Millionaire-only apartments to replace Toorak’s Aberfeldie

The proposed complex from Lascelles Avenue.

A millionaire-only residential project with a concierge, gym, private gardens and 42 dwellings will replace the site of Toorak’s historic Aberfeldie, which has just been razed.

Aberfeldie included an established garden with grotto.

Owned since 1912 by Melbourne’s Wettenhall family – the 4425 square metre holding was quietly and recently been snapped up by a developer for $15.2 million.

Two complexes – Lascelles Manor and Lascelles Grange – will replace it.

Aberfeldie

The Lascelles Avenue block once accommodated an c1865 homestead, a larger eight-bedroom plus three study mansion (penned for the family by renowned architect Hansen Yuncken in 1962), two studios, two sheds, a tennis court and pool.

A sunken garden with a grotto and water feature, designed by prominent architect Rodney Alsop in 1925, sat near the centre of the holding.

Residents Dr Norman Wettenhall and his father Dr Roland Wettenhall, the latter who bought Aberfeldie, were prominent Toorak identities.

Part of the estate (the corner of Toorak and Orrong roads) was subdivided in the 1960s and sold for an eight-level apartment complex.

This decision required the part-demolition of the historic but then superseded c1865 family home.

Wettenhall family members opened up Aberfeldie as part of the Open Garden Scheme for years before listing it for sale in 2014 when it was described as one of Melbourne and Toorak’s “last remaining original estates”.

It was following that campaign when a purchase agreement with a long-settlement was struck (story continues below).

At 14 Lascelles Avenue, the L-shaped site extends more than a hundred metres to Orrong Road – a busy thoroughfare serviced by public transport, and where high-rise apartment development is allowed.

The redevelopment

Marshall White launched the apartment campaign last week.

Designed by Christopher Doyle Architects, the project will contain gardens by John Patrick Landscaping.

Upon completion by Pomeroy Pacific in late 2019, the village will include Lascelles Manor – a four level building with 22 dwellings fronting Lascelles Ave.

Another four storey complex with 20 units, Lascelles Grange, will be constructed off Orrong Rd.

The cheapest apartments – configured with two bedrooms – are priced at $1.085m (but the average two bedroom is $1.6m).

A three bedroom penthouse with a study costs $4.895m.

Continuing a trend in Melbourne’s suburban apartment sector, buyers can combine more than a residence.

Marcus Chiminello and Brendan Allen are the agents.

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Marc Pallisco

A freelance property writer and experienced analyst, Marc is the co-founder of realestatesource.com.au