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Paul Espie’s $25m Darling Point Gothic mansion Callooa sells after two years on the market

Photograph couple outside $27m house

Paul Espie and his wife Ros at their grand Darling Point home, which has sold after almost two years on the market. Picture: Bob Barker

The $25m Darling Point gothic mansion Callooa, owned by investment banker Paul Espie and his wife Ros, has sold after almost two years on the market.

The five-bedroom, five-bathroom circa 1850s home on 1500 sqm at 5 Bennett Ave — “Chez Espie” for 30 years — was first listed in October, 2018 with Michael Dunn of Richardson and Wrench and Peter Blacket of the Blacket Agency.

Dunn was tight-lipped when contacted by the Wentworth Courier this morning, unable to reveal the sale price due to confidentiality agreements.

However, he confirmed that an eastern suburbs family had snapped up the extraordinary historic residence in the past few days.

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Callooa was built circa 1850s.

It has beautiful harbour views and is on a 1500m block.

And the mere fact that it has exchanged shows that buyers continue to have confidence in Sydney’s uber prestige market as we head towards spring, despite us being in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

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It follows the sale of “well over $21m” little more than two weeks ago — reported exclusively by the Wentworth Courier — of one-time Sleeping Giant owner Fred Bart’s Bellevue Hill Art Deco mansion by LJ Hooker Double Bay’s Bill Malouf and Margaret Morosi.

That was purchased by property developer Willi Phillips.

Grand interiors.

The home, which comes with a pool, is an extraordinary property.

It’s understood the Callooa has sold for more than that.

The Wentworth Courier toured the grand home when it was first listed and I was blown away by its grandeur.

Mr Espie, who is the founder of Pacific Road Capital and a director of Liberal Party think-tank the Menzies Research Centre, had recalled the story of when the late Labor legend Gough Whitlam came to visit.

Mr Espie told me: “He said ‘Oh, so this is Chez Espie’ … typical pomposity from Gough Whitlam.”

Gough and Margaret, who lived across the road in an apartment tower, were impressed by the amazing beauty of the heritage treasure designed by architect Francis Clarke and the massive restoration project commissioned by the Espies.

Photograph couple outside $27m house

The couple rebuilt the entire western wing.

It features a modern kitchen and family room opening to the lawn and harbour view.

They’d been in no great rush to sell, prepared to hold out for their double-digit price.

But they’d been wanting to downsize and spend more time at their Dungog farm.

The beautiful home has glorious harbour views from everywhere.

When the Espies bought it for $5.25 million in 1988, they consulted the best heritage architects – including former National Trust President Richard Rowe and Richard Mackay — and rebuilt the entire western wing with a modern kitchen and family room opening to the lawn and harbour view.

Throughout the timber floors have all been restored; the garage and driveway built to reflect the style of the house. A pool has also been added and the garden redone.

The house, lawn and garden has been the scene of countless family and charity events.

Mrs Espie had said at the time: “It is a good time for us to leave Callooa — a big move that Paul and I can do together for the next phase of our lives in Sydney.

“My hope of course is that another family will come and enjoy what we have in living here over 30 years.”

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Downpour does nothing to deter hungry Palm Beach buyers

27 Swordfish Court, Palm Beach.

THE property market in Palm Beach is “on steroids” according to an agent who made a record sale in torrential rain the first day the house opened for inspection.

More than 20 groups showed up during a downpour on Saturday, July 25 for a glimpse inside 27 Swordfish Court, Palm Beach.

“It was bucketing down, water was running over the gutters, but the street was full of cars,” said LJ Hooker agent Mark Jensen.

27 Swordfish Court, Palm Beach.

By that evening there were six offers on the property, with a Brisbane buyer ultimately signing a cash unconditional contract for a street record of $2 million.

Listed for offers over $1.75 million, the presentable six-bedroom house occupies a 1050 sqm canal front block and is within walking distance to the beach.

Mr Jensen said quality homes in preferred locations were being snapped up within a week of going to market.

“I’ve been selling real estate for 17 years and I’ve had my best quarter ever,” he said.

“I’ve never seen a bounce like we’ve had in the past 10 weeks. The market in Palm Beach is on steroids.”

The sandy beach and water views along Swordfish Court.

Mr Jensen said buyers were drawn to the lifestyle.

“We had an investment banker, doctor and business owners looking at this property,” he said. “People are looking for a better lifestyle closer to the beach and all of the goods and services available here in Palm Beach.”

