Murdoch sets house price record

Lachlan Murdoch has set the Sydney house price record of the year, after netting a mansion in the sprawling eastern suburbs for $23 million.

The Bellevue Hill fortress, Le Manoir, owned by the French Government since 1956 was purchased by Mr Murdoch during a hotly contested auction in which nine parties were said to be interested including Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman.

With bidding starting at $18 million, Le Manoir is said to be one of the biggest auction results in Australian history.

Sitting in a secure compound of over 4000sq m, the property features expansive views of Sydney Harbour and is surrounded by 3m fences and a steel electric gate.

It also boasts two studies, five bathrooms, a guest powder room, three-car garage and a commercial-sized kitchen.