Wahroonga Home of Hordern Retail Dynasty Listed for Sale at $6m Guide

One of Sydney's most storied retail dynasties is parting with a home that has been in the family for almost seven decades. Ian Hordern, grandson of Edward Hordern who founded the iconic drapers Hordern Brothers Limited, is selling his Wahroonga home of nearly 70 years for the first time. The property, called Wensleydale, sits at 76 Kintore Street in the heart of Wahroonga's golden triangle and is being offered via expressions of interest with a guide of $6 million.

Ian built the double-brick, single-level home himself in 1957 on a 1,770 sqm block, raised his family here after marrying in 1956, and attended Knox Grammar on Sydney's north shore. The Hordern name itself carries remarkable weight in Australian history. Ian's great-great-grandfather, Anthony Hordern senior, migrated to Sydney in 1823, and at its peak, Anthony Hordern and Sons in Sydney was considered the largest department store in the world. The family name became synonymous with stockbreeding, cricket, fashion and parliament across generations.

What the Property Offers

Behind its mature hedging, Wensleydale is a private and well-proportioned family home. It is a five-bedroom, two-bathroom property with a north-facing rear aspect, a flexible floorplan across a series of living and dining spaces, a gas kitchen with a butler's pantry, a sunroom and tiled family bathrooms. Outside, there is a full-size tennis court, swimming pool, patio for entertaining, established mature gardens, a garage and off-street parking.

Alex Mintorn of Pello Upper North Shore noted that rail services, village shops and quality schools are all close by, and described the full-size tennis court as a significant drawcard. For a property of this size and provenance hitting the market for the very first time, the $6 million guide represents a rare entry point into Wahroonga's most tightly held precinct.

Meanwhile in Mosman, a Dora Toovey Property Closes Near $7m

Elsewhere on Sydney's north shore, a long-held Mosman property belonging to the late prominent artist Dora Toovey has sold close to $7 million, attracting five competing parties. The property at 28a Parriwi Road is an inter-war block of four original two-bedroom apartments, created by Toovey herself and inspired by her European travels in the 1920s.

Bernard Ryan of Ray White Lower North Shore said the buyer mix reflected the property's genuine optionality. Some were interested in developing the 702 sqm R3-zoned site into a new build, others in renovating or extending the existing Art Deco block, which offers views to the heads from upper floors and deep garden levels below. The successful purchaser is still working through their plans, but with R3 zoning allowing a three-storey height limit subject to council approval, the site carries real development potential alongside its heritage charm.

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