"I took a buyer through it. Her reaction? "WOW!"

7NEWS

4 days ago

For the first time in over a decade, a stunning Federation-era, home at 38 Rockley Road, South Yarra is on the market with a price guide of $8.5 million - $9 million.
It's epitome of the quiet luxury trend, unassuming from the street, but no expense spared in it's incredible architectural glow up.
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Built in 1911 as part of the prestigious Howey Estate, this home sits on a generous 1,006 m block in a quiet and exclusive cul-de-sac.
It is a beautiful example of Melbourne's Arts and Crafts architectural movement.
When the Arts and Crafts movement hit Australia in the late 1800s, the country was bouncing back from the depression of the 1890s, and by 1901, the colonies had officially joined forces to become the Commonwealth of Australia.
People were ready for a fresh start-and that included rethinking the way homes were built and designed. Australians started moving away from the stiff, formal look of British architecture and leaning into something more relaxed, honest, and down-to-earth.
Think wide verandahs, exposed timber beams, handcrafted details, and built-in furniture that was both beautiful and practical.
There was a real focus on natural materials, solid craftsmanship, and making spaces that felt warm, functional, and connected to the landscape. It was about creating homes that really worked for everyday life.
This historically significant home has undergone a meticulous multi-year transformation by acclaimed architect Dale Fisher, seamlessly blending its original 1911 charm with cutting-edge design.
Listing agent Tom Hayne of Marshall White Stonnington said: "The current owner says, it's a brand new home in heritage shell"
"It's been fully renovated in the last five years, and it sits at the highest point of the road so it has all of these incredible vantage points and views," Hayne said.
Upon entering the home, called 'Madalay', visitors are greeted by sun-drenched interiors, wide Victorian Ash floors, striking black steel-framed doors, and original leadlight windows.
The distinctive hexagonal reception hall, synonymous with the Arts and Crafts movement, leads to a stately library and a sophisticated media room, both featuring marble fireplaces.
The heart of the home is an expansive, open-plan living and dining area set within a soaring "conservatory"-style pavilion, warmed by a stylish Philippe Chiminee fireplace.
"It has so many living areas and even though it's currently styled as a five bedroom, it could easily be six bedrooms with four living areas," said Hayne.
If you are a keen chef, you can develop your Japanese stir frying skills as the entertainer's kitchen boasts a top-of-the-line Wolf oven with a teppanyaki plate, a massive 3.5m Carrara marble island bench, a Sub-Zero fridge/freezer, a Vintec wine fridge, and a fully equipped butler's pantry.
Outside, steel bi-fold doors open to a serene north-east facing garden oasis, complete with a bluestone terrace, lush lawns, a BBQ area, a firepit with built-in seating, and a heated pool and spa.
The luxurious main bedroom suite offers a private sanctuary with a grand marble fireplace, an elegant bay window, bespoke walk-in robes, and a stunning marble-clad ensuite with a mother-of-pearl mosaic steam shower.
Upstairs, a dedicated zone features four additional bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious rumpus room with its own ensuite and private entrance, ideal for guests, lucky teenagers or uni students craving their own space.
Hayne said: "The big benefit for buyers is that all the hard work's been done, it's turn key and ready for a young family to enjoy it and live in it for generations."
"I took a buyer through it. Her reaction? "WOW!"