The penthouse at 29 Washington Street, Toorak, was originally going to market in the off-the-plan way of so many other upscale apartments. Domain editorialised in 2014 that the penthouse in the boutique development of only six apartments would bring a new level of luxury back to Toorak, a suburb with more than a passing acquaintance with the concept. But then developer Orchard Piper had a lightbulb moment: you don't sell off the plan something so uniquely out of the box.
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Three years later the penthouse is shaping up to smash the suburb's apartment record.
Washington Street, where we lay our scene, is wide and grand. Como Park sits at the eastern end. From the penthouse's north-facing terrace (the main terrace, not the terrace with the heated pool-spa, dining and barbecue) you could probably lob a tennis ball over to the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club.
That's assuming the views of the city skyline didn't work their mesmerising spell on you beforehand - a big assumption, because it's an uninterrupted sweep of Melbourne's inner suburbs to the CBD's towers, a view equally arresting during the day and into the evening when the city lights "pop" against the night sky.
That view, incidentally, will never be built out thanks to the area's height restrictions. But we're getting ahead of ourselves.
Let's properly introduce what is destined to be an iconic Melbourne address. Its vital statistics include Jolson Architects, landscape designer Rick Eckersley and interior designer Edwina Glenn. The rugged travertine blocks lining the shared front entrance are full of character. Above hangs a sculptural chandelier from New York lighting design superstar Lindsey Adelman.
But that's it for sharing. A private lift deposits you directly in your entrance gallery on the third floor, where the soaring white walls have been designed with significant artworks in mind.
Part of the beauty lies in its scale. Imagine 1000 square metres of indoor and outdoor space.
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Conceived as an elevated pavilion sitting on the shoulders of its neighbours, it's an eyrie, surrounded on all sides by natural light, gardens and stunning views.
Agent Marcus Chiminello says his imagined buyers are aspirational downsizers. Downsizers with exquisite taste, it goes without saying. The attention to detail is meticulous to the point of obsessive. The palette is of chocolate travertine, oak floors and veneers and marmorino polished plaster. Sleek, discreet cabinetry is by Poliform.
A sophisticated but understated den sits off the formal living room with its enormous open fireplace, and aids a logical flow through to the wine appreciation room and 1300-bottle cellar accessed through silently opening automatic glass doors.
Above the dining table hang bespoke blown glass pendants from Murano glass manufacturer Venini. Full-height doors throughout - some with leather handles - and three metre-high ceilings add to the sense of space and grandeur.
The main suite personifies the luxe experienced at the pointy end of a five-star hotel. It houses a vast sitting room, individual dressing rooms, en suites and a gymnasium with a sauna.
A second and third bedroom, a world unto themselves thanks to clever zoning, are no second and third-placegetters; each has its own dressing room and en suite.
The state of the art kitchen integrates the technology of a commercial kitchen and the style expected of Toorak. Butler's pantry? Of course. There's also a separate entrance for service staff.
One more essential piece of information is the option to purchase it with the furniture package. Imagine. Just turn the key, and call this home.
Photo: Marshall White
$20 million-plus
3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 4 car spaces
Agent: Marshall White, Marcus Chiminello 0411 411 271
