Celebrated landscape designer Paul Bangay created the garden at 2 Honybun Court, Donvale.
A large Donvale estate with extensive gardens that cost at least $2 million to create is set for a record sale.
The six-bedroom house at 2 Honybun Court with a garden, developed by renowned landscape designer Paul Bangay, is on the market with a range of $5.5 million – $6 million.
Data shows Donvale’s existing house price benchmark of $4.588 million was set by a five-bedroom house at 106 Old Warrandyte Rd in 2022.
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Located at an elevation of 4,047 metres, the outdoor space of the Honybun Court property includes manicured lawns framed by cherry blossoms, ornamental pear and ginkgo balboa trees, a children’s playground, a 120,000 liter solar and gas heated swimming pool, an entertainer’s cabana, a modern grass tennis court and a fire pit.
But the wow factor doesn’t stop there with more than 150 garden lights, including for the trees, a cast iron fountain sourced from an antique shop, an oyster shell water feature designed by Mr Bangay and a four-car garage.
Two 100,000 liter underground water tanks and dual automated irrigation systems help maintain the extensive greenery.
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The 120,000-gallon tiled pool, cabana and lighted tennis court create a resort-like atmosphere.
There are stone worktops, an Insinkerator and a Qasair built-in extractor hood in the kitchen.
One of the property’s owners, Melbourne-based nephrologist Dr Cos Stambe, said he and his wife Lisa built the house in 2009 with the aim of creating a great family home for their four children to grow up.
They also wanted a timeless French provincial look with a modern twist in the home designed by Catt Architects.
Dr. Stambe said that if the entire infrastructure of the garden was taken into account, from the water tanks to the lighting, it would have cost a total of at least $2 million for the entire project.
“There are Lilly Pillies on the outside of the whole block and it also gives a very soft feel to the house,” he said.
The garden has a fire pit and pergola with a Welsh slate roof, wooden ceiling and remote controlled awning.
The inspiration behind the house was to create a home ideal for family living.
Inside the house there is a central spiral staircase, American oak parquet floors and an open plan family and dining area with a limestone fireplace.
Dr. Stambe said the individual details of the home were second to none, citing the stairs’ forged steel balustrades, crafted by specialist steel designer Vince Turner, who used a hammer to embellish the banister with dents to give it an aged appearance.
The kitchen features a hardwood and stone island bench, a 900mm oven, an eight-burner gas hob, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawers and a butler’s utility room.
An innovative detail is the island bench leg, through which pipes for waste water run.
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A cast iron fountain and a specially designed oyster shell style water feature in the garden by Paul Bangay.
There are a total of four bathrooms in the house.
On the pool side of the house there is a climate-controlled wine cellar for 700 bottles, two home offices and a gym with a bathroom.
The master bedroom has arched windows and plantation shutters leading to a terrace, an ensuite with a sunken bath, frameless shower and double stone sinks, a dressing room and a walk-in wardrobe.
Four other bedrooms, all with walk-in closets, share two bathrooms.
The house, garden, swimming pool and tennis court seen from above.
The curved staircase with custom-made wrought steel balustrade.
Dr. Stambe said the house not only felt like a private retreat, but was also a beautiful place to host family events.
“It’s a great home for adults, but it’s an even better home for kids,” he said.
“We’re at the pool, they’re in the pool, they’re jumping on the trampoline, they’re cycling and playing cricket on the tennis court, they’re playing chase around the house.”
He and his wife are selling it now that their children are in college.
The property is zoned for Mitcham Primary School and Mullauna Secondary College, and is close to Westfield Doncaster, Eastland, the Mullum Mullum Trail and Halliday Park.
Jellis Craig partner Kristy Djordevic said the house would suit a family, possibly someone looking to leave the inner city for a green environment with plenty of space.
“That’s what this one-hectare estate has to offer. It’s quite a prestigious court and you’re surrounded by beautiful houses on other hectares,” Ms Djordevic said.
She described the home as a rare offering in the area due to the attention to detail in its construction and seven-figure garden by a renowned landscape designer.
“Just the landscaping alone, it’s insane to be at that dollar value, but Cos and his wife Lisa put their heart and soul into the design,” she added.
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