Brighton: Mansion brings a touch of France to Melbourne, just minutes from the beach
A French chateau-style mansion just minutes from Brighton beach is offering Melbourne buyers a chance at European-style glam, including elements inspired by the Palace of Versailles. See inside.
If you’ve ever dreamt of waking up in a Parisian chateau but with Brighton beach on your doorstep, this might just be your chance.
The French-inspired mansion at 25 Menzies Ave, Brighton, is for sale with a $6.5m-$6.75m asking range.
Named Chantilly, it’s one of the suburb’s most striking homes, with an ivy-covered facade and mansard slate roof that wouldn’t look out of place in the European countryside.
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Designed by noted architect Rob Mills, the four-bedroom house offers a north-facing garden, a 16m-long solar-heated pool and a main bedroom suite with a balcony.
Owners Sharon and Alan Chandler are selling after 14 years at the home, known as Chantilly.
After years travelling through France, they bought the abode when searching for a residence
with a similar sense of romance to traditional chateaus.
“From the moment we walked in, we knew this was our home,” Ms Chandler said.
“The scale, the craftsmanship, the way the light moves through the house — it just felt like it was built for us.”
Set on a corner block, the home is framed by manicured hedges and climbing vines.
The entrance hall features a wrought-iron staircase and handcrafted Versailles parquetry flooring, a style that traces its origins back to the 1680s when geometric timber patterned panels were introduced as an alternative to traditional marble flooring.
Venetian plaster walls, a hallmark of Mills’ designs, add to the sense of old-world elegance, while French doors and large windows allow natural light to flood every room.
The provincial-style kitchen features natural timber benchtops and a Falcon stove.
And north-facing garden is a private oasis, with a solar-heated swimming pool, terrace with automated awnings and plenty of greenery.
“We’ve had some incredible moments here,” Mr Chandler said.
“One of the most special was my mum’s 96th birthday party.
“We had all the family gathered outside, the doors were open, the garden was glowing in the afternoon light — it was just perfect.”
Upstairs, the main bedroom suite has an ensuite with underfloor heating and a dressing room.
Additional features include a basement cinema, wine cellar, office and parking for six cars.
The Chandlers’ lifestyle has shifted in recent years and they are selling up with plans to spend more time farm in regional Victoria.
Whitefox Bayside director Lana Samuels said that Chantilly felt like an authentic French property.
“This is a home for a buyer who appreciates architecture, craftsmanship, and a true sense of luxury,” Ms Samuels said.
“It’s for someone who wants grand yet effortless living, in one of Melbourne’s most exclusive locations.”
Ms Samuels said the house was minutes from Brighton beach, Church St’s cafes and boutiques and some of Melbourne’s top schools.
“It’s the ultimate lock-up-and-leave property – secure, low-maintenance, and designed for effortless living,” she said.
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Originally published as Brighton: Mansion brings a touch of France to Melbourne, just minutes from the beach
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