Stunning Mosman home changes hands in top secret deal

A Mosman trophy home with a price guide of $14m to $15m lasted just six days on the market before it was snapped up by a keen buyer in a top secret deal.

No 28 Burrawong Ave is owned by senior Commonwealth Bank executive Gregg Johnston and his wife Kim Johnston. Mr Johnston is executive general manager of the CBA’s Institutional Equities and Group Values.

The couple enlisted Nic Yates and Kingsley Yates, of The Agency Neutral Bay, and Stephen Patrick, of Richardson & Wrench Mosman/Neutral Bay, to sell the luxury five-bedroom home. Mr Patrick sold the house to the couple in 1998.

28 Burrawong Ave, Mosman.


They had planned to take the property to auction on November 16, but six days after it came to market, the sold sign went up.

Neither agent would make any comment about the sale price or the identity of the buyer, citing a confidentiality clause in the contract.

However given the speed of the sale it could be expected that the home sold for well above its guide. At that point it is expected to be a new street record for Burrawong Ave, although settlement will reveal how far above it is.

The current street price record is held by 10 Burrawong Ave, a four-bedroom home on 778sq m which sold in June this year for $14m.

28 Burrawong Ave had a guide of $14 million to $15 million.


Nic Yates says there was strong interest from local and out-of-area buyers.

“The 1156sq m level block was highly sought-after,” he says.

Mr Patrick revealed the owners had done a major renovation and “virtually rebuilt the house”.

“It’s the best house I’ve seen in 20 years,” Mr Patrick says.

“All the right rooms are in the right places – it’s a faultless design for a family. They have done a fantastic job.”

The home, known as St Carwyne, is on a 1156sq m block in one of Clifton Gardens’ most prized streets. There have only been three sales in the street this year, including this one.

Hot auction

Mosman’s median house price has been boosted by a run of big ticket sales in recent months, according to realestate.com.au’s latest Market Trends report.

The data shows Mosman’s median has risen by an impressive 21.5 per cent in the past three months to $4.7m.

But buyers who might despair that they are priced out of the market can think again – although they are likely to be in for some stiff competition.

Adrian Bridges and Daniel Chester, of Atlas by LJ Hooker Lower North Shore, have a two-bedroom semi at 7 Wudgong St, Mosman that goes to auction on Saturday with a guide of $2.4m, which is $2.3m below the suburb’s median. Mr Bridges says the charming home had plenty of street appear with its character facade and classic features, and has the potential to modernise and extend (subject to council approval).

7 Wudgong St, Mosman


The location is also a drawcard – Mosman Public School and Mosman Park are about 650m away.

“It’s definitely a renovator’s delight – it has exciting potential,” he says.

The auction will be held on-site at 10am. Mr Bridges says he is expecting between five and 10 bidders on the day.

“It’s going to be an exciting auction,” he says.

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Brutalist beauty

A striking Brutalist design by architect John Andrews has been getting plenty of attention since coming to market with Piers van Hamburg and Jesse Zammit, of Di Jones Neutral Bay.

They have set an auction date of November 20 and a price guide of $6.9m for the five-bedroom home on 645sq m at 1 Lodge Rd, Cremorne.

Lifestyle is key at 1 Lodge Rd, Cremorne.


Mr van Hamburg says the design was very unusual for the Lower North Shore.

“There’s nothing like it,” he says. “It’s very polarising, it’s not for everybody.”

The home has Middle Harbour views from most rooms, enhanced by vast ceilings, Tasmanian oak joinery and geometric design.

There are multiple living zones that blend easily with the outdoor living and dining spaces.

Large bedrooms offer dual aspects, built-in wardrobes, ensuites and views, and the double garage has a separate workshop and underhouse storage space.

Other features include a harbour view kitchen equipped with gas cooktop and stainless appliances, and luxury main bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiles and freestanding bath.

The home is within walking distance of city bus services, and easy access to Balmoral Beach and Mosman.

“It’s so private – it’s a really cool house,” Mr van Hamburg says.

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