By ANNA USHER

Even a multi-million-dollar renovation couldn’t convince the owners to move in.

After purchasing 35 Mandalong Rd in 2019 for $8.6 million, a family from China decided their new house needed some tarting up.

Architect Rolf Ockert was commissioned to transform the property into a world-class trophy home, with marble flooring, a hotel-inspired staircase and floor-to-ceiling doors designed to take full advantage of the sweeping Balmoral views.

But the immaculate showpiece, with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a six-car garage, has remained unoccupied for five years.

Its sparkling, heated swimming pool has never been used, just like the European kitchen, wine cellar, gymnasium and even a special “gaming room” that comes with its own projector.

Sabrina Gao from Ray White Lower North Shore said the luxury home was purchased by a local family this week after 146 days on the market.

It was built by Mardini Constructions and sold for north of $19 million.

It’s a street record for Mandolong Rd.

“The home is one of the finest properties in Sydney, with spectacular views and vast entertaining spaces,” Ms Gao told Mosman Collective.

She confirmed the Chinese owners simply “changed their mind” about living on the lower north shore.

“In the end, they decided that the house just wasn’t for them,” she said, “even though they undertook a huge renovation and loved everything about Mosman.”

Ms Gao said the lower north shore market is attracting more buyers from Sydney’s eastern suburbs “in the $13 million plus price range” who see better value for money and quality of life.

“Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay all have easy access to the city, with great schools, beautiful beaches, lots of open space and a relaxed lifestyle,” she said.

“Prestige properties – especially those in the sub-$20 million category – are moving quickly, especially around Balmoral.”

According to PropTrack, the median house price in Mosman is $5,387,500. That’s up 9.9 per cent over the past 12 months.