Frank and Sharon Van Haandel buy Toorak trophy home

Frank and Sharon Van Haandel, owners of the Stokehouse, have bought an $8.65 million Toorak mansion having sold in South Yarra.

It was the longtime home of veteran Melbourne caterer Peter Rowland and his wife Susan.

The elegant Parisian style home reflects the scale and symmetry of 18th century Île de France architecture complete with large banquet hall with antique limestone fireplaces.

Its facade was such a hit on its early 1990s completion that a spate of copycat homes followed in the neighbourhood. 

It's got a hidden underground garage entrance beneath its tree lined driveway, described as 'James Bond-style' by the listing agents.

Inspired by the trapdoor spider, a lid lifts up on the pebbled driveway to reveal a slope down to the basement art gallery with six car garage.

There's a private paved northeast garden with heated pool on the 748 sqm parcel.

They had $10 million hopes on its listing through Marshall White.

The Van Haandel's scored $12.3 million for their former South Yarra home when they were approached for the off-market deal.

It was bought by Swisse vitamins chief executive officer Radek Sali and wife Helen.

This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian Mansion Australia section.