ANZ CEO Michael Smith forks Out $10m on Toorak Mansion

Recently appointed ANZ Bank chief executive officer Michael Smith has spent every cent of his $9 million “sign on fee” and then some – to snap up a mansion in Toorak’s AAA-belt, just hours before a scheduled auction.

Mr Smith, who relocated to Melbourne from Asia last year after 29 years as head of HSBC’s Asian business, is believed to have paid about $9.75 million for the Hopetoun Road mansion offloaded by insurance multi-millionaire John McMurrick.

The Wayne Gillespie designed mansion, which underwent a comprehensive Robert Mills refurbishment prior to being sold last year, includes four bedrooms, a study, formal and informal living areas overlooking a lily pond, swimming pool and tennis court.

The house also includes a large cellar – just the place for Mr Smith to store bottles sent from his French vineyard, and garaging for six cars where his Aston Martin Vantage V600 – one of less than 50 built in the world – will take pride of place.

Kay & Burton director Ross Savas marketed the Hopetoun Road property last year, but declined to comment on any part of the deal when contacted by Secret Agent.

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