Vista Grove: Yarra River Toorak reno for sale the best of the best

June 17, 2024

Some savvy sleuthing scored Lyn Rockman her beloved Toorak home, overlooking the Yarra River, six and a half years ago.

Ms Rockman lived on Vista Grove before securing the eye-catching 1980s build at No. 14A, and one day noticed the then-owner doing something unusual.

“He came out with a paintbrush and I literally ran out and said, ‘are you selling?! Put your paintbrush away, let’s do a deal’,” she said.

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“(I had) never seen him doing anything to his house before.

“I just loved it. But it did need a lot of work. We set about upgrading it and it was gutted in 2018.”

Together with luxury builder Head Homes and a designer from InArte Studio, she created a sleek 21st-century home with matt black granite floors, in-slab hydronic heating, noise-cancelling windows, a Gaggenau chef’s kitchen, an integrated Miele fridge and freezer, solar panels and electric car charger.

Ms Rockman has now listed the revamped gem with a $9m-$9.9m asking price.

High ceilings, architectural poles and expansive windows also feature throughout the four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence.

“It is an arty, architectural house. I always try to emphasise that,” she said.

“And it just features art very well because (the walls) have got different proportions.”

It also has a striking salt pool overlooking Alexander Ave, which was tiled to mirror the natural green colour of the Yarra River.

It also been a great source of entertainment for Ms Rockman, her two children and their friends.

But it is the main bedroom with a balcony that holds a special part of her heart.

“I wake up of a morning and look at the water. You wouldn’t think the Yarra can be so lovely,” Ms Rockman said.

“There’s rowing, runners; things are moving.

“You don’t feel like you’re behind walls, you’re seeing the world move and you feel like you’re in it.”

The main sleeping quarters also feature a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite, while the other three bedrooms are zoned to a “children’s wing” with two bathrooms and a retreat,

She said the 665sq m property’s closeness to the city, nearby walking tracks, local schools and the overall design were also highlights.

And while it may be in Melbourne’s swankiest suburb, Ms Rockman said the modern home felt more like it belonged in trendy South Yarra.

“I always say it’s South Yarra without the parking problems,” Ms Rockman said.

“It is the best house I’ve ever lived in.”

Ms Rockman is selling to move closer to her daughter.

RT Edgar Toorak agent Max Ruttner said the home was “the best of the best”, describing it as having a “Bondi-esque” feel.

“The attention to detail that the owner has gone to in redesigning the home is of an extremely high standard,” the agent said.

“The pool is incredible, the views are amazing and it’s a private, peaceful location in Toorak.”

Mr Ruttner said the property would likely attract a buyer with an eye for architecture and design, as well as young professionals and international families.

It will be sold via an expressions of interest campaign closing February 28.

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alanah.frost@news.com.au

Originally published as Vista Grove: Yarra River Toorak reno for sale the ‘best of the best’

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