A Sydney home has sold for a whopping $3.7m over the price guide after just one week on the market — and it didn’t even have a kitchen or bathroom.

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Manar has stood proudly in Potts Point for more than 140 years, its stately Victorian facade hiding a colourful story.

Now the top-floor apartment in the landmark building has sold for an extraordinary price via Maclay Longhurst of Sotheby’s after just a week on the market — $13.7m, $3.7m above the $10m price guide — and it didn’t even have a kitchen or bathroom.

The unit at 1/42 Macleay St had been on and off the market with other agents over the years.

“We just managed to match the perfect buyer with apartment.” says Longhurst, who said he couldn’t disclose the identity of the purchaser due to a confidentiality agreement.

It’s understood they’re an older eastern suburbs downsizing couple who plan to do a major renovation the minute the property settles.

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Some of the rooms are beautifully decorated …

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Outdoor dining/entertaining.

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It had been scheduled for a May 22 auction, but the purchasers were keen to get the deal wrapped up prior, hence yesterday’s sale at the way above expectations price.

There’d been several other parties interested.

Longhurst had said the penthouse presented as an unparalleled opportunity to purchase a raw shell in a period property complete with designer DA.

With its coveted Macleay St address, the building has had many VIP residents, including former lord mayors Jack Armstrong and Lucy Turnbull.

In 2020, Hollywood star Natalie Portman shot a Dior commercial in the penthouse, chosen for its Parisian appearance.

Vendors Victoria and Andrew Isles, of the A. Royale & Co family business, bought the first floor plan atop Manar for $2.25m in 2009 from former lawyer Russell Keddie.

Then they spent seven years buying up various parts of Manar’s common areas to expand their palatial footprint.

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There’s quite a bit of work to do …

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… But so much potential …

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. And it’s full of charm.

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“They acquired the rooftop to create an alfresco living space and also what was the common stairs to the disused laundry to create an extravagant master bedroom with an outdoor space,” says Longhurst.

The full floor apartment, is the ultimate renovator’s delight with a grand blank canvas and DA approved plans by Lawless & Meyerson in conjunction with MHNDU architects.

“For the lucky purchaser it’s ready to go. They can either put their own touch on it or use the plans the vendors have had created,” Longhurst said.

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“The owners had always planned to renovate the property themselves, that’s why they took their time in acquiring all the elements.

“It was to be their downsizer home and was a project they were really excited about. However, something else has come up so they’ve decided to sell.”

Retaining plenty of its 1880s sophistication, the Manar penthouse’s raw template measures 296sq m and has 3.6m high ceilings, classic arched windows, a private entry and parking for two cars in a neighbouring building.

Manar is surrounded by historic homes, cafes and eateries, boutiques and is a short walk to both Kings Cross station and Arthur McElhorne Reserve.

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