They built a wooden barbecue pavilion on their property smack bang on the water, complete with loos for ladies and gents, and a metal roof with canvas sheeting in case the pope needed shelter from the sun.

History shows that the pope never got to enjoy the pleasures of Pittwater on Sydney's northern beaches. However, the pavilion remained and was eventually subdivided to become 951 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach, along with a boatshed from the original property.

Goodness knows how the vendors hoped to find someone who wanted a boatshed with accompanying papal pavilion - but they did! Inventor and aviator Philip Dulhunty purchased the property to store his seaplane, which he used to commute to Wyong.

Eventually, having little use for a standalone barbecue pavilion fit for a pope, he called on an architect to transform it into a home with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and space for two cars. While Philip never lived there, his son Roger did, from 1980 to 2000, after which it was tenanted.

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"It was fantastic because it's right over the water," says Roger. "You can hear the lapping of the water and the outlook is always interesting because of the changing weather conditions. I've used the boatshed for yachts and, at one stage, I had a windsurfing business so I used it for that as well."

Now, the unique property - with distinctive curved boatshed - is up for grabs through Belle Property's Laura Mears. It and should appeal to someone who wants a waterfront ripe for development. Expressions of interest close April 14, with a price guide of $6 million.