Northwood trophy home listed for $3.9 million

A modern Northwood home built on land dating back to before the suburb got its name, has been listed for sale.

The four bedroom Private Road home (above and below) sits on 665 sqm that was once part of the Northwood House Estate, an early land purchase in the area.

The three level home features a number of living and dining spaces which opens to the outdoors.

An alfresco deck overlooks the leafy garden.

Belle Property Lane Cove agent Simon Harrison for an August 31 auction with a guide of $3.9 million.

It is being sold by Guy Freeland, who sits on the board of directors at UTS Insearch, and his wife Lyn, a retired occupational therapist.

They paid $3.5 million for the home in 2008 but are now set to downsize given their kids have flown the nest.

The home sits on land that was once the original Northwood House Estate.

Northwood House, which was built a few doors down on Private Road, was the first house built in the area. The suburbs name derives from Northwood House.

It was a substantial sandstone residence built in 1878 for Jane Davy.

It was designed by the Architect, Edmund Blacket (best known for his designs of The University of Sydney and St Andrews Cathedral).

Mrs Davy bought the 34 acres of land in 1874 and later added another 11 acres to her holding.

After Mrs Davy's death in 1903, the home and estate (divided into 48 blocks) were put on the market.

Northwood House was purchased by Mr. Abdul Wade from Bourke NSW, who used it as a depot for his camels.

Mr Wade lost the home in a poker game.

A number of prominent families have owned Northwood House since then. During World War II, it was used by the owners as a school for mentally-handicapped children.