House prices in Palm Beach have surged by a whopping 45.5 per cent in the past five years, with the median price now at $900,000.

Unit prices, meanwhile, have risen by 51.9 per cent – the highest five-year increase in any Gold Coast suburb – with a median of $508,750.

Magnoli Apartments are selling well at Palm Beach.

Apartment shoppers have been quick to swoop on Sunland Group’s Magnoli Apartments, taking shape on the site of the former Palm Beach caravan park.

Of the twin 12-storey buildings, 37 apartments have been snapped in the North Tower since being released on July 11, while the South Tower is almost sold out.

Realestate.com.au data shows the development is one of the most searched for projects in Queensland.

Sunland Group Managing Director Sahba Abedian said demand was strong among downsizers chasing luxury by the beach.

“Magnoli Apartments is attracting owner-occupiers seeking a beachside address, close to the leading lifestyle and educational amenities that make Palm Beach such a wonderful part of the world,” he said.

“We are seeing a large number of downsizers and
locals from the southern
Gold Coast, Tweed and Brisbane, keen to swap their family homes for large, luxury apartments.”

Founding residents of the completed South Tower are already moving into their new homes while the North Tower is scheduled for completion in October.

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Where property prices are defying expectations during COVID-19 pandemic

Brisbane and South Australia appear set to lead Australia’s real estate markets back up the property ladder later this year.

But new research is showing the “car crash” doom and gloom fallout expected from COVID-19 has not eventuated, and that our “insurance policy” is already kicking in.

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PRD Real Estate’s Australian Economic and Property Report for 2020 released this week shows the nation’s two hardest hit capitals, Melbourne and Sydney, still had the strongest median house price growth over the 12 months to the end of June.

Despite falling values recorded in Adelaide, the report reveals the nation’s capital cities rose an average 1 per cent over the period. The PRD capital city figures track inner-ring suburbs.

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The property price analysis second guesses doom and gloom predictions from banks and data firms, which have predicted home values could fall $100,000 in some cities.

A 32 Joynt St, Hamilton, home in Queensland with its own skate bowl inside has sold for millions.

PRD chief economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo likened the situation to the aftermath of a car crash and said early forecasts based on transactions activity in March or April had “only captured the shock, not what was done to try and balance the shock”.

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Describing government stimulus programs such as JobKeeper and HomeBuilder, as well as rapidly improving real estate industry technology, as the nation’s “insurance policy kicking in” the situation now didn’t look so bad, Dr Mardiasmo said.

“Our property market is still growing,” she said.

“People are still buying and selling. Our vacancy rates aren’t doing that badly.”

The Victorian vendor of this 513 Station St, Box Hill, home turned down a pre-auction offer $200,000 above their reserve — and got an even bigger price under the hammer.

Real Estate Institute of Australia president Adrian Kelly backed the research and said while many were surprised at how well real estate had held up in the face of the virus, there were reasons for its success.

Low interest rates, a shortage of homes for sale across the nation and continued signs the nations lenders were determined to create a “soft landing” for those who had lost work.

“So we aren’t likely to see the level of forced sales of the global financial crisis,” Mr Kelly said.

“If we all keep doing the right thing we could get out of this unscathed.”

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Supplied Editorial 100B Mount Scanzi Road, Kangaroo Valley, NSW 2577. KANGAROO VALLEY
 OCTAGON HOUSE SOLD FOR $2.415 MILLION

The Yurt house at 100B Mount Scanzi Road, Kangaroo Valley, in NSW has sold in the millions.

Despite early signs of success the next six months would be important as increasingly varied COVID-19 case numbers in different states set the nation’s housing markets up to run at very different speeds.

“At the moment, it feels like we are balanced on a tightrope,” Dr Mardiasmo said.

“But the rate of infection and how COVID is going in different states is literally creating different speed property markets.”

She said at present Queensland and its capital Brisbane appeared set to be the nation’s top performers over the coming six months, though it had grown just 3.6 per cent in the past year.

South Australia was also well placed, despite a 15.4 per cent reduction in the median house price.

NSW and Victoria would both trail behind as they were left to focus on fighting the virus rather than rebooting their economy in the short term.

READ MORE: Where house prices are defying expectations during COVID-19 pandemic

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Opulent proportions are on offer here in Geilston Bay

8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay. PRD.

8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay. Picture: SUPPLIED

EVERYTHING about this Eastern Shore home is big, big, big.

