Property of the week: 12 Range Rd, Gruyere
Buyers can live the dream of running their own vineyard in the heart of the Yarra Valley at this exceptional property
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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
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At the northern tip of Point Piper, hidden from the street and positioned directly on Sydney Harbour, “Radford” combines cinematic views, rare waterfront access and a fascinating connection to one of Australia’s most storied estates.
The five-bedroom residence occupies land once belonging to Paradis Sur Mer, the celebrated three-block waterfront estate that made Australian property history in 1982. The original mansion became the country’s first home reported to have sold for more than $5 million—and may also have inspired one of its fastest and most profitable resales.
Property developer and yachtsman Bernard Lewis purchased the estate at auction for $5.25 million, only to sell it within hours to English betting magnate and thoroughbred breeder Robert Sangster. Lewis reportedly made a $500,000 profit in the process.
Sangster renamed the property Toison D’Or—French for “Golden Fleece” and the name of one of his racehorses—and established it as a Sydney base with his then-wife, Susan. The estate subsequently changed hands and identities again, becoming Paradis Sur Mer, or “Paradise on the Sea”, during Susan’s marriage to financier Sir Frank Renouf.
After another headline-making sale near the peak of Sydney’s late-1980s property boom, the original mansion was eventually demolished and the waterfront holding subdivided. “Radford” now stands on one of those prized parcels, carrying a thread of that extraordinary history into the present day.
Harbour views take centre stage
Designed by award-winning architect Victor Berk and constructed in the early 1990s, the three-level modernist residence has been planned around its exceptional position.
Panoramic views stretch from the Sydney Harbour Bridge across Shark Island and Rose Bay to Manly. A prized northerly aspect fills the home with natural light, while bedrooms and living spaces open to decks, balconies and terraces overlooking the water.
The main living areas flow to a broad alfresco entertaining terrace, sunny swimming pool and level harbourfront lawn. Beyond the garden, a private jetty completes the quintessential Sydney waterfront lifestyle.
Inside, generous proportions make the home equally suited to private family life and large-scale entertaining. The formal dining area can accommodate up to 14 guests, while a Gaggenau-appointed kitchen incorporates an island, walk-in pantry and casual breakfast area opening to the poolside deck.
A fireplace anchors the principal living space, complemented by high ceilings, travertine floors and expansive glazing that keeps the harbour present throughout the home.
A private sanctuary on every level
The main bedroom is accompanied by two walk-in wardrobes, a sitting area and an ensuite featuring a spa bath, separate shower and twin basins. Three further bedrooms each have an ensuite, while a gym with its own kitchenette, built-in storage and bathroom can serve as a fifth bedroom or private guest retreat.
Additional spaces include a fitted home office, an upper-level family area, sauna, two powder rooms and a substantial laundry. A lift connects all three levels, and the central staircase sits beneath an atrium-style glass roof fitted with an electric retractable blind.
Ducted and zoned air-conditioning, extensive storage and a security alarm add everyday practicality. Internal access leads to an oversized secure double garage, with additional driveway parking.
Set in an elite cul-de-sac on one of Australia’s most prestigious waterfront streets, “Radford” is close to Lady Martins Beach, Prince Edward Yacht Club, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Rose Bay’s marinas and leading schools. Double Bay’s restaurants, boutiques and village amenities are only minutes away.
It is an exceptional harbourfront residence in its own right—but its connection to the record-breaking Paradis Sur Mer estate gives it a place within the wider story of Sydney real estate.
Property details
Address: Wolseley Road, Point Piper, NSW
Bedrooms: Five, including a flexible gym or guest suite
Bathrooms: Five, plus two powder rooms
Parking: Oversized double garage and additional driveway space
Key features: Northerly aspect, panoramic harbour views, private jetty, swimming pool, level waterfront lawn, lift, sauna, home office and Gaggenau kitchen
Architect: Victor Berk
Agents: Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s & Brad Pillinger, Pillinger
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