Leura, the Bellevue Hill trophy home, has been sold for more than $30 million. The property was sold to an Australian Chinese buyer the day before it was due to go to auction.

The house was built in the 1890s for Tom Knox, managing director of Dalgety's, the stock and station agency. The Federation Queen Anne-style home sits on a 4,260sqm block, and has sweeping harbour views, eight bedrooms, a ballroom, tennis court and pool. Despite the hefty price tag, the house is said to be due for renovation.

Once owned by Cranbrook and used as a boarding house, the property has been owned by calendar-company businessman Ken Allen and his wife Christine since 1986.

The previous Bellevue Hill price record was $28 million, set when property developer Bob Ell bought Addenbrooke.

Leura was listed for sale in August by Michael Finger and Diane Wilson of Ray White Double Bay.

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Private family home in Bellevue Hill