Stokehouse owners Frank and Sharon Van Haandel list $11.2 million to $12 million Toorak house for sale
The family behind Melbourne’s beachfront Stokehouse restaurant have listed their stunning Toorak mansion for sale with a price guide of $11.2 million to $12 million.
Set in a private cul-de-sac off the prestigious Albany Road, the grand three-bedroom residence has recently undergone a meticulous renovation.
But Frank and Sharon Van Haandel are now looking for a smaller home in Melbourne and another in Queensland, planning to split their time between the two states where they have restaurant interests and also travel overseas.
Their offering at 7 Ottawa Road has been refurbished under the direction of interior designer Fiona Lynch, keeping the stone facade but adding a polished finish to the inside walls that reflects the light.
A soaring central curved skylight is a striking feature, connecting the downstairs living space with the bedrooms and study above.
In the front courtyard, a hidden panel in the ground lifts up at the touch of a button to reveal a driveway leading to the basement garage, which has room for six or eight cars.
Given the hospitality credentials of the owners, the kitchen features Subzero appliances and marble benchtops, while the wine cellar has a mirrored ceiling to create the illusion of even more space.
Other mod cons include heated floors, reverse cycle cooling and a pool.
Set on 743 square metres, public records show the home last traded for $8.65 million in 2017, when it was sold by catering supremo Peter Rowland, known for his legendary chicken sandwiches.
The new listing comes as Melbourne’s prestige market is picking up this spring.
Agents on the deal are Kay & Burton’s Mike Gibson, Rob Fletcher and Robyn Feigen.
Mr Fletcher said buyer interest so far for the refurbished home had come from local families and international buyers.
“It’s one of the highest levels of detail — in terms of an international standard renovation — that we’ve seen in Toorak,” he said.
He said buyer confidence was climbing at higher price points. His team sold close to $40 million of property since the start of October at prices often ranging from $5 million to $15 million.
“The stock availability continues to be restricted but there is buyer competition on A-grade property,” he said.
The Van Haandels are spending part of their Melbourne winters in the European summer, and will split their time in Australia between Melbourne and a holiday home they hope to buy in Sunshine Beach, closer to their Stokehouse Q restaurant in Brisbane.
As well as the Melbourne and Brisbane Stokehouse concepts, their hospitality empire includes Pontoon at St Kilda beach and Fatto near the Arts Centre.
They sold their last house in South Yarra to the former boss of vitamin company Swisse, Radek Sali, for $12.5 million in 2016.
Stokehouse was overhauled after the venue was destroyed by fire in 2014.
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