On Sydney's most iconic headland, a modest brick bungalow has stood for more than a century, only to be demolished to make way for a billionaire's new home.
The building is called"lang syne"It has long been the envy of passers-by on the famous Bronte to Bondi walking trail in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
D**id Droga, a 54-year-old billionaire advertising guru, and his filmmaker wife, Marisa, bought the property in May last year for $45 million.
Demolition began on Thursday, with cranes easily dismantling the 1920s, single-story brick bungalow, in just a few hours. W**Erley council approved the demolition of the iconic home in January this year, but many locals were unimpressed.
It was very sad to find out that this landmark had disappeared the other day. But that's the case with Sydney. "One person said.
Another added:"I smell the McMansion mansion. "
But there are also those who believe that although the house is ancient, it does not mean that it should be protected.
Everyone who complains needs to have a life of their own. Individuals paid the price for said property and land. They can do what they want. One person wrote,'Just because something is so old that people are used to seeing it is not enough reason to put it on the heritage list. '
Drogas said the properties planned to be built on the 1,100-square-metre plot of land will be:"Restraint"with"Respect"way to build.
The new owner reveals the reason for buying the property
Once the property was completed, the new owners living in New York City and their four children intend to visit every Christmas.
Mr. Droga, CEO and Creative Chairman of Accenture Song, revealed that he"Obsession"The land was bought for many years and was finally bought last year. "I always remember thinking about him telling the Australian Financial Review shortly after ** that I had been obsessed with it growing up. "
Mr. Droga is considered one of the most powerful figures in global advertising. In his career spanning more than 30 years, he has worked with the likes of Obama and Beyoncé. He grew up in the Perisher Valley in the snowy mountains of NSW and moved to Sydney, Singapore, London before moving to New York in 2003 to run a multi-billion dollar advertising agency.
Mr. Droga founded his own advertising agency, Droga5, in 2006, which has created some of the most research-worthy and successful marketing campaigns over the past 20 years.
What is so special about this property?
The bungalow is built on a huge block of 1100 square meters, from which there is a 180-degree view of the coastline.
Nestled on a headland between Tamarama Beach and Mackenzies Bay, it offers the ultimate in privacy with no neighbours or even high-rise apartments interfering with the sea views.
It has a guide price of between $47 million and $52 million, which is rare in Sydney. This time it was a record break for the region, with the most expensive neighbourhood before Tamarama changing hands for $29.2 million.
Award-winning architect Bruce Stafford described the residence as:"One of the best plots in Sydney", as it is very private and located on a headland.
We were actually in an urban setting, but it felt like we were in the countryside. This is the ** lot. It has every potential to be Australia's most iconic house"He said.
Lang Seine's previous owners were radio legend Harry Griffiths and his wife Dimity, who spent only £9750 (equivalent to £1.) in 1959$80,000) to buy the property.
Mrs. Griffith said that for decades, Lang Syne has been"Party Center", 21st birthday, barbecue and family reunion.
She told the Australian Financial Review in November 2022:"Looking back on the years we've been here, it's been a happy time. "