Luxury Toorak mansion listed by ex-AFL boss Andrew Demetriou for $15.5m

The Australian

a day ago

Former AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou and his model wife Symone Richards have listed their opulent Toorak home with hopes of $14.5m to $15.5m.
Agents for the high-profile couple have relaunched the marketing campaign to sell the 1930s-built property fronting 5 Tyalla Crescent, Toorak that the Demetriou family purchased in 2007.
In that time frame they hired top-tier Melbourne interior designer David Hicks to redo the property while keeping its grand period character.
The Demetriou family wants to downsize, but will sell first, so are marketing the Marcus Martin-designed home that blends classic architecture with modern family function.
It has six bedrooms, a six-car basement, swimming pool and spa, and a landscaped rear garden with a firepit, trampoline and basketball court.
Antoinette Nido, managing director Stonnington, Melbourne Sotheby's International Realty and Max Ruttner, managing director Stonnington, Melbourne Sotheby's International Realty, are handling the sale of the high-profile residence, saying that homes of this calibre rarely come to market.
Ms Nido says the house has great proportions and spaces as well as a fantastic children's area upstairs, two studies and she likes the fact that the children's study is close to the kitchen and family room.
'You can be cooking while watching homework happen across the room,' Ms Nido said.
She notes the house, positioned on 1100sq m, is close to schools including St Kevin's College Toorak, St Catherine's and Scotch College as well as public transport.
'The proportions are exceptional. It's a true 1930s Toorak home with a sense of grandeur from the moment you arrive.'
A circular driveway leads to an imposing formal entry and lounge, with a private study and expansive open-plan family zone at the rear. The marble kitchen and large butler's pantry open to outdoor entertaining spaces that capture the northern light.
The designer main bedroom suite has a walk-in robe, luxurious ensuite and balcony.
Mr Demetriou was the chief executive of the AFL from 2003 to 2014. The Australian businessman, a former AFL player, is also a sports administrator.
The listing comes as real estate activity lifts across Melbourne's prestige market, with buyers circling family homes in established blue-chip pockets.
'At the top end the market is pretty good,' Ms Nido said.
'There's a number of buyers who have made money from IPOs and are in the market for properties in the $15m to $50m range. They want good locations, a large land size, proximity to leading schools and good design. Some people specifically like character homes.
'At this level, it is not a one-size-fits-all market, with some buyers attracted to character-filled homes and others chasing more modern properties. But the fundamentals of natural light, connection to gardens and good amenities remain sought after.'
Recent top-end sales in the area include 53 Rose Street, Armadale, the home of interior designer Melissa Giuffrida. It fetched close to $9m. The lowdown on high-end sales Lisa Allen Associate Editor & Editor, Mansion Australia
Lisa Allen is an Associate Editor of The Australian, and is Editor of The Weekend Australian's property magazine, Mansion Australia. Lisa has been a senior reporter in business and property with the paper since 2012. She was previously Queensland Bureau Chief for The Australian Financial Review and has written for the BRW Rich List. Property
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