By Eleanor Wilson
A 3517 sqm home in Narre Warren North has been listed for private sale at $3.2m- $3.5m.
The five bedroom, four bathroom property at 19 Harries Court, Narre Warren North, offers “French country appeal” with its hand-painted cabinetry, Cheminee Philippe fireplace and $50,000 E Caumartin cooker, imported from the French Alps.
Director of Barry Plant Narre Warren Nicola Parreira said the house is “one-of-a-kind”.
“[The owners have] definitely spared no expense in the build, the quality of the interiors is just exceptional,” she said.
Standout details include a palatial master suite that covers the entire upper-floor, a solar and gas heated pool and spa and a soundproof theatre room that holds a 3D and 4K projector and eight reclining cinema chairs.
The exterior of the property is complemented by a tranquil tropical poolside garden, and a classic rose garden surrounding the house’s private driveway.
Owner Hugh Marquis said he initially designed the house in 1995, before the “top of the court” block of land was purchased in 2002.
“We wanted to create a house that resembled the architectural features we like,” he said.
“We also designed the house to be a place of hospitality. So people could come and gather and we could entertain.”
An entrepreneur, speaker and philanthropist, Mr Marquis isn’t qualified in construction or architecture, yet he outlined the entire plans for his dream house, before later engaging with an architect to execute the designs.
“It’s very liveable, it’s created for families,” Ms Parreira said.
“The layout is well done, the master bedroom is upstairs and the kids have their own area downstairs.”
Ms Parreira said along with interest from potential buyers, the property has also garnered a lot of attention on social media.
“It’s been getting a huge reaction, it’s definitely getting the reaction it deserves,” she said.
A lot of such social media attention comes from the commercial grade E Caumartin cooker, which was imported from the French Alps, costing a total of $50,000.
“People say the kitchen is the heart of a house, and my wife Jane and I love cooking,” Mr Marquis said.
“We saw a similar cooker in Melbourne, but it wasn’t quite what we were looking for, so we travelled to France to meet with a team who were able to make a custom one for us.”
The kitchen is complimented by bespoke cabinetry and stone and solid mahogany benches.
The property also offers “amazing” views of the city and southeastern suburbs and sits close to Fountain Gate shopping centre, prestigious schools , with easy access to the M1 Freeway.
Mr Marquis, his wife and three children are selling the property to move interstate.
