ZingVlog

IT’S the mega-mansion tipped to break the record for Australia’s most expensive home, but what makes ‘Aussie’ John Symond’s plush Point Piper pad worth the dollars?

The multi-level sandstone, cement and glass pile sprawling across 2685 sqm which Symond has lived in it since 2007 boasts six bedrooms, all with ensuites, two swimming pools and more than 75 metres of absolute water frontage, making it the largest harbourfront in the exclusive suburb of Point Piper.

There’s a gymnasium, library, home movie theatre and of course that picture-perfect view of Sydney’s iconic Opera House and glittering harbour from almost every room.

The roof is copper-capped and there’s a 10-car garage. and a lift to get you between floors.

Oh, and the infamous 24 toilets.

Which means there’ll be no long queue for the loo, even if you use the lavish entertaining area on the lower levels which can house up to 600 guests and is the most-seen part of the house by the public.

While the upper floors remain Symond’s personal domain, guests who have been to functions at the house say they walk (or are driven via golf cart) into a creation larger than life, just like the man himself.

The “party floor” is considered by the philanthropic Symond as “a civic space” and is used primarily for fundraisers. The kitchen and bar can cater for up to 600.

That space includes a kitchen which has been manned by the likes of Matt Moran, Guillaume Brahimi, Peter Doyle and Neil Perry for charity events, and Symond says some chefs have told him is better than their own.

Many of Australia’s mega-rich and prominent have mingled at the entertainment floor, which plays host to charity events and Liberal Party fundraisers.

In February this year, Symond married Amber McDonald there, with guests arriving via golf carts in the driveway — or, as Symond named it, the “porte-cochere” — a more fitting description of the portico-like structure which forms the imposing entrance to the home designed by acclaimed Australian architect Alexander Tzannes.

“The thing about the house is from the start it is just so imposing,” says one regular visitor to the events held there.

“You go down the sweeping driveway, which is like the entry to a chic hotel, then through the entrance an into a marble-floored foyer, always dominated by with a massive flower display.

“To the left are stairs and the lift, which sweeps you up to the entertainment floor.”

“That space is just vast. It’s like a chic hotel dining room, with a huge galley kitchen and bar fit for cruise ship catering. And it’s all wrapped up by the massive terrace with harbour views to die for.

“The bathrooms on that floor are huge, there are about four of them, each with a few toilets and a powder room. Nothing is done on a small scale. It’s bold and big and when you first walk in, it’s so imposing it’s almost a little intimidating.”

The house is packed with massive artworks across its four levels.

Symonds is an avid collector of Australian art deco and contemporary paintings and sculptures, including the works of Brett Whiteley and Sidney Nolan.

There are staff quarters, and Symond’s private chambers on the upper levels.

When his adult children, Stephen and Deborah, lived with him, each had a separate wing.

Symond’s trophy home is up for sale, and it’s tipped it will sell for more than $100 million — eclipsing the previous residential record of $70 million held by James Packer.

Symond and the agents for the home confirmed the house is up for sale via a statement saying it is expected to “set a new benchmark price for Sydney properties”

“John and wife Amber plan to spend more time overseas after his fulltime role as Executive Chairman of Aussie Home Loans is completed in the second half of 2017 — the 25th anniversary of the leading mortgage broker”,” the statement said.

But don’t hold your breath for the open inspection.

ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb6%2FOpmWarV%2Bhtqex0q2wpZ1fnbyusY6cn56bm2K8tsCMsJ%2BarF2irqyx0maroaGjYrqms8CmmKermaS7bsPOq6uhZZGXvLbAjGpnaWWdnrmttc6nZqedp6h6tMDOq7BompFmgnqAk3FqbJ6WbYJzrpSbbm5qZ5ezc6%2BTcZubb2A%3D