Mahalia Barnes and husband Ben Rodgers are selling their apartment in Redfern's Watertower factory conversion. Photo: act\david.mclennan Singer Mahalia Barnes and her musician husband Ben Rodgers are selling their apartment in Redfern’s Watertower factory conversion because they say they are spending more time overseas gigging.
Title Deeds would put money on the couple opting to buy something with more space near the Southern Highlands’ home of Barnes’ dad, rock legend Jimmy Barnes given they only welcomed the arrival of their second daughter, Rosetta, six months ago.
But Barnes told Title Deeds: “Over the last year or so I have started travelling overseas more and more to tour and play gigs, so we are spending far less time in Sydney.” True that.
Their apartment in Redfern’s old Watertower factory. Photo: Aimee Crouch
“A big part of me doesn’t actually want to sell the apartment and my husband and I have agonised over whether or not it’s necessary to leave. We could really stay here forever. But we feel it’s time to make a move out of the city and are planning on spending even more time overseas.”
First things first, there is a February 25 auction of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, which has been the only home their six-year-old daughter Ruby has known.
Barnes and Rodgers purchased the split-level apartment in 2010 for $665,000, and have renovated it since then, keeping the exposed beams and 3.5-metre high ceilings, but adding a new kitchen and finishes throughout.
Their kitchen and dining area. Photo: Aimee Crouch
“I love the high ceilings and huge windows and lots of natural light,” Barnes said. “You are minutes from the city, with everything at your fingertips, but there’s an uninterrupted view and it feels really peaceful.
“Plus the kitchen is a dream to cook in and I’m a really passionate foodie and love to entertain.”
Charles Touma, back at his BresicWhitney agency homeland, is asking $1.55 million.