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Herald Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Melbourne University sells historic Parkville mansion Cumnock
A landmark Parkville mansion once home to the University of Melbourne's vice-chancellor has sold. The university purchased the property for $7.1m in 2017, but had left it vacant in recent months after declaring it surplus to requirements. Industry sources have suggested it has attracted an offer within its advertised price range of $7.9-$8.69m. Its listing earlier this year came shortly after the institution publicly committed to repay $72m in staff underpayments dating back to 2014. RELATED: Cricket great's former home hits market Whisk taker: Dessert Masters winner's $100k gamble Myer family reveal new look for $100m estate Known as Cumnock, the historic Italianate estate at 160-162 The Avenue was designed in 1889 by Windsor Hotel architect Charles Webb and occupies a 1376sq m corner block directly opposite Royal Park. The impressive residence was listed for sale last month, and late last week was marked as under offer. A property industry figure told The Herald Sun there had been strong and qualified interest in the address, particularly for its proximity to the Melbourne CBD. University of Melbourne Chief Operating Officer Katerina Kapobassis confirmed the divestment was underway at the start of May and said the property had previously housed a Vice-Chancellor and was used 'regularly for official University functions and activities.' 'A property within the University of Melbourne's portfolio is in the process of being divested. The University has adhered to relevant legislative requirements regarding the sale,' she said. Handled by Nelson Alexander Carlton North's Stephanie Hawke and Nicholas West, who declined to comment on the result or buyer. At the time of listing, Mr West described the home as Parkville's 'crown jewel,' citing its scale, architectural significance and rare parkland setting. 'Most Italianate mansions of this scale are tightly packed into inner suburbs like Carlton,' he said. 'But here you've got open parkland across the road, minimal surrounding density, and incredible privacy, that's almost unheard of.' Originally built for stock and station agent George Howat, Cumnock remained in his family until 1919 before it was acquired by Anglican theological institution Ridley College. It was held for decades before being sold to developer Drapac, who then sold it to the university. Behind its grand Corinthian-columned facade, the home features a pressed-metal entry hall, formal dining and sitting rooms, a library, and a state-of-the-art kitchen with Miele appliances and custom cabinetry. French doors open to a leafy courtyard with a fish pond centrepiece. Upstairs, a rumpus leads to a wraparound balcony and turret with sweeping park views. The main suite features a marble ensuite, with three further bedrooms sharing a designer bathroom with a freestanding bath. The four-bedroom mansion includes eleven principal rooms, nine original fireplaces, a turreted viewing tower and wine cellar, and has long been considered one of Parkville's grandest private residences. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Cricket great's former home hits market Metro Tunnel turns Shrine into hot property No more 'awkward conversations': wild rental crisis solution
Sydney Morning Herald
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Sydney Morning Herald
Historic mansions and seaside manors: Here are the top homes for sale
From grand Victoria mansions to palm-fringed pools in sought after suburbs, these are the pick of Australia's luxury properties on the market right now. 160-162 The Avenue, Parkville Vic Opposite Royal Park, this Italianate mansion with a turret tower is a head-turner. Designed by noted architect Charles Webb (of Windsor Hotel fame), the light-filled heritage rooms sit well with a contemporary renovation. The kitchen-dining space opens to a terrace with a pond – a place to relax in for the next custodians. 'It's in a tranquil setting,' the agent says. 10 Farleigh Grove, Brighton Vic Hidden in a cul-de-sac, this designer home has an edgy appeal. Architects Pleysier Perkins' creative vision includes a moody lounge and glamorous family room with timber-lined ceiling, a stunning kitchen and luxe finishes. Vertical gardens, a pool, a sauna and a courtyard are skilfully integrated, while high-tech extras add to the appeal. Step out to Church Street. 109 Manning Road, Woollahra NSW Positioned opposite the green expanse of Cooper Park and boasting a heated pool and terraced gardens by Secret Gardens, this elegant home sits within easy reach of top schools and Bondi Junction shops and station. The selection of living spaces includes a light-filled library/sitting room opening onto a private terrace that is perfect for morning coffee.