It sits on a 1662sq m block, a true luxury in an established neighbourhood such as Geilston Bay.

And the house, it is a ripper that stretches out across more than 300sq m — about the same size of many unit-size blocks of land in 2020.

For a big family that is house hunting on Hobart’s Eastern Shore, it is hard to imagine finding something bigger and better.

PRD Hobart property representative Marnie Hill described No.8 Bellemont as having “opulent proportions”.

“Thoughts of an eagle’s eyrie spring to mind when reflecting upon this beautifully positioned family residence,” Marnie said.

But it is not only size that matters.

“It has a northerly aspect, all-day sun and multiple living options,” she said.

“These are just some of the wonderful features presented in this delightful parcel of real estate,” she said.

8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay. PRD.

Family space.

8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay. PRD.

Cook up a feast.

Via the easy ascent to the property, there is more than ample parking available on the flat, which means there is no need for steps to access this five-bedroom family home.

For boat, trailer and/or caravan owners, there is plenty of room to accommodate these assets also.

Also outdoors, there is a double garage, a workshop and a garden shed.

On the lower level, the highlight is the huge rumpus room with a kitchenette and a wealth of potential in its 10m x 5m span.

This level is home to an office or study, as desired, and a bedroom with an ensuite and a study nook.

Upstairs, an extensive and well-appointed kitchen should catch the eye of an avid home chef or entertainer.

It has quality appliances and a ton of bench and cupboard space, plus snazzy, statement-making splashbacks.

8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay. PRD.

Fantastic views.

8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay. PRD.

Have a soak in the bath.

To one side of the kitchen there is a sitting room and a covered deck. To the other is an open plan dining space.

Via the deck there is access to a spacious lounge, that links back through to the dining and kitchen area.

Neutral decor, a superb wood heater as well as reverse cycle air conditioner add to the warm ambience felt in this home.

Branching off from a central hall is the bathroom with a tub and separate shower, a bunch of bedrooms with built-in storage, and then the master bedroom. The master is tricked out with a private ensuite accessed via a walk-through wardrobe.

For homeowners with a lot of tools, toys or equipment, the extraordinary space on offer here could be a dream for a tradie.

8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay. PRD.

Relax with a book.

8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay. PRD.

The cave.

The property is set about a 20-minute walk to Lindisfarne Village, and local schools are nearby.

No.8 Bellemont Court, Geilston Bay is listed with PRD Hobart and will be sold by expressions of interest.

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Geelong future growth areas identified as COVID-19 pushes more buyers to relocate

Coles has just opened at the new Armstrong Creek Town Centre shopping centre.

MORE buyers are turning their backs on the capital city amid the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing competition for Geelong property.

Leading market researcher Terry Ryder said a renewed rise in demand for Geelong homes had revealed seven future growth suburbs in a corridor from the city’s southern outskirts onto the Bellarine Peninsula.

The Hotspotting founder said the winter Price Predictor Index picked the second wave of buyer demand after the market had previously peaked in 2019.

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“COVID-19 has changed that, providing a second wave of buyer demand for affordable lifestyle locations with good links to the state capital,” Mr Ryder wrote in the report.

The growth markets are Armstrong Creek, Drysdale, Geelong, Leopold, Mt Duneed, Ocean Grove and St Leonards.

Mr Ryder tracks quarterly sales volumes with a rising trend in sales pointing to future price growth.

“Geelong has this incredibly strong local economy that’s transitioned from an old economy to a new one successfully,” Mr Ryder said.

New Armstrong Creek Town Centre shopping centre located in the fastest growing area in Victoria seven kilometres south-west of Geelong.

“The biggest employers in Geelong are now things like education and health care. (There’s also the) national headquarters of the NDIS — employment is strong there.

“(Geelong real estate) is much cheaper than real estate in Melbourne. It’s surrounded by water, so it offers a great lifestyle and great links to Melbourne. It ticks all the boxes,” he said.

Realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Conisbee has long said Geelong’s commuter links to Melbourne was a driver of the property market.

“If it gets that fast rail, it will only take half an hour to commute to Melbourne, so that’s likely to continue to drive activity,” she said.

33A Hope St, Geelong West, sold at auction after three professional couples contested the property.

Gartland Property, Geelong agent Nathan Ashton said the city’s growing medical and government sectors was creating more competition in a lot of suburbs.

A shortage of titled land had also sparked a race for established homes in Armstrong Creek and Mt Duneed, he said.

