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 property is in the middle of prime wine producing country in the Yarra Valley.

“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.

The house is part gallery, part trophy home and has hosted several substantial parties with ease.

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

Coolabah has earned its place in Sydney’s heritage for several reasons. The period Greenwich estate is not simply a prime example of Victorian era design; the property was also home to Lane Cove’s premier Lord Mayor, Jeremiah Roberts.

Dating back to 1883, the restored residence at 45 Greenwich Rd has only had a handful of owners, including vendor and interior designer Jo Ellis-Doty.

“Our family has lived here for 14 years,” says Ellis-Doty.

“It’s 142 years old and we’re only the fifth family to own it. We’ve loved every moment of restoring and living in this incredible home.”

Ellis-Doty and her husband are downsizing to an apartment, so Coolabah will be auctioned on May 31. It will be sold for a guide of $6.5 million via James Bennett of Belle Property Lane Cove.

Prior to its grand makeover, records show the property last exchanged in 2011 for $2.1 million.

The classic five-bedroom house has been masterfully enticed into the 21st Century by its owner, with meticulous attention to detail.

“Locals have told us how the sitting room was used to hold dances. They would open up the French doors to the porch and linger too late in the night,” Ellis-Doty adds.

“When we were renovating, we found a safe embedded in the primary bedroom wall, and a bag of jewellery was retrieved.

“It had been forgotten by the previous owners, and they were very happy to have it returned. We are so very honoured to have been the custodians of such a beautiful period property. We will miss it terribly.”

The original owner, Lord Mayor Roberts, made his name in publishing before entering politics. He came to office in 1895, marking the beginning of the area’s municipal independence from the borough of Willoughby.

“Homes like this don’t come around often. It’s a true Greenwich treasure,” Bennett says.

With a raft of period features, Coolabah has high ceilings and several ornate fireplaces, including an original made in the 1850s and later imported from England in the downstairs bathroom.

Now updated for modern family living, the heritage home on 663 sq m features two large living areas that spill out through French doors to terraces. In contrast, the state-contemporary provincial kitchen features a vast island bench and a walk-in pantry.

In addition to a ground-floor bedroom and palatial main bathroom, there are three more bedrooms on the upper level, including a primary suite with another grand bathroom and a private balcony showcasing city skyline views.

Outdoors, manicured hedges frame immaculate gardens and a travertine wraps around the backyard mosaic saltwater pool.

Although it was created in the 19th century, Coolabah has a host of modern day amenities from ducted air-conditioning and solar panels, to CCTV security and a gated carport. There is also a separate lock up garage.

Sitting on the corner of Greenwich and the aptly named Coolabah Ave, the stately home is close to village shops and cafes, as well as Wollstonecraft Station and a number of sought-after schools.

Coolabah at 45 Greenwich Rd, Greenwich, is being marketed by Belle Property Lane Cove Principal James Bennett with a $6.5 million price guide and will go to auction on May 31.

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

A rare slice of Sydney history, Coolabah blends Victorian grandeur with modern luxury in the heart of Greenwich; once home to Lane Cove’s first Lord Mayor and now listed with a $6.5m guide.