99 Alexander Avenue, Upwey, Vic 3158

THE DEAL
Ten years in the making, this architectural showpiece rises from its native surroundings with its Shou Sugi Ban facade and striking modern-barn gabled design, creating intrigue within an impeccably landscaped corner setting. Led by granite steps and a solid, black pivot-door entry, the interiors reveal a calm, meditative quality. Square-set ceilings, shadow-line skirting and oversized double-hung windows enhance the minimalist qualities, allowing the landscape to dictate passive air-flow and draw in lush views, with wide-plank floors reflecting the home's dialogue with Japanese minimalism and mid-century influence.


Set across two expansive levels, the ground floor is a place of total release, with a large open-plan living and dining domain extending onto a broad garden set amongst the canopy of gums beyond. The kitchen is sharply appointed with premium appliances, stainless steel surfaces, natural granite splashbacks, and walls of full-height storage, concealing integrated refrigeration.

An adjoining sitting zone links to a potential guest bedroom or office and the four-car garage below, forming a private lower-level wing with concrete floors, bagged beach walls, and a gym with sauna. Upstairs, the accommodation wing centres on a sublime main suite, where mirrored walk-in robes and a concrete vanity are softened by Japanese terracotta tiling. Two additional bedrooms and a serene ceramic-tiled bathroom with stainless steel plunge bath and muted powder blue hues follow suit, with a gallery of integrated storage flowing through the hallway.

From the powder-coated custom steel staircase to the perforated window screens and low-maintenance landscaping, where exposed aggregate curves through a curated native landscape with ferns, fire pit, and stonework, every detail has been shaped with intention. The laundry is defined by soft-green aesthetic, while a third bathroom sits beside the gym, and features include hydronic heating, ducted reverse-cycle heating/cooling, solar panels, ceiling fans, and auto-gated entry.

SEALS THE DEAL
Designed to recede into its setting. Yet impossible to overlook, just 45 mins from Melbourne's CBD, 3 minutes from Upwey Train Station, Puffing Billy and a quick drive to Belgrave's famous village heart.