Coach maker Jim Frecklington with the coach he made for King Charles at his Manly workshop. Picture: Arthur Edwards
Royal coach maker Jim Frecklington has promptly sold his long held Manly apartment before it could go to auction because he received an offer way beyond expectations.
His three-bedroom apartment on the top floor of Elizabeth Towers overlooking Manly harbour originally had a $2.6m price guide, but such was the level of interest the guide was increased to $2.7m.
The agent, Susie O’Brien of McGrath Manly, said she couldn’t comment on the final figure, but other sources confirmed it had achieved $3m — $400,000 above the original guide, which is extraordinary in the current challenging market.
The buyers are from out of the area and wanted the apartment for holiday lets and as a short-term base.
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One of the nation’s highest ever auction sales
20/81 West Esplanade, Manly sold prior to its scheduled auction.
The buyers plan to use it for holiday lets — and no wonder given its incredible location.
The apartment at 20/81 West Esplanade had an oversized wraparound balcony, an open-plan kitchen, two bedrooms with built-ins and a third bedroom or study.
There are no common walls, a full bathroom and a powder room, lift access and the apartment is the only one on the floor.
Jim completed the ornate Australian State Coach in 1988 – which was a Bicentennial gift from the nation – and which was used for the wedding procession of William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine in 2011.
The coach made by Jim Frecklington in 1988 for the late Queen, given as a bicentennial present from Australia. Supplied shot from Jim.
Amazing views also from the dining room.
Then he created the six horse-drawn carriage known as the Diamond Jubilee State Coach which contains 100 pieces of history dating back almost 1000 years and which was used to take King Charles and Queen Camilla to their coronation in 2023.
He is currently being helped to complete another horse-drawn gold carriage, the King’s Coach, which is being constructed on Sydney’s northern beaches.
The late Queen Elizabeth later awarded him the Royal Victorian Order for his loyal service and craftsmanship, a personal honour to Jim.
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