'Fairholme' c1873 is an historic and iconic Melbourne landmark fronting Craig Avenue that's securely set and secluded amidst much-admired botanical gardens on a breathtaking 3566 sq. metre allotment (approx.). Treasured by the one family over the past 30 years, this magnificent balconied mansion designed in a Georgian style by architects Crouch & Wilson (MLC's 'Tiddeman House', Prahran Town Hall, etc) represents an extraordinarily rare lifestyle opportunity at the heart of Camberwell.

Open garden events and large-scale parties held on beautiful lawned grounds have been a prized aspect of 'Fairholme' that's privately set behind a high Lilly Pilly hedge with dual automatic-gated entry and CCTV surveillance. Architecturally enhanced sympathetic to its standing as one of the district's earliest estates, a grand arched hallway framed by original tessellated tiles and a 4-metre ceiling introduces an extensive series of corner rooms all laden with light while capturing glorious garden vistas.

An internal lift covering all three levels complements a vast interior launched by a timber-panelled executive study, elegant sitting room with a hand-carved marble fireplace, superb formal dining room, casual lounge room, a powder room and a bathroom (Perrin & Rowe stone vanities). A bluestone basement that in a previous life acted as a boxing ring now includes a storeroom and huge wine cellar with a fireplace.

A modern addition sensitive to its surroundings extends on a polished oak parquetry floor to a stunning chef's kitchen with a Rosieres Paul Bocuse range cooker and a butler's pantry (two dishwashers) that adjoins a spacious north-facing living and dining room where triple French doors reveal a marvellous entertainment terrace under a wisteria-draped pergola. Immediately upstairs is a separate semi-contained wing ideal for an au pair or extended family member with a bed/living room, bathroom, kitchenette and balcony.

The main staircase lit by an impressive stained-glass window leads to four large bedrooms (main with a stylish ensuite), an outstanding family bathroom (frameless-glass shower, clawfoot bath, fireplace) and broad, wrap-around undercover balcony boasting views over the garden and the district and west to the city skyline. Also includes hydronic heating, ducted cooling, gas/open fireplaces and security alarm while just beyond the north-rear terrace is a gas-heated swimming pool and an original 19th-century hothouse (now an artist's studio).

Additional attributes of the property include bore water, underground rainwater tank, garden irrigation, three-car garaging and a 'nuns' walk' pathway that meanders through the resplendent flowering gardens with significant heritage trees. 'Fairholme' presents a once in lifetime opportunity for an unsurpassed family lifestyle only moments to leading private schools, Read Gardens, train station, trams and Camberwell Junction precinct restaurants, cafes, shopping, Sunday Market and Rivoli cinemas.