Five grand Australian mansions for sale right now
Do you want to live out your wildest Downton Abbey fantasies but don’t fancy the British climate?
From grand country estates with hectares to spare to inner-city mansions on bustling streets, there’s no shortage of impressive historical properties with commercial potential here in Australia.
We’ve rounded up some of the most spectacular properties currently on the market that hark back to a bygone era.
Wavetree, Kent Town SA
Situated on one of Adelaide’s most famous streets, this C.1865 bluestone and sandstone mansion is one of the city’s most recognisable buildings.
Featuring a profiled brick facade, scalloped barges, and a cantilevered balcony the two-storey property sits on an expansive 2777sqm estate.
The striking mansion once served as the home to former SA Premier Sir Frederick Holder during his tenure as inaugural Speaker of the first Australian Parliament.
While it retains its heritage charm, the property has undergone significant upgrades to include all the modern conveniences including thermal and sound insulation, ethernet and WiFi networking and a 100kW solar array and a 200kWh battery energy storage system.
Eildon Mansion, St Kilda, VIC
This Renaissance Revival residence could look at home in Paris, but instead, its in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda. Originally built as Barham House in 1850 for Edward Green designed by architect John Gill, the residence was substantially extended and remodelled in 1872 by the celebrated firm Reed & Barnes for pastoralist John Laing Currie at which time it was renamed Eildon. More recently, the mansion served as the home of Alliance Française de Melbourne, previously Victoria’s largest French language school.
Set across an expansive 2,203 square metre landholding, the property is rich in period detail, featuring soaring ceilings, ornate finishes and a masterful staircase.
Offered with vacant possession, the estate presents a compelling canvas for restoration, repositioning or redevelopment (STCA), making it one of the most unique opportunities currently on the market.
Drouin West Manor, Drouin West, VIC
Set amid rolling West Gippsland countryside, 210 Stock Road, Drouin West delivers a rare fusion of grand heritage living and expansive gardens, just over an hour from Melbourne.
Occupying approximately 5.02 hectares, the estate is anchored by a meticulously restored Victorian residence that boasts ornate ceilings, leadlight windows, decorative fireplaces and original timber floors. The main home is complemented by multiple living zones, formal entertaining spaces and a separate caretaker’s dwelling.
The picturesque gardens include a lake, conservatory and sweeping lawns to create a setting that evolves with the seasons, while additional infrastructure including a barn, machinery sheds and a full-sized tennis court enhance both lifestyle and functionality
Anlaby Station, Hamilton SA
The historic South Australian estate at 829 Anlaby Road, Hamilton, is considered mainland Australia’s oldest operational merino stud, with nationally significant gardens so expansive they were once tended to by 14 gardeners.
Established in 1839 by Frederick Dutton, the estate is anchored by the grand 166-year-old, 35-room Victorian homestead featuring eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, two libraries, two dining rooms, sitting rooms, and a billiard room.
Anlaby is also home to Australia’s largest private collection of National Trust-listed heritage trees, with more than 648 specimens from around the world.
Ormiston House, Strahan Tasmania
Built in 1899 in the Queen Anne Federation style using solid brick and timber, heritage-listed Ormiston House is located on the shores of Macquarie Harbour in Strahan, on Tasmania’s west coast.
It currently operates as a private hotel with five ensuite rooms, a commercial kitchen, manager’s two-bed apartment, garage and carport.
The property is being sold by NAI Harcourts Tasmania and is asking for $1.2 million.
