$90 million plus Wantirna South apple orchard holding sold through Savills

A Chinese developer has beaten out the competition with a near $100 million offer for a former apple orchard in Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east.

The family owned Jenkins Orchards site at 1201-1211 High Street Road was sold by Savills.

Nan Xin Investment secured the 15ha site.

The sale comes on the back of the success of nearby residential projects including Wantirna Rise, where all 113 residential lots sold in one day, and Mirvac's $450million, 906-lot Harcrest development of the former Brickworks site.

Savills Australia's Nick Peden described it as "the most significant Melbourne metropolitan landholding to be offered to the market in recent years."

The site was zoned for high-density residential projects of up to five levels, according to Savills agent Jesse Radisich.

The agency ran a four-week campaign with a price guide above $90 million.

The property was purchased in 1922 by the Jenkins family, who ran an orchard that produced apple cider.

It had a fruit and vegetable shop at the site.

Nan Xin Investment is involved in other projects in Victoria including a luxury mixed-use project called Galleria in Glen Waverley.