More than 100 people gathered by the pool on the 1801sq m hilltop property at 2 Berkeley St, Holland Park to hear Ray White auctioneer Philip Parker welcome an opening bid of $1 million.
Twenty-four registered bidders were interested in the deceased estate, which offered development options including renovating the architect-designed home, rebuilding, subdividing into four lots or leaving the property in its current state.
After more than 35 bids, Mr Parker declared the property sold to a mystery buyer who engaged Josh Atherton of PPI Advice to bid on their behalf.
“We thought the property was in a good location with amazing views so we were thinking it was probably not up to that $2 million dollar mark but getting very close,” Mr Atherton said.
“We pushed a little bit but it’s the type of property where you could easily expect somebody to throw another $100,000 on top just for the sake of the block and the land.”
It’s not known if the home’s retro 1950s features will remain intact after the contract settles.
“Whether it becomes a family property or they build a couple of houses on it and live in one is still to be determined,” Mr Atherton said.
“They just love the location and want to hold it for the future.”
David Rosenblum has loved the four-bedroom, two-bathroom brick house and surrounding gardens since he was a child.
“It’s my parents’ property,” Mr Rosenblum said.
“I was five when I moved in and moved out when I was 28.
“My parents were here right until they passed away.”
Mr Rosenblum, who still lives in the neighbourhood, said he was pleased with the auction result and it was time to move on.
“When it’s been your entire life I think you need to make a break,” he said.
“I love the place, I love the gardens but you don’t want to be tied to a property when there are so many things in life to also enjoy.”
Ray White Ascot marketing agent Damon Warat said the auction result surpassed his expectations.
“It exceeded the feedback prior to auction,” Mr Warat said.
“For a property that sold circa $2 million, to have 24 bidders is just amazing.”
Article originally published at www.heraldsun.com.au by Amanda Lucas 29/5/2016