Lume founder Bruce Peterson buys Elwood’s record-breaking $17m mansion

The Melbourne-based founder of The Lume and Van Gogh Alive exhibition has splurged on a $17m Bayside mansion — the “most expensive” house in its suburb.

Bruce Peterson, chief executive and founder of the Lume Gallery, has snapped up a $17m Bayside mansion. Picture: Brendan Beckett

The Melbourne-based founder of The Lume and van Gogh Alive exhibition has snapped up a Bayside mansion for about $17m.

Bruce Peterson, and his wife, Karyn, bought the Elwood dream home on Bendigo Ave, setting a new price record for the suburb.

It was sold above the initial $15m to $16.5m asking price.

Vendor Helen Argyrou listed the property with RT Edgar’s Sarah Case.

Land title documents, obtained by the Herald Sun, confirmed the Petersons purchased the property in late February, ahead of its scheduled expressions of interests period on March 14.

The Federation-era house includes five bedrooms and a world-class kitchen making a grand epicurean statement with Gaggenau appliances including steam ovens, gas and induction cooktops.

The mansion on Bendigo Avenue, Elwood went on the market in early February. Picture: Supplied

Ms Case previously told the Herald Sun the sellers had done a “rock-star reno”, at what looks like just another Elwood front door, but has an eight-car garage beneath it, a swimming pool, room for the kids and separate lifestyle areas for the teenagers.

“It will be Elwood’s most expensive house,” she said.

Other features include a steam room, two powder rooms, large laundry with drying cupboard and chute, storage room, multiple open fireplaces.

Ms Case said the Bendigo Ave property had sparked interested buyers from Toorak to the Gold Coast, Dubai and London.

The Petersons are relocating from neighbouring Brighton, which is another grand Federation mansion purchased for $7.9m in 2017.

Mr Peterson’s company Grande Experiences, which has created the world’s largest digital art gallery, The Lume, is set to open its latest exhibition Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius next month.

Steve Smith was announced as the new chief executive of Grande Experiences and The Lume earlier this year.

Mr Peterson will chair the board of advisers.

“This strategic appointment marks a pivotal moment for both organisations, bringing on board a seasoned leader with an impressive track record across media, broadcasting, music, entertainment, event management, data analytics, and digital platforms,” a statement on the company’s website said.

Originally published as Lume founder Bruce Peterson buys Elwood’s record-breaking $17m mansion