What was once described as a grandeur masterpiece is now unrecognisable after the prized mansion was left to deteriorate for more than a decade.

Set within the exclusive Sydney north shore suburb of Mosman, the heritage listed property – called ‘Morella’ – now lies abandoned with graffiti covered walls, smashed windows, scattered debris and a crumbling interior.

The derelict estate, which is used as a ‘hangout’ zone for teenagers and squatters, has fallen into disrepair since its last known resident, Antony Parer, who moved out in 2001. Mr Parer is now dead and his mother Helena, who is the listed homeowner, died in 1989.

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The heritage listed property called Morella in the exclusive suburb of Mosman on Sydney’s north shore has been abandoned for 15 years and now features graffiti covered walls, smashed windows, scattered debris and a crumbling interior

The derelict estate, which is used as a ‘hangout’ zone for teenagers and squatters, was once the harmonious home where Leonardo Parer and his wife Helena brought up their three children – Antony, Marianna and Sarita��

The heritage listed property – called ‘Morella’ – now lies abandoned with graffiti covered walls, smashed windows, scattered debris and a crumbling interior 

The former prized home, which now features graffiti and crumbling interiors, was built in 1939 by wealthy Sydney couple Leonardo and Helena Parer who lived there with their three children – Antony, Marianna and Sarita

The former prized home was built in 1939 by wealthy Sydney couple Leonardo and Helena Parer who lived there with their three children – Antony, Marianna and Sarita. 

The Parer family were known for their renowned surname with an impressive family tree. Leo’s father and entrepreneur Michael, who migrated from Spain to Australia where he married Maria Carolin, started the Parer Empire in Melbourne. Within 40 years, he had invested in 30 hotels and restaurants.

Leo’s brother Ray Parer, who was an aviator Lieutenant in Papua New Guinea, joined the Australian Flying Corps in World War I while his cousin Damien Parer was a world famous wartime photographer and cinematographer.

Leo, who was born in Melbourne and was the eldest of nine children, was a director and engineer of Stanford X-ray Company, which was established by his cousin Stan Parer.

The family’s grand home graced the pages of the April 1943 issue of Australian Home Beautiful magazine in a six page spread.   

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‘There are so many interesting things to talk about in Leo Parer’s house that it is rather difficult to know where to begin,’ the article reads. 

‘An immense circular loggia is built out from the central hall facing the water. Its short Corinthian pillars support an equally huge open sun deck reached from the bedroom above.’ 

Leo passed away in 1968, his wife Helena tragically died in 1989 and Sarita in 1979.

The last family member to have lived inside the property was their son – Antony Parer, who moved out of the home in 2001 to live in northern NSW, during which the estate was left abandoned. Antony died in 2015 but his sister Marianna is still alive and is said to be living in Canada.

Property records list his mother Helena Monica Parer as the owner of the home.

The home has fallen into disrepair since its last known resident, Anthony Parer, left in 2001. Mr Parer is now dead and his mother Helena, who is the listed homeowner, died in 1989

The home has been abandoned for 15 years and is now a popular meeting place for teenagers and squatters

The family’s grand home once graced the pages of the April 1943 issue of Australian Home Beautiful magazine in a six page spread 

The kitchen has been completely trashed over the past decade with a rusting stove, missing floorboards and no cupboards

The only comparable feature between the lavish mansion it once was and the dump it has turned into is the size of the property

The stunning view is the only thing that has not changed since the grand home’s appeared in a magazine in 1949

The 1943 article described the beautiful finishes and furniture that graced the rooms of the four bedroom and two bathroom home 

The only comparable feature between the lavish mansion featured in the magazine and the dump it has turned into is the size of the property.

The 1943 article described the beautiful finishes and furniture that graced the rooms of the four bedroom and two bathroom home. The only fixture that suggests such opulence is a smashed grand piano standing among hanging ceiling beams, broken glass and debris.

The exterior of the home has been overshadowed by overgrown shrubs and creepers climbing high to the roof.

McGrath Mosman real estate agent John Melville, who is aware of the abandoned Parer property, believes the land could fetch more than $6 million.

‘It’s located in one of the most sought after streets in the area,’ Mr Meville told Daily Mail Australia.

‘The houses along that street are located near Cliftons Garden, averaging around $4 million. We’re selling a new house just five doors down from there and it’s expected to sell for $14 million.

‘So it’s a bit of a shame about the condition of this home. It’s such a run-down property and the home has been left like that for a long period of time.

‘It’s not a very good look for the area because Morella is known for its prestigious look – it’s one of the best areas of Sydney with great views of Chowder Bay. I’m not sure about the heritage implications of knocking down the property but value wise, it’s utilising the land size.’

Most of the windows are smashed, the skirting boards have lifted away from the floors and political messages coat the walls

The exterior of the home has been overshadowed by overgrown shrubs and creepers climbing high to the roof

Empty spray cans litter the floor of the once grand property, which has now become a playground for teenagers

McGrath Mosman real estate agent John Melville, who is aware of the property, believes the land could fetch more than $6 million

Most of the blinds have been ripped down and windows smashed leaving it wide-open for the teenagers who frequent the home

The breath taking view across Chowder Bay is the reason Morella Street is popular among buyers

The former prized home was built in 1939 by wealthy Sydney couple Leonardo and Helena Parer and their three children 

A Mosman Council spokeswoman said they have repeatedly taken action over the years to have the home secured and the property maintained but the fencing is continually damaged by trespassers

Residents have raised concerns with authorities for more than a decade after the abandoned home gradually fell into disrepair

The exterior of the home has been overshadowed by overgrown shrubs and creepers climbing high to the roof 

Residents have raised concerns with authorities for more than a decade after the abandoned home gradually fell into disrepair over the past 15 years.

Disturbed neighbours have heard teenagers spraying graffiti and smashing up glass bottles and windows late at night, with some claiming they’ve also seen squatters inside the property.

However, a Mosman Council spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the council will issue orders on Thursday to the estate’s representatives following resident requests to address access and safety concerns.

‘[That includes] repairing perimeter fencing, boarding up the house to prevent further access and an assessment of the property,’ the spokeswoman said. ‘The previous owner didn’t fully cooperate with numerous previous similar requests by Council to maintain and secure his property.

‘Mosman Council has repeatedly taken action over the years to have the home secured and the property maintained. However, the fencing is continually damaged by trespassers and the incidents are referred to police.

‘Council will review any further action that can be taken on the property, which is listed as a heritage item under Mosman’s Local Environment Plan, once the estate’s solicitors have provided a report to Council staff.’

The sprawling four bedroom, two bedroom mansion was named ‘Morella’ after the street it was built on in Mosman

Disturbed neighbours have reported hearing teenagers spraying graffiti and smashing up glass bottles and windows late at night, with some claiming they’ve also seen squatters inside the property 

The once prized mansion looks messy and rundown when viewed from the manicured lawns of neighbouring properties 

Mosman Council will now issue orders to the estate’s representatives following resident requests to address access and safety concerns