Married At First Sight relationship expert John Aiken has splurged a whopping $5 million on a huge property on Sydney's north shore. Located in leafy Middle Cove, 10km from the CBD, the sprawling pad features six bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Tuscan-Inspired Luxury
Spread over three levels, the Tuscan-inspired home boasts extensive grounds, a pool, and an alfresco dining patio. The 55-year-old reality TV star bought his new property off-market last November, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Aiken's new purchase came several months before he and his wife, interior designer Kelly Swanson-Roe, listed their mansion in nearby Willoughby. It is understood that the renovated 1880-era spread was sold recently for just over its listing price of $5.8 million.
Stunning Location and Features
The new purchase, which last sold in 2005 for $1.7 million, is ideally positioned on a high point that offers stunning views of the surrounding bushland and Scott's Creek. Inspired by the architecture made famous in the Tuscan region of Italy, the home features grand arches and columns and high ceilings.
Highlights include a 336-bottle wine cellar and a private study and 'rumpus room'. Level one of the property hosts the open-plan living areas, including the kitchen and a charming dining space on a large covered balcony. Other features include a master bedroom that occupies an entire corner of the top floor, and comes with a lavish en suite and walk-in wardrobe.
Previous Home Renovation
Aiken, a one-time first-class cricketer and psychologist, renovated his last home after snapping it up for $2.93 million in 2019, four years after his MAFS debut. Known as Tyneside, the beautiful sandstone two-storey East Willoughby estate was built in 1883 and features five bedrooms and two bathrooms. The Aikens splashed out on extensive renovations to 'modernise' the property while carefully preserving details of the Victorian-era home.
Features include traditional iron lace, manicured gardens, and a charming pool area. Inside, the curated interiors boast a marble kitchen, bespoke joinery and imported chandeliers. There are also two full-width balconies and French oak floors. Built by Robert Forsyth, a member of one of Willoughby's pioneering families, Aiken bought the property seven years ago after it was listed for the first time in 50 years. They moved into the mansion after selling off their modest four-bedroom bungalow for $2.85 million in 2019. The couple share two children: Aston, 15, and Piper, 13.
