'Lower Lower Steading' is located between Main Ridge and Flinders with 7,500 square metres of landscaped grounds. The property is accessed by a private curved driveway and hidden behind trees on three sides. The fourth side offers views over fields and the ocean to Phillip Island.

The five-bedroom, five-bathroom, five-car estate has the spirit of a French château without being a replica. Traditional formality and contemporary informality go hand in hand. 

The front door under a pillared porch opens into a galleried staircase hall. At the opposite end, French doors are positioned to look through the house to country and ocean views.

Every room on the ground floor has French doors opening onto a terrace that runs the full length of the house and overlooks the swimming pool and main garden.

The terrace has a covered verandah at either end. One with a stone-built barbecue and pizza oven with outdoor dining area and the other for outdoor relaxing, with a stone-built fireplace for cooler weather. 

A library connects to a large and formal sitting room with open fireplace. Off the hall is a large space with three defined areas; an informal sitting area with fireplace; a dining zone and kitchen with separate pantry/scullery. 

On the first floor is a master bedroom suite with a dressing room and bathroom accessed via the upper gallery of the central hall. There are three other bedrooms with ensuites in a separate wing. Across the landing is a study with fireplace and beyond that is a long room designed to be a cinema or gymnasium. 

There is also a detached pavilion and cottage across the garden from the house designed as self-contained accommodation.

Additional features:

• Hydronic heating
• Air conditioning
• Laundry
• Storage  
• 800 bottle cellar
• Five car garage
• Workshop

See also:

Ex-AFL player's Red Hill home on the market

Australia's most popular home

At one with nature