Altona, the Point Piper harbourfront, officially listed at $US56.9 million

Altona, the prominent Point Piper harbourfront home, has for the first time had its asking price officially revealed at a record-setting $US56.9 million (A$54.5 million).

The home of entreprenuer Deke Miskin and his wife, Eve, has been on and off the market for some two years.

It's now with several agents, including Coldwell Banker, which has the price listed on its website.

In July 2007 a $55 million offer by the shopping centre scion David Lowy and his wife, Margo, for Altona was rejected by the Miskins, who subsequently indicated $60 million would trigger a sale.

The Lowys first inspected the property shortly after the actor Russell Crowe inspected the Wunulla Road property. The latest asking price is almost double the then record price of $28.5 million which was secured when sold by Fiona Handbury in 2002. 

Sydney's priciest sale sits with Villa Veneto, the five-storey Italianate villa sold by recruitment entrepreneur Andrew Banks and his wife, Andrea, in August 2010 for a reported $53 million to dentist David Penn and his wife, Linda.

The LJ Hooker Double Bay agent Bill Malouf, another Altona marketing agent, describes the property as Australia's most iconic residence on his website, but without giving any price indication.

"Altona is a unique private estate with a world class deep waterfront family lifestyle," Malouf says.

"Wrapped in harbour views and northerly sunlight, this magnificent home has Sydney Harbour Bridge as a glorious centre-piece.

"Indisputably one of a kind, the grand Italianate residence was expertly designed by Dods & Zuccon Architects, with luxurious interiors by Andrew Parr of SJB," Malouf notes.

Bill Bridges at Ballard Property Group credits the interiors to Thomas Hamel on his website listing.

It is listed on the McGrath website as price on request through Andrew Livingston and James Agostini.

Altona's name dates from its early 1900s owner, Altona James, the wife of judge Augustus Gus James.

The property has terraces overlooking lawns, a heated pool, private jetty and sauna. It also has a rooftop deck. The price includes a vacant block suitable for a tennis court. 

The US pricing gives it some fluidity as RadicalTerrace noted its price overnight as $US56.2 million.

"How international," the blogger noted.