Tech millionaire abandons Balmoral Slopes dream home construction
Software entrepreneur Simon Clausen, who debuted on the 2009 BRW Rich List with a $180 million fortune after selling his software company, has abandoned construction plans for an expansive three-level Balmoral Slopes, Mosman, residence.
The high-flyer spent $31 million in 2008 and 2009 on three adjoining properties with direct views out towards Sydney Heads.
After demolition works a 2,560-square-metre vacant block had been listed for sale through McGrath agent Nigel Mukhi. The block cost $19 million, with the remaining $12 million spent on an adjoining heritage-listed house on the corner of Upper Almora Street.
The vacant hillside Arbutus Street holding has approved architect plans for a stunning 10-bedroom home with 10-car garage and swimming pool in Peter Fudge-designed gardens.
The BJP Architects-designed house with a gross floor area of 940 square metres, which got approval in May last year had an estimated $7.5 million completion cost.
The 34-year-old co-founded PC Tools in 1998 as a website.
His first purchase was a $1.35 million Balmain terrace in 2004 with his wife, Alexandra. On Sydney's Pittwater, the Clausens’ Clareville architect-designed weekender – featuring glass, copper, sandstone and timber – is nearing completion. The couple paid $2.7 million for the 1,246-square-metre property in 2009.