Australian tennis great and former Seven commentator John Alexander finally sells his country retreat after $3.5m price drop
A sprawling estate owned by Australian tennis great John Alexander has finally gone under the hammer for more than $7.5 million.
Located in the Southern Highlands of NSW near Moss Vale, the 36-hectare estate first hit the market in October 2023 with a price guide of $10 million – $11 million.
But the former Liberal MP and Seven sports commentator was forced to put it back on the market in March 2024 to find a buyer after slashing the price by $3.5 million.
No details of the sale, including the final price, were disclosed, The reported Wentworth courier.
But an agent involved in the sale confirmed to the publication that Alexander closed the deal “within” the revised price range of $7.5 million and $8.25 million.
Alexander, 72, splashed out $4,845,000 to the operating livestock and horse stud farm in October 2017.
A sprawling estate owned by Australian tennis great John Alexander has finally gone under the hammer for more than $7.5 million
Located in the Southern Highlands of NSW near Moss Vale, the 36-hectare estate first hit the market in October 2023 with a price guide of $10 million – $11 million. But the former Liberal MP and Seven sports commentator was forced to relist it in March 2024 to find a buyer after slashing the price by $3.5 million.
Until the sale, he had rented the spread as an AirBnB to vacationers for $2,000 a night for weekend getaways with a two-night minimum.
Known as Iona Park, the property is nestled among lush farmland 135 km from Sydney. It features two tennis courts, 14 stables, an arena and a covered circular garden used for horse training.
The large two-story homestead is classically furnished and features a formal dining room, a private paneled library, a billiards room and a ‘family room’.
Highlights include a spectacular foyer with a spiral staircase, private balconies for the upstairs bedrooms, and a patio that extends around a wing of the main home.
There is also a self-contained guesthouse with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room.
Other features include a front veranda overlooking the sculpted gardens, a home cinema and a swimming pool.
According to the report, Alexander now plans to downsize to a smaller property nearby.
He bought the property after selling his home in Sydney’s Putney for $2.7 million.
Alexander, 72, spent $4,845,000 on the working livestock and horse stud farm in October 2017
Highlights include a spectacular foyer with a spiral staircase, private balconies for the upstairs bedrooms, and a patio that wraps around a wing of the main home.
He started his career on the court in the 1960s and rose to fame as a tennis champion in the 1970s, winning the doubles at the Australian Open three times.
He was the youngest player to represent his home country at the Davis Cup.
Alexander represented Australia at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.
He later built a career as a businessman in the fitness and leisure sector and was involved in building the Ryde Aquatic Club.
The tennis great, known to sports fans, became a TV celebrity as a commentator for Channel Seven, calling the Australian Open 23 times for the channel from 1986.
He also appeared in the reality series Gladiators.
A member of the Liberal Party, Alexander was elected after winning the seat of Bennelong in 2010.
He retired from politics in 2021.