At a glance:
* Beautifully preserved Victorian façade
* Formal heritage rooms with marble fireplaces and ornate detail
* Contemporary architectural extension reimagined
* Sculptural glass and steel rear pavilion
* Landscaping by Renata Fairhall
* Lower-level living opening to pool and courtyard
* Six generously appointed bedrooms, including two of grand proportions that offer grand scale
* Basement 3 car garage plus ample off-street parking with internal access
Abode
Standing within the leafy prestige of Gordon Grove, Yarranook (c1907) is an exquisite fusion of late-Victorian craftsmanship and contemporary architectural excellence.
Originally constructed in 1907 and later reimagined under the direction of architect John Demos, the residence balances the romance of its late Victorian façade while unfolding into a series of bold, light-filled modern spaces.
What immediately distinguishes the home is the remarkable quality of both its heritage preservation and its contemporary evolution, unified by the careful use of natural light throughout. Nowhere is this more evident than in the luminous glass pavilion that anchors the rear.
Rather than a simple open-plan addition, the extension is conceived as a sculptural glass and steel form, operating almost as an internal courtyard. Angled framing draws the eye upward while pulling northern light deep into the home.
The original façade remains beautifully intact, anchoring the home's historical authority. Hallmarks of the c1907 construction remain clearly legible in the solid red brickwork, decorative iron lacework, symmetrical Victorian proportions, generous ceiling heights and formal rooms.
Within the original rooms, the home retains a quiet gravitas. Marble fireplaces, detailed cornices and full-height windows preserve the formal grandeur typical of late-Victorian residences and fireplaces.
This is where architectural restraint is clearly expressed: the heritage rooms were allowed to remain properly formal, rather than being over-opened or diluted. The result is a floorplan that offers genuine zoning, character and historical integrity.
Outside, the design is accentuated by an established garden, reinforcing the sense that the home sits quietly within its landscape rather than on display. Expansive entertaining spaces further enhance the setting, highlighted by an impressive 120sqm (approx.) deck that invites large-scale gatherings or relaxed outdoor living year-round. This leafy buffering is particularly valuable in Gordon Grove, a streetscape known for its prestige and tightly held homes.
Beneath the heritage formality, the home shifts into a more relaxed, almost resort-like mode. The basement garage and lower-level living zones integrate seamlessly with the pool and courtyardan efficient use of the site that maximises valuable land.
Throughout, the detailing remains restrained: full-height glazing, a linear lap pool and seamless indooroutdoor transitions. It is a confident contemporary layer that never competes with the Victorian frontage.
Area
Long regarded as one of South Yarra's most tightly held pockets, Gordon Grove is prized for its quiet residential prestige. Moments from the Botanical Gardens, Yarra River, Melbourne's most prestigious schools and village shopping, this gorgeous home is situated amongst Melbourne's treasures, with easy connection to everything the city has to offer.
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