Hains family list Albany Road mansion
The family of businessman David Hains, who died last month, has listed his mansion in Albany Road, considered Toorak and Melbourne’s best street, followed by St Georges, Clendon and Irving.
The double storey Georgian on 3611 square metres at 35-39 (image, top, Google Street View) is expected to sell for over $45 million – which would set a road record.
Mr Hains and his late wife Helen paid $108,000 in 1968.
Five years ago, it was extended at a cost of over $85,000.
Marshall White’s Marcus Chiminello is the agent; no advertisements are running but it will be publicly marketed.
The listing comes three months since Little Milton at 26 Albany Rd traded for a speculated $27m.
Opposite that dwelling is Whernside, the former family home of Solomon Lew, now occupied by his ex-wife, Rosie, on 6005 sqm.
Also in the immediate vicinity is Bedford, developed on 6978 sqm – an amalgamation of multiple blocks – by billionaire shopping centre owner John Gandel.
Other Albany Rd residents include Lindsay Fox, his son, David, Findex co-founder Terry Paule, Barbara Walker – the widow of Crown Casino co-founder Ron – and prestige real estate agent, Paul Castran.
David Wu, who recently sold a rundown St Georges Rd mansion to stake.com founder Ed Craven for $88m including GST, also resides on the road.
Site history
According to heritage documents, 35-39 Albany Rd formed part of the Kenley mansion estate, established in 1876 for barrister Hartley Williams (story continues below).
That property was subdivided into 22 lots in 1938 – a campaign marketed as ‘Toorak’s premier subdivision’.
The Hains home was penned by Geoffrey Sommers in 1940 for the daughter of pastoralist Alexander Creswick, also the widow of Octavius Wood, a Victorian Racing Club vet.
Between 1943-1944, it was occupied by UK high commissioner Sir Ronald Cross.
Newspaper tsar Sir Keith Murdoch snapped it up in 1947 – staying until his death five years later.
Another Hains listing
The 35-39 Albany Rd listing follows the Hains family offloading a Byron Bay holiday home for over $17m.
At Belongil Beach, that property – with a renovated two bedroom shack – is trading to billionaire publican Justin Hemmes.
Mr Hains left a historic Melbourne office too – Portland House, also the name of his hedge fund – at 8 Collins St, held since 1963.
The estate is being settled by the businessman’s son, Stephen.
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