‘Makes you cry’: Chemist Warehouse billionaire Sam Gance sells luxury items from Toorak mansion

A billionaire couple have shared their heartbreak at having to sell luxury items that don’t fit into their new $43 million Melbourne mansion.

The socialite partner of Chemist Warehouse billionaire Sam Gance has revealed her pain at having to sell off a collection of extravagant items for one truly wild reason.

Mr Gance is auctioning off a staggering collection of art, furniture, chandeliers and even a billiards table after moving out of his former Toorak mansion and into a new one on Lansell Rd, which he snapped up for a cool $43 million in 2021 – a price tag which set a new record for the most expensive home ever sold at auction in this country.

He finally moved into the property last year with former Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Janet Roach.

Sam Gance and Janet Roach. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

The reason?

The luxury items “couldn’t fit” into the opulent new property, as it was already furnished.

Ms Roach told the Herald Sun a lot of the items being sold by Gibson’s Auctioneers was “art we couldn’t fit into [the new] house … it wasn’t the right size”.

“A lot of it makes you cry when it goes to auction,” she said.

She confirmed many of the items would be a bargain and were being sold for less than they were purchased for.

“There’s this fabulous chandelier, but it only takes candles. [Mr Gance] paid something ridiculous for it,” she said.

These candelabras have a starting bid of $4000. Picture: Gibson’s Auctioneers

An antique barber’s chair is up for grabs. Picture: Gibson’s Auctioneers

However, despite the couple’s heartbreak at parting with their luxury belongings, Ms Roach confirmed they were more than happy with their new pad.

“It’s serene and calm and beautiful,” she said.

“We’re absolutely blessed and lucky.”

The property from the “Sam Gance Collection” will be auctioned off on April 30 at 2pm AEST, with viewings available at 2 Straun St, Toorak on April 28 and 29.

Bidders can snap up this ornate chandelier. Picture: Gibson’s Auctioneers

Or a mounted deer head with gazelle horns. Picture: Gibson’s Auctioneers

“This auction presents an exciting opportunity for collectors to acquire exemplary pieces of 18th century furniture, decorative arts, carpets, fabulous room adornments, and traditional and modern art,” the auctioneers stated.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the viewing and sale of this fantastic collection.”

Sam Gance’s new digs at 47 Lansell Rd, Toorak.

Among the items to go under the hammer is an “impressive Louis XV style 10-branch crystal and bronze chandelier”, starting at $2600 with an expected sale price of $3000-4000, an antique mounted deer head with gazelle horns starting at $1800, an antique barber’s chair, worth up to $800 and a pair of 19th century French Empire candelabras starting at $4000.

According to Forbes, Jack and Sam Gance, who started Chemist Warehouse in 1995 with Mario Verrocchi with just five pharmacies, are now worth $1.35 billion, earning them a spot on Australia’s coveted 50 Richest list.

The company has an annual revenue of more than $3 billion, and an estimated valuation of $5 billion.

The retail giant now employs more than 17,000 staff for its 500 stores across Australia, with new stores in New Zealand, China and Ireland also opening last year.