{"id":931891,"date":"2026-10-17T21:48:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T21:48:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/931891\/"},"modified":"2026-10-17T21:48:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T21:48:23","slug":"former-nsw-opposition-leader-lists-renovated-convict-built-home-for-13-million","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/931891\/","title":{"rendered":"Former NSW Opposition Leader lists renovated convict-built home for $13 million"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kristy Johnson\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"64\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792273693_824_ac7bc96d4c2095bb627cc305f2d4f76674691fee.png\"  width=\"64\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><\/p>\n<p data-testid=\"article-datetime\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-5 hxoHkT\">October 18, 2026 \u2014 5:22am<\/p>\n<p>Save<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-d1b14060-2 jyLmZI iQLtAb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<p id=\"gift-modal-heading\" class=\"sc-cc1ff359-7 cTuVzZ\">Gift this free article<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-cc1ff359-8 ctIrFC\">Share full article with anyone \u2014 no subscription needed to read it. It won&#8217;t deduct your gift credits. <a href=\"https:\/\/help.smh.com.au\/hc\/en-au\/articles\/10940007258265-Website\" class=\"sc-cc1ff359-9 oicuO\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Share article as gift<\/p>\n<p>AAA<\/p>\n<p>Peter Collins, a former NSW Opposition Leader, and his wife Jennine Leonarder-Collins, have put their Werrington County home in western Sydney on the market with a price guide of $13 million.<\/p>\n<p>The couple bought the convict-built sandstone residence named Werrington House for $1.05 million in 2011, records show, and over the course of around 15 years meticulously restored it to keep its timeless elegance while adding modern touches.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A former politician and his wife, a former luxury real estate agent, meticulously restored this sandstone mansion in western Sydney that\u2019s now for sale.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/c13233657afd838624e0a12cc634d15be216c54e.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/>A former politician and his wife, a former luxury real estate agent, meticulously restored this sandstone mansion in western Sydney that\u2019s now for sale. <\/p>\n<p>Peter was the Opposition Leader in NSW from 1995 to 1998, and was also the arts minister from 1988 to 1995 and health minister from 1988 to 1991, among other parliamentary roles.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The couple bought the abode for $1.05 million in 2011, records show, and added a resort-style swimming pool.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/6f4a877d7367b35ae57d4c4ddfa7060669bbc34b.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/>The couple bought the abode for $1.05 million in 2011, records show, and added a resort-style swimming pool. <\/p>\n<p>Jennine, who worked as a luxury real estate agent, told this masthead she and Peter share a \u201cdeep passion for Australian history and heritage architecture\u201d, and while it\u2019s bittersweet to leave the home, they look forward to embracing their next challenge together.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe purchased Werrington House almost 15 years ago this week, determined to restore it to its former glory and take it to an entirely new level, sparing no expense in the process,\u201d she said on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Peter Collins\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/887f2404b48cd162cd5ce32264dbf1026755426d.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 jvMZxu\"\/>Peter CollinsJames Brickwood<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe often reflect on what its previous occupants might have thought had they been able to see what the house would ultimately become. We are exceptionally proud of the decisions we have made, the home we have created and above all, the legacy we are leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The property\u2019s previous occupants include the late Sir Henry Parkes, who lived there from 1860 to 1872, the latter year being the year he became Premier of NSW.<\/p>\n<p>Related Article<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/property\/news\/grandson-of-late-millionaire-twisties-inventor-lists-15m-clovelly-home-20261010-p6133s.html\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Vendors Anthony and Daniella Goodridge have listed their Clovelly abode with a price guide of $15 million.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792273696_307_4b8f43e3bb4c4a1efe39e301274711ee5f68bd0e.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>On offer is a two-storey, four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence with a library room, resort-style swimming pool, Koi fishpond, paved courtyard and a multipurpose space that could be used as a gallery, office or museum.<\/p>\n<p>Interiors feature restored ironbark floors, cedar doors, marble bathrooms, chandeliers and pendant lighting.<\/p>\n<p>Michael Pallier of Sydney Sotheby\u2019s International Realty and Paul Merrick of Merrick Property Group are accepting expressions of interest.<\/p>\n<p>Audio guru to sell hinterland estate<\/p>\n<p>Music engineer pioneer Tom Misner, of SAE Institute, has listed his Bangalow estate in the Byron Bay hinterland with a price guide of $12 million.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tom Misner, a music engineer, is offloading his estate in the Byron Bay hinterland. The price guide for the property, which consists of four residences, is $12 million.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/8232bab66ff0a56ca7ab0cd6b8c1375da07b0ff5.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/>Tom Misner, a music engineer, is offloading his estate in the Byron Bay hinterland. The price guide for the property, which consists of four residences, is $12 million. <\/p>\n<p>The Croatian-born businessman, who is based in Monaco, made his fortune selling his audio engineering school SAE Institute for about $300 million in 2010.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Each residence has its own pool and there are various alfresco zones to kick back and relax in style.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/143c2791c13f77fd504f957308df8f24c3303e51.