Toorak 3142 – St Georges Road
Think glitz, think glamour, think grand. Think A-listers, think CEOs, think celebrities. Think the most grandiose boulevard in the most grandiose neighbourhood. Think St Georges Road in Toorak. Perhaps the most opulent promenade in Australia and up there with the most lavish residential roads globally, St Georges Road has established a reputation of smashing consistently its own jaw-dropping price records, including a recent sale in excess of $80 million. Somewhat of a stage for the architectural pioneers of the nation where money is of second thought, this legendary avenue showcases a wide range of styles from iconic period constructions to state-of-the-art modern showpieces as well as all kinds of French, English and American influenced residences.
39-41 St Georges Road – The Stamoulis Monolith
Resembling something closer to a palace than a residential home, the mansion at 39-41 St Georges Road takes its place as one of the nation’s grandest residences. Speculation over its inspiration has varied, although it’s believed to be mainly based on American and Greek artistry. Understandable due to its ownership by property tycoon Harry Stamoulis, the land was previously home to the Baillieu estate. After Stamoulis snapped up the $24 million sale in 2010 and demolished the previous residence, he set about building Australia’s largest residential construction through high end builders Krongold Constructions. Widely thought to be an initial $30 million build, it’s believed the end cost was around the mark of $70 million. Most closely aligned to ‘Marble House’ in Rhode Island, the grand colonnaded façade, ornate high fencing and horse sculpting exude the Greek theme, while inside it’s believed a ballroom with eight-metre-high ceilings has been modelled on New York’s Plaza Hotel. One of Melbourne’s most monumental residences which if ever offered for sale again, may well break into the 10-figure region.
29-31 St Georges Road – The Record Holder
$80,000,088. Yep, that was the magic number that sealed the deal for cryptocurrency casino founder Edward Craven to win the gigantic 7187 sqm approx. allotment of 29-31 St Georges Road. Craven, 26, who had already dropped close to $40 million earlier in the year on the sale of a Paul Conrad designed masterpiece around the corner on Orrong Road, is also a founder of software development company Easygo. An incredible representation of how the internet can bring wealth to youth, it seems apparent that Craven made a direct play to Chinese vendor – David Yu with his distinct offer for the property. Before Yu purchased the property in 1991 (for what now seems a savvy $5 million), previous owners had begun building a French Renaissance style mansion. The changing of hands and pure scale of the build meant the home was never fully completed, so has been vacant for decades. Now Craven, with the assistance of his friendly accomplish and architect, the renowned Paul Conrad, is planning a new build to double the value of the property, sure to make it one of the nation’s most significant.
17 St Georges Road – ‘Blair House’ c.1936
It hit the market as the most expensive home to ever do so in Victoria, yet by the time 17 St Georges Road sold on the 18th of August in 2022, it came in second to that classic just a few doors down. Similar to 29-31, this fellow estate like land holding sits on 7854 sqm. approx. Listed in the range of $65-$70 million and sold for a currently undisclosed amount, the colossal estate known as ‘Blair House’ or ‘Toorak House’ is of Georgian Revival style and was once used as Victoria’s Government House. Buyer’s agent David Morrell estimates that an additional $15 million would be required to renovate the period era home, which maintains a heritage overlay planning requirement. It was designed by architects Hughes & Orme and is set in an English garden landscape with expansive surrounding lawns and a tennis court.
81 St Georges Road – ‘Sunnyfjord’ c.1930
A local landmark in the English Domestic Revival style of architecture, the famed Sunnyjfords elevated nature, clinker brick façade and signature turret cast an impressive figure over St Georges Road. Built c1930 and protected under heritage planning, this stately residence thrills with its diamond patterned sash windows, half-timber oriel windows and asymmetrical façade. Old English architecture which often mixes with the Tudor and Arts & Crafts styles, is one of the real highlights of the Toorak neighbourhood. The property has been turned over multiple times in recent years, with the latest sale offering plans and permits for a Christopher Doyle designed extension in line with the period originality.
21 St Georges Road – ‘Toorak House’ c.1848-51
Designed by architect Samuel Jackson, ‘Toorak House’ was built for wealthy merchant James Jackson, although he never occupied the premises. The Victorian mansion was extensively extended and was used as the residence of the Governor of Victoria from 1854-74. In the Italianate style of Victorian architecture, this mansion may be the oldest surviving in the state, and still proudly showcases its brick & stucco structure, return verandah, dominant tower and stately figure. With the original outbuildings no longer, the property is now used as the Swedish Church of Victoria.
76 St Georges Road – ‘Edzell House’ c.1892
Set on excess of 6,000 square metres right on the Yarra River, this magnificent Queen Anne/Elizabethan Revival style property is quite the icon on St Georges Road. It was designed by the celebrated Reed Smart & Tappin for the Melbourne mayor at the time, James Cooper Stewart. The driveway at the time of construction was what is now St Georges Road itself. The home flaunts a legendary grand façade awash with burgundy, cream and timber tones, imposing eaves and vintage flair. What the future holds for this landmark is of great question, with the most recent sale dating back to 2013. Previous sales campaigns have pushed the idea of subdivision and the building of a grand new contemporary residence, while of course maintaining the inspired original home. The building boards have been up on the property for some time, so alike many of the great landholdings on this boulevard, it’s a case of wait and see.
When you take a stroll down the glorious St Georges Road you’ll be hit by an imposing sense of grand, scale and opulence, yet this sumptuous boulevard shares a feeling of vacancy. Huge empty lots (with many like this decades), massive construction sites looking months if not years away from nearing completion and properties that are perhaps more of a showpiece than a home, with their wealthy owners engaged in global matters are commonplace along St Georges Road. Without a doubt one of Melbourne’s most magnificent streetscapes with designs dating back to Melbourne’s modern inception, St Georges Road simultaneously owns a stunning sense of what’s to come.
