2 Aurora Rise, Sassafras

Perched high among the achingly beautiful Dandenong Ranges, this illustrious mountain hideaway offers a one-of-a-kind fusion of leafy tranquillity, clever functionality, and first-class opulence. Rising from an unassuming entrance beside the quaint Sassafras township, 2.7 extraordinary acres (approx.) of lush verdure surround a stunning residence enjoying the fruits of a three-year, no-expense-spared renovation, with the greater property a remarkable weekend escape from Melbourne’s bustle. Beyond its signature Coldstream-rock façade and archway, an inspired interior fractures from a parquet-floor entrance foyer, with a flowing, function-minded ground floor relishing evergreen outlooks from every corner. An accomplished entertainer, divine formal and casual domains are cleverly connected by a paved terrace spanning the home’s entire length, with both internal and external areas taking in simply spectacular sights. A mother-of-pearl ceiling allows colours to shimmer above a formal entertaining space, while ceiling-mounted mirrors in a broad dining space reflect the greens, pinks, and purples of manicured gardens resting adjacent. Its solid American oak floors, Thibaut wallpaper, and brass wall sconces working to accentuate warmth and airiness, clerestory windows attract streams of all-day sun to a serene and spacious living area, with sliding eastern and western glass opening to effortlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces. A full-size wine/drinks storeroom joins a home chef’s kitchen in comfortably catering for large-scale gatherings, with a wide island centre-stage among profuse soft-close cabinetry, a fully integrated Liebherr fridge/freezer and Miele dishwasher, hot/chilled/sparkling Zip Tap, imported 1400mm Lacanche cooker, Miele warming drawer and second dishwasher, and sizeable butler’s pantry. Sensationally placed for absorbing sunset views across Port Phillip Bay to the distant You Yangs, a broad, open-air lounge setting adjoins a radiant, oversized pool; a sublime summertime refuge primed for social afternoons in the height of summer. Delightfully distinct from hospitality areas, six substantial bedrooms occupy sumptuous second and third storeys, with ensuites and extensive robe storage serving two large guest rooms, a lavish central bathroom and ensuite to three additional bedrooms/studies, and a superb combination of two luxe dressing rooms with ensuites, natural silk drapes, and calming garden vistas to a brilliant main bedroom. With an American-style barn, wood shed, potting shed, chicken pen, Hydrangea glen, and elevated lookout scattered across the largely self-sufficient grounds, other highlights include hydronic under-floor, panel, and towel rail heating, swathes of Carrara and Bianca marble, antique vanities, electric blinds, comprehensive heating/cooling, natural sisal carpets, wood fireplaces, up and downstairs laundries, a cloak room, mud room, downstairs powder room (6.5 bathrooms in total), diesel back-up generator, double garage, expansive shed (potential helipad location), high-speed internet, irrigation, eco-friendly water treatment, and mobile-integration to CCTV, front gate, and a Back2base alarm. A generational getaway with the uncompromising quality of a forever-home, it’s the easiest of commutes to Melbourne’s CBD via the Monash Freeway (45 minutes off-peak), with Olinda and Sassafras Villages mere steps away.