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/>Each residence has its own pool and there are various alfresco zones to kick back and relax in style. <\/p>\n<p>Records show Misner purchased the estate, which consists of four residences each with their own pool, for a then-suburb record of $15 million. Tom and Emma Lane of the Oroton fashion family empire reset the record when they sold their luxury equine retreat known as Copperstone for $27.5 million last year to Brett Clark, a managing partner for Chemist Warehouse in NSW and QLD, and his wife Maria.<\/p>\n<p>Related Article<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/property\/news\/justin-hemmes-splashes-about-18m-on-original-byron-bay-beach-shack-20260218-p5o392.html\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Rich Lister Justin Hemmes is tipped to have bought a Byron Bay beach shack for about $18 million.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a3a993e338b4d955c1b688acfc79edd778121bd6.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Misner\u2019s property for sale consists of a main residence known as The Farmhouse with a media room and poolside entertaining area, and three self-contained cottages with private pools, coming to a total of nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms.<\/p>\n<p>Stone and timber detail, as well as various terraces and decks, feature at the estate.<\/p>\n<p>The estate has been operating as luxury accommodation named Imagine Byron Bay. In a real estate brochure shared with buyers, the property has projected gross income for the year to June 2027 of around $500,000.<\/p>\n<p>Alex Lyons of Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay and Bondi Beach is accepting expressions of interest.<\/p>\n<p>Late TV mogul\u2019s home for sale <\/p>\n<p>The Southern Highlands home of the late television pioneer Reg Grundy is on offer with a price guide of $33 million to $36 million.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The home of the late TV pioneer Reg Grundy is being offered with a price tag of $33 million to $36 million.\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ce8276870ec65035e4172c81c630b92506f1be3e.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/>The home of the late TV pioneer Reg Grundy is being offered with a price tag of $33 million to $36 million. <\/p>\n<p>Records show Grundy and his late wife, Logie Award-winning actor and best-selling author Joy Chambers-Grundy, bought the abode known as Comfort Hill for a then-Southern Highlands record of $15 million in 2007 from the late adman-turned-farmer Michael Ball.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The Southern Highlands abode is described as a legacy property by its selling agent. There are a total of 16 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. &#10;\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e164f226d0b4818f2627e10bbeaa48633540853f.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/>The Southern Highlands abode is described as a legacy property by its selling agent. There are a total of 16 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. <\/p>\n<p>Grundy, who died aged 92 in 2016 at the couple\u2019s Bermuda estate, was the producer behind shows such as Neighbours, Prisoner and Wheel of Fortune. Joy was best known for roles in soap operas including Neighbours, The Restless Years and The Young Doctors. She died aged 76 in 2023.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Reg Grundy and Joy Chambers-Grundy\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cc101c3572510f2f7e73e609dae028ca1064436b.jpeg\"  class=\"sc-d34e428-1 jvMZxu\"\/>Reg Grundy and Joy Chambers-Grundy <\/p>\n<p>The deceased estate was built in 1841 from sandstone quarried onto the property, and the Grundys extended parts of the home during their ownership. There is a principal residence consisting of a homestead with an office, cinema and wellness wing, a guest cottage, manager\u2019s house and second residence, coming to a total of 16 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms.<\/p>\n<p>A bonus extra is a snooker and cigar room in a separate building, and other leisure zones including a tennis court and pavilion, a lake, gardens, working farm and equestrian infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>Ken Jacobs of Forbes Global Properties, who sold the house to the Grundys and is now the exclusive selling agent, described it as a legacy property.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s by far a trophy home of the Southern Highlands,\u201d he told this masthead.<\/p>\n<p>Property alerts are now available in the SMH app. Turn them on to receive the latest market news and trends.<\/p>\n<p>Save<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-d1b14060-2 jyLmZI iQLtAb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<p id=\"gift-modal-heading\" class=\"sc-cc1ff359-7 cTuVzZ\">Gift this free article<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-cc1ff359-8 ctIrFC\">Share full article with anyone \u2014 no subscription needed to read it. It won&#8217;t deduct your gift credits. <a href=\"https:\/\/help.smh.com.au\/hc\/en-au\/articles\/10940007258265-Website\" class=\"sc-cc1ff359-9 oicuO\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Share article as gift<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Kristy Johnson\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792273703_225_ac7bc96d4c2095bb627cc305f2d4f76674691fee.png\"  width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-2 jcGta-D\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/by\/kristy-johnson-p537mc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kristy Johnson<\/a> is a prestige property reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.From our partners<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"October 18, 2026 \u2014 5:22am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":931892,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[64,63,44],"class_list":["post-931891","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-australia","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931891","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=931891"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931891\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/931892"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=931891"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=931891"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=931891"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}