Elite AgentFRANCHISE NEWSNEWS

Whitlam’s former home fetches prime price

A modest brick home in Sydney’s west that was once owned by former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam has been sold less than 24 hours before its scheduled auction and will now be restored to its former glory.

Whitlam Heritage Home Ltd paid $1.15 million to secure the unrenovated, modest home, at 32 Albert St, Cabramatta.

Former NSW Premier Barrie Unsworth and NSW Labor President Mark Lennon arrived at Ray White Canterbury determined to do a deal with Principal Manuel Roussakis and his vendor.

The marathon negotiations lasted three-and-a-half hours, with Mr Roussakis dealing with 97 potential buyers throughout the campaign.

“So many people wanted to restore the house,” Mr Roussakis said.

“I had the Labor elders in my office and the other interested party, a private couple, on the phone. I held live negotiations between the two parties and we finally secured a deal at 4pm.”

The price guide on the deceased estate was $720,000-750,000. The original four-bedroom Cabramatta home was owned by the Whitlams from 1956 until 1978.

One of the giants of Australian politics, Whitlam’s most memorable moment was being dismissed as Prime Minister by Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, on November 11, 1975.

“Ladies and gentleman , well may we say God Save the Queen because nothing will save the Governor-General,” Whitlam famously said during his dismissal speech from the steps of Parliament House.

“This home was a true slice of Australian history and it’s the first time it’s been offered to the market in more than 30 years,” the agent said.

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Daniel Johnson

Daniel Johnson was the news editor for Elite Agent. He worked with the company from February 2020 to June 2020. For current stories, news alerts or pitches, please email editor@eliteagent.com.au.