View of Altona, Point Piper, as seen from the water / Pic: John Grainger Source: The Daily Telegraph
SIX years after it was first mooted for sale, one of Sydney's best-known properties - the glamorous harbourfront mansion Altona - has finally been sold, for a reputed record price of $54 million.
The new owner is believed to be a Chinese-born businessman from Melbourne.
Byron Bay-based vendor Deke Miskin last night refused to confirm the sale, but sources claim Mr Miskin has gone close to doubling his 2002 investment on the Point Piper property, with the final sale price put at $54 million, which is a Sydney residential property record.
The one-time magazine publisher and his swimwear designer wife Eve paid $28.5 million for the Italianate mansion, boathouse and tennis court - plus a neighbouring block - in 2002.
Agents last night refused to discuss the top-secret deal but sources said it had been bought by company Chaimovich Investments Pty Ltd, whose sole director is Xiuzhen Ding, a 75-year-old resident of Elwood in Melbourne.
In a sign of the times, Sydney's most prestigious top-end property market continues to attract strong interest from cashed-up Chinese buyers. It is a trend observed across the city and in the industrial property sector where some 71 per cent of international sales have gone to Asian buyers since the GFC, according to real estate firm Savills.
The Miskins have taken their time selling the home, choosing to hold out for the best price after initially knocking back a $55 million offer for the house in 2007.
Agents said at the time the couple was hoping for a $60 million sale for the property, which boasts eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms and sweeping Harbour views.
The Miskins bought the house from socialite and one-time model Fiona Handbury - the jewel in a property settlement with ex-husband, publisher Matt Handbury. Celebrity agent Harry M. Miller acted as Handbury's representative on that sale.
The Handburys bought the home in 1992 from society shrink Robert Hampshire and wife Sally for $5.25 million.
In the years it has sat on the market, Altona has been a holiday rental retreat for international celebrities including Bono and was once inspected by Russell Crowe.
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