Property of the week: 12 Range Rd, Gruyere

Great architectural design and exceptional food are two of life’s great indulgences. When these two worlds collide, the result is a landmark residence made for entertaining that is also easy on the eye.

Case in point; Italian restaurateur and art aficionado Rinaldo Di Stasio tasked his friend the late architect Allan Powell with crafting a home away from home atop a hill in the picturesque Yarra Valley.

In 1988, Di Stasio opened St Kilda’s Cafe Di Stasio, which has often been lauded as Melbourne’s best Italian restaurant.

Previously listed with expectations of between $9.5 million and $10 million, the house has now resurfaced with new agent Kathy Purcell of Barry Plant Doncaster East and a fresh asking price of $8.5 million to $9.35 million.

“The wow factor of this property is not only its location in the heart of the Yarra Valley — and the fact that it has been a prime wine-producing estate – but it has been architecturally designed by the great Allan Powell. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before in this country,” Purcell says.

“And although it’s a very elite home, at the same time, it’s got some really cosy elements. When Rinaldo would spend time there with his family, and he wasn’t entertaining, it could be set up as a really intimate space.”

Set in the rolling green landscape of Gruyere 60kms east of Melbourne, the 32.37ha property is part gallery, part trophy home surrounded by close to 3ha of vines and the Warramate Flora Fauna Reserve.

Built in 1995, the unique residence features an industrial aesthetic and a spacious three-bedroom floorplan wrapped around a central courtyard with sweeping district views over the private vineyard and Great Dividing Range. In years past, the home grown wine produced at the estate was served in Di Stasio’s Melbourne restaurants.

Created as a great entertainer, the Gruyere estate has hosted several high profile soirees and the commercial-grade kitchen, complete with butler’s pantry, has proven its worth during large-scale events.

“There have been some great events held there over the years as it’s an idyllic venue. If I look at the potential buyer, I can see either a business person who wants to entertain or simply keep it as an exclusive getaway,” Purcell adds.

Beyond the vast courtyard filled with more than a dozen plane trees and a reflection pool, the home’s dramatic entry foyer is a long gallery acting as a reception room connecting the outside world with the more intimate living spaces.

Past the reception, the lounge and dining rooms feature warming fireplaces and the adjoining primary suite sits separated from the remaining bedrooms. This main retreat has a walk-in wardrobe plus a bath ensuite and sliding doors to the great outdoors.

In 2007 Powell’s son, Hugo, was commissioned to add the striking swimming pool that seemingly floats above the natural landscape simultaneously capturing the panorama while also hiding a versatile studio space below.

In addition to the pool and sun deck, as well as the vines, the rolling estate also has a private 5km walking track and two dams. It is 11kms from both the townships of Coldstream and Healesville.

Expressions of interest on 12 Range Rd, Gruyere close on Friday, August 30 at 5.00pm.

Estimated sale price: $8.5 million to $9.35 million

Agent: Kathy Purcell on 0411 619 336 of Barry Plant Doncaster East