Vine-covered manors and Tuscan estates: Eight of the best prestige properties for sale right now

A Mediterranean-style residence with topiary-adorned gardens, or a dark and moody spread perched above tranquil waters?

Both options make our shortlist of exquisite prestige properties this week, along with six other must-see listings.

Our wrap-up takes us from the Mornington Peninsula, past Sydney Harbour, up through the Sunshine Coast.

Flinders

This Stephen Akehurst-designed residence set on nearly 10 hectares includes old and new-world luxuries, from a dumb waiter and dedicated library to a Zanussi kitchen and an indoor lap pool.

Reminiscent of a Tuscan villa, the property also has a tennis court and a guest cottage overlooking the rose garden.

Stroll from the main residence through the grounds to find a self-contained cottage with three bedrooms and dual verandahs, which can house visiting friends and family members comfortably.

Kay & Burton Flinders agent Tom Barr Smith is selling the residence for between $13.5 million and $14.5 million.

Birchgrove

Palazzo is about as close to the water as you can get without stepping onto a boat, and comes with a private jetty and boat pen.

The two-level property in an ultra-exclusive Birchgrove street features a distinctive interior design, with a smart home system and finishes sourced from around the world.

While we’ve come to expect a white-on-white colour scheme from waterfront homes in Sydney, Palazzo has a dark, luxe palette that is richly refreshing.

Michael Rava of The Agency North is preparing for an April 18 auction, and is currently quoting a $7 million-to-$7.7 million guide.

Armadale

Rick Eckersley-designed gardens wrap around this arts and crafts residence, providing green vistas from the ground floor living spaces.

The home’s leafy theme is in perfect harmony with its setting, tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street.

Well-preserved period features include herringbone parquetry floors and open fireplaces, and there’s a gorgeous window seat in the formal dining room.

Expressions of interest close April 2 through Cara Fetter of Jellis Craig Stonnington, who is seeking offers between $6.85 million and $7.5 million.

Southport

Set within The Southport School zone on 1553 square metres, this Bayden Goddard-designed home is all about stylish family living, complete with media room, home office and swimming pool.

Spread across three levels and offering three living area options, you’ll be able to take in city skyline views from the top floor, which has five of the property’s six bedrooms.

Buyers with young children should take particular note of the enormous level backyard, cubby house with slippery dip included.

Jackson Paradise of Ray White Prestige Gold Coast is gearing up for an April 7 auction.

Vaucluse

Masters of bespoke contemporary interiors, Briony Fitzgerald Design have taken a stripped-back approach to this residence, which has direct access to Vaucluse Park.

Dark floors and white walls form the foundation of their Wentworth Road project, while Japanese grass cloth wallpaper and custom joinery add texture.

The six-bedder is ideal for buyers with a penchant for playing host, given that the entire lower ground floor can be converted into a guest wing.

Alain Waitsman of LJ Hooker Double Bay Group leads an expressions of interest campaign for the property.

Noosa Heads

Who says a private jetty is only of use to boat owners? At this Sunshine Coast home, that feature is more like a stylish walkway, leading out to the ultimate waterfront sitting area.

The house claims a stretch of sandy shoreline and with an expansive patio, barbecue area and balcony, it makes the most of that location.

The interiors are defined by double-height ceilings, hardwood flooring, open-plan design and natural light through large glass windows and skylights.

Nic Hunter of Tom Offermann Real Estate is selling the property with a $6.55 million price guide.

Turramurra

If a leisurely hit of tennis followed by a swim sounds like an excellent weekend agenda, then Strathendrick should pique your interest.

The c1901 property on Sydney’s upper north shore still has the best of its original features thanks to a heritage-conscious renovation, although you’ll notice a number of modern additions  in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Those old and new elements are thoughtfully paired – Original Kauri floors and leadlight windows are complimented by glossy Italian marble and high-end, integrated appliances.

Tim Fraser, of Di Jones Real Estate North Shore, has scheduled an auction for April 13.

Mount Pleasant

Award-winning architect Tim Wright has turned a no-expenses-spared brief into a sumptuous home of grand proportions.

Timber, copper and glass are recurring themes in a house filled with impressively spacious living areas and bedrooms that look out over Deepwater Point.

The main suite is especially impressive, designed in a resort style and featuring a private dressing room and a travertine bathroom.

Steven Currie of Caporn Young Applecross can be contacted for sale details.