Property Of The Week: 18 Argo Street, South Yarra, VIC

Created by the current owners Helene and Nick Van Der Merwe, the European-inspired five-bedroom mansion was listed a year ago but has just resurfaced with an $11 million price guide through Melissa Schembri and Daniel Rees of Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty. 

An iconic estate behind a secure gated entry, the 1340sq m property features a long tree-lined driveway leading up to a stately turning circle and grand water feature, manicured lawns, ornamental gardens and a private lake. 

Unfolding across one of the hinterland’s most tightly held pockets, the landmark residence was even crowned the Master Builders Sunshine Coast House of the Year upon its completion in 2012. 

Château Immanuel was a two-year labour of love for the pair. Mrs Van Der Merwe said the couple, who have decided to relocate to a cattle farm, will miss the home’s year-round versatility. 

“I’ll miss the serenity for sure. When the gate closes behind you, the busy world is left behind. It’s private and quiet, our own little bubble of paradise. In winter, I enjoy sitting in front of our bedroom fireplace with a good novel, chocolates, and red wine. In summer, I love being outside on the patio, sharing fabulous food and laughter with friends,” she said, adding that the house is a great entertainer inside and out. 

“It’s grand and spacious, yet warm, comfortable, and inviting. Everyone loves dancing under the stars,” she said. 

Hand-picked finishes include Italian flagstone flooring, Portuguese limestone fireplaces, ceiling roses imported from the US and French chandeliers. 

The residence’s main wing has a dramatic foyer with 9m ceilings, which opens through to multiple formal and informal living areas focused on the vast covered patio for seamless outdoor entertaining. 

The contemporary kitchen has stone bench tops, a long, expansive central island, a walk-in pantry, and commercial-grade appliances including a double oven and gas cooktop tucked behind bespoke cabinetry. 

The outdoor room has multiple seating zones with bronze chandeliers, an integrated alfresco kitchen, and a stone fireplace overlooking a 14m swimming pool and gazebo. 

A palatial primary bedroom suite sits in its own wing and is home to a sitting area, private terrace, fireplace, walk-in robe, a deluxe dressing room and a spa-like ensuite with a sunken tub. 

An upper level houses a second spacious retreat with a bath ensuite, fireplace and balcony. 

Across the expansive layout the self-contained guest annex adds more flexibility for extended family or visitors, containing three more bedrooms with ensuites, a separate kitchen, an open plan living zone and a courtyard. 

Additional features at Château Immanuel include ducted air-conditioning and vacuuming, an integrated sound system, security, a 10kW solar system with a generator backup and an irrigation system. The grounds have a self-contained artist’s studio, a large shed, a dog run, ornamental ponds, antique statues and a four-car garage. 

Château Immanuel is close to Maroochydore CBD and the international airport, 30 minutes to Noosa, and under an hour to Brisbane. 

Offered through an expressions of interest campaign, Château Immanuel has a guide of $11 million via Melissa Schembri and Daniel Rees of Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty.