The home of Australia's first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton, has sold prior to auction for more than $3 million. Agent Richard Simeon, Principal and Director of Simeon Manners Property in Mosman told The Real Estate Conversation there were three families with a strong interest in Whitehall at 37 White Street Balgowlah who made offers before it was scheduled to go to auction. The property was bought by a local family.

Built in 1877, the property hit the market in March. It was renovated in the 1970s, but its Victorian Gothic frame is intact. The property was leased by Barton, who was Prime Minister from 1901 to 1903, in 1888 after he was appointed to the NSW Legislative Council. Along with Mr Barton, who lived there for three years, former state MP Doug Darby also lived there in 1953. The heritage listed home was last traded in 2004 when it was purchased by the Norwegian Seaman's Church for $2.2 million.

Simeon described the property as "a lovely grand old building," and said it was originally part of 10 acres. "I was intrigued by the property, the commute from the Spit to the city in those days when Barton lived here must have been extraordinary," said Simeon. "Those who loved the property really loved the big proportions, and it does need a bit of work, but some people also love a renovation project."