The industrial-style property features three bedrooms, soaring ceilings, open-plan living, a courtyard and two parking spaces.
The purchase represents not just a move interstate but a complete change of scenery from his previous residence in Sydney’s upper north shore suburb of Pymble.
McKenney’s Sydney home sold for well above its $5 million guide price through DiJones agents Sophie Su, Tim Fraser and Mark Lauzon, after being listed with Raine & Horne Double Bay.
The performer’s decision to relocate came after positive experiences staying in Melbourne’s inner suburbs while working on theatrical productions including Cinderella, Hairspray, and The Odd Couple.
“I had such a lovely experience there, I thought ‘I could live here,'” McKenney told The Age.
“The move was somewhat spontaneous, with McKenney explaining, “I just did it on a whim. I just wanted to shake my life up a bit.”
One motivation for the relocation is to be closer to his daughter during her Year 12 studies, but McKenney is also enthusiastic about returning to inner-city living after his time in suburban Sydney.
“I wanted to get back into city fringe-living, cafe society,” he said.
“I wanted something slightly industrial… I have come from an elegant old farmhouse.”
The property was purchased through Jellis Craig’s Simon Shrimpton and sits in an area where the median house price is $1,595,000, according to Domain.
McKenney already has renovation plans for his new Melbourne home, including redoing the floors and relocating the kitchen to maximize natural light, while maintaining the property’s industrial character and structural integrity.
Despite the interstate move, McKenney will maintain ties to New South Wales, keeping his shack on the Hawkesbury River for future visits to Sydney.
