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It was expected to be a multimillion-dollar payday – but power couple Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons’ grand Sydney estate did not find a buyer at auction.
The former Today host, 65, and her husband, an author aged 64, listed their extensive Federation home ‘Ingleneuk’ for auction on Saturday afternoon, setting an eye-popping reserve price of $24.5 million.
But despite four registered bidders, no offers were made on the day.
The mansion passed in on a vendor bid at its reserve, Realestate.com.au reports.
However, agents remain confident a deal will be struck in the coming days, pointing to the wave of interest shown in the lead-up to auction.
The couple bought the historic home in 1998 for a mere $2.95 million, meaning that a sale close to the reserve would have resulted in a remarkable profit of over $20 million.
It was expected to be a multimillion-dollar payday – but power couple Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons’ grand Sydney estate did not find a buyer at auction.
Constructed in 1903 and beautifully restored by Wilkinson and FitzSimons, the six-bedroom residence sits on an expansive 3,125sqm estate with panoramic harbour views, a tennis court, heated pool, and elegant gardens.
The couple also acquired two adjacent blocks to restore the estate to its original dimensions and obtain rare dual-frontage – making the Cremorne property one of the Lower North Shore’s most prestigious real estate offerings.
Over the years, the famous couple has hosted a wealth of Aussie celebrities at the property, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Hugh Jackman and Nigella Lawson.
Last month, the pair were slammed online after listing their Sydney home for sale for the staggering sum.
After raising their three children in the impressive property, they are looking to downsize, reports the Australian Financial Review.
The listing has attracted its fair share of online trolls, with many criticising the disparity between the media power couple’s wealth and their left-leaning political stances.
‘Progressives Lisa Wilkinson and potential Republic President Peter Fitzsimons are selling their house! A steal at $23m! Is Albo appointing them to the UN or something?’ one person wrote on social media.
‘Just a couple of everyday Australian battlers,’ another wrote.
The former Today host and her author husband put their sprawling Federation home ‘Ingleneuk’ up for auction on Saturday afternoon with a jaw-dropping reserve price of $24.5 million
The couple purchased the historic residence in 1998 for just $2.95 million, meaning a sale anywhere near the reserve would deliver them a staggering profit of more than $20 million
FitzSimons is a strong advocate for Australian republicanism, having previously chaired the Australian Republican Movement.
He has also been vocal regarding his views on green policies and sustainability over the years.
He and his wife both support left-wing ideals when it comes to politics, even throwing an election night party to celebrate Anthony Albanese’s triumph in 2022.
A glittering array of actors, politicians and TV stars flooded the multimillion-dollar harbourside mansion, with none other than Simon Baker in attendance.
Ingleneuk boasts one of the largest landholdings on the North Shore, after the pair restored the land to its original proportions.
The six-bedroom home sits on a sprawling 3,125sqm block with sweeping harbour views, a tennis court and a heated pool
The pair also snapped up two neighbouring blocks to return the estate to its original size and secure rare dual-frontage – making the Cremorne property one of the Lower North Shore’s most prestigious addresses
The mansion, in its original Edwardian condition, offers panoramic harbour and city views, and has retained all its remarkable features, including prominent eaves.
Wilkinson hired heritage architect Clive Lucas to restore some details of the sprawling home, including its original fence posts, fretwork and maid’s bell.
The buyer will enjoy a sunroom, gourmet kitchen, library, multiple gas and wood fireplaces, leadlight doors and ornate timber flooring.
A heated pool and pavilion surrounded by Will Dangar-designed manicured gardens are also included, as well as approved plans for a triple garage with a studio room.
