Former American Express exec lists Highlands ‘masterpiece’

Fernbrook, Southern Highlands, has a $10m price guide in an expressions of interest campaign.

A former American Express executive, wife of a one-time famous model, has listed his Southern Highlands “masterpiece”.

Point Piper couple Ray and Robyn Harris, who have been married for 60 years, are selling Fernbrook, which has a $10m guide via James Hall of Savills and Gene Fairbanks Ray White Bowral.

Records show they’ve owned it since 2002 when they bought the 50ha property at 561 Myra Vale Rd, Wildes Meadow, for $2.1m.

Beyond the cat walk, Robyn went on to pioneer home staging in Australia after running a successful import business specialising in Oriental collectibles.

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Robyn Harris in her modelling days.

The 50ha property is considered one of the finest in the Southern Highlands.

Ray, a former Vice President of American Express Asia Pacific, later established Hotel Dynamics, a global loyalty marketing company that transformed the hospitality industry through partnerships with major hotel groups in more than 55 countries.

After the sale of Hotel Dynamics in 2000, the couple turned their focus to creating a country retreat, commissiioning architect Rod Ellis to create what the blurb describes as a “masterpiece”.

Apart from the five-bedroom homestead, there are manicured gardens, seven

spring-fed dams, a heated swimming pool and a championship-grade tennis court.

Fernbrook is considered one of the region’s most exceptional country estates.

“We had spent years living by the sea, sailing our yacht named Honeysuckle and travelling

constantly for work,” says Ray.

“When we found Fernbrook, we knew within an hour it was home.”

There’s a tennis court …

… and swimming pool.

After transforming the home, it now offers a range of well- proportioned rooms, from both summer and winter lounge rooms with an open fireplace to a grand billiards room with a century-old table and adjoining bar.

A newer kitchen and dining area provide the perfect heart to the home, complemented by large windows taking in the incredible views.

The upper-level master retreat offers a large walk-in robe and a recently updated ensuite.

There/’s both central heating and air conditioning throughout.

Beyond the main residence, Fernbrook includes garaging for six cars, a separate manager’s

cottage accessed via a private driveway, and productive acreage that currently supports up to

70 head of cattle.

Damn good views …. there are seven spring-fed dams on the property.

The grand driveway.

Ray and Robyn Harris today.

A small heritage cemetery in the corner of the property tells stories of the Irish settlers who first made Wildes Meadow home in the 1800s.

For Ray and Robyn, the decision to sell comes with mixed emotions.

“Fernbrook has given us over two decades of peace, joy, and connection,” says Robyn.

“But it’s time for another family to experience all that we have loved here — the changing seasons, the sense of privacy, and the simple pleasure of country life done beautifully.”

The couple continue to support a range of charities, St Vincents Hospital and also helping to support 20 under privileged children.

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