THIS extravagant estate is like something out of a BBC costume drama, with its symmetrical topiary, sweeping staircases and ostentatious decor. So how on earth did it sell for the price of some small Sydney houses? SEE INSIDE THE AMAZING HOME.
ONE of Brisbane’s most extravagant estates has sold for just shy of $4 million to a wealthy Sydney entrepreneur — setting a new benchmark for luxury acreage in the city’s southern greenbelt.
Selling agent Sarah Hackett of Place Estate Agents would not reveal the exact sale price of the Georgian-inspired seven-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion in Chandler, but said it marked a new record for the area.
But it’s a far cry from the original asking price for the property at 652 London Road, which was last listed for offers over $5 million in 2017.
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Mrs Hackett said it was a “last minute sprint to the finish line”, with the home attracting three written offers, but a three-week settlement and unconditional offer sealed the deal.
She said the buyer had sold his home in Sydney and was relocating to Brisbane.
“I’m probably dealing with at least two families a week from Sydney or Melbourne and the expat market this time of year is really strong too,” Mrs Hackett said.
The previous record for a home sale in Chandler was $3.75 million, and in Gumdale, it is $3.1 million.
Owner, Christine Spencer, said the buyer of 652 London Road was from Sydney and would be relocating to Brisbane to live in the home permanently.
Mrs Spencer said the sale was “wonderful news” after having the home on the market since January last year.
“Finally, someone has bought the home!” Mrs Spencer said.
“It’s a unique property; it just needed the right person and someone who had the finances.”
Mrs Spencer said there had been plenty of interest in the property, but a number of contracts had fallen through because the potential buyers could not secure finance.
She and her husband, Craig, built the home 20 years ago, drawing on inspiration from their global travels.
Records show they bought the 1ha block of land for just $257,000 in 1996.
The couple is behind the Carter and Spencer Group — a family-owned fresh fruit and vegetable company.
“It was, and still is, one of the most outstanding homes for that area, and it’s certainly stood the test of time,” Mrs Spencer said.
“It will be very sad to move.”
The Spencers are downsizing to Kangaroo Point, where they bought a smaller, Georgian-style heritage home.
Chandler, about 18km south of the CBD, is now Brisbane’s third most expensive suburb, with a median house price of $1.59 million.
The property’s former listing agent, Tyson Clarke of Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty, said the home was widely known as one of the most prestigious properties in the Chandler area.
“There’s maybe half a dozen top end homes that stand out as what you might call the best of the best in the area,” Mr Clarke said.
“This is kind of the first one of those to come to the market.”
Mr Clarke said he received interest from all over Australia and internationally when he was marketing the property.
He said interstate and international buyers were increasingly joining with local families to live in Brisbane’s acreage estates just 20 minutes from the city, given the value for money the big blocks represented.
With a 901sq m interior — four and a half times larger than the average new home — the home is filled with ornate and luxurious touches, including marble staircases, wrought-iron banisters and chandeliers.
Entry to the sprawling estate is via a manicured, hedge-lined driveway with a tiered fountain and baroque statues that lead to a grand porte-cochere.
Stepping inside a gallery, there’s an open plan lounge and formal dining space, with a grand staircase leading to the upper floor.
The western wing of the ground level has a family room, casual dining area and kitchen with European appliances, a walk-in pantry, cold room and custom built wine cellar.
A six-seat home theatre, dance room, home office, games room, laundry, guest room and gymnasium complete the lower level, which leads out on to the terraces, courtyards, patios and alfresco entertaining areas.
Upstairs, there is a family retreat, four bedrooms, a guest room, two bathrooms and a master suite featuring an enormous walk-through robe, ensuite with bath and dual basin vanity, and access to two separate Juliet balconies.
Outside, there is a 20m lap pool flanked by manicured lawns and paved sunbathing areas and a large pond.
Mrs Spencer personally chose many of the key features, flying to Prague to pick out the chandeliers and visiting Bangkok to select the fountain and statues to line the driveway.
Italian marble has been used throughout the home, with many of the walls treated by hand. The stunning claw foot bath is also a favourite piece, and is overlooked by two Venetian mirrors.