2137 Melbourne Lancefield Road

Monegeetta VIC 3433

Designed by James Gall of Frognall and Noorilim fame for Captain Robert Gardiner (great grandfather of ballet dancer Sir Robert Helpmann), Mintaro has been variously described in references to being a small replica of Melbournes Government House to that crumbling mansion on the road to Romsey.

Both references have some validity, and its executors realization sale now provides a most exciting and unique opportunity to secure and restore one of Victorias most significant heritage properties.

The signature Italianate mansion includes an iconic tower from which the Melbourne CBD skyline can be viewed, a grand entrance hall and main staircase, 10 principal rooms, billiards room, 5 other rooms, and cellar. There is also a small charming brick stable and workshop building.

The original renaissance inspired interior decor was exquisite and of great significance, with finely painted themes of the arts, flowers, birds, farming and nautical, and excellence in the arts of stenciling and marbling.

Other manifestations of Victorian grandeur include superb free standing scagliola Corinthian columns, finely painted ceilings and walls, exceptionally decorative plaster cornices and other mouldings, marble fireplaces, classic intricate patterned Minton tiling, 46cm (16) skirtings and 4.6m (15)high ceilings.

Located adjacent to the Australian Government Monegeetta Proving Ground Complex, Mintaro is privately sited within a passive English park-like setting featuring mature oaks, cedars, monkey puzzles, pines, sequoia and cypresses. A setting just awaiting designer garden enhancement.

The grazing licence for the original 12,800 acre run of Mintaro was apparently first held by John Pascoe Fawkner in 1844, before being taken over by Robert Gardiner in 1860, who later built Mintaro influenced by the design of Osborne House, Queen Victorias summer residence on the Isle of Wight.