Wahroonga home The Briars has a French connection to Napoleon Bonaparte

The island estate in the South Atlantic Ocean was owned by the Balcombe family, who later set sail for Australia. The Briars-inspired house was then built in Wahroonga to replicate the St Helena homestead.

Several historical records reveal that Napoleon himself was often seen playing with Balcombe children during his stay with the family.

John Fuller, the latest owner of The Briars, bought the property with late wife Elizabeth 16 years ago.

"I fell in love with this place the minute I walked into it," Mr Fuller said.

"I'm a heritage person and I liked old homes. I love living here but reluctantly, the house is too big for one person."

When they moved in, the house had no electricity and it needed a lot of work."

"I knew I could bring it back to life. The building renovations took two years. My wife and I steadily sought to bring it to life over five years."

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