“We’re seeing good competition across the board. We’re the beneficiaries in the growth of the government organisations as well as Melbourne buyers,” he said.

He said an auction in Geelong West proved the point last weekend, when three couples — all working for government or health agencies — contested a two-bedroom house in Hope St, which sold for $644,000, almost $15,000 above the price range.

Central Geelong has been identified as a future hot spot.

Realestate.com.au demand data show buyers continue to search most for homes in Belmont, Geelong West, Geelong, Highton and Newcomb — all within a 5km radius of central Geelong.

Mr Ashton said he believed Armstrong Creek and Mt Duneed were set for a short surge after the first stage of the Armstrong Creek Town Centre opened this week.

“Whenever major infrastructure opens there’s always a surge in values. I think that will be short-term growth,” he said.

Mr Ashton said strong rental returns were having an impact on investors buying on the Bellarine Peninsula.

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‘Ramshackle’ QLD reno named Australian House of the Year

This home in Miami on the Gold Coast took out two top national awards, winning the coveted Australian House of the Year and the award for Best House Alteration and Addition Over 200 Square Metres. Pictures: Christopher Frederick Jones

A Queensland renovation of a “ramshackle 1970s-era house” has been named the best in the country, and is so good it went on to scoop the coveted Australian House of the Year title as well.

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Two awards were presented to this home located in the Gold Coast suburb of Miami. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones  

The home located in Miami on the Gold Coast won the top gong at the Houses Awards that were handed out Friday, where 10 of Australia’s best homes were selected across nine residential design categories.

The jury statement over the win said Cantala Avenue House designed by ME “champions the capacity for modest residential architecture to significantly impact the way we live in Australia”.

The renovation transformed the 1970s home. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.  

It said the home was “within an unremarkable yet incredibly familiar suburban context” but the renovation of the “ramshackle 1970s-era house offers its neighbourhood a welcoming communal space comprising a new brickwork entry sequence, planting and seating under a mature poinciana tree”.

The jury said the design balance between public and private space was “skilfully navigated”.

ME had told judges that the design established a private north facing courtyard and re-engaged the public components of the dwelling with the street and wider neighbourhood. “Planted courtyards permeate the plan providing access to light, ventilation and nature.”

Judges said it was a “contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional beach shack”. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones 

The judges were sold on the idea, saying the design responded to its location on the Gold Coast and was a “contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional beach shack”.

“It is a playful and refreshing reinvention of this typology,” the jury citation said. “It has civic respect, yet individualism.”

The home also took out the best house alteration and addition over 200sq m title.

“Once typified by scenes of bronzed bathers enjoying long, hot summers, the Gold Coast has been going through a slow transition from holiday playground to Australia’s sixth-largest city,” the jury statement said. “With the unfortunate demolition of many of its understated 1950s houses, the laid-back and neighbourly feel of the area has shifted.”

The backyard and pool before the renovation.

The stunning new pool area after renovation.

“Located within this challenging suburban context, Cantala Avenue House by ME is an alteration and addition that joyously reinterprets the history of its place and beach shack typology.”

“Rather than erase the character of the neighbourhood, ME has tactfully taken an ordinary 1970s split-level house, reworking and extending the plan to better engage with the street, the garden and the yard.”

The statement said the courtyard and pool allowed privacy, while a low brick wall and terrace connected the home’s interior to the activity of the street.

“Acknowledging its humble origins while meeting the needs of a young family, the project sits comfortably within the suburban Gold Coast and adds to the sociability of its quiet cul-de-sac.”

The award for Best Emerging Practice was presented to Brisbane-based architect, Lineburg Wang – designer of this home. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones.

A Brisbane firm also took out the award for best emerging practice. Lineburg Wang, located in Brisbane, had a “palpable freshness” in design, the jury said.

“Park Road is a fine example of a response to a traditional Queenslander house: it is subtle and sympathetic to the existing condition, with layers of history revealed. Simultaneously, the architects’ bold and clever design moves transform it into a contemporary home.”

The judges decided that Lineburg Wang “solves pragmatic concerns with poeticism”.

“The jury was impressed with the formal clarity and spatial experimentation seen in the collection of predominantly alteration and addition projects and are looking forward to seeing what’s to come for Lineburg Wang.”

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Water views, enormous potential and funky 1960s vibes

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay. Knight Frank.

