A Historic Italianate Mansion Hits The Market In Kew
The phrase ‘they don’t make them like this anymore’ gets bandied around a lot, but there’s no denying it in the case of this MAJOR Kew house that’s for sale! Built in 1889, Ross House (formerly called Charleville), is a heritage-protected Italianate mansion designed by local architect Henry Shalless. The house has been beautifully maintained over the past 132 years, encompassing tasteful renovations celebrating its architectural pedigree. Add to this a pool, tennis court, six car garage and a huge 4,585 square metre (1.13 acres) covering landscaped grounds and you have what’s arguably Kew’s most prestigious property.
Moderated by Tomas Kauer 
A Historic Italianate Mansion Hits The Market In Kew
On The Market
Ross House (formerly called Charleville), is a heritage-protected Italianate mansion designed by local architect Henry Shallers. Photo – Arc Studio Ink. Styling – Le Loft
Built in 1889, the house has been beautifully maintained over the past 132 years. Photo – Arc Studio Ink . Styling – Le Loft
The palatial entrance sets the tone of the home interiors. Photo – Arc Studio Ink. Styling – Le Loft
The house is of both historic and architectural significance to the state of Victoria. Photo – Arc Studio Ink. Styling – Le Loft
French doors off the main living area open to the pool and entertaining area. Photo – Arc Studio Ink. Styling – Le Loft
All five bedrooms are located on the upper-storey. Photos – Arc Studio Ink. Styling – Le Loft
The huge 4,585 square metre (1.13 acres) landscaped block also includes a pool, tennis court, six car garage. Photo – Arc Studio Ink. Styling – Le Loft
The house is securely set behind remote gates. Photo – Arc Studio Ink. Styling – Le Loft
Tucked behind a grand wall and mature trees on Kew’s Cotham Road is this seriously breathtaking property that’s just hit the market.
Known as Ross House, (formerly Charleville) the two-storey mansion was built in 1889 for Charles Donaldson. Designed in the Italianate style by architect Henry Shalless, the property is of both historic and architectural significance to the state of Victoria.
Today it’s one of the most impressive houses in Melbourne, and is predicted to break the Kew house price record.
The palatial property’s incredible detailing has been preserved over time including the 4.2 metre-high ceilings, ornate open fireplaces, majestic bay windows, and grand central hallway.
Living areas are contained to the ground floor, encompassing multiple formal rooms before a tastefully renovated open-plan living domain at the rear. French doors open to the pool and entertaining area, which sits adjacent to the tennis court.
All five bedrooms are located on the upper-storey with balconies on either side. The main bedroom in particular is remarkable, opening to a huge en suite with a marble spa bath and matching vanities.
Unsurprisingly there’s no shortage of additional features, which range from a study to a pool house, and a six-car garage.
All this is a set on a block of landscaped gardens over an acre in size – almost unheard of for a property this close to the city!
Opportunities to buy homes of this scale, age and prestige are rare. In fact, the only reason the vendors came to own this property in 2003 is because they put a note in the letterbox asking if the owners would consider selling… The rest is history!
The vendors say they’ll most miss the country estate feel of the property and location, adding; ‘It’s been a pleasure to have been the seventh owners, but we look forward to hopefully seeing it sold to a new family for another 20 years of enjoyment.’
292 Cotham Road, Kew is being sold by Geordie Dixon and Peter Vigano at Jellis Craig via auction expressions of interest, closing Wednesday November 3 at 1pm, For more information, see the full listing.
