Originally built as the developer’s own home, 8 Maxwell Court, Toorak, was designed and constructed by luxury developer Ravida and is in one of Melbourne’s finest addresses.
“Maxwell Court is our most luxurious home yet,” said Mr Ravida. “Although high-end living has been our specialty for over thirty years, we wanted to show the best of what we can do, including the revival of the European craftsmanship that makes this home so special.”
The old-world appeal of the Maxwell Court home begins at the front door – a 2.7 metre high double door carved from European Oak which replicates that of an old Italian villa and opens to a wide marble floor gallery. A wood-panelled study is to the left, with formal living and dining fit for large-scale entertaining to the right, complete with a private terrace.
The use of European Oak extends throughout the home. Ravida employed three different cabinet making firms, selected for their expertise and dedication to upholding traditional practices, for the furniture and joinery. The same tradespeople responsible for the most recent restoration of the Victorian State Library employed age-old practices to re-create the front door.
The attention to upholding the traditional design extends to the aged fresco walls, more akin to a Milanese home than one in Melbourne. Ravida sourced an Italian painter familiar with the creation of traditional frescos to polish the lime wash walls with citrus beeswax (as was the traditional practice), rather than opting for an imitation finish, to achieve the subtle aging of the walls visible upon entering the gallery. The 3.3 metre high walls rise to a domed ceiling to further reference traditional Italian design of yesteryear. The dome was made to order by Melbourne’s oldest plaster company.
Also on the ground floor is an open-plan meals area and kitchen, complete with handmade cabinetry and Gaggenau appliances. A family zone with a wooden feature wall frames a view of the lap pool which neighbours a paved entertainment area.
A grand staircase leads to a circular landing (with hand-finished floorboards cut to a radius to mirror the circumference of the dome above) off which three generously proportioned bedrooms (one with en suite), a bathroom and master retreat are located. The latter features an en suite with a free-standing bath, expansive dressing room (with a $50,000 custom-built wardrobe) and balcony overlooking the garden below.
The iron-work in the staircase and circular landing is another feat in craftsmanship. Its rustic brushed pewter finish is achieved through a mano (‘by hand’) practices applied by specialist tradesmen.
The basement (accessible from the staircase or mirrored elevator travelling to all floors) contains a third bathroom, cinema room and purpose-built wine cellar for up to 1,300 bottles. Down a short flight of stairs is a six car garage.
What can’t be seen but is equally as impressive as its design is the home’s array of technology. A CBUS Smart Wiring System controls everything from security to surround sound, lighting and music. Music is accessible from anywhere in the house through an iPhone. “This is a family home for those that want for nothing,” said sales agent Ross Savas from Kay & Burton. “The classic design and quality build will stand the test of time, and being located next to some of the city’s finest schools, shopping and entertainment precincts means this luxury home will last a family for many years to come.”
