Historic Peppermint Grove Estate Hits the Market with $11m Price Guide

It was the unique limestone that drew Janine Lauder in when she first set her sights on Minderup in Peppermint Grove 16 years ago. The commercial interior designer operates Janineous Design and has been a driving force on various renovation projects from Pymble Ladies’ College in Sydney to luxury hotels like the Pacific Hotels in Cairns and Brisbane. Her years of experience allowed her to immediately recognise the Victorian regency home’s great bones.

“One of the things that attracted us to the house is its history, and the limestone. The front section, hand-cut from local limestone in 1898, has withstood the test of time. The trees are well over 100 years old, and the house has a beautiful soul,” Janine said, adding that her vision for the revival of the historic home was clear from day one.

“My planning from the outset was to ensure form and function plus a connection from the front gate to the backyard. It all works together. The floor plan has not been static over the years, it has evolved with us. The living room was once used as a billiard room and my study – we have ‘his’ and ‘hers’ studies – was originally a children’s playroom for the family’s ever-changing needs.”

Throughout more than a century, the Irvine St residence has been home to several colourful residents including the previous owner, Olga Dickson, who lived there from the age of nine until her 80s. Olga established the Kindergarten of the Air during wartime. Edmund James Houghton Nicholson, who commanded the 10th Light Horse Regiment and also fought in Gallipoli, was the original owner.

“This is one of Peppermint Grove’s best houses, so rich in both character and sophistication,” said listing agent, Jody Fewster, principal of Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park. She is marketing the property with a $11 million price guide through an expressions of interest campaign closing on March 18.

Blending heritage charm with modern luxury, the 1819sq m Peppermint Grove property features five bedrooms, including a guest suite with a private entry, plus four bathrooms, two powder rooms, and an outdoor shower.

There is a choice of living spaces, with four fireplaces, a modern kitchen with two dishwashers, integrated fridges, and wine fridges. In the large wine cellar there is air conditioning and humidifier

In addition to the multiple indoor entertaining spaces, there is an outdoor room complete with a barbecue that features a wok station, and a South American-style Parrilla for fire cooking.

In the spacious back yard there is a grand 100-year-old Tuart tree, level lawns and a family-friendly pool.

“I really wanted to maintain a sense of history and connection to the newest parts of the home. The house truly flows and is very practical,” Janine said.

Completely updated for 21st Century living, the home has secure heritage windows and doors, an app-controlled alarm, nine CCTV cameras, and electric gates.

As well as a gated three-car space at the front of the property, there is also a five-car garage at the rear, and space for a further three vehicles.

The historic Peppermint Grove property is listed with Ray White Cottesloe/Mosman Park principal Jody Fewster with an $11 million price guide. Offers close on March 18, if not sold prior.

Australia’s castles are few and far between, and the opportunity to buy one rarely pops up. There is, however, now a bona fide 35-room chateau for sale in suburban Melbourne.

Listed for the first time in half a century, Overnewton Castle in Keilor, north west of the city, has launched to market through Sean Cussell of Christie’s International Real Estate with a $6 million to $6.6 million price guide.

The 176-year-old Scottish Baronial-style property has been home to the Norton family for the past 50 years, but was originally built for Scottish settler, grazier and former Mayor of Keilor, William James Taylor.

On a sprawling 2.25ha estate surrounded by rolling grounds filled with sculpted gardens and 170-year-old elm trees, the ivy-clad seven-bedroom three-bathroom residence is layered with a blend of Scottish, French and English influences.

Inside the heritage-listed mansion, there is a grand ballroom seating up to 150 guests, a lavish dining room, and a private chapel that was converted from the original billiards room.

Gastroenterologist Dr LJ Norton and his family have invested five decades in Overnewton Castle, partly preserving its period features while also updating the house for the 21st Century. After a devastating fire in 1979, the Nortons upgraded the infrastructure, installed mains water and access roads, and created a 100-vehicle car park.

Many of the 1849 estate’s original features, including drystone walls, period fireplaces and the dramatic western turret – accessed via a 40-step spiral staircase with a mahogany handrail – have been meticulously maintained. Even the turret’s slate “fish scale” roof tiling and ornate wind vane are straight out of the 19th century.

“Overnewton Castle is not just a property; it is our home and a piece of local history that we have cherished for 50 years,” says Norton family member and managing director of Overnewton Castle, Emma Stott.

“Living here, respectfully updating the facilities and operating our business has been a labour of love. As a family, we have created so many fond memories here, as well as played an important role in countless weddings and other events hosted on our grounds.”

In addition to hosting weddings at Overnewton Castle, the Norton and Stott families also run historical tours and high teas on the property.

Cussell says the unique listing represents an opportunity of historical significance. “Overnewton Castle is one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture in the Southern Hemisphere and an ideal setting for a private residence, luxury retreat, education facility or event venue,” he explains.

“It represents a rare convergence of architectural grandeur, cultural heritage and enduring family legacy. The listing truly is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Australian history.”

Overnewton’s cultural footprint reaches beyond local tourism, with the castle making its mark in Australian cinema. It played a role as the fictional Monclare mansion in the 1982 cult horror film Next of Kin.

Earlier this year, the period Victoria Racing Club nominated property to display the Melbourne Cup during its prestigious Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, and in 2024, the site was also a finalist in the Victorian Tourism Awards.

Beyond the grand residence, there are several restored outbuildings suitable for entertaining or accommodation, including The Stables for up ten guests, The Loft which sleeps eight, The Cottage that accommodates six, and The Cabin with space for four people.

The stately address is soon to become even better connected with the forthcoming Suburban Rail Loop and Sunshine Superhub infrastructure projects, improving access to the city. Overnewton is about 20kms from Melbourne’s CBD and 8kms from Melbourne Airport.

Overnewton Castle is listed with Sean Cussell of Christie’s International Real Estate with a price guide of $6 million to $6.6 million. The expressions of interest campaign closes on November 21 at 3 pm.

Historic Peppermint Grove Estate Hits the Market with $11m Price Guide

A period Perth property reimagined by a commercial interior designer brings the past and the present together in Peppermint Grove.

Australia’s castles are rare, but this one is real. Built in 1849 and held by the same family for 50 years, Overnewton Castle in Melbourne is now seeking its next custodian.