‘Rathgar’ - Timeless Landmark Luxury
Showcasing a sublime synthesis of Victorian heritage grandeur and contemporary family liveability, the lavish appointments and exquisite fit-out of this architecturally renovated landmark Brighton home epitomises the utmost in refined resort-style living and grand-scale entertaining, privately cocooned in gloriously landscaped grounds, just moments to Brighton Beach.
Set behind automated gates on blue-chip land measuring almost a third of an acre (1,272 square metres*) a majestic Canary Island Date Palm is the hero of the designer gardens and lush lawns. Edged by iron lacework, a majestic limestone verandah wraps around the double-fronted circa-1884 brick residence, ‘Rathgar’, which has undergone an uncompromised renovation by Stephen Akehurst, resulting in a timeless family sanctuary that embodies a sense of warmth, style and soul. Resplendent with ornate plaster-work, marble fireplaces, silk curtains, and French crystal chandeliers, the original front rooms include a grand entry hall, a formal lounge, the principal bedroom with marble ensuite, a double-desk fitted study and luxe powder room. The home’s generously proportioned dimensions have been recently enhanced with resurfaced blackbutt flooring and new pure wool loop pile carpets. Effortlessly accommodating all family members’ needs, there are multiple living, leisure, and working-from-home spaces with the piece-de-resistance a custom-fitted home cinema that exceeds commercial ‘gold class’ standards. The expansive open plan main living space is anchored by a hand-laid Howqua stone wood fireplace, while the adjoining showstopping culinary space will dazzle with custom joinery, a scullery, Carrara marble benchtops and integrated appliances including a Liebherr fridge/freezer and a Paul Bocuse Rosieres freestanding cooker. French doors open out to the stunning limestone and bluestone paved alfresco area with built-in brand-new gas-plumbed barbecue, and across a lush lawn is the 14-metre-long fully-tiled solar/gas heated swimming pool and 12-person spa.
The upper-level accommodation includes another living area/retreat, and three beautifully appointed bedrooms all with built-in robes, desks, and custom window storage seats that function as sofas or guest beds, and lovely treetop/ neighbourhood outlooks, with one having city skyline glimpses. Two of the bedrooms share a cleverly laid-out marble bathroom with built-in petit bath, shower and dual vanities, while the other bedroom has a shower ensuite.
Additional stand-out features include a driveway turntable, a self-contained studio/gym (or fifth bedroom) with shower ensuite and an exterior entrance for poolside entertaining, an outdoor shower - perfect for washing off the sand after the beach, a wine cellar, and a fabulously functional mud room that connects to the laundry with drying cabinet and laundry chute. The home has hydronic heating throughout, central air conditioning, split systems, a security system, a double garage with workshop space, garden irrigation and lighting, and a 90,000 litre underground water tank.
In this tranquil, low-traffic Brighton street, the iconic sands of Dendy Street Beach are a two minute stroll away, and it’s just moments to Church Street and Were Street Village shops, and central to a choice of outstanding schools including Brighton Grammar, Firbank Grammar, St. Leonards and Haileybury colleges.
Property Code: 3079
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