Beautiful Mosman masterpiece goes under the hammer – realestate.com.au

One of Mosman’s most coveted family homes will be auctioned next month as the owners look to downsize and move closer to the city.

The five-bedroom house at 28 David Street, known as ‘Cardross’, has hit the market and is preparing to go under the hammer on March 12, 2026, with a price indication of $18 million.

The 1,150m² private landholding is located in Clifton Gardens, a harbor community of Mosman, approximately eight kilometers from the CBD in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Built around 1921, the residence underwent a careful renovation in 2018 that maintained the home’s grand proportions and architectural integrity while introducing a designer touch throughout.

Estate agent Geoff Smith of Ray White Lower North Shore Group said the owners had created something very special.

“Cardross represents a vanishing breed of Mosman property, a true family retreat with the scale, privacy and sophistication to enable multi-generational living and large-scale entertaining,” Mr Smith said.

The house’s mosaic-tiled swimming pool and surrounding landscaped gardens are drenched in sunshine. Image: realestate.com.au/buy

---

“The owners have created something very special here by completing a renovation that respects the century-old character of the home while introducing world-class amenities.”

Homeowners Richard and Jane Freudenstein AM, who have owned the property since late 2018, were attracted by the house’s Scottish name, character features and proven history as a warm family home.

The gourmet kitchen features marble countertops from Bardiglio Nuvolato, a striking double gas oven from Lacanche and more. Image: realestate.com.au/buy

---

Mr Freudenstein is a former CEO of Foxtel and director of REA Group, which publishes realestate.com.au, as well as Coles, Cochlear and Cricket Australia. Ms Freudenstein is director of the Australian Ballet and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

“We loved that two families before us had lived here for extended periods of time, it told us this was a house that cherished happy times,” Ms Freudenstein said.

“The layout allows multiple groups to meet at the same time, which is great. We organized a Christmas party in one go with 30 young adults in the backyard, parents in the kitchen and friends on the upstairs balcony. On our daughter’s 25th birthday, 50 friends gathered in the sun-drenched front garden in the middle of winter.”

“We have lived in Mosman on and off for 28 years, and this location exemplifies everything we love about the area. We love the walks, Mosman village, the people, the schools and all three of our girls went to Wenona,” Mrs Freudenstein said.

American oak floors, bespoke joinery and marble framed fireplaces flow throughout the house. Image: realestate.com.au/buy

---

“Now that our three daughters are living independently – two abroad – we are downsizing and moving closer to the city. It’s time for another family to create their own happy memories here.”

The heart of the home is the open plan living area, where casual dining and living areas meet a gourmet kitchen.

The five-bedroom home offers numerous formal rooms and living areas. Image: realestate.com.au/buy

---

Hand-painted cabinets topped with Bardiglio Nuvolato marble frame a striking Lacanche double gas oven, while the butler’s pantry features a Miele combination oven, integrated SubZero refrigerator, SubZero wine refrigerator and Miele dishwasher.

Skylights above the central loft illuminate formal rooms and everyday living spaces with natural light, while American oak floors, bespoke joinery and marble-framed fireplaces flow throughout.

The 2018 renovation of the property maintained its architectural integrity and introduced a designer accent. Image: realestate.com.au/buy

---

The residence has access via patio doors and double doors to terraces on all levels, while limestone terraces open out to landscaped gardens with flat lawns, a mosaic tiled swimming pool and a private hedged enclosure.

The master suite opens onto a private north-facing terrace with views of The Heads, while the formal dining room provides an elegant setting for special occasions.

The house is close to Taronga Zoo, waterfront walks, Clifton Gardens Reserve and more. Image: realestate.com.au/buy

---

There are also views over Sydney Harbour, the eastern suburbs and Chowder Bay.

Situated on a wide, tree-lined street, the house has easy access to Taronga Zoo, waterside walks, Clifton Gardens Reserve and the village of Mosman.