Margaret Jackson AC sells Armadale mansion
A Melbourne power couple sold their family home today in one of Armadale’s most esteemed streets for more than $5.8 million.
Margaret Jackson AC, the first woman to head the Qantas board (or indeed a listed Australian Top 50 company), with her husband, Roger Donazzan, former lawyer and now Melbourne Racing Club Member, 
plan to downsize having called the Avalon Road home for 12 years.
The European inspired triple-storey dwelling is configured with four bedrooms, a study, home theatre and a formal lounge and dining room. An open-plan informal living and dining space at the back of the home looks over a Robyn Boyle designed garden which catches north-facing light.
Marshall White’s Peter Bennison and Mark Harris sold the home, on a 699 square metre plot.
Jackson retired from her chairwoman role with Spotless Group earlier this year. Made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2003, the Warragul born businesswoman’s high profile corporate career has included stints with ANZ, Billabong, BHP Billiton and Pacific Dunlop.
Avalon Road is considered one of the suburb’s AAA-streets.
A 1907 mansion, Ashworth, at 3 Avalon Road, was once owned by retail entrepreneurs Daniel and Danielle Besen (who last year, reportedly after separating, sold their Toorak home for $26.25 million). Ashworth was also owned for a period from 1940 by Harry Ramsay, who reportedly founded Kiwi boot polish.
Mark Cowan, the founder of the now defunct South Dragons NBL bought Ashworth from the Besen’s and in 2002 for $2.4 million, selling it in 2010 for $7.5 million.
Lindsay Fox also owned a home in the immediate area in the 1970s. Fairhaven Phoenix, at 1 Redcourt Avenue, off Avalon Road, includes a ballroom, cigar room and 13-metre long pool.
