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
3 min
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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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.
3 min
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.
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