Nancy Bird Walton’s former home takes flight

The historic one-time home of Nancy Bird Walton in Turramurra is seeking its next custodians after a full makeover by serial renovators, Telstra senior executive David Burns and Edwina Burns.

The pair have undertaken a full renovation of the 1930s residence at 27-29 Boomerang St, which pioneering aviator Bird Walton lived in during the 1980s and 1990s.

The Burns bought Wongala in 2021 for $7.875m, and set about transforming the heritage residence into a modern family-friendly home fit for the 21st century.

“We’ve essentially gutted it,” Mrs Burns said.

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“Unfortunately, it was very neglected and dated when we bought it four years ago.

“We put in everything from the solar heating for the pool to restoring the ceilings.

“It had such beautiful original elements; the stained glass windows and the fireplaces were just extraordinary and we wanted to make those features really sing.”

The five-bedroom house on 2611sq m is set to go to auction on September 27 with a price guide of $10m through Harriet France of Sotheby’s in conjunction with Tim Fraser of DiJones.

No strangers to period properties, the Burns also revived Walter and Marion Burley Griffins’ iconic 1930s house Coppins in Pymble, eventually selling the 5640sq m estate in 2020 for $13m.

“In a way, we rescued that poor place.,” Mrs Burns said.

“It’d been empty for years and repossessed by the bank.

“That was an absolute tragedy because it’s a stunning property.”

Mrs Burns said she and her husband had an affinity with period homes.

“There are just layers and layers of detail, which we just don’t find anymore in new builds,” she said, adding that the couple are now set to make over a historic home in Wahroonga.

Beyond Wongala’s manicured gardens, sweeping driveway and port cochere entry, there are grand formal rooms with ornate ceilings, marble fireplaces, and Roberto Cavalli wallpaper.

The vast contemporary kitchen has Wolf appliances, a mammoth island bench and walk-in pantry, while the casual family zones spill out to an outdoor terrace, lawns and large swimming pool.

Additional features include a billiard room, a 2000-bottle wine cellar, Calacatta marble bathrooms and a main bedroom suite with a balcony, district views and two walk-in wardrobes.

At the rear of the 2611sq m block there is also a fully self-contained one-bedroom apartment.

The auction is scheduled for September 27.

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