McMahons Point waterfront home owned by boatbuilder Bill Barnett on the market for the first time since its construction in 1941

THE massive boathouse in front of a McMahons Point home constructed in 1941 by acclaimed boatbuilder Bill Barnett was used to craft two America’s Cup challengers. It’s on the market for the first time.

The boatshed attached to 6 West Crescent Street, McMahons Point, was used to craft two America’s Cup challengers.

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A SLICE of waterfront history belonging to 102-year-old renowned boatbuilder Bill Barnett is being auctioned off in coming weeks.

The massive boathouse in front of a McMahons Point home built in 1941 was used to craft dinghies and America’s Cup challengers.

It sits behind a modest two-bedroom home at 6 West Crescent St where Mr Barnett and his wife Gloria lived.

Boatbuilder Bill Barnett pictured at his home in 2005.

The heritage boatshed, which was built in the 1950s and used commercially for many years, features a jetty, slipway and its own bathroom.

The property is nestled in the bank above Walsh and Berry’s Bay with views across the bay through to the Anzac Bridge.

Records show Mr Barnett bought the home for £300 in 1941. A fire destroyed much of the boatshed in 1971, but it was rebuilt thanks to contributions from council and the local community, allowing Mr Barnett to continue working until about five years ago.

The home is perched right on the water in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs.

There is a slipway attached to the boatshed.

Mark Jackson from Belle Property Neutral Bay said the home, which is on the expected to sell for upwards of $6.5 million, will likely be knocked down.

“In this day and age, a two-bedroom house is very small for 700 sqm plot of land so close to the water,” he said.

“But the boat shed is unique because it’s rare to see one this close to the water.

“You wouldn’t be able to build a boat shed like that, looking over the harbour, now so it’s a wonderful opportunity.

There are stunning views from the wooden jetty.

“It’s also unusual for a property to have views like this of the harbour.

“Usually homes with harbour views would also be overlooking a park or reserve, but this has direct access to the harbour.”

According to Afloat magazine, Mr Barnett’s business flourished during the 1950s and 1960s, and in 1967 he was commissioned to build the 12-metre yacht and America’s Cup contender Dame Pattie, named after the wife of former prime minister, Robert Menzies.

The home is expected to attract in excess of $6.5 million.

Amateur sailors fly like America’s Cup skippers

Another America’s Cup contender, Gretel II, followed after being commissioned by media tycoon Sir Frank Packer for the 1970 Cup challenge.

Mr Jackson said the house has been unoccupied for a “long time” but there has been a lot of interest from potential buyers.

He said it was a “waterfront gem brimming with possibility”.

The property will go under the hammer on September 16 at 1.30pm.