In 1961, the sale of Vaucluse mansion ‘Werribree’ set the Sydney price record when it sold for £41,000. The solidly built, World War I era home was then bought by Peter Aldred, a decorated airman who founded the concrete company Cementaid International.
The family of the late Mr Aldred has put this Vaucluse estate, which has been in the family for 55 years, up for auction with a price guide of $18 million. Mark Yeats of Raine & Horne Double Bay believes that the property will draw buyers with deep enough pocket to renovate.
The property’s dress-circle position is enviable with views from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge and beyond. The New South Head Road entrance follows a long driveway through the sprawling grounds which cover 3300 square metres.
Buyers will delight in the original grass tennis court, manicured lawns and fully self-contained coachman’s residence which has been converted into a guest house with private entrance from Nulla Street.
The median price for Vaucluse houses is $3,505,000, however, in 2015 La Mer (former home of James and Erica Packer) sold for $70 million and 9 Coolong Road for $36 million. Whilst not breaking any records this time around, Mr Yeats said, “Its sale in 2016 provides a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest and last remaining Vaucluse mansions standing in its own grounds.”
Even the most glamorous properties can have building defects or other structural issues. If you are in the market for a multi-million dollar property, be sure to have an experienced Sydney south east building inspector perform a pre-purchase building & pest inspection.
Photo by Gordon Wrigley
