Northwood: Sydney waterfront mansion previously owned by Mary Rossi goes up in flames

The new owner of a much-loved $24m waterfront home was fighting for a development application for the property next door when the mansion went up in flames.

A $24 million Sydney heritage home has gone up in flames, only a year after it was purchased.

Emergency services were called just before midnight to the Cliff Rd, Northwood home.
It is understood no residents were in the property at the time and no one was injured.

It took two hours and almost 50 firefighters to control the blaze.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the flames were so high — almost 20m — they were venting up into the air.

The mansion alight last night. Picture: OnScene

“We had to use the ladder truck to get up over the top of it,” he said.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

The remains of the Northwood home on Sunday morning. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Locals have mourned the loss of the heritage property. Picture: Damian Shaw

Investigators were on the scene on Sunday morning looking for any flammable liquids.

Firefighters managed to contain the blaze before any damage to neighbouring properties occurred.

The mansion, with waterfront views, was totally destroyed.

Ruby Rigney, who lives opposite the house said the blaze had been incredibly scary.

How the house looked before the fire. Picture: Realestate.com.au

“It was pretty messed up,” she said. “There were so many fire trucks. We were all really nervous the fire would spread.”

For neighbour Anneke Senden, the fire was a tragedy.

“It’s very sad. That place was an institution,” she said. “Another federation home lost.”

Firefighters on the scene overnight. Picture: OnScene

The house ablaze overnight. Picture: OnScene

Firefighters said flames shot almost 20m up into the air. Picture: OnScene

The skeleton of the mansion’s roof is exposed after flames ripped through the house. Picture: OnScene

It took two hours and almost 50 firefighters to control the blaze. Picture: OnScene

She passed away last year aged 95.

It was sold last year to fund manager “Owen” Ouyang Chen and his wife Xiao Hong Li.

The couple own several properties around the Harbourside suburb, including 60 Cliff Rd, the house next door.

Mr Chen had earlier put in a development application for a $5 million demolition of the existing home at neighbouring property, 60 Cliff Road. The intention was to construct a new home and swimming pool.

In October, Lane Cove Council knocked back the development as it “would have an unacceptable impact” on the heritage listed house now destroyed in the blaze.

A letter from the council to Mr Chen‘s developer cited the visual impact from the excessive height, limited setbacks, building length and insufficient landscaping as reasons for the rejection.

In July, Mr Chen‘s developer lodged an application to review the council’s October decision which is still before the council.

The 1915-plantation style manor had a vast garden, tennis courts, an orchard and stone boathouse. The total property is 4,847sqm. The heritage house had six bedrooms and a sandstone cellar.

NSW Police launched an investigation into the blaze shortly after it began, taping off a crime scene and urging anyone with information to come forward.

“Officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command attended and established a crime scene as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire continue,” police said in a statement.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Mr Chen could not be reached for comment.