For Sale $2,380,000 - $2,600,000 - Acreage
A tightly held acreage-style holding offering land, privacy, and lifestyle infrastructure, albeit with a home that now feels undersized for its extraordinary setting.
Asking Price: $2,380,000 – $2,600,000
Configuration: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 car spaces
Land Size: 20,700 sqm (approx.)
Set at the very rear of an expansive, bushland-fringed allotment, this Donvale holding is defined far more by its land and setting than by the scale or condition of the home itself. A long, private driveway leads to a ranch-style residence with wraparound veranda, separate triple garage, tennis court, and swimming pool, creating an unmistakably semi-rural atmosphere within close reach of the city.
The opportunity here is clear: this is a land-led proposition. The existing home is liveable but modest for the scale and value of the holding, and many buyers will view it as a stepping stone toward future extension, redevelopment, or a more ambitious lifestyle build. For those prioritising acreage, privacy, and long-term potential, the appeal is strong. For buyers seeking a finished, high-end lifestyle estate, the compromises will be more difficult to ignore.
Design & Liveability Commentary
Street Presence
The home sits deep within a leafy, tightly held court, well removed from the street and everyday noise. A long, unpaved driveway winds through bush and open lawn before arriving at the residence, reinforcing a sense of seclusion and retreat. The ranch-style home, with its wraparound veranda and separate triple garage, has a distinctly rural character. The grounds are vast, with mature trees, open lawns, and a strong sense of space, though the approach and presentation are more functional than refined.
Floorplan Logic
The house itself is relatively small for a property of this calibre. Internally, the layout is simple and practical, offering two distinct living areas, a reasonably sized timber kitchen, and four bedrooms. The master includes a walk-in robe and ensuite, while the remaining three bedrooms are robed and share the main bathroom. At this price point and on this scale of land, most buyers will likely consider an extension or a more substantial reworking of the home to better match the setting. The separate triple garage, with additional rooms attached, does provide flexible space that could be repurposed as a home office, studio, or teenage retreat.
Light and Orientation
The secluded position means there are no neighbouring structures to impede light, and the home enjoys good natural illumination filtered through its natural surroundings. The wraparound veranda does limit direct light penetration into some internal spaces, though the pool and outdoor areas benefit from strong sun exposure across the day.
Features
Lifestyle infrastructure is a key part of the appeal. The property includes a swimming pool, tennis court, numerous sheds, and extensive off-street parking capacity. Comfort is supported by ducted heating and split-system cooling. The triple remote garage is complemented by two additional rooms at the rear, suitable for a home office, retreat, or storage. While the inclusions are generous, many of these facilities now require meaningful investment to bring them back to a strong, contemporary standard.
Indoor–Outdoor Connection
The wraparound veranda and large undercover alfresco area encourage outdoor living, while the vast lawns, pool, and tennis court create a true acreage-style lifestyle environment. The scale of the land is the defining feature here. That said, the quality and presentation of the outdoor amenities lag behind the potential of the setting, and the connection between the home and grounds feels more utilitarian than refined.
Build Quality
The home is clearly older and shows its age. It is structurally serviceable but would benefit significantly from renovation or reconfiguration to meet modern expectations. The pool and tennis court are also in need of attention to become truly functional, high-quality lifestyle assets rather than simply existing features.
Location & Lifestyle Context
Despite its private, semi-rural feel, the property is well positioned just minutes from The Pines Shopping Centre, Tunstall Square, public transport, the Eastern Freeway, Mullum Mullum Reserve, and a selection of well-regarded private schools. The location offers a rare blend of acreage-style living with practical access to everyday amenities and major road links.
Property History
- 8 May 2017: Sold for $2,300,000
- 1 July 1988: Sold for $560,000
- 17 January 1980: Sold for $171,000
Related Properties (Market Context)
| Address | Sale Price | Commentary |
| 251–253 Springvale Road, Donvale | $2,950,000 | Smaller landholding and busier location, but a much larger and better-conditioned home. Clearly sits above the subject in terms of finished lifestyle offering. |
| 35 Hillcrest Road, Warrandyte South | $2,050,000 | Larger block but smaller home, freshly renovated. No tennis court and pool is not usable. Represents a more modest lifestyle proposition overall. |
Comparables selected based on land size, buyer profile, and lifestyle orientation.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Exceptional landholding well above the Donvale norm
- Tennis court and pool already in place (albeit needing work)
- Tightly held, private court location
- Separate garage with additional flexible-use rooms
- Strong sense of space, privacy, and seclusion
Weaknesses
- Home is undersized for the price point and land scale
- Interior requires renovation to meet modern expectations
- Pool and tennis court are below standard in their current condition
- Powerlines run reasonably close to the property
- Unpaved driveway may deter some buyers
- Bushfire Management Overlay and Bushfire Prone Area apply
Eastern Suburbs Listings Value Estimate
Estimated Range: $2,500,000 – $2,750,000
Confidence: Medium
Final Opinion
This is a land-first purchase. The value here lies in the scale, privacy, and rarity of the holding rather than the house itself. For buyers seeking acreage close to the city with the intention to renovate, extend, or rebuild, the proposition is compelling. For those wanting a turnkey lifestyle estate, the cost and effort required to elevate the home and amenities will be a significant consideration.
At this level, pricing reflects the extraordinary land size and location while discounting for the modest home, condition of amenities, overlays, and infrastructure constraints. Stronger, more complete lifestyle offerings in the area set a clear ceiling, while the scarcity of large holdings close to the city provides underlying support.
Disclaimer
All content on Eastern Suburbs Listings is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Information may be inaccurate or out of date. Always seek independent professional advice before making property decisions.
