Millionaire's playground: The secret to Sorrento's everlasting appeal

To get an idea of what has lured people to Sorrento for more than 200 years, take a stroll along Millionaire’s Walk.

Tucked behind a gate in Lentell Avenue, this grassy public track meanders between some of the region’s most glamorous homes and the coastline.

On a clear day you can gaze across the bay to the Bellarine Peninsula and the Melbourne CBD, while the low cliff gives way to picture-perfect boathouses and private jetties.

Homes in this holiday playground for Victoria’s social and business elite regularly fetch $3 million-plus.

Capturing the scenery

Millionaire’s Walk also plays host to a section of the Sorrento Portsea Artists’ Trail, with sites displaying paintings by Sir Arthur Streeton, Arthur Boyd and Ray Hodgkinson.

And while only a select few can call Millionaire’s Walk home, Sorrento dishes up more picturesque coastline than your average seaside village, with a roaring surf beach on the south side that offers a stunning contrast to the bay.

“To be flanked by the bay on one side and the ocean on the other in this unique, pristine piece of land is the key to Sorrento’s appeal,” says Danielle Vains, an agent with Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty.

“It’s a beautiful, family-friendly seaside town, with amazing beaches, coastal walks, a yacht club, golf courses and a lifesaving club. And the town is rich in history with beautiful historic buildings.”

Limestone legacy

Built from local limestone in the 1800s, heritage buildings are scattered along Ocean Beach Road and through the town centre. They include the Continental Hotel, which is undergoing an $80 million redevelopment via a joint venture between Steller Group and prominent hotelier Julian Gerner.

Work is also underway to build upmarket hotel accommodation of 58 rooms next door.

Mason Riley, who owns eclectic homeware store Sandarne with his wife Natasha, says new development supports the local economy.

“We’ve still got our classic little corner of the main street with amazing heritage houses, and on the other side there’s new, modern architectural development,” says Riley. “There isn’t a single local I know of that doesn’t get fed on the back of building and real estate. Our economy is the building industry and the majority of the population are blue-collar tradesmen, so it’s a happy roundabout.”

A fourth generation local and third generation retailer, Riley says he enjoys Sorrento’s seasons, with crowds in summer and a winter lull when the family can rest and take in the surrounds.

Two top homes in the area

66 St Pauls Road

Designed by Domoney Architecture and a short, level walk from the beach, this new home comes with north-facing, open-plan living areas, a solar-heated pool and en suites for all five bedrooms.

There’s a marble and Miele kitchen, a Jetmaster fireplace, oak flooring and ducted airconditioning.

Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty agent Danielle Vains is seeking offers between $2.8 million and $2.95 million.

17-23 Holyrood Avenue

Poised on an elevated block about 300 metres from the bay, the balcony from this five-bedder gives you a panoramic view over the neighbourhood.

Stylish timber ceilings in the living area, and wooden plantation shutters in the main bedroom, add a natural charm.

Expressions of interest close on February 14 through RT Edgar Portsea agent Ilze Moran, who is asking for between $4.8 million and $5.25 million.