THE eldest son of News Corporation chairman Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch has paid $23 million for the Le Manoir mansion, in Sydney's eastern suburb of Bellevue Hill.

Last night's closed auction saw the 6-bedroom house, on a 4,000 square metre block sell for well in excess of the anticipated $15 million price.

The Australian newspaper reports there were nine registered bidders at the auction, including actor Russell Crowe.

Lachlan is married to former Australian model Sarah, and has two sons aged 4 and 3. Another child is on the way.

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