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay.Picture: SUPPLIED

THERE is so much to love about this Sandy Bay abode.

It starts with the private street frontage, the light-filled and spacious living areas and the sunny aspect.

And then there are the water and mountain views.

No.513 Churchill Avenue is a property with enormous potential.

On show are original retro features next to contemporary updates throughout this 1960s brick home.

The entry level of this triple-bedroom home is bathed in natural light with extensive glazing in the open plan living space.

Here, the large windows frame an ever-changing vista.

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay. Knight Frank.

Pop by, say “Hi”.

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay. Knight Frank.

Fresh and funky.

The living zone comprises a kitchen with heaps of cupboard and benchspace plus mountain views, as well as a living and dining area with glass sliders that provide access to a large deck.

Buyers in 2020 are often looking for that seamless indoor/outdoor living and this home delivers that in spades.

There is so much room to relax outdoors and admire the view.

Each of the bedrooms have the convenience of built-in wardrobes serviced by the generously proportioned family bathroom.

A corner spa bath, timber floors and contemporary tiles make the bathroom sing.

The laundry completes the floorplan on this level.

Head downstairs to discover a rumpus and studio space that could be further developed to suit individual needs, STCA.

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay. Knight Frank.

Functional for a family lifestyle.

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay. Knight Frank.

Relax right here.

It currently has gleaming floors, a neat kitchenette and a veranda.

Outside the home is surrounded by established, easy-care gardens. There is a carport and additional off-street parking available in the driveway.

This family home is desirably located close to UTAS, excellent schools, public transport, the Hill Street Grocer and the shops and amenities of Sandy Bay.

This property presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to add to their investment portfolio or purchasers seeking a home they can enjoy in one of Tassie’s most sought-after suburbs.

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay. Knight Frank.

So comfortable.

513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay. Knight Frank.

What a view.

New realestate.com.au data reveals Sandy Bay to have some of Tasmania’s highest median house and unit prices.

Both medians have been steady over the past 12 months with houses faring well with 3.4 per cent growth.

Compared to three years ago, the house median is up by 45.7 per cent, an example of the excellent value and steadily climbing trajectory of this hugely popular suburb.

The hold period for Sandy Bay houses is 9.3 years.

Per the data, Sandy Bay houses sell in 30 days on the market.

No.513 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay is priced at “Offers over $795,000” and listed with Knight Frank.

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Phillip Island dream home with ‘own surf break’ for sale

Enjoy your own Phillip Island surf break.

One of Phillip Island’s premier properties — featuring a private beachfront and century-old chapel — is vying to smash its own price record.

Boasting idyllic ocean views at sunset, the 33.76ha Trenavin Park at 746 Ventnor Rd has a $7-$7.7m price guide.

CoreLogic records show the secluded property last sold for $4.25m in September 2008. This remains the highest residential sale price achieved in the town of Ventnor.

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Live the postcard life at Trenavin Park.

Sunsets at the property are spectacular.

The property was settled by brothers John and William McHaffie in 1842, as the first homestead on Phillip Island.

In 1923, Albert and Eleanor Sambell built the Arts and Crafts-style manor that stands today in place of the McHaffies’ homestead.

Mr Sambell went on to become the founder and first president of Phillip Island Shire Council, Victorian Collections records show.

Trenavin Park comes with its own surf break.

A driveway through the 33.76ha site to the main dwelling.

Arrive in style.

Recognising the island’s potential as a tourism hotspot, Mr Sambell invested heavily in ferry services, road networks and a golf course.

Roads were constructed to Summerlands Beach to give visitors access to the little penguin colony, spawning the popular Penguin Parade.

The five-bedroom house was built with locally sourced bricks and Welsh slate roof tiles, and features period details including a craftsman-built timber staircase, coffered ceilings and timber wall panels.

The property comes with an asking price of $7-$7.7m.

Entertaining space adjoining the five-bedroom main dwelling.

Stylish period features inside the 1923 built Arts and Crafts-style home.

Contemporary renovations carried out over the past decade have transformed the kitchen and adjoining open-plan living and dining space, with French doors opening to a wide veranda.

Also on the property are a three-bedroom house known as The Cottage and the fully restored 1906 San Remo Church, transported to the site over 30 years ago.

The San Remo Church was transported to the property over 30 years ago.

The chapel is a popular wedding spot.

Dreamy destination.

The vendors have used the non-denominational chapel as a popular wedding and event venue.

