Former Brumbies boss Michael Jones' property sells at auction for $2.27 million

The Forrest home of former Brumbies boss Michael Jones sold under the hammer for $2.27 million on Saturday.

Three groups vied for 16 Hobart Avenue and together placed 44 bids during the auction. The first bid was placed at 1.2 million – more than $1 million less than the eventual sale price.

The auction then became a competition between the second and third party, with bids placed at $1.5 and $1.7 million.

After the bidding moved beyond $2.1 million, a series of small incremental bids pushed past the reserve price. At $2.23 million Mr Thompson announced the home was on the market.

A young family secured the property with a final bid of $2.27 million.

The ACT Brumbies board stood Mr Jones down in March after he blew the whistle on financial irregularities with the sale of the club’s former Griffith site and subsequent move to Bruce.

The club’s board and the chief executive agreed to part ways in April after announcing they had reached a settlement.

Mr Jones and his wife, Michelle, bought the home after he picked up the role with the Brumbies in early 2015.

The contemporary five-bedroom house was designed by Collins Caddaye Architects and built about five years ago. It sits on a 2663-square-metre block and features spacious living areas and a swimming pool.

LJ Hooker Manuka selling agent Stephen Thompson said a range of buyers had shown interest in the property throughout the course of the marketing campaign and more than 35 groups had inspected the home.

“There’s been a lot of thought go into the design and functionality of the home…particularly the informal and formal living areas combined with the outdoor living area and pool – it flows really well,” he said.

Mr Jones has a new job lined up in the US, but he said he will miss living in Canberra.

“We loved it here but the whole Brumbies thing has soured the exercise a little bit,” he said.

“We’re likely moving to the US in the new year.”

With Emma Kelly