The Age
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Age
Historic mansions and seaside manors: Here are the top homes for sale
From grand Victoria mansions to palm-fringed pools in sought after suburbs, these are the pick of Australia's luxury properties on the market right now. 160-162 The Avenue, Parkville Vic Opposite Royal Park, this Italianate mansion with a turret tower is a head-turner. Designed by noted architect Charles Webb (of Windsor Hotel fame), the light-filled heritage rooms sit well with a contemporary renovation. The kitchen-dining space opens to a terrace with a pond – a place to relax in for the next custodians. 'It's in a tranquil setting,' the agent says. 10 Farleigh Grove, Brighton Vic Hidden in a cul-de-sac, this designer home has an edgy appeal. Architects Pleysier Perkins' creative vision includes a moody lounge and glamorous family room with timber-lined ceiling, a stunning kitchen and luxe finishes. Vertical gardens, a pool, a sauna and a courtyard are skilfully integrated, while high-tech extras add to the appeal. Step out to Church Street. 109 Manning Road, Woollahra NSW Positioned opposite the green expanse of Cooper Park and boasting a heated pool and terraced gardens by Secret Gardens, this elegant home sits within easy reach of top schools and Bondi Junction shops and station. The selection of living spaces includes a light-filled library/sitting room opening onto a private terrace that is perfect for morning coffee.
Herald Sun
01-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Melbourne University lists Parkville mansion with tower, garden views and heritage detail
The University of Melbourne has quietly listed an iconic Parkville mansion designed by the architect behind Melbourne's Windsor Hotel, with a record-setting $7.9m-$8.69m price guide. Property documents confirm the university purchased the grand Italianate residence at 160-162 The Avenue, known as Cumnock, for $7.1m in 2017. Completed in 1889 and designed by Charles Webb, the famed architect behind the Windsor, Royal Arcade, Mandeville Hall and South Melbourne Town Hall, the four-bedroom, double-storey home occupies a 1376sq m corner block directly opposite Royal Park. RELATED: Must-see $9m Melb mansion stuns buyers Shock move in Melbourne home prices revealed Asian mural creates backyard resort-style oasis at Melb home Nelson Alexander Carlton North director Nicholas West said the home had been used by the university as a residence but was now 'superfluous to their needs.' 'It's been renovated and upgraded since the university acquired it (there are) new fixtures, fittings, and amenities throughout, but now it's sitting vacant and ready for the next chapter,' Mr West said. The listing also comes about six months after the university committed to repay $72m in wages to staff it underpaid between 2014 and 2024. Launched to market this week, the property has already drawn interest from families, professionals and commercial buyers, with some considering repurposing it as consulting rooms or executive space, subject to council approval. Set across two levels, Cumnock includes eleven principal rooms, nine original fireplaces, two staircases, a wine cellar, and a turreted viewing tower. There are also three secure car spaces with access from Walker St. It's impressive array of features could help it break a suburb price record the university set itself when it purchased the home. The home's entry hall, flanked by Corinthian columns and soaring ceilings blends heritage opulence with modern luxury. Period details including stained-glass windows, archways and decorative cornicing have been preserved. Key living spaces include a formal dining room with garden views, a grand sitting room, library or home office, and a state-of-the-art kitchen with Miele appliances, custom cabinetry and an expansive meals area opening to a sun-drenched terrace. French doors lead out to a private courtyard with a fish pond centrepiece, surrounded by leafy landscaping. A two-zoned bathroom, powder room and full laundry round out the ground floor. Upstairs, a spacious rumpus room opens to a wraparound balcony and the turret's lookout, with sweeping views over the park. The main suite features a marble ensuite, while three further oversized bedrooms share a designer bathroom with a freestanding bath and separate toilet. Originally built for stock and station agent George Howat, the property was acquired by Ridley College in 1919 and held for decades before passing through several owners. The home underwent further renovations before being acquired by the university. Mr West said the position added to its prestige. 