High flying investment banker Michael Rothner buys Villa Biscaya for $26m

A high-profile investment banker is understood to have stumped up $26m to buy the luxe Rose Bay mansion used as the setting for MAFS and other TV shows.

Michael Rothner is understood to have purchased Villa Biscaya.

High flying investment banker Michael Rothner is the purchaser of one of Sydney’s trophy mansions, Villa Biscaya, paying around $26m for the luxury property plus stamp duty.

Mr Rothner is understood to have bought the Spanish Mission style home from David Waterhouse, a member of the wealthy racing clan, in a deal recently negotiated by The Agency’s Steven Chen.

While the purchase is yet to be reflected in 6 Tivoli Avenue, Rose Bay’s title deeds, multiple sources confirmed the acquisition to The Australian on Tuesday night.

The deal was negotiated just three years after Mr Waterhouse forked out $10.25m for the multi-level property replete with tiered gardens and swimming pool.

Michael Rothner and actor Cate Blanchett.

However, despite Covid and the lack of building staff coupled with skyrocketing renovation costs Mr Waterhouse, a former options trader, has undertaken major renovations of the house.

Mr Rothner, principal and head of investor relations at the financial powerhouse Ashe Morgan, who is overseas, could not be reached for comment yesterday. Mr Chen also could not be reached for comment.

Villa Biscaya was designed by prominent architect Alan Edgecliff Stafford in 1929, and occupies 1,119 sq m overlooking Sydney Harbour.

The property enjoys sweeping water views.

It was substantially rebuilt in 2001 and refurbished in 2012 and sports several entertaining spaces and alfresco areas according to marketing material obtained by The Australian.

The property has three ensuite bedrooms, one with an adjoining study, nursery and living room, as well as four and a half bathrooms, an office or fourth bedroom.

There’s a self-contained cabana or fifth bedroom which features a fully integrated kitchen, a stone bathroom, stone flooring, and bi-folding doors which opens to a shady terrace by the pool.

Spanish Mission-style Villa Biscaya is one of Sydney’s trophy mansions.

The mansion features a 1000 plus bottle wine cellar, gas heating, reverse cycle air-conditioning and a back-to-base security system.

Along with a large garage there is dual driveway parking plus a studio and storeroom. There is a current approved development application for property enhancement and expansion of the property to include a large new garage as well as a new study.

Shady verandas extend from both levels of the cascading gardens which tier down towards the harbour.

The interior.

Encompassing a variety of entertaining terraces they feature integrated ‘daybed’ seating, two dedicated barbecue areas according to marketing material. The parkland-like grounds are punctuated by expanses of level lawn, water features and hedges.

The home has featured in films such as Mao’s Last Dancer and been the setting for TV shows The Bachelor, The Voice and Married At First Sight.

The facade.