The $130million that IT billionaire Scott Farquhar paid for Uig Lodge 18 months ago was an Australian record, but it’s likely about to be smashed by another property in the same exclusive Sydney harbourside suburb of Point Piper.
Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond has put his Wingadal mansion up for sale, with the luxurious property expected to fetch an eye-watering $200million.
Mr Symond, 76, bought the four-level home in 1999 and then spent eight years – and a whole lot of money – turning it into the spectacular house it is today.
It sits on the western edge of Point Piper, on a 2,767-square metre block with 98metre water frontage looking out over Sydney Harbour to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Ken Jacobs, of Forbes Global Properties, said it was ‘the most exciting listing’ he has worked on in his 40 years in the real estate business.
‘The estate is Australia’s most iconic residence and ranks amongst the best in the world, combining both privacy and space, exuding elegance and comfort, while featuring gun barrel views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge,’ he said.
Another agent, Brad Pillinger of Pillinger, said there was no comparable home in Australia, and it was expected to topple residential records.
‘We expect Wingadal will be the first sale to surpass the $200million barrier in this country,’ he said.
Wingadal is already attracting interest from around the world.
‘It is the one property that is always known by high net worth individuals, it’s a truly international property and we are confident that there will be strong international interest,’ Mr Jacobs said.
The mansion is not just a home, but has also seen a lot of use over the last quarter century as a venue for large charity and gala events hosted by Mr Symond.
The house’s internal entertainment areas can cater for parties of 500 people, and there is also undercover parking for 20 cars including an eight-car garage.
Wingadal has two commercial kitchens and a custom designed wine cellar able to hold up to 2,500 bottles – which makes catering for huge events a lot easier.
For those who love films, the house also has a cinema with seating for 22 people.
Mr Symond said he is selling now because he plans to spend more time overseas.
‘Wingadal has been a special home for my family over the past two decades, and now I’m looking forward to spending more time travelling overseas,’ he said.
He spoke fondly of the many gala events held there over the years.
‘While being an exceptional family home, we have also enjoyed hosting many important events for charities and other worthwhile causes,’ he said.
The home was designed by Alex Tzannes, who created the property to be a warm family home with intimate rooms, and to also have luxurious entertaining areas.
‘The timeless design on the Point Piper peninsula offers a unique appreciation of Sydney Harbour from a variety of angles, rotating around an axis that lines up perfectly with the Sydney Harbour Bridge,’ Mr Tzannes said.
Wingadal has been offered for sale through expressions of interest.
