Australia’s iconic cliff-top “Crypto Castle” in Sydney’s South Coogee has always carried a sense of mystery, but now its owner, Fred Schebesta, has pulled back the curtain on some of the famous names who’ve passed through its doors. Perched on the cliffs with uninterrupted ocean views that stretch from Bondi to Lurline Bay, the property has been the backdrop for movie shoots, fashion campaigns, and private stays by some of the world’s most recognizable celebrities. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman filmed scenes for “Eyes Wide Shut” there, Cate Blanchett has worked on international campaigns for Giorgio Armani and Chanel within its walls, and global stars like Dua Lipa and Martha Stewart have also spent time at the residence. Schebesta recently confirmed that a number of other projects have taken place at the Castle but are still under wraps until their official release.
Australia was and will always be a land of luxury, fun, and games. The love of entertainment cuts across the generations, whether it is the casino floors that are glittering or the flourishing online game. Also, similarly to the Crypto Castle, which has celebrity visitors and a distinctive design, the existence of online sites where individuals can play pokies in Australia is an inseparable part of daily leisure, with a mixture of history and the excitement of the chance. The difference between the two worlds is the same undercurrent of exclusiveness, spectacle, and the promise of an experience that will not be forgotten.
The house itself has become just as famous as the people it hosts. Designed by architect Renato D’Ettorre, it’s a four-level structure made from concrete and steel, sharp-edged and modern, softened only by the floor-to-ceiling glass that frames the endless blue of the Pacific. Inside, there are five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a commercial-grade kitchen, an infinity pool, and a rooftop platform with full 360-degree views. It’s not just a home, it’s a location, a brand, and a stage. Schebesta, who co-founded Finder.com.au and built much of his fortune on early cryptocurrency bets, bought the property in 2021 for $16.85 million. The purchase was a headline in itself, another example of how crypto wealth has reshaped real estate in Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs.
What makes the story resonate is how the Castle has crossed between private luxury and cultural landmarks. It’s appeared in “Luxe Listings Sydney,” “Mr Inbetween,” “Better Homes and Gardens,” and countless high-end fashion productions. At the same time, Schebesta has opened it up for short-term rentals, marketing the home as Australia’s most expensive Airbnb at around AUD$25,000 per night. He has spoken about the creative aura of the house, how it seems to fuel inspiration for everyone who walks through it. That blend of art, commerce, and lifestyle has turned the Castle into something more than just a striking piece of architecture, it’s a kind of muse.
The legacy of the Castle has only increased, with each movie crew, each celebrity visitor, and each rumor of what happened within its walls. Whether it is being remembered as a fort of crypto wealth, a toy of the rich and famous, or just one of the most outstanding houses in Sydney, its role in the cultural landscape of Australia appears to be a stable one in the coming years.