Prestige Homes of Victoria director Sean Cussell described Trenavin Park as “the ultimate Australian beachfront rural property with breathtaking views”.

“It’s pretty rare — there aren’t too many times you get to buy a property with its own surf break,” he said.

Inside the bright and airy renovated kitchen, with original AGA and Italian Bertazzoni oven.

Contemporary style at the rear of the home, where French doors extend to the outdoors.

Modern finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows.

“The new owner can enjoy a short stroll across the paddock to the beach for a surf or catch a fish before breakfast.”

Other additions on the sprawling block include a tennis court, fenced paddocks, dams and storage sheds.

The property’s expressions of interest campaign closes September 4.

Renovations have been done over a decade at the property.

A craftsman built timber staircase inside the house.

There’s also a tennis court, paddocks, dams, sheds and additional water storage.

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@jackboronovskis

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Bidders pay hundreds of thousands for contents of Brisbane’s Hollywood-style mansion

Some of the crowd who battled the elements to attend the auction at 652 London Road, Chandler, last weekend.

Brooding clouds and torrential downpours failed to stop more than 300 people turning up to bid on the contents of 652 London Road, Chandler — Brisbane’s Hollywood-style mansion — last weekend.

More than 360 lots were up for sale and included everything from the estate’s Versace furniture to a compost bin to a grand piano — the only item not to be sold on the day.

Auctioneers battled inclement weather, pausing proceedings to cover televisions to stop them blowing away, during the marathon auction that started at 9am and finished about 12 hours later.

The weather proved too much some, who chose to abandon the driveway of the Chandler

QLD_CM_REALESTATE_HOTW_MAINPIC_652LONDONRD_25APR20

Mr Mahmodi, film and television producer and music composer, said his grand piano was the only thing that he wasn’t prepared to let go of underpriced. AAP Image/Richard Gosling

mansion and continue bidding online from their own homes.

Nathan Dwyer, business development manager at Slattery Auctions and Valuations, which handled the auction, said the sale raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the owner.

“We and the owner were very happy with the result. It far exceeded our top expectations. It was a challenging day, but I think everyone had fun,” he said.

While the bulk of the items sold for between $700 and $1000, among the top-sellers were a dining table, which went for more than $10,000, as did a pair of horse statues and, unexpectedly, a set of curtains also broke the $10,000 price tag.

Some of the home’s curtains sold for more than $10,000.

“The curtains were really popular. I mean, they weren’t my style,” Mr Dwyer said, “but they were certainly a few people’s style, because there were alot of people who wanted them.”

As expected the Versace furniture, including a card table proved popular, with much of it going to a determined bidder from near by Fig Tree Pocket, with a similar-style house.

“It was almost like his arm was stuck up at one stage, he really wanted the Versace items. He kept trying to outbid himself., we had to tell him, “No it’s yours already, it’s your bid.”

All the Versace furniture proved popular with bidders.

Mr Dwyer said a good mix of people attended, including a large contingent of Chinese buyers, with more than 100 people registered to bid online.

The auction was held after the house in Chandler sold this month to a local buyer for an undisclosed sum, but more than the $3.85 million paid for it in 2018. However, the new owner didn’t wish to keep any of the contents.

The previous owner, film and television producer and music composer Hiwa Mahmodi said seeing his beloved items being sold at prices 10 to 20 times less than what he had paid for them was hard, but it had made many people happy.

QLD_CM_REALESTATE_HOTW_MAINPIC_652LONDONRD_25APR20

Many things sold for well below their value and Hiwa Mahmodi said while he felt sad to see them go he was happy with the overall result. AAP Image/Richard Gosling

“There were many different aged people there, young, old, families with kids, it was like a goodbye party for me,” Mr Mahmodi said.

“The majority of the items were collectibes that I sourced especially for the house, and came from all over the world. They weren’t things you can buy here, so it made a lot of people happy and I am pleased for that.”

As for the piano goes, Mr Mahmodi said: “It was something very personal to me. It’s a big part of who I am and while I could have sold it, I wasn’t prepared to just let that go.”

Mr Mahmodi, who is originally from Sydney, spent about $1.5 million over the past two years decking out the house at 265 Lodon Road in the hope that he could use it as a set for Hollywood movies and reality TV shows, but COVID-19 had put a stop to that and led to the sale of the property.

While he has temporarily moved to the Gold Coast, he said he hoped to return to Brisbane one day and pick up where he left off with his venture.

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