Anglewood House Sells for Record-Breaking $14.5 Million

Burradoo's heritage-listed Anglewood House sold privately for $14.5 million, a significant profit from its 2020 purchase price of $5.1 million. The buyer, represented by David Lasky, remains unknown, and the property's former owner, Matthew Csidei, retains land ownership in the Southern Highlands. Csidei had made extensive renovations to Anglewood House, including an outdoor swimming pool, cabana, and four-car garage.

Anglewood House: Heritage Gem Sells for Staggering $14.5 Million

In a discreet transaction behind closed doors, Anglewood House, a magnificent state-heritage listed mansion nestled amidst the rolling hills of Burradoo, has been sold for an extraordinary $14.5 million. Built in the opulent Queen Anne Revival style during the 1890s, the sprawling residence once served as a lavish abode for federal politician Arthur Smith, KC.

The former caretaker of Anglewood House, Matthew Csidei, renowned for his impressive property portfolio, acquired the grand estate in late 2020 for $5.1 million. Csidei, who graced the social circles of James Packer, embarked on a meticulous restoration and expansion of the property, commissioning alterations and additions to enhance its grandeur. The magnificent residence now boasts 13 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a luxurious cabana, and an expansive four-car garage.

The sale of Anglewood House was orchestrated by a corporate entity represented by Double Bay lawyer David Lasky of Kosmin & Associates. Speculation abounds as to whether Lasky acquired the property for personal use or on behalf of one of the firm's esteemed clientele, including prominent billionaires like Mike Cannon-Brookes and his estranged wife Annie Todd.

Southern Highlands Haven for Csidei

Despite parting ways with Anglewood House, Matthew Csidei remains a prominent landowner in the picturesque Southern Highlands. His opulent estate, Kennerton Green, located in Mittagong, was once graced by the presence of Lady (Susan) Renouf and corporate titan Bill Ireland before Csidei acquired it for $1.8 million in 2011.

Csidei's property acumen extends beyond Burradoo and Mittagong. His former residence in the exclusive enclave of Watsons Bay was the historic Masonic Temple, sold in 2015 for an impressive $6.25 million to renowned fashion designer Collette Dinnigan. His impressive London townhouse, Ormonde House in Belgravia, purchased for £8.75 million in 2015, was later sold for approximately £12 million to Anthony Medich in 2020.

Medich, a prominent figure in Sydney's eastern suburbs, was also the $28 million buyer of James Packer's opulent Bondi Beach bachelor pad in 2018, further solidifying the interconnected nature of the city's elite.

Patience Rewarded in Clareville

In the idyllic coastal suburb of Clareville, patience has proven to be a lucrative strategy for Alexandra Clausen. The Swiss-based wife of tech entrepreneur Simon Clausen purchased a waterfront retreat in 2006 for a modest $4.2 million, when Clausen held the position of chief of security software specialist PC Tools.

After the family relocated to Europe in 2016, the property was initially listed for $12 million and languished on the market for four years without attracting a suitable buyer. Undeterred, LJ Hooker's BJ Edwards relisted the property earlier this year for an ambitious $15 million to $16 million.

The unwavering persistence of Alexandra Clausen has paid off handsomely. The sale of the Clareville residence has shattered the suburb's previous record of $13.475 million, set 18 years ago when the Fox estate was acquired by corporate interests associated with banker Matt Press.

Darling Point Splendor Listed for $20 Million

The grand Federation manor in Darling Point, owned by Sue Ingham of the prominent chicken breeding and horse racing empire, has entered the market with a $20 million price tag through Sotheby's Michael Pallier. Ingham, the daughter of the late billionaire Jack Ingham, has resided in the opulent three-level home since 2009, when it was sold by Emeritus Professor John Dwyer, founding chairman of the Australian Healthcare Reform Alliance, and his wife Catherine for $7.8 million.

Restaurateur's Double Bay Home Up for Grabs

In the vibrant Double Bay neighborhood, restaurateur Judy McMahon is parting ways with her whole-floor garden apartment in the triplex known as the "Mansion" within the St Neots complex. Sotheby's Clint Ballard and Ben Cassen have listed the property with a $6.8 million price guide.

McMahon and her late husband Michael McMahon, co-founders of the renowned fine-dining institution Catalina in Rose Bay, purchased the apartment in 2016 for $3.65 million.

Billionaires Experiencing Losses

Even the wealthiest individuals are not immune to occasional financial setbacks in the real estate market. Daniel and Ekaterini Casella, members of the Casella Wines family, recently sold their sprawling Duffys Forest mansion for $5.77 million, a modest loss of $30,000 in capital gain, excluding the hefty stamp duty of $330,000.

The Casellas, despite the minor setback, remain firmly entrenched in Australia's elite. Casella Wines is a formidable force in the global wine industry, generating approximately $500 million in annual sales.

The discounted sale of the Duffys Forest property has been seized by Cheryl Ivers, who resides in a nearby residence shared with her husband, Derek Ivers, a renowned global tax specialist and PwC partner.

As the Sydney property market continues to navigate economic uncertainties, these recent transactions underscore the resilience and dynamism that characterize the sector. From grand heritage estates to waterfront retreats and luxury apartments, the allure of Sydney's real estate offerings remains strong, attracting buyers seeking exclusivity, prestige, and generational wealth.