You only need a pair of eyes to know that not all mansions are built equal. While the more expressive and grandiose designs might be transplanted inspirations from France or Italy, it takes a steadier hand to create something with a more sober elegance to it. One such home recently listed for sale is 35 Clendon Road, Toorak, with a history that dates back nearly a century, while exuding the secluded charm of an English countryside manor.
The property has changed hands several times over the last two decades, sold in 2002 for $5.2 million by the Roche mining and property development family, to Mary Rowsthorn of the Rowsthorn transport family. In 2013, the Rowsthorn’s sold the home for $11.5 million, in a furiously fought auction that attracted 185 bids, with the winner in Bain & Company partner Chris Harrop.
Now, it’s Harrop’s time to sell, with an asking range of between $20-$22 million. A successful sale within that range would further signal the unrelenting strength of Melbourne’s premium property market, which is the most buoyant it’s been in years. Toorak alone enjoyed a median price rise of 9% last year, hitting $5 million. The home itself dates back to the 1930s, with an attractive brick construction that ties neatly into the impression of the building. With an impressive front garden, entrance fountain and French shutters enveloped by ivy, guests arriving at the home are sure to feel a sense of stately pride.
Inside, the home contains five bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as an underground garage with space for two cars. Immediately next to the garage is a wine cellar, as well as a large storage space. The interior was designed by renowned Melbourne architect Michael Munckton, boasting an entrance hall that leads directly into the library and home office in one direction, with the expansive dining room in the other. The dining room in turn leads toward a large terrace, overlooking the glinting pool waters and north-south tennis court.
Adjacent to the open plan kitchen is a light-filled sitting room, which is linked to another terrace via a set of french doors, while the kitchen itself seamlessly transitions to the large living and dining space. The kitchen features a sizable marble-topped island bench, which compliments the Caesarstone workbenches. You’ll also find a suite of Miele appliances, a Liebherr fridge/freezer unit, as well as a substantial butler’s pantry. On the second level, you’ll find the bedrooms, with a quartet of smaller bedrooms that you’ll pass as you approach the luxurious master bedroom. The main master bedroom features both a dressing room with impressive wardrobe space, as well as a large couple’s ensuite. Each of the other bedrooms has access to an ensuite too, with one bathroom shared between a pair of bedrooms.
With impressive provenance, carefully considered interiors and palatial gardens, it’s no wonder 35 Clendon Road, Toorak, presents a sense of calm old-world charm when considered against other Melbourne mansions.
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