Vaucluse mansion ‘Werribree’ to go to auction on St Patrick’s Day

Media release - 22nd January, 2016

The signature address of the magnificent estate of late entrepreneur Peter Aldred, DFC[i], the founder and Governing Director of the Cementaid International Group, is set to go under the hammer on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2016.

Max Spartalis, Associate Director of Raine & Horne Double Bay and sales agent Mark Yeats have jointly listed the rare trophy home, which is located in a dress circle position at 37-39 New South Head Road, Vaucluse, one of Sydney’s most prestigious addresses.

Constructed around the time of the World War I, Werribree is built on a dual-street frontage, double block of 3,330 square metres, and offers seven generously sized bedrooms, two large dressing rooms, five and a half bathrooms, garage space for five cars, a swimming pool with spa, and a commanding study fit for an entrepreneur.

“Amidst private park-like gardens, there are long vistas from one garden area to the next, for garden gatherings or just quiet inspiration,” said Mr Spartalis.

Werribree offers a versatile layout that includes three living rooms, two sunrooms, a billiard room, a table tennis room, alfresco terraces, large swimming pool and heated spa.

“The original grass tennis court at the rear of the property provides a huge, level oasis of manicured, lush, green lawns, with an adjacent covered pavilion area and fully self-contained Coachman’s Residence/Guest House above,” said Mr Spartalis.

“The property also boasts some of the best postcard views of Sydney Harbour, as well as the Sydney CBD, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular.”

The March 2016 auction represents the first time that Werribree has been available for sale since 1961, when the Aldred family paid £41,000 ($82,000) for the Vaucluse estate. At the time, the sale was reported to be an Australian record residential sale. 

“It was the dearest house when it last sold 55 years ago and it’s easy to see why. Its sale in 2016 provides a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest and last remaining Vaucluse mansions standing in its own grounds,” said Mr Yeats.

Werribree will appeal to overseas buyers moving here to take advantage of the Significant Investor Visas (SIVs) and a lower Australian dollar, or a cashed up Sydney family looking to upgrade, according to Mr Yeats.

“This signature address may also appeal to returning expat Australian entrepreneurs intent on benefitting from the Federal Government’s recent innovation push,” he said.

“In need of some renovation, Werribree is solidly built, and this harbourside opportunity represents a world-class blank canvas for the astute buyer.”

Peter Aldred was a decorated veteran airman who fought in World War II and who started Cementaid in 1946 as a one person operation in Perth, Western Australia.

By the time of his death in October 2013, Cementaid International employed over 300 people worldwide as a result of Mr Aldred’s invention and marketing of world-leading admixtures for concrete, including an ingredient that enables the manufacture of permanently dry, non-absorptive concrete that eliminates the need for conventional or “built-up” waterproofing from structures and ensures the concrete remains corrosion-free for design-life.

“The Aldred family have decided to sell Werribree since Mr Aldred’s passing,” said Mr Yeats.

To register your interest in Werribee contact Max Spartalis (0418 962 828) or Mark Yeats (0417 477 420) from Raine & Horne Double Bay.

–ENDS–

For further media information contact:

Max Spartalis, Associate Director of Raine & Horne Double Bay on 0418 962 828

Andrew Harrington, National Communications Manager, Raine & Horne, on 02 9258 5400

[i] Distinguished Flying Cross