Atlassian co-founder snaps up Fairwater mansion for ‘close to $100 million’

IT MIGHT not look like much from the outside, but this property may have just become the country’s first $100 million home.

THE most expensive home in this country’s history has just been snapped up by Aussie millionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes.

The Atlassian co-founder broke the record after buying Lady Mary Fairfax’s Point Piper mansion, Fairwater.

And while the exact amount has not been disclosed, according to media reports, Mr Cannon-Brookes bagged the property for a bargain-basement price of “close to $100 million”.

That’s according to Business Insider, which revealed Mr Cannon-Brookes and his wife were “delighted” by the recent sale.

A statement provided to the publication stated the family were “delighted with the purchase of Fairwater for our young family and look forward to continuing the legacy of this beautiful Sydney home.

“We love the idea of raising our four young children in this historic property, filling the house and gardens with love and laughter through the years.”

The sale is all the more fascinating as it beats the previous record-setting home by tens of millions.

Aerial map showing Fairwater, the home of the late Lady Mary Fairfax.

That record had been held by “Elaine” — the mansion right next door to Fairwater in Point Piper, which was previously owned by another Fairfax family member, John B Fairfax.

That property fetched a cool $71 million — and was bought by none other than fellow Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar and wife Kim Jackson last year.

Before that purchase, there had been concerns the historic 0.7ha home could be carved up into four separate developments, although Mr Farquhar has since ruled out that option.

This is officially Australia’s priciest home. Picture: James Croucher

While it comes with an eye-watering price tag, Fairwater boasts 1.121ha of harbourfront land, making it the largest private holding on the harbour — and 4100sq m larger than Elaine.

It was sold by Christie’s International agent Ken Jacobs, who previously described it as one of the “golden girls of Sydney Harbour”.

“Fairwater represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire Australia’s most desirable residential holding,” he said several weeks ago. “The property’s appeal reflects its unquestionable position as Australia’s most revered and significant home.

“It is remarkable that an estate offering such rare and unrepeatable features still exists in Australia today; this opportunity will not come again.”

Atlassian co-founders Scott Farquhar and Mike Cannon-Brookes will soon be neighbours. Picture: James Croucher

The 11,210sq m Point Piper property, stretching from New South Head Road to Seven Shillings Beach, boasts another two houses and a swimming pool.

Built in pale yellow brick with a slate roof and Tudor-style gables, it is described in heritage records as “medieval and Queen Anne inspired”.

It’s good timing for the Cannon-Brookes family, who recently sold their previous home near Centennial Park for $16.5 million.

Fairwater hit the market earlier this month, following the death of Lady Mary Fairfax last September.

Atlassian co-founders Scott Farquhar and Mike Cannon-Brookes (right) have been fighting it out for the title of most expensive property.

It had been owned by the Fairfax family for more than a century.

Lady Fairfax, a Polish immigrant, spent part of her childhood in Broken Hill before marrying newspaper icon Warwick Fairfax, one of the Australia’s wealthiest men.

For decades the heritage-listed estate was known for its glamorous parties, charity fundraising events and hosting reputable business leaders, politicians, royalty and Hollywood stars such as Kirk Douglas.

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