Frank Criniti has sold his Glenhaven estate Petalinda for $9 million, setting record for Hills

Frank Criniti has sold his high-tech luxury estate for a whopping $9million, setting a new suburb record that even surprised the agent.

A palatial home at Glenhaven has become the most expensive residential property in The Hills district after it was sold for $9 million.

The magnificent resort style acreage, known as ‘Petalinda’’, was owned by restaurateur Frank Criniti and had been on the market for just one month.

Agent Mechlenne Douaihy from Merc Real Estate said the unconditional sale was finalised at midnight after two other offers from prospective buyers.

Living spaces are hi-tech, luxurious and secure.

“If someone had told me two years ago that properties here would be selling for $9 million, I wouldn’t have believed it,’’ she said.

FRANK CRINITI’S ESTATE PACKED WITH CUTTING-EDGE TECH

“It is very exciting and has raised the bar for the Hills area, particularly luxury homes, as it shows there are buyers here who are prepared for pay for quality.’’

The property had price expectations of over $8 million.

The couple have spent $2 million on improvements.

The luxurious six-bedroom residence in Gilmour Close has a stunning list of features including a security system that uses fingerprint scanning technology and a 23m indoor pool with its own commercial grade bars.

It also boasts a 14-person sauna, championship size tennis court and gymnasium.

The sale to a buyer from nearby West Pennant Hills also includes some Gucci and Hermes furniture and a $120,000 wine cellar.

The modern kitchen features Gaggenau appliances.

The home’s $1.8 million worth of designer furniture was also for sale.

Mr Criniti is relocating overseas with his wife Rima and young family to expand their successful chain of Italian restaurants.

They purchased the just over two-hectare property for $5.6 million in February 2011.

They spent another $2 million on improvements including adding a certified Koi fishpond to the already impressive Steve Grant built home.

Other features include Apple TV throughout the home, a Balinese style hut, barbecue area and outdoor pizza oven.

The wine cellar worth $120,000 comes with the home.

The estate is like a private-five star resort.

Ms Douaihy believes if the same home had been for sale in the Eastern Suburbs it would cost around $40 million.

“There is still good value in The Hills and I think it has been overlooked especially in acreages, so hopefully this will put it on the radar for buyers to come and look,’’ she said.

Five parties had expressed interest in the property with three submitting written offers — including the record figure.

The champion-size tennis court.

“We took the cheque and the contract straight to the solicitor — you don’t let a buyer sleep on a $9 million sale,’’ Ms Douaihy said.

The sale beats the previous Hills residential record of $6.38 million paid or 4 Hermers Rd, Dural in May 2013.

The entrance to the property.

The lavish indoor pool.