Former Federal Opposition leader John Hewson lists Invergowrie

Those promised Chinese buyers are very often a mirage as businessman, commentator and former Federal Opposition leader, John Hewson has found with his Southern Highlands listing, Invergowrie.

His Tudor-style Exeter estate was recently promoted directly into the supposed vast Bejing buying pool in what proved a pointless marketing exercise.

It is now up to Mick Maloney, the longstanding local Richardson & Wrench agent, who has listed the trophy estate listed for April 16 auction.

It built in the 1930s for the BHP industrialist Sir Cecil Hoskins, with an extensive 2009 refurbishment to the seven bedroom house that comes with library, ballroom, studies and billiard room.

The nine hectare grounds have Paul Sorensen gardens with tennis court, bocce pit, swimming pool, croquet lawn, orchard, vegetable gardens, a Japanese garden with waterfall, aviary and three guest houses.

Designed by architect Geoffrey Loveridge, Invergowie replaced Headlands, which had been owned by the Yates seed family.

Before that the Badgery family had what remains the landmark feature of the village of Exeter.

Hewson and his wife, Jessica Wilson have the trophy home listed with $7.5 million expectations