Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons have incurred a $1.5 million loss on the sale of their Sydney estate, Ingleneuk, newly released settlement documents show. The prominent media figures sold the Cremorne mansion for $23 million after post-auction negotiations, a figure $1.5 million less than the $24.5 million vendor bid placed at its private auction last September. This sale price matched the property's original $23 million guide.
The couple first listed Ingleneuk in mid-August, enlisting the services of agent Brad Pillinger and BlackDiamondz agents Monika Tu and Jad Khattar. The Arts and Crafts-style residence, built in 1903, features five bedrooms and overlooks Sydney Harbour. It sits on a significant 3,214 square meter block, one of the North Shore's largest landholdings.
Upon listing, the historic home garnered significant national attention, becoming the most-viewed property on realestate.com.au during its initial month on the market. Wilkinson and FitzSimons originally purchased the estate in 1998 for just under $3 million. The decision to sell is understood to stem from the couple no longer needing the expansive property after their three children moved out.
The property's landholding was expanded over time as the couple acquired two adjacent lots, restoring the estate to its original size with double street frontage. The property has previously hosted notable guests including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Hugh Jackman, and Nigella Lawson.
Following the sale, Wilkinson and FitzSimons have relocated to the penthouse of a building called Britannic Mansions, which they purchased for $15 million.
The high asking price for Ingleneuk last year drew criticism online, with some commentators noting a perceived discrepancy between the media couple's wealth and their progressive political stances. FitzSimons is a notable advocate for Australian republicanism and previously chaired the Australian Republican Movement.
The mansion retains many of its original Edwardian features, offering panoramic harbour and city views. Wilkinson enlisted heritage architect Clive Lucas to restore certain elements, including original fence posts, fretwork, and a maid's bell. The home also includes a sunroom, gourmet kitchen, library, multiple fireplaces, leadlight doors, ornate timber flooring, and a heated pool with a pavilion set within Will Dangar-designed gardens.
