The mansion has been abandoned for years. Picture Rohan Kelly

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The landmark Clifton Gardens mansion Morella that has been neglected for decades and attracted vandals has just sold to a local buyer for more than $8m.

Morella, on Morella Rd once played host to the great and good of Sydney society, has heritage listing and was built by Eric Nicholls of Burley Griffin architectural fame in 1939.

The home on 891sqm of waterfront reserve land fell into disrepair however, was empty for years and became a target for vandals.

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The property was invaded by vandals.

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It has also become a TikTok and YouTube sensation for those seeking a window into the abandoned home.

Earlier this year it came to market with expectations in the early $10ms.

When it didn’t sell it was passed to another agency and sold on Tuesday for between $8m and $9m, according to industry sources.

Bo Zhang, of Atlas Lower North Shore, said the sale is good news for Mosman as the property will be restored and turned into a luxury family home.

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Good bones, the rest needs work. Picture Rohan Kelly

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It’s a great waterfront block.

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It’s been abandoned for a decade.

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And it shows. Picture: Jonathan Ng

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“I had more than 200 enquiries but after I qualified them we got to around a dozen buyers,” he said.

Offshore buyers were nervous of the heritage restrictions and the new owner is a fresh buyer who lives locally and who is excited by the opportunity, Bo said.

Included in the sale is an approved development application for a four-level house on the foundations of the old mansion, which is now a shadow of its former self.

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The view. Picture: Jonathan Ng

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What it was like in its heyday.

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The sandstone mansion was commissioned by Leo and Helena Parer just before WWII began, it hosted the cream of society and was featured in Australian Home Beautiful magazine.

The couple’s son Anthony lived in the house until his death in 2015 when the property passed to his carer and was then sold to a young architect student Edward Wei for $6.6m.

Supported by his family Edward attempted to acquire permission to rebuild on the site with its harbour views above the sand at Taylors Bay Walk. When he couldn’t replace the property he obtained a DA that is sympathetic to the original home but also allows for a swimming pool, rumpus, bar and gym and listed it for sale.

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