The incredible and humble homes of Australia's prime ministers

Australia's prime ministers have come from a raft of different backgrounds, and their homes of past and present are perhaps a testament to that.
 By 
Johnny Lieu
 on 
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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Australia's prime ministers have come from a raft of different backgrounds, and their homes of past and present are a testament to that.

Most leaders spent their tenure in the official residence, The Lodge in Canberra, or the second official residence, Kirribilli House alongside Sydney Harbour. While, some stayed in their beloved homes a little longer. 


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From modest suburban houses to stunning harbour mansions, the leaders of Down Under know there is no place like home. Here's a look into their lives, before they were strolling the halls of parliament and hanging their art on the walls of the lodge. 

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

46 Wunulla Road, Point Piper, New South Wales

It's no surprise that Australia's current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was reluctant to switch to the second official residence at Kirribilli House, opting to remain at his multi-million dollar Point Piper home before his recent move into The Lodge

This stellar home, purchased in 1994 for A$5.425 million, sits on the glorious shores of Sydney Harbour, and is just part of his family's extensive property portfolio.

Built in the 1930s, the property spans 1,940 square metres (20,881 square feet), and features a swimming pool, boat shed and private jetty. Fit for a king, not just a prime minister.

Tony Abbott 

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

184 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, New South Wales

A long time before Australia's most recently ousted prime minister, Tony Abbott, lived in The Lodge, he purchased this humble home in Wahroonga, on Sydney's upper north shore with his wife, Margie. 

The four bedroom, one bathroom home is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. It is arguably not as grand as what would become his future address, but there's an outdoor deck and plenty of grass to roll around on. It was most recently sold in 2014 for A$925,000 (US$669,658).

Julia Gillard 

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

9 Medford Street, Altona, Victoria

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is now a shrine to the former prime minister, Julie Gillard. The current owners have retained most of the details left by Australia's first female prime minister, including a pair of Ugg boots. 

The property was sold for A$921,000 (US$666,389) in 2013, well above expectations of A$600,000 (US$434,130) for the home. It seems someone believes living like the former PM is priceless. 

Kevin Rudd

Norman Park, Queensland

Australia's last elected Labor prime minister, Kevin Rudd, might be kicking it in New York now thanks to his new job, but he once lived in this tropical home in the Brisbane suburb of Norman Park. The home, tucked away behind bushes, features very Australian insignia, painted yellow and green, with a kangaroo and emu emblem on the verandah.

The home was initially listed for A$1.25 million (US$904,437) back in 2014, dropping to A$1.19 million in a few months when it failed to be sold. Not quite a fair shake of the sauce bottle, as Rudd would've hoped.

Billy Hughes

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

6 Richardson Street East, Lane Cove, New South Wales

The country's seventh prime minister, Billy Hughes, resided in his mammoth property, built in 1906, featuring four king-sized bedrooms. Appropriate amenities such as a tennis court and a solar-heated swimming pool feature on the property, alongside the home's original fireplaces and soaring ceilings.

The home was last sold for A$4.45 million (US$3.21 million) back in December 2012. Bargain. 

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Johnny Lieu

Mashable Australia's Web Culture Reporter.Reach out to me on Twitter at @Johnny_Lieu or via email at jlieu [at] mashable.com

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