Incredible find was made at house of ‘stubborn’ family who rejected £25 million to sell property
The home of a stubborn family who have turned down several offers from real estate developers to move was found to have something shocking on its doorstep.
You may have seen pictures or videos of the home online before, with the isolated property completely surrounded by a suburban neighbourhood.
It tells the story of a family who refused to move from their home, located in Sydney, Australia, which would have become part of the housing estate.
The Windsor Castle-style home boasts a 650-foot driveway that has luscious green gardens and a stunning view of the Blue Mountains, which was worth almost nothing when purchased.
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Developers were said to have offered up to £25 million to the Zammit family, who own the land, to give it up - an offer that was sensationally rejected.
Who are the Zammit family?
The Australian family responsible for putting their foot down when it comes to their valuable piece of land have stayed put over the years.
Their decision forced developers to build around the land, with the Zammit home now in the middle of rows of new-build homes.
A time-lapse of the home being built around went viral in the past year or so, showing the difference in surroundings over the years.
Though surrounded by suburbia, the two-hectares of land remains untouched and free of anything but the vast greenery.
It has been reported previously that 50 houses would have fit on the area of land, which could have had a value of AU $1 million (£480,000) per unit.
While the deal was turned down, it was revealed by an expert that it might be worth a lot more today - though this probably won't interest the Zammits.
What was found at the Zammits' home?
Daily Mail Australia made the journey to the secluded house in September 2024 and discovered that their front door was covered in business cards.
They reported that business cards from agents and potential buyers covered the front door, in addition to handwritten messages to the family, urging them to get in touch.
Located on Hambledon Road in The Ponds, developers were said to be lining up more offers at the back end of last year in an attempt to lure the family out and add the area to the residential estate.
The 200m long driveway and barn in the back of the home are headlining features, but it looks like the family are staying firm.
What have neighbours said about them not selling?
Neighbours seem to respect the stance taken by the Zammits, as one resident said: "It doesn't really bother us, it's their land, they can do what they want with it."
One woman added: "If I had that property, I would do the same thing, I'm with them!"
Residents of the community noted that the family keep to themselves and are rarely seen outside their home.
The private family have dismissed any interest in the land, with mother Diane Zammit refusing to speak to the press in 2024, despite speaking to the publication in 2022.
"It used to be farmland dotted with little red brick homes and cottages," she recalled, adding: "Every home was unique, and there was so much space - but not any more. It's just not the same."
Joshua Nair