Country estates and designs unlike anything else: 8 of the best high-end homes for sale right now

For wealthy buyers hoping to buy themselves an extravagant Christmas present, any these eight listings could be the cherry on top of their festive season.

Our top picks from the prestige property market include an astonishing residence in Kew, a house with glorious views near Berry, and a castle-like residence in Brookfield.

Kew

An other-worldly residence from award-winning Bojan Simic, The Orb House is packed with the best-of-the-best finishes, from the Grigio Versilia marble and American oak to the Liebherr, Scholtes and Miele appliances.

Close to Yarra River parkland and top schools, the property has a showcase cellar, solar power and a unique office.

Outside, you’ll find a private courtyard with generous decking and a self-cleaning swimming pool.

Kay & Burton Hawthorn agent Sam Wilkinson is taking expressions of interest with a $5.5 million-to-$6 million guide. Offers will close on December 14.

Broughton Vale

There are sweeping views of pastures and the surrounding lush valleys from this TDDP Architects-designed house, situated on 40 hectares.

Timber, corrugated steel and masonry have been artfully used to help the house blend in with its surroundings.

The property, a two-hour drive from Sydney, also boasts its own rainforest valley, creek and waterfall.

Nick Dale from Belle Property Berry is leading the campaign, which has a $4.5 million price guide.

Toorak

Huge expanses of glass have been used to dramatic effect in this Nic Bochsler-designed property, framing picturesque garden views.

Set on 2000 square metres and boasting a tennis court, pool and self-contained apartment, the home has a granite kitchen and a main suite with city views.

There’s also a Japanese-inspired garden, CCTV, two automatic gates and a bar.

Expressions of interest will close on December 9 through Marcus Chiminello of Marshall White Stonnington, who is quoting a $13.8 million-to-$15.1 million price guide.

Brookfield

Bring your horse, your tennis rackets and your swimmers and spend summer in the great outdoors at Arcadia, a semi-rural lifestyle retreat set on just over a hectare on a north-facing hilltop.

There’s plenty of room to host friends and family with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple large living spaces, plus a self-contained studio upstairs.

Apart from the tennis court, pool and equine facilities, the grounds boast a vineyard, fruit trees and a majestic fig tree.

Matt O’Neill of Belle Property Toowong is fielding offers until December 12.

Noosa Heads

Architects Bligh Voller Nield have created a striking contemporary home on this corner block in Elysium Noosa, where residents have access to the Rec Club gym, pool and tennis courts and the surrounding beautifully maintained gardens and parkland.

Offering four bedrooms and two bathrooms, the property has double-height ceilings, timber detailing, a Gaggenau kitchen and a north-facing outdoor entertaining area complete with pool.

Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach are less than 10 minutes away by car.

Sean Cary from Sean Cary Real Estate will take the property to auction on December 7.

Bellevue Hill

It’s a five-minute walk to the Plumer Road shops from this three-level home which captures harbour and district views from the top floor.

The main living level features open-plan living spaces that include a stone kitchen with a four-metre island bench and butler’s pantry.

There’s also a media room and a guest room with walk-in wardrobe and en suite. There are three more bedrooms upstairs and a fifth bedroom at entry level.

Additional features include timber floors, a Jetmaster fireplace, garaging for two cars and a pool.

Michael Pallier of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

Mudgeeraba

There’s plenty of room for the two residences at this rural property, set across more than 3.7 hectares of countryside in the Gold Coast hinterland.

The main homestead offers up contemporary design with a resort-style flourish, and has six-metre-high ceilings, several living areas and a gourmet kitchen with Miele appliances.

The self-contained villa has vaulted ceilings, a deck and two bedrooms, each with en suites, while a pool and a pool-side terrace bridge the gap between the two homes.

Karen McDonald from Gold Coast Property Sales and Rentals is quoting a $1.5 million-plus guide.

Kingscliff

Summer entertaining is sorted at this Scott Carpenter-designed property set a short walk from the beach and Salt Village eateries.

There are two large patios overlooking the level garden and north-facing pool, plus balconies on either side of the upper-level living spaces.

There are four bedrooms, two upstairs and two down, plus a self-contained studio with separate entry that could be used as a home office.

Leanne Morris from LS Properties is seeking expressions of interest.