He bought the Invergowrie manor two years ago for just over $20 million.

As well as a new pool and landscaped garden, the Australia Post chief executive has applied to expand the internal area of the colonial gothic-style riverside homestead, which was built in 1846 for James Palmer, the first Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Council.

Ahmed Fahour’s Invergowrie estate and the neighbouring mansion Avon Court (pictured) are considered Hawthorn’s finest residences.

Then known as Burwood, the Coppin Road estate was later owned by theatre entrepreneur George Coppin, and was also used as a ladies’ finishing school.

Agents often tout Invergowrie and the mansion next door, Avon Court, as Hawthorn’s two most expensive residential holdings.

Avon Court last sold in 2014 for about $19 million after undergoing a major renovation and extension.

Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour. Photo: Jessica Shapiro JLS

Mr Fahour purchased Invergowrie from Globe Inte