Former owner of the Melbourne Rebels rugby club, Andrew Cox, has relisted his remarkable 19th-century residence, located in the Brighton suburb of the Australian city, for sale. The mansion, known as Narellan, boasts rare Italianate architecture and was previously on the market in April 2021 amidst Melbourne’s fluctuating pandemic lockdowns. Despite its initial ambitious price range of A$18 million to A$19 million (US$11.88 million to US$12.54 million), it remained unsold. Now, with new agents Gowan Stubbings and Will Maxted of Kay & Burton Stonnington, the property has been repriced at A$13.5 million to A$14.3 million. Stubbings emphasized that the expansive six-bedroom residence, spanning 1,389 square meters on Moule Avenue, mere streets away from Brighton Beach, is competitively priced for a swift sale.
Courtesy Kay & Burton Stonnington
Stubbings remarked, “It’s definitely among esteemed company within the range of A$10 million to A$50 million residences.” He added, “Brighton, like many of Melbourne’s affluent neighborhoods, has witnessed the transformation of numerous historic properties over time, but Narellan remains an iconic landmark for the area.”
The home features a long list of ground floor entertainment spaces including an elegant entry porch.
Describing the home’s striking white Italianate Victorian facade, Stubbings said, “Its grandeur is unmistakable. It truly stands as one of the original landmark residences in Brighton.” He continued, “Ascending to the top of the turret and taking in the panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay transports me to another era, envisioning the ships returning to the city.”
The home is just streets from Brighton Beach.
According to CoreLogic records, Cox, the former owner of the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby club, purchased the estate for A$5.71 million in 2006.
Now, Cox, originally from New Zealand, oversees Imperium Capital Group, a private equity fund specializing in diverse investments, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and sports management sectors.
The home is on 1,389 square meters of property.
At one time, the residence was also owned by Andrew Bassat, co-founder of the influential employment website seek.com.au.
Cox chose not to comment on the property’s sale, but it’s understood that significant renovations were undertaken during his ownership of the expansive two-story home. “The renovations have been done with great respect for its historical period,” remarked Stubbings. “The high ceilings, spacious rooms, and abundant natural light are highly appealing, but it’s the modernized kitchens and bathrooms that really give it a contemporary edge. Everything harmonizes beautifully, particularly with the bathrooms opening onto the upstairs terrace, reminiscent of a luxurious hotel.”
The residence has been meticulously designed for immediate enjoyment, Stubbings noted. “There’s no need for further renovations. The modernizations align perfectly with contemporary lifestyles. They’ve truly achieved perfection,” he added.
The property boasts an array of ground floor entertainment areas, including an inviting entry porch and foyer, a substantial study or library, a cozy sitting room, a formal dining area, an opulent billiard room with a bar, a spacious living area, and a modern kitchen. Additionally, there’s a sunroom, gym, sauna, and a self-contained guest wing with two bedrooms and a commercial-grade kitchen.
The home is surrounded by landscaped grounds.
On the upper level, there are six generously sized bedrooms, featuring a master suite with a bay window, a private balcony, a walk-in wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom, as well as access to the distinctive turret offering panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline. Additionally, the upper floor accommodates two extra living areas and two additional balconies.
The home home has an eye-catching white Italianate Victorian facade.
Outside, the residence is enveloped by meticulously landscaped gardens featuring neatly trimmed hedges, blooming rose bushes, expansive lawns, and an alfresco barbecue terrace complete with a fireplace. Additionally, there’s a pool house equipped with a bathroom and kitchen, alongside a swimming pool.
Situated just a brief stroll from the beach, this historic property is conveniently located near esteemed schools, trendy boutiques, and renowned dining establishments.