Rapunzel house is straight out of an Aussie fairytale

By
Orana Durney-Benson
October 16, 2024

A lavish $20 million mansion in Melbourne looks like a storybook castle, and even comes with its very own tower. 

On the market with a guide price of $20 million, Nambour is a huge landholding in the heart of Hawthorn, Melbourne. 

Private Sale
29 Hawthorn Grove, Hawthorn VIC 3122
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For that price, buyers can get six bedrooms, six bathrooms, parking for four cars, a tennis court and a swimming pool, all set on half an acre of land. 

The 1897 mansion was first built for Charles William Gray, a wealthy businessman who made his money in the dairy industry. 

The Queen Anne-style villa looks like something out of a fable, with bay windows, ornate stone detailing, and a pointed tower known as a ‘candle-snuffer roof’. 

Inside, the home is just as magical. You enter into a gorgeous reception hall with soaring ceilings decorated with intricate plaster details in the shape of vines. 

Entrance hall with ornate lantern ceiling. Photo: Kay & Burton Boroondara

On the left is a bright, airy study with a one-of-a-kind black marble fireplace and views to the garden beyond. 

Across the hallway, a formal living room invites visitors to sit and admire the Art Nouveau fireplace surround, whitewashed arches, and polished hardwood floors. 

There is even a double-height ballroom with huge ceiling panels for an authentic fairytale experience. 

The front part of the house has retained all its period details, but the back half of the house is more contemporary in flavour. 

Pool and spa adjoining the tennis court. Photo: Kay & Burton Boroondara

Here, there is an open-plan kitchen and living area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the heated pool and spa.

A separate poolhouse and home gym offers handy extra space for the lucky buyers.

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