Rob Melhem's Fairhaven, Kirribilli mansion settles at $6.7 million

The sale of the Kirribilli mansion called Fairhaven has been settled at $6.7 million, having sold earlier this year at an undisclosed price. There were $7.5 million plus hopes in early 2013, having been initially listed in 2010 with $10 million plus hopes.

It was last sold at $6.05 million by the Donnelly family in 2004, so reflected a mediocre 1% annual growth over the decade.

The five-bedroom house on an 1,400 square metre estate was sold by telecommunications entrepreneur turned property developer Rob Melhem who had commissioned renovations by SJB Architects.

Downstairs is The Club Room, a timber panelled rumpus room with a huge open fireplace, a full sized billiards table, games area, built-in bar and climate controlled cellar for up to 800 bottles.

The 1905 Edwardian/Federation property comes with a heated pool, tennis court and parking for six cars.

It sold through LJ Hooker who marketed it has having Kirribilli's only privately owned, full-size tennis court. Even Kirribilli House does not have a tennis court as our prime ministers play their tennis at The Lodge. 

Fairhaven, which borders Loreto Convent on Carabella Street, is viewed as among the best examples of the early work of the 19th-century architect James Peddle.