In the rolling landscapes of Melbourne’s suburb of Harkaway, a striking French Provincial residence now stands on the grounds of a long-lost manor house.

Designed and built by Grollo Homes for owners who had lived on the property for several years, Harkaway Manor represents the creation of their carefully considered forever home. It captures the grandeur and timeless elegance of the original estate while offering all the luxuries and efficiencies of contemporary living.

Jason Grollo, Director of the family-run company, described the ambition behind the project: ‘Our client approached Grollo Homes with the ambition of restoring the grandeur of the original manor house, which had previously been demolished to make way for a modest brick veneer dwelling. With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, the property required a new home that would respectfully honour its heritage.’

The architectural style chosen for the project was French Provincial, a nod to classical European elegance, characterised by symmetrical layouts, arched doorways, and intricate stonework. From the rendered facade to the coffered ceilings inside, every element of Harkaway Manor was meticulously crafted.

Benchtops, for example, range from Signorino’s Ice Green Honed Stone and Palomino Stone to CDK Stone’s Neolith Calacatta Luxe Ultra Soft Finish, Bianco Carrara and Fior di Pesco Honed. In addition, Peraway Marble’s filled and honed vein-cut Roman travertine embraces style and substance.

Throughout the build, specialised tradespeople collaborated closely with the Grollo Homes in-house design team. They led the overall design direction with interior architect Ben Yusop, who was engaged to refine and enhance the interior spaces.

‘One of the most significant challenges of the build was integrating traditional architectural elements with modern sustainable technologies,’ says Jason. ‘Solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems were carefully incorporated without disrupting the home’s classical aesthetic.’

Inside, the home is divided into two primary wings. One wing houses an office, theatre room, mudroom and outdoor kitchen, while the other contains five bedrooms with walk-in robes. Between them, the kitchen, living room and family room form a central hub designed for both entertaining and day-to-day living.

Having previously lived on the property, the clients had a deep understanding of the block’s orientation and were clear that the positioning of the new residence would need to maximise natural light. Expansive glazing and multiple skylights were therefore carefully incorporated to allow natural light to permeate the home, delivering uninterrupted views of the landscaped grounds and ultimately achieving the clients’ vision for a light filled family home.

Jason Grollo explains the care given to each space: ‘It’s impossible to choose just one favourite room, as each space features its own distinctive design elements.

‘From the great room with its striking glass-domed ceiling to the intricately detailed kitchen, en suites and alfresco areas, every room was carefully considered. Significant effort was invested into every element of the home to ensure a finished product that instils pride not only in us as builders, showcasing our craftsmanship, but also in our valued client.’

He continues: ‘The construction process, spanning several years, was impacted by complex design requirements, ongoing client variations, and the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic,’ says Jason. ‘Material shortages, fluctuating pricing, and disruptions to skilled trades made careful planning and adaptability essential.’

Despite these obstacles, the home was completed and handed over in April 2024, exemplifying Grollo Homes’ commitment to quality and perseverance.

Harkaway Manor also carries a deeply personal significance for the Grollo family. The project represents the final design of the late Luigi Grollo, the company’s founder. Jason reflected on the emotional weight of the award-winning project: ‘This project represents the final design created by the late Luigi Grollo, who unfortunately did not live to see its spectacular completion.

‘The recognition brought mixed emotions. The loss of not only our founder but also our father was deeply felt by our family. This award is a tribute to him and a testament to the legacy he leaves behind. This home embodies everything he stood for: history, strength through adversity, and a determination to never give up.’

Grollo Homes is a family-run business, established in 1961 by Luigi and his two brothers, now celebrating 65 years of operation. Jason Grollo, co-director and project manager, recalls growing up immersed in the business.

'Dad would take us to work on school holidays, and we would sweep out the yard or staple specifications together,’ he recalls. ‘As we got older, we did more hands-on work. Eventually, I became the head project manager in charge of all houses that we build now.’

The company has maintained a balance between tradition and innovation. Jason explained, ‘We actively look for new techniques that augment the traditional construction methods and practices. We don’t just stick to everything old-fashioned. But where new processes become available, we test them and see how they’ll fit in with our method of construction. Then if they’re successful, we will adopt them.’

Harkaway Manor is a prime example of Grollo Homes’ expertise in high-end residential projects, combining architectural heritage with modern luxury and sustainability. This approach has been recognised through multiple awards. At the 2025 HIA Victoria Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, the residence received Home of the Year, as well as Custom Built Home, Bathroom of the Year and Outdoor Kitchen categories.

HIA judges praised the project for its exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, from the flawless stonework to the custom cabinetry and coffered ceilings.

‘We never begin a design with the intention of entering it for an award,’ explains Jason. ‘The overwhelmingly positive feedback received not only from our client but also from our tradespeople and internal team confirmed that this project was something special.

‘Given the level of craftsmanship, collaboration and effort invested, we felt it was appropriate to showcase the workmanship involved and submit the project in the hope others would also recognise the quality and care behind its delivery.’