'Most Italianate mansions of this scale are tightly packed into inner suburbs like Carlton,' he said. 'But here you've got open parkland across the road, minimal surrounding density, and incredible privacy, that's almost unheard of.' The Nelson Alexander Carlton North director described it as Parkville's 'crown jewel'. Records show the University owns dozens of properties around Melbourne, including its Royal Pde campus and three other buildings in Parkville the most prominent being a former training centre for the Salvation Army that has now been converted to student accommodation. The University of Melbourne has been contacted. Expressions of interest for Cumnock close Tuesday, May 27 at 5pm. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Inside quirky Kinglake house made from 13,569 bottles 'Just three properties': Aus rental crisis hits new breaking point RCA: Cafe in Melbourne's inner north comes with unusual feature
News.com.au
01-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Melbourne University lists Parkville mansion with tower, garden views and heritage detail
The University of Melbourne has quietly listed an iconic Parkville mansion designed by the architect behind Melbourne's Windsor Hotel, with a record-setting $7.9m-$8.69m price guide. Property documents confirm the university purchased the grand Italianate residence at 160-162 The Avenue, known as Cumnock, for $7.1m in 2017. Completed in 1889 and designed by Charles Webb, the famed architect behind the Windsor, Royal Arcade, Mandeville Hall and South Melbourne Town Hall, the four-bedroom, double-storey home occupies a 1376sq m corner block directly opposite Royal Park. Nelson Alexander Carlton North director Nicholas West said the home had been used by the university as a residence but was now 'superfluous to their needs.' 'It's been renovated and upgraded since the university acquired it (there are) new fixtures, fittings, and amenities throughout, but now it's sitting vacant and ready for the next chapter,' Mr West said. The listing also comes about six months after the university committed to repay $72m in wages to staff it underpaid between 2014 and 2024. Launched to market this week, the property has already drawn interest from families, professionals and commercial buyers, with some considering repurposing it as consulting rooms or executive space, subject to council approval. Set across two levels, Cumnock includes eleven principal rooms, nine original fireplaces, two staircases, a wine cellar, and a turreted viewing tower. There are also three secure car spaces with access from Walker St. It's impressive array of features could help it break a suburb price record the university set itself when it purchased the home. The home's entry hall, flanked by Corinthian columns and soaring ceilings blends heritage opulence with modern luxury. Period details including stained-glass windows, archways and decorative cornicing have been preserved. Key living spaces include a formal dining room with garden views, a grand sitting room, library or home office, and a state-of-the-art kitchen with Miele appliances, custom cabinetry and an expansive meals area opening to a sun-drenched terrace. French doors lead out to a private courtyard with a fish pond centrepiece, surrounded by leafy landscaping. A two-zoned bathroom, powder room and full laundry round out the ground floor. Upstairs, a spacious rumpus room opens to a wraparound balcony and the turret's lookout, with sweeping views over the park. The main suite features a marble ensuite, while three further oversized bedrooms share a designer bathroom with a freestanding bath and separate toilet. Originally built for stock and station agent George Howat, the property was acquired by Ridley College in 1919 and held for decades before passing through several owners. The home underwent further renovations before being acquired by the university. Mr West said the position added to its prestige. 'Most Italianate mansions of this scale are tightly packed into inner suburbs like Carlton,' he said. 'But here you've got open parkland across the road, minimal surrounding density, and incredible privacy, that's almost unheard of.' The Nelson Alexander Carlton North director described it as Parkville's 'crown jewel'. Records show the University owns dozens of properties around Melbourne, including its Royal Pde campus and three other buildings in Parkville the most prominent being a former training centre for the Salvation Army that has now been converted to student accommodation. The University of Melbourne has been contacted. Expressions of interest for Cumnock close Tuesday, May 27 at 5pm.
