Inside the Australian home ‘straight out of a fairytale’ with perfectly styled interiors, a dreamy farmhouse kitchen and a sparkling pool: ‘We need more like this’

A charming residence on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has captured the imagination of Australian would-be homeowners.

Described as a place seemingly plucked from the pages of a storybook, the home in Flinders is classically styled and immaculately presented – almost as if it belongs to another era.

Known as ‘Lower Steading’, this aspirational property was designed by acclaimed Melbourne architect Stephen Akehurst and was once even his own private residence. It stands among several neighbouring properties Akehurst created within the same exclusive enclave.

Set across approximately four acres with sweeping views towards Western Port Bay, Lower Steading epitomises classically inspired country design.

All the hallmarks of a Hamptons-style retreat are present and accounted for from the moment you arrive at the property, from the slate-gabled roof and tall French doors to a grand circular driveway.

The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a three-car garage, pool and tennis court has just hit the market, guided at $6 million to $6.6 million.

Forbes Global Properties Director Michael Gibson is leading the sales campaign, and told Daily Mail that interest has, unsurprisingly, been immense.

‘Stephen Akehurst’s work is particularly well known and sought after in Melbourne architecture circles, and even more so across the Mornington Peninsula.

‘He’s designed multiple homes on the Peninsula – this house is typical of his work, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.’

The timeless charm flows seamlessly from the exterior to the interiors, where generous proportions, high ceilings and masterful use of natural light help establish a home of enduring quality.

Each living space is thoughtfully laid out, from the expansive country kitchen featuring a sought-after Paul Bocuse stove, to the quiet intimacy of the private library.

Michael confirms that the current owners – who have cherished the home for years as a weekend retreat – haven’t made any significant changes during their tenure.

‘They didn’t need to,’ Michael explains. ‘When you acquire something so beautifully designed and cared for, you don’t really need to do much. It’s in beautiful order.’

However, what the current owners do deserve credit for is the house’s impeccable styling and warm presentation.

Most high-end homes on the market in 2026 default to an ultra-modern, sleek look. In stark contrast, this home wholly embraces traditional style and classic character.

Picture an antique-style wooden dining table and chairs, old-timey lounge seats, perfectly mismatched rugs, vintage tapware, and even chequerboard bathroom tiles.

In a testament to the owners’ taste, Michael reveals they eschewed the usual home sales tricks of a professional stylist and staged furnishings. Instead, the house remains styled precisely as the owners had enjoyed it themselves.

‘It’s all the owners’ own styling,’ Michael confirms. ‘Normally you’d have to pay a fortune to have it presented this way, but here, it was all already in place. We didn’t have to change a thing.’

The home boasts five beautifully appointed bedrooms and three well-equipped bathrooms, ensuring ‘comfort and flexibility for family living and entertaining alike’, as the listing states.

Heading outside, the picturesque grounds elevate the sense of country grandeur.

There are manicured gardens, rolling lawns, leafy arbours, wide paved terraces and stone walls framed by flowering borders.

Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White themselves could only dream of a happily-ever-after setting this enchanting.

Complementing the outdoor area is a swimming pool and tennis court, both wrapped by lush pastures.

There’s also a three-car garage or workshop that’s ideal for keen hobbyists.

Positioned quietly on a no-through road in the heart of Flinders, the property offers ‘privacy and timeless appeal within one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most tightly held coastal enclaves’, according to the listing.

Michael confirms that an expression of interest campaign began in April, with offers accepted until the end of May.

‘We quite deliberately launched inspections during school holidays, knowing there’d be plenty of interested parties on the Peninsula at that time,’ he notes.

As for the owners’ motivation to let go of such a beautiful home, Michael says the decision was not an easy one after many years enjoying it ‘immensely with children and even grandchildren’.

‘But it’s time. They’re travelling more overseas now. The house has simply become superfluous to their needs.’

Michael believes a number of potential buyers could be drawn to the home.

‘It’s hard to predict who the eventual buyer will be – possibly a family wanting to live here permanently, because it certainly has all the facilities. Or, as it has been for the current owners, it could be a glorious weekender. It suits both perfectly.’

‘It’s impossible not to fall in love with it when you see it. It really is beautiful.’

Indeed, recent social media posts about the cottage-core abode have inspired a flood of awestruck responses online.

‘Wow, just beautiful,’ one woman commented.

‘So charming,’ wrote another.

‘Omg this is my actual dream!!!!’ another inspired Aussie chimed in.