When Narelle Macdonald and Aileen Leddy purchased their Newtown home 20 years ago, they had no idea the seller would one day become Prime Minister.
Anthony Albanese bought the double-fronted three-bedroom property at 40 Chelmsford Street in 2000 for $646,000, according to public records.
Six years later, he sold it for $755,000 – and with it, left behind an unexpectedly warm connection. The two parties exchanged Christmas cards for years.
“When we bought the property, Albo came over to talk to us and tell us which night bin night was, and a bit about the local community,” Narelle said.
“He told us about the local ice cream factory called Dairy Bell. He told us not to spend money on the big cone, just get the baby cone because it’s huge.
“And he was right! The baby cone had three scoops in it.”
The property is now listed with Ray White Surry Hills agents Moira Verheijen and Shaun Stoker, as Narelle and Aileen prepare for a sea change.
The home, which is over 100 years old, has been modernised while retaining its character.
Features include a dramatic skylit entry with six-metre ceilings, a north-east facing courtyard garden, and a gazebo that the current owners built upstairs overlooking the back garden.
A separate office space at the rear, once used by Anthony for his political work, has been maintained by the sellers.
“It’s very light and airy and has a real sense of character,” Narelle said.
“We’ve had a fabulous 20 years there. We loved the sense of community in Newtown. All the neighbours look out for each other.”
She spoke warmly of the area’s appeal for the LGBTQIA+ community and described it as “a dog walking paradise.”
Moira said the property was ideally positioned between King Street and Camperdown Park, within the Newtown Performing Arts High School catchment.
“The immaculately presented residence is designed for relaxed entertaining with seamless flow between the interiors and alfresco spaces, opening to a sunny north-east facing courtyard garden,” she said.
“A dramatic skylit entry with soaring six-metre ceilings creates a striking first impression while generous proportions and clean contemporary finishes bring a sense of calm and functionality throughout.”
In a suburb where the current median house price sits at approximately $1.9 million, the property is expected to attract significant interest, not least for its place in recent political history.
The full listing can be viewed at raywhiteerskineville.com.au.