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Turinville – Landmark c1847 family residence in the heart of Kew
A showcase of unmatched historic grandeur, Turinville is a c1847 landmark Melbourne residence designed by John Gill, a prominent architect of Australia’s Colonial period.
Widely considered as Kew’s oldest home and built upon one of the area’s most substantial allotments of approx. 1,791sqm, as a country retreat for its owners, hotelier JW Cowell and his wife Catherine. It was later acquired by Kew Mayor Archibald Smart in the 1870s and extensively renovated to reflect the gracious architecture of the time.
Today, Turinville showcases a beautifully grand and refined family living environment with a clever integration of period elegance and contemporary renovations that make for a wonderful family home that echoes period splendour throughout, along with impeccably appointed interiors and lavish original proportions. Framed by stunning north facing gardens with sweeping lawns and established trees, the gracious lattice façade boasts a glorious wrap-around verandah with floor-to-ceiling French doors that afford a seamless indoor/outdoor flow.
The versatile layout includes 3 or 4 ground floor bedrooms (built in robes), designer bathroom with a freestanding bath and shower & separate 2nd toilet. Upstairs is a plush master retreat incorporating a king-sized bedroom, walk-in robe and sparkling fully tiled twin ensuite.
The enormous formal dining/games room/5th bedroom with bay windows and a fireplace has an elaborate white mantel that was sent from Italy for Melbourne’s Government House – however when it developed a crack it was deemed unsuitable for viceregal use so was bought for this house. The exquisite living room opens onto the side garden & private outdoor entertaining area.
Nestled at the back of the property is a huge open plan family and dining area offering a slow combustion fireplace, and state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen with premium appliances, a marble island bench with a breakfast bar, splashback window with garden views, custom cabinetry and deluxe butler’s pantry.
Drenched in natural light throughout, this remarkable home has four-metre ceilings, polished hardwood floors and an elegant colour palette. There are also two cellars and an original water well, which has been cleverly converted into a firepit. Additional features include a powder room, split system air conditioning, double carport plus side drive offering plenty of extra car parking.
It’s definitely worth taking the time to walk through this unforgettable landmark home and the magnificent gardens with sweeping lawns and many significant established trees.
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