High office comes complete with hot properties

Along with a new job title and hefty pay packet, Australia's latest governor-general, Sam Mostyn, gets the keys to two of the nation's most prized properties.

Admiralty House, built in the mid-1800s and overlooking stunning Sydney Harbour with views of the bridge, Opera House and Circular Quay, has played host to a string of international leaders over the years and offers an iconic Aussie backdrop.

Tucked privately on the shores of Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin, Government House is the venue arguably best known for the swearing in of new federal ministers, and also where prime ministers go to trigger a federal election.

Both residences ooze the grandeur befitting a king's representative.

The then-Prince of Wales with former governor-general Quentin Bryce at Admiralty House. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Ms Mostyn took office and residence on Monday, by which time her predecessor David Hurley had moved out of both properties.

"In line with the practice of her predecessors, the governor-general will use both official residences (Government House and Admiralty House) to fulfil her constitutional, ceremonial, commander-in-chief and ceremonial responsibilities," a spokesperson told AAP.

The lawns at Admiralty House have been trodden by royalty, world leaders, the Pope, sports champions and celebrities.

Prince Harry and wife Meghan at Admiralty House in 2018 with Peter and Lynne Cosgrove. (Steve Christo/AAP PHOTOS)

Both residences were added to the Commonwealth Heritage List in June 2004 as places of significant heritage value owned or controlled by the Commonwealth.

As a result, the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General is tasked with protecting their heritage value.

The maintenance costs for both properties runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Government House and Admiralty House are not open to the public except for open days and the occasional walking tour.

An open day at Admiralty House in Sydney was scheduled for February 27, however, it was postponed due to 'anticipated' wet weather according to the governor-general's website.

There has been no alternative date mentioned.

Government House is offering a free walking tour on August 20.

Ms Mostyn will be paid more than $709,000 a year in her new role, after being awarded a 43 per cent pay rise compared to her predecessor.