$70m mansion tops Australia's biggest property sales of 2023 - see inside the lavish estate

Talk about property porn. This sprawling historic estate has been described as one of Australia’s grandest and has taken out the most expensive sale of 2023.

Leura in Sydney’s affluent Bellevue Hill was listed in Domain’s 2023 End-Of-Year Wrap as the nation’s biggest sale after flower mogul Leo Lynch bought the heritage-listed estate for $70m in June. That’s more than double the $30.8 million paid for it in 2015 and well above the suburb’s median house price of $9,550,000.

The 1,300 sqm trophy home has eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a six-car garage and an original ballroom with soaring ceilings and ornate features.

Property record: The sale of this Sydney mansion has been named Australia's biggest sale of 2023. (Credit: Domain)

Built in 1891, the Federation Queen Anne style mansion has three levels and multiple generous verandahs with north-facing panoramic views of the city and harbour.

Outside, on the 4,260sqm lot there’s a huge resort-style pool and spa and, of course, a tennis court. But don’t take my word for it, check out the unbelievable pictures.

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Upon entering, you're met with a grand stair case and ornate windows. (Credit: Domain) (picture alliance via Getty Image)

On the lower level, a tiled living space overlooks the resort style pool, which you can get a better look at below. (Credit: Domain) (picture alliance via Getty Image)

Passing through the mansion, you're met with a mix of historic features, with high ceilings, and detailing around the polished timber floors. (Credit: Domain) (picture alliance via Getty Image)

This is clearly a fitting room for a chandelier, but there are more modern looking rooms. (Credit: Domain) (picture alliance via Getty Image)

Here a crisp white paint job allows the eye to travel straight out to the water views, but the harbour vantage is much better from the verandah. (Credit: Domain) (picture alliance via Getty Image)

From the wooden deck you can see the city and across the harbour to North Sydney. (Credit: Domain) (picture alliance via Getty Image)

Outside the large pool is divided from the ample spa by a gazebo. (Credit: Domain) (picture alliance via Getty Image)

A warm glow from inside the eight-bedroom home lights up the tennis court as the sun goes down, but the real treat is how the city sparkles at night. (Credit: Domain) (picture alliance via Getty Image)

Here's the spectacular view.

Selling agent Brad Pillinger of Pillenger would not discuss price specifics but said homes with commanding land size and stunning views would continue to be highly coveted, and he predicted big sales to continue next year.

“Any landmark home of a particular size and address and outlook is going to be timeless in terms of property value growth,” he told Yahoo Finance.

“The number of people with money to spend will be way out of proportion to supply and that’s going to override any other economic factors. Simple supply and demand.”

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