8-9 River Retreat
Kew

In Conjunction with Tom Ryan Vendor Advocacy

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a piece of early Kew History, originally Macaulay's Boat House on land purchased in 1887, it is now one of three remaining boat houses and the only residential boat house. It is poised on the Yarra River's edge, in one of Melbourne's most prestigious waterfront cul-de-sacs, which is home to a privileged few. Surrounded by a lush and tranquil bush-like setting it offers complete privacy on an allotment spanning approximately 4,276sqm - 1 acre with 130 metres of river frontage, its peace and quiet is only disturbed by birds.

This historic residence originally constructed in the 1890s for residential purposes and developed for hiring out row boats to wealthy Kew residents now exudes warmth, unique style and character with a superb façade. Sympathetically renovated and extended preserving period attributes, it is highlighted by floor-to-ceiling picture windows delivering an abundance of natural light and stunning vistas of the surrounding gardens designed by renowned landscape architects Ellis Stones and Paul Thompson. The accommodation over two levels features formal sitting and dining, family room, meals and sunroom, upstairs rumpus room with original storage lockers. A stylish timber kitchen with Wunderlich ceiling, WIP and Miele appliances, adjacent powder room, bathroom and laundry. Complemented by five upstairs bedrooms or four plus a study and period-style bathroom with claw foot bath. The garden offers a choice of outdoor living spaces overlooking a small billabong and includes a pretty garden room currently used as a garden shed. Other features include alarm, hydronic heating (downstairs), gas and OFPs, R/C air conditioners (5), gas mains BBQ, roof storage, cellar, off-street parking for 4/5 cars and turning area plus a river's edge pontoon.

This rare and breathtaking property is enviably located in the highly regarded Studley Park precinct, only minutes from Kew Junction shopping including Leo's Fine Foods, Toscanos, cafes, restaurants and the Yarra Boulevard parklands; plus easy access to many of Melbourne's finest schools, public transport options for travel to the CBD - all in a lovely oasis away from the vibrant inner city nearby.