From illustrious owners to biker gangs and back historic Yurulbin 150 Louisa Road Birchgrove sold by Megan Smith of McGrath Balmain prior to auction.
The grand and historic house 'Yurulbin' at 150 Louisa Road, Birchgrove has sold ahead of its scheduled March 16 auction through McGrath Balmain’s Megan Smith.
The Penfold family who have lived in the property since 1985 accepted an offer above the campaign guide of $12 million. Megan Smith said all parties were thrilled with the outcome.
“The Penfold family have been a delight to work with,” she said.
Source: McGrath BalmainThe buyers are a Sydney couple who had been searching for a home in the area.
They wanted to find a home with character and Yurulbin offers both great character and a rich history.
As soon as they entered the property, they knew it was the right home for them and acted quickly to secure it.
Yurulbin was built c. 1900 on 727 square metres with a north-facing lawn running to the harbourfront.
The land was part of a 30-acre plot granted in 1850. Yurulbin means, “the point where swift running waters meet”.
The property has had several illustrious owners including a former Premier of NSW, Henry Watson Parker, Didier Joubert (Louisa Road was named after women in his family) and Charles Jeanneret, a shareholder in the Parramatta River Steam Company.
Source: McGrath BalmainIn 1983 the house was inadvertently rented to members of the Comanchero Motorcycle Club who formed the Bandidos.
It was from Yurulbin in 1984 that the Bandidos set off to the Milperra massacre; a shoot-out with their rivals, the Comancheros.
The bikers were jailed and the house put up for sale.
Source: McGrath BalmainBarbara Penfold, the late wife of Stephen Penfold, saw the house advertised while living in their family home in Pymble.
She had admired the house since her student days of catching the ferry from Longueville to Birchgrove with her friend, the young Brett Whiteley who was still living at his family home in Longueville.
They remained lifelong friends.
Source: McGrath BalmainThe Penfolds bought Yurulbin in 1985 after it passed in at auction for $495,000.
“The Bandidos did us a favour,” said Stephen Penfold. “Louisa Road took off about two years after we bought.”
Today, Louisa Road is home to several celebrities including film director Bruce Beresford, playwright David Williamson, actors Rebel Wilson, Judy Davis and Colin Friels, and Georgie Parker.
None of the local celebrities appeared to inspect the house during the sales campaign.
Source: McGrath BalmainStephen Penfold is a third generation Penfold of the stationers, WC Penfold & Co. The same year he bought Yurulbin, he also bought the Kwik Kopy franchise.
He and his children, Matthew Penfold and Annalise Andrews (nee Penfold), are still involved in the company. Stephen Penfold is downsizing and moving closer to his grandchildren.
To discuss similar properties for sale or listing your home contact Megan Smith of McGrath Balmain via the contact form below.
Source: McGrath Balmain