From orchards to townhouses: How Orchard Mews pays homage to Glen