SYDNEY (Australia) - SON of media magnate Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, has bought the French Government's former consulate in Sydney's exclusive eastern suburbs for AU$23 million (S$29 million) at auction, beating a slew of stars to the property.

There were nine other registered bidders for the prized Bellevue Hill property, including actor Russell Crowe, his wife Danielle Spencer and actress Nicole Kidman, who sold her house in Darling Point earlier this year for AU$12 million.

The property, a six-bedroom residence with panoramic views from Sydney Harbour to the Pacific Ocean, was expected to sell for at least AU$15 million, but bidding opened at AU$18 million, The Australian newspaper reported.

Those attending the closed auction were asked to pay a AU$50,000 refundable deposit to bid. It is understood all 10 registered bidders were Australian and each had agreed to bid more than AU$15 million.

The oldest son of News Corporation chairman Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch and his wife, model and TV presenter Sarah, are expecting their third child. They have two sons, Kalan, 4, and Aidan, 3.

The couple spent AU$7.75 million in 2005 on a waterfront residence at Bronte Beach in Sydney, after selling a AU$20 million waterfront home at Point Piper. -- AAP