residence and construct a new family home, leveraging Jake’s expertise through his company, J Group Projects.
Casa Palomo: A Record-Breaking Sale in Newport
Prior to their Terrigal acquisition, the couple developed a striking five-bedroom home in Newport, designed to offer a secluded lifestyle with private beach access. In 2021, shortly after the birth of their daughter, they sold this exceptional residence for a record-breaking $24.5 million to Mike Cannon-Brookes, a co-founder of Atlassian. Jennifer expressed her mixed emotions about leaving the property, telling Domain at the time of listing, “It’s going to be really sad to say goodbye to this beautiful home and location. It has been absolutely amazing to live in Newport and this house was perfect for entertaining family and friends being by the water. We really made some amazing memories here but I’m looking forward to designing a house with Jake with a similar aesthetic closer to family.”
Jacaranda Cottage: Early Newport Development
The couple’s property journey in Newport began in 2014 when they purchased a substantial double waterfront block of land for $4 million. This expansive 3360-square-metre parcel, situated on the shores of Pittwater, was home to a property known as ‘Jacaranda Cottage’ at the time of purchase.
North Curl Curl Dream Home
Further back in their property history, in 2010, Jennifer and Jake invested in a cliffside block of land in North Curl Curl for $1.375 million. On this prime location, they constructed their dream home, a five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence within the secure Windy Dropdown gated estate. They subsequently sold this property in 2014 for $4.1 million.
