Behold, the antiquities of the suburbs

When property baron Harry Stamoulis decided to build a $50 million-plus Toorak mansion, he enlisted a stone mason to create a handcrafted Greek frieze.

On the wide leafy St Georges Road, passersby pause to gawk at the intricate carvings of writhing horses and humans.

They unfurl above the enormous front door, beneath soaring Acropolis-style colonnades.

Over in Prahran, acclaimed architect Michael Munckton incorporated a grotto into his elegant Prahran townhouse, which was on the market earlier this year.

The softly lit internal grotto with classic urns off the kitchen was among the pluralism of styles in the multi-million dollar home, inspired by Munkton’s travels.

But it’s not just prestige postcodes where ancient art and design is being reimagined.

Behold, the antiquities of the suburbs.

Stone cherubs are an old-school staple in gardens across Melbourne but some home owners are taking appreciation of the classics to another level, at great expense and, occasionally, controversy.

In Melbourne’s west, the David of Caroline Springs divided neighbours earlier this year with his commanding presence in a front garden.

Homeowner Amanda Perkovic purchased the 4m high replica of the great Italian sculptor’s Renaissance masterpiece, on display at the Galleria dell’Accademia Museum in Florence, in memory of her late parents.

But his wedding tackle on display in a quiet suburban street offended Ms Perkovic’s neighbours.

However, the local council ruled David could stay, and no permit was needed.

On a similar size scale, the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, and a rendition could be yours for up to $1500.

Melbourne businessman Edward Banks founded Terracotta Warriors Australia with his brother Duncan and sell small figures at $50 a pop, or a striking, 200cm, 200kg likeness for $1499.

One customer ordered several large warriors – their own small army – and orders are growing year to year.

The originals are on display in an archaeological necropolis and UNESCO World Heritage site in Shaanxi province, China. Mr Banks keeps his – ready to be shipped, around the country – in a warehouse in Springvale.

“It is difficult to define who is purchasing them, but a lot have been to China and have seen the warriors and want a safe way to have them in their own homes and gardens,” Mr Banks said.

“The largest are probably the most popular, but we have a number of clients who have smaller gardens. I am looking at one on my balcony in Port Melbourne right now.”