Former NSW Premier ‘seals the deal’ to buy Gough Whitlam’s former house

A group led by former NSW Labor Premier Barrie Unsworth has sealed a deal to buy a Sydney home once owned by Gough Whitlam, ABC News reports.

Mr Unsworth signed the cheque for $1,150,000, well in excess of the original price guide of $720,000 to $750,000.

Manuel Roussakis from Ray White Canterbury said the owner was “ecstatic” with the price.

“They were extremely happy with the Whitlam Heritage Home group has purchased it,” he said.

Mr Roussakis said both bidders were planning to restore the property to its original condition. The plan is to set up a fund to raise money to preserve the home as a historic site which would be open to the public.

Mr Whitlam, who was prime minister from 1972 to 1975, and his family called the four-bedroom house in south-west Sydney home for 22 years, from 1956 to 1978.

Nick Whitlam, son of Gough and Margaret Whitlam, said he was 12 when his family moved into the house in 1957. His parents had hired a local architect to design and build the single-storey building.

“It was quite a modern house. All the locals commented on the fact that it had a flat roof,” Mr Whitlam said.

Nick Whitlam has been to see the house for himself, the first time he’d stepped inside for almost 50 years.

“It’s not in great condition but the important thing is inside is virtually unchanged, all the built-ins, be they cupboards and bookshelves.

“The bathroom’s completely intact, the kitchen, the laundry, even the Hills Hoist in the backyard.”

Sourced By: ABC News