A landmark of enduring beauty and remarkable provenance, 'Two Bays' (circa 1891) is one of the Mornington Peninsula's most significant offerings a rare estate where original character has been preserved, restored and thoughtfully elevated.
Its story runs deeper than architecture. Contemporary press from the early 1900s records 'Two Bays' as the seat of Two-Bays' Nurseries, then the largest fruit tree nursery in the Commonwealth with more than a million trees across 500 varieties. Established here at Somerville by the Griffiths Bros., the nursery supplied fruit trees nationally, from Melbourne to Western Australia.
Set across approximately 4.6 acres of botanical splendour, the estate unfolds through historic buildings and established gardens that continue to echo its nursery heritage. The Coach House provides self-contained two-bedroom accommodation, while a restored 1860s cottage offers scope for a private wellness retreat, with a gym, treatment rooms, sauna and plunge pool.
At the ornamental lake, gardens by internationally acclaimed Phillip Johnson Landscapes Gold Medal and Best in Show winners at the 2013 RHS Chelsea Flower Show create a striking naturalistic centrepiece.
The main residence is announced by a 'Two Bays' relief on its ornamental turret, original leadlight windows and two tessellated tile porches, opening to a broad entry foyer. Formal living and dining rooms sit beneath four-metre ceilings, while an era-aligned kitchen connects to a family dining area framed by a floor-to-ceiling box bay window.
Accommodation comprises the primary suite with walk-in robe and ensuite, three further bedrooms, two bathrooms, a second living space and a versatile fifth bedroom or study. The wet cellar, with exposed brick, timber beams, integrated wine storage and curved bar, adds another layer of heritage character, complemented by open fireplaces, a wood-burning heater, hydronic heating and Miele and Smeg appliances.
Outdoors, a wisteria-draped pergola shades a paved terrace, while an enclosed outdoor kitchen with built-in BBQ is designed for all-weather entertaining. The grounds hold a magnificent oak and three stately palms, each 100130 years old and believed to date to the nursery era, alongside descendant fruit trees and secluded garden pockets.
Adjoining the machinery shed, the original cool store once built to hold thousands of cases of fruit bound for market has been transformed into an insulated, soundproof space now used for school formals, live music and private celebrations.
Beyond its residential appeal, the scale and versatility of 'Two Bays' present considerable future potential, from private functions and weddings to boutique accommodation, subject to relevant council approvals. There is also ample scope to further enhance the estate, whether with an elegant pool, its clean stone edging and manicured lawns sitting comfortably alongside the home's period character, or a tennis court.
Further highlights include The Arbour Garden, the ornamental lake with pier, an outdoor open fireplace, expansive lawns, a three-car garage, carport and substantial storage room suited to a workshop or home gym.
A truly singular estate, 'Two Bays' represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure an irreplaceable piece of local history not simply a restored 1891 residence, but the birthplace of one of early Australia's great horticultural enterprises, minutes from Tyabb Airfield and Somerville Central and under an hour from Melbourne's CBD.
