65 South Road, Brighton

"Gallia" Iconic Landmark Opulence

Gloriously inspiring lavish living and entertaining experiences within opulent bespoke interiors and indulgent alfresco spaces, this grand circa-1890 Victorian Italianate villa sublimely synthesises the architectural grandeur of yesteryear with 21st-century design and technological innovations.

Privately and securely set on almost one-third of an acre of blue-chip north-south oriented Brighton land, just metres to the beach, ‘Gallia’ presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain custodianship of this landmark property, notable for its ornate ironwork and majestic tower/rooftop terrace, where whispers of history permeate the sea breezes that accompany the breathtaking the 360-degree views from the Heads to the Dandenongs.

Restored, rejuvenated, and reimagined with designer flair, the curated elements of the palatially proportioned 4-bedroom-plus-study main house incorporate a harmonious palette of colours, materials, textures and surfaces, as evident in luxe wallpapers, Signorino tiles, and designer lighting, which is complemented by original features such as crystal chandeliers, intricate plasterwork, marble fireplaces, and over-sized archway corbels.

Floored with Baltic pine and reclaimed timber, the ground floor’s grand formal and informal living and dining areas are serviced by the central culinary space, resplendent with honed granite and equipped with top-of-range Gaggenau and Miele appliances, including induction and gas cooktops, teppanyaki plate, a commercial-grade Qasair extraction fan, and a state-of-the-art Zip tap. A ‘butler’s alleyway’ connects to the second, equally impressive stone/Smeg kitchen in the contemporary indoor/outdoor entertaining zone with a built-in marble bar and servery windows, built over the former stables. Edged by a curved mod-wood deck the alfresco amenities further extend to a self-contained poolside studio, currently set up as a personal wellness centre, and the fully tiled swimming pool set in sandstone crazy-paving and glamorously contained in an imported European ‘igloo’ that glides open and closed to provide all-season enjoyment, further enhanced with a French ‘fire-box’ wood heater.

Back inside, the exotica continues as a French crystal chandelier illuminates the grand staircase leading to the upper level where the master bedroom adorned in Florence Broadhurst-designed silk wallpaper and matching curtains, with an ornate original fireplace with gas log fire heater, is beautifully juxtaposed with a luxe, fully-tiled contemporary shower ensuite.  There are another three fitted bedrooms upstairs, each with unique fixtures including one with a bath and make-up station. Additional notable features include a custom-fitted study (or fifth bedroom), a luxe powder room, laundry with trapdoor to wine cellar, double-glazed windows, a sophisticated CCTV security surveillance/alarm system, video intercom entry, as well as physical barriers, including double sets of imported ornate iron automated gates, a secure entry vestibule, and ironwork window guards.

This prestige beachside location offers all the advantages of Bayside’s coveted lifestyle, just a short walk to the beach, foreshore reserves and Bay Trail,  Brighton Beach train station, Were Street Village, Hampton Street shopping, and leading schools including St. Leonard’s and Haileybury Colleges.