Newtown: Prestigious Raith offers luxury family living on epic scale

2a Raith Tce, Newtown, is on the market for $8.5m to $9.3m.

Victorian-era grandeur provides the blueprint for family living on a epic scale at a prized Newtown trophy home overlooking the scenic Barwon River valley.

Raith is undoubtedly one of the region’s finest residences, occupying an impressive 6434sq m private estate that’s continued to evolve since it was first built in 1864.

A sympathetic renovation and extension by the previous owner – executed with precision by renowned builder David McDonald – was a huge drawcard for the current vendors when they purchased the five-bedroom house in 2021.

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The timber ceiling in the grand reception room rises to a Victorian-era skylight.

The main living zone has a beautiful outdoor connection.

The house was originally built in 1864, with Geelong Cats legend Bob Davis its most famous resident.

She says the sprawling floorplan at 2a Raith Tce, Newtown, offered an appealing sense of scale and warmth rarely found in the tightly held neighbourhood.

“We were instantly drawn to the character and the history of the home, but what made it really special was that it also had light, space and natural flow,” she says.

“It felt grand, yet completely liveable. It has so much to offer a family.”

She and her husband have made only minor changes, mainly to the kitchen and outdoor entertainment area, where a pergola now abuts an impressive glass pool house containing a 25m heated pool, sauna, spa and gymnasium.

The heart of the home is a vast open-plan space combining a premium kitchen, dining area set into a bay window and a living zone with bi-fold doors onto a veranda and back lawn that’s hosted many games of cricket and footy.

A large timber chopping block has been added to the end of the kitchen.

The indoor pool has been a family favourite.

The outdoor entertainment area has a built-in barbecue.

“In warmer months we love to sit on the veranda or under the pergola and take in the sunset over the river,” the vendor says.

“The view over the valley makes it feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside.”

There are any number of alternative living spaces to retreat to, from to the formal dining and lounge rooms, each with its own open fireplace, to the cavernous reception hall/library. Another rumpus room with a high timber-lined ceiling forms part of the children’s bedroom wing and features a projector cleverly concealed behind traditional fretwork.

There’ll be no fighting over bathrooms here as each of the three kids’ bedrooms has its own ensuite, plus a walk-in wardrobe and picturesque garden view.

The privately positioned main bedroom suite provides a peaceful retreat with a large walk-in wardrobe and lavish ensuite.

The vendors have updated the formal loungeroom, adding a new colour scheme.

All the children’s bedroom have large walk-in wardrobes.

The dining area has an open fireplace.

There’s also a fifth bedroom/music room, an underground cellar and mud room included in the expansive floorplan.

The vendor says the house offers a great balance between connection and sanctuary, with cosy spots to unwind and also come together.

“And, of course, the heated indoor pool is a year-round favourite for the whole family – it’s been an absolute luxury and joy,” she says.

Outside, beyond the magnificent Morton Bay fig that welcomes you to the polychromatic brick dwelling, lies a self-contained, three-bedroom guesthouse and two four-car garages.

McGrath, Geelong agent David Cortous is calling for expressions of interest in 2a Raith Tce, Newtown, by July 21.

Price hopes are $8.5m to $9.3m.

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