‘Aladdin’s cave’ with James Bond garage sells for close to $12.8m

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‘Aladdin’s cave’ with James Bond garage sells for close to $12.8m

By Melissa Heagney

A luxury Toorak home featuring an “Aladdin’s cave” underground garage has sold after just 10 days, in a deal believed to be worth close to $12.8 million.

The three-bedroom, French-inspired home at 7 Ottawa Road sold after expressions of interest were called for, with the online advertisement showing a deal was done on June 2.

The unique home at 7 Ottawa Road, Toorak, has sold after 10 days on the market.

The unique home at 7 Ottawa Road, Toorak, has sold after 10 days on the market.Credit:Forbes Global Properties

Forbes Global Properties selling agent Robert Fletcher confirmed the sale but would not comment further.

It’s understood that a local family were the buyers, snapping it up for close to the top end of the asking price range of $12 million to $12.8 million – an offer too good for the vendor to refuse.

The home boasts an entrance worthy of James Bond – a cantilevered garage door that opens upwards from the ground and is invisible unless a car is driving in or out. The actual garage has enough space for six cars.

There is also an art gallery, wine cellar and laundry beneath the home.

The James-Bond style garage door suggests the address should perhaps be 007 Ottawa Road rather than 7 Ottawa Road.

The James-Bond style garage door suggests the address should perhaps be 007 Ottawa Road rather than 7 Ottawa Road.

There is an art gallery under the home.

There is an art gallery under the home.Credit:Forbes Global Properties

“It’s the ultimate hidden Aladdin’s cave,” Fletcher said after it was listed. “I mean, how many houses do you visit where the front yard lifts up to drive your car into? It’s definitely a bit of a thrill.”

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As well as the special garage, the home has a central foyer, fireplaces and French-style windows and doors, making the street entrance of the home equally impressive.

It also has a swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area.

The home features French-style windows and doors.

The home features French-style windows and doors.Credit:Forbes Global Properties

The landmark home was built about 30 years ago by Peter Rowland, of Peter Rowland Group, which has catered for some of Melbourne’s most famous sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup racing carnival and the Australian Grand Prix. The company is also renowned for its popular chicken sandwiches.

When his catering company hit hard times in 2017, Rowland sold the house to fellow foodies Frank van Haandel and his wife, Sharon, owners of restaurants including Stokehouse in St Kilda.

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The couple paid $8.65 million for the home, before selling it to the current vendor in 2019 for $11.1 million, records show.

Fletcher said the vendor had not used the home as a main residence and was selling it because it was “surplus to their requirements”.

“The property has only had three owners since the Rowlands built it, so it’s one of those properties that the next owner could be there for a long amount of time,” he said.

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