The luxurious Red Hill property for sale with three kitchens and a truffle farm

• Owners: Poss and Mark Sampieri
• Type of property: A multigenerational estate on four hectares
• Address: 17 Paringa Road, Red Hill South, Victoria

Tucked away in the gorgeous Mornington Peninsula, Red Hill radiates a charm akin to Victoria’s own Tuscany. En route to this quaint township, a corridor of towering trees cloaks the view, hiding everything but the path forward before revealing valleys and rolling hills dotted with wineries and fertile farmlands. Here, Orchard Keepers rests, a magnificent multigenerational estate cherished by Poss and Mark Sampieri.

Spanning four hectares, the property initially housed three distinct cottages, including an 1890s worker’s cottage, a main cottage transported by truck in the 1950s by then-owner Charles Little-John, and a third cottage resembling a bunkhouse of sorts. Enchanted by its trees and potential, the couple purchased the property in 2013.

“We promptly gutted the cottages, joined them with a walkway, and went through round-the-clock renovations until we opened Orchard Keepers as a guest house in October that same year,” reflects Poss. “It was really the first of its kind in the area, even before the dawn of the Airbnb era.”

Though the property had garnered much admiration and year-round bookings, the Sampieri family’s decision to make it their permanent residence led to a collaboration in 2019 with celebrated architect Clare Cousins. Tasked with bridging the old with the new, a new era unfolded for Orchard Keepers.

“Clare brilliantly reimagined the primary cottage through a complete reconstruction, connecting its historic remnants with modern elegance,” Poss says with pride. “Every design element, from the pavilion-inspired layout, the lofted spotted gum ceilings sourced from Big River Timbers, to the artisanal circular brick chimney, was meticulously chosen.”

Subsequent endeavours breathed new life into the adjoining cottage, now home to two en suite bedrooms and a casual living space – the go-to for watching movies and sports by the cosy Philippe Cheminees fireplace.

“We also expanded the estate’s footprint to include a double garage, a separate machinery shed, and a barn with a commercial kitchen, a bathroom, and an upper-floor living or workspace,” says Poss. “The worker’s cottage got a makeover too, now with a kitchen and bathroom, culminating in three council-approved kitchens – a rarity on the Mornington Peninsula.”

As the Sampieri family settled in, each member found their own haven within different corners of the property. Poss and Mark are in the primary residence; their youngest, Stella, resides in the worker’s cottage; Joel, the eldest, claims the loft-style barn, while their middle child, Mitchell, has his pick during frequent home visits. As for their English staffies, Alfie and Saffy, life is simply joyous.

“Those mischievous pups are often spotted chasing rabbits, nibbling apples from the orchard trees in season, or digging up potatoes throughout the year,” Poss says. “They’re great mates, frequently causing mischief, but, true to Staffies, spend most of their time snoozing on the couch in front of the old living room’s fireplace.”

No matter its status, be it a luxe guesthouse or a multi-generational retreat, Orchard Keepers intertwines memories and experiences into a rich familial tapestry.

“The formal living room is where we mostly unwind, with its high-pitched ceilings, hydronic-heated concrete floors, and large windows that frame views like natural artwork,” Poss says. “Adjoined is the kitchen and dining room, the family’s natural hub where Mark, a great cook, prepares meals using seasonal produce from our extensive kitchen garden – our zucchini is currently overperforming, so there’s been endless zucchini dishes on the menu.”

Outside, mature trees embellish the property, including eucalyptus trees, a cherry blossom, and a majestic 72-year-old Sequoia redwood casting shade over the central entertainer’s deck – host to countless memorable pizza nights. In May 2019, Orchard Keepers put down new roots, embracing a new venture as a truffle farm.

“After two years of groundwork, we rallied friends and family to plant 375 French oak trees – an unforgettable day that culminated in a barbecue feast and local wines on the deck,” Poss recalls. “Four years later, our initial harvest produced eight splendid truffles, symbolising not only our official production but also the full circle of this project.”

While time has seen the oak trees grow, the cottages transform, and the Sampieri family flourish, it inevitably signals another new chapter.

“We’ll cherish memories of the trees, the birds, the quick trips to the beach, and the camaraderie with neighbours, local vineyards, and eateries,” says Poss. “Orchard Keepers is ready to welcome its next keeper.

SOLD - $7,710,000

17 Paringa Road, Red Hill South VIC 3937

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