South Yarra’s iconic Poolman House is set to hit the market this week after VCAT canned its owner’s $12.5m plans for a luxury members club.
The six-bedroom mansion at 253-257 Domain Rd has hosted a swath of Melbourne’s high society and political elite guests since it was built in 1865, including former Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott.
It last sold off market for a whopping $18.25m in 2021 to the rich-lister Smorgon family and associated investment group, who also own Sorrento’s Continental Hotel. They had lavish plans to transform the site into an “internationally renowned private members club” under a $12.5m plan.
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While their plans were put in motion, they put the property up for rent for an eye-watering $10,000 a week — with an eye-popping $60,000 bond.
But the project came to a halt when VCAT rejected the proposed plans, leaving the owners with no choice but to sell the heritage property and seek an alternative location.
Now, it’s due to hit the market this week with lofty $21m-$23m price expectations, led by Marshall White Stonnington director Marcus Chiminello.
“They went to VCAT in relation to getting that permit which wasn’t favourable, so they’ve found an alternative location (for the club),” Mr Chiminello said.
“So it will now ultimately become a family residence … it was held by many notable families throughout its existence and it’s time for Poolman House to return as a family home.”
The 2753sq m estate is set on the corner of Punt and Domain roads, featuring a pool, tennis court, six-car garage and 1928-built ballroom, plus manicured Paul Bangay designed gardens.
If the initial plans came to fruition, a new three-storey building would include two restaurants, 12 hotel rooms, club and event space, a garden lounge, conservatory, reception area and 21-car basement garage.
When the proposal was lodged with the City of Melbourne in 2021, Deputy Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the plans for “one of the grandest and most recognisable mansions in South Yarra’’ would be “carefully considered’’ by the council.
“It’s vital any redevelopment of such a historic site delivers a high-quality design outcome while respecting the buildings unique character and significant heritage value to the city,’’ he said.
Details of the new location for the luxury hospitality and accommodation site are unknown.
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emily.holgate@news.com.au