Toorak: American-Prairie-style home for sale for first time in 70 years by widow of late race car driver
This prestigious mansion in Melbourne’s inner south was built in 1914 and has only been owned by this one family ever. See what it might sell for now.
A historic American Prairie-style mansion in Toorak on one of the suburb’s most prestigious roads is up for sale for the first time in 70 years.
While the listing agent refused to comment on who the seller was, industry sources revealed Grace Davey-Milne owns the property, who is the widow of the late vintage car collector and race car driver Earl Davey-Milne.
He was known for owning a number of vintage cars.
RELATED: Bevilles jewellery family to sell $23m+ Toorak time warp
Victoria’s most expensive home sales of the past financial year revealed
Crazy rich mansions: Battle heats up to beat $80m+ record
The five-bedroom house ‘Ballara’ at 40 Lansell Rd was originally built in 1914 was designed by architect Chris Cowper, who also designed ‘Constantia’ at 9 Hilda Cres, Hawthorn and the original home at 25 Hopetoun Rd, Toorak.
It’s expected to officially hit the market this week with a $17.5m-$18.5m price tag.
Perched high on Lansell Rd, the property spans 2217sq m and includes a pool, 10-car garage and expansive gardens.
A timber-panelled reception hall greets visitors, and there is even a “smoking room” reminiscent of the residence’s history.
There are also a number of living zones, like a large billiards room and formal sitting room.
Bay windows, timber alcoves and fireplaces are also featured consistently throughout.
Kay & Burton Stonnington partner Oliver Booth said the property was one of the most-iconic homes in Toorak.
Mr Booth added that many people had always wanted to look inside as it was an incredibly solid family abode.
“The next buyer can bring it back to its former glory,” he said.
Another mansion for sale in the area is the five-bedroom house ‘Halstead’ at 12 Lansell Rd, listed with $27m-$29.7m price hopes.
It’s been on the market since February this year.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Toorak: Modernist home attracts international attention with $23m price hopes
Toorak: Ralph Carr’s ex Emma Carr splashes nearly $7m on home in Clendon Residences
Toorak: $43m in property hits market in one week
sarah.petty@news.com.au
Originally published as Toorak: American-Prairie-style home for sale for first time in 70 years by widow of late race car driver
Abusive 1am phone call shocks the entire Block
One team makes a jaw-droppingly dumb decision to deliberately lose the week, but it’s another’s 1am phone call to a shop staff member that really blows everyone away.
‘Out of control’: Vic gov urged to toughen underquoting laws
Calls for the Victorian government to strengthen underquoting legislation have grown louder amid fears that holes in the laws could undermine the underquoting task force.
Kate Langbroek’s St Kilda home passes in
Television and radio personality Kate Langbroek and her husband Peter Allan Lewis’ 169-year-old St Kilda home passed in at auction yesterday. Find out what’s happening.