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.
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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.
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Award-winning Byron hinterland estate Amileka returns to market, blending architectural pedigree, celebrity history and lucrative luxury retreat appeal.
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A Byron Bay hinterland trophy home that once starred on Love Island Australia has resurfaced for sale after making a brief appearance on the market last year.
Amileka in Federal, 24kms from the famous shores of Byron Bay, was listed for a short time in July with a guide of more than $8m, but is now asking $7m to $7.7m with Sotheby’s agent Will Phillips via an expressions of interest campaign, closing on March 12, at 5pm.
The contemporary homestead on 10ha last sold for $9.5 million during the regional post-pandemic boom in 2022. Since then, the iconic house has been earning its owners thousands of dollars a night as a glamorous short term rental.
Built in 2008, Amileka took home the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW country division) Architecture Award in the same year. The minimalist design on secluded Blackbean Lane was crafted by architect owner Sharon Fraser and her husband, Steve Esson.
Tom Lane, of the Oroton fashion family empire and his stylist wife Emma, then bought Amileka for $4 million in 2011. They sold up in 2015 for $3.5 million to the Johnson family, who offered up the compound to feature as the Love Island home for the Channel 9 dating show’s third season in 2017.
Later, in 2022, the remote residence was snapped up by Mikaela Lancaster, Spotify Australia managing director, and her husband Mark Britt, founder of video-streaming platform Iflix. Lancaster and Britt are now seeking Amileka’s next custodians.
The main home has a large sunken lounge room and a spacious dining zone seamlessly connected to the gourmet kitchen and multiple outdoor terraces. In the designer gas kitchen there are stone surfaces including a big island bench, and a discreet but large butler’s pantry.
Created for grand scale outdoor entertaining, Amileka’s alfresco options include a central courtyard, level lawns with rolling district views punctuated by ancient Black Bean, fig and pandanus trees, plus an 18m by 5m pool and a fire pit.
Internally, the house features a stately formal entry, honed concrete floors with solar hydronic heating, bespoke cabinetry, walls of windows to capture the leafy outlook, a dedicated media room, and five bedrooms.
Off the primary suite there is a large walk-in wardrobe, an ensuite with bidet and a private hot tub, plus the house has two more family-friendly bathrooms.
Additionally, the estate also has a three-bedroom caretaker’s cottage with its own swimming pool.
Famous for its legendary lush vistas, untouched rainforest and waterfalls, the Byron Hinterland is also known for picturesque sleepy villages such as Bangalow and eclectic fine dining options.
Federal is home to a small general store, the popular Doma Cafe, and is approximately a 25-minute drive from Byron Bay, 35 minutes to Ballina Airport and 50 minutes to Coolangatta International Airport.
Amileka in the Byron Bay hinterland is for sale with Sotheby’s International Realty via an expressions of interest campaign, closing on March 12, 5pm.
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