by Janine Hill

A HIGH-end Montville acreage property offered for sale for the first time in 16 years is attracting strong interest.

Laurelen Estate comprises a house, guest cottage, caretaker’s residence, shed and micro-distillery on almost 12.5 picturesque hectares on Negus Road, off Western Avenue.

It is being sold by expression of interest through Property Lane Realty on behalf of the owners, who have decided to move interstate.

Agent William Emms described Laurelen as a true estate property which could be used as a private residence but also had potential as a wedding venue, health retreat or boutique accommodation.

“The gardens are beautiful, manicured gardens and I can imagine a wedding there. I’d have my wedding there,” he said.

Mr Emms said the main residence, built in 1983, had been extended and renovated by the owners and was suitable for guests. 

He said the four bedrooms were essentially four suites, each with an en-suite but also a separate, adjoining room which could be used as treatment rooms, sitting rooms or for extra beds.

An old avocado packing shed had been replaced with a one-bedroom guest cottage with raked ceilings, a polished concrete floor and wet bar.

In 2015, a single-bedroom loft-style caretaker’s residence was built, privately positioned at the rear of the property overlooking an orchard.

A shed with a micro-distillery, used on a hobby basis, was built the same year.

Outside, there is an orchard of more than 200 macadamia trees.

Mr Emms said there were already parties who were very keen. 

“It’s only early days and we’ve taken a lot of interest,” he said.

Some enquirers were looking at making Laurelen their home while others were interested in its other potential uses, he said.

Mr Emms did not wish to speculate on the likely sale price. He said it was difficult to estimate given the number of years since the last sale and difficulties finding comparable properties.

Inspection of Laurelen is by appointment only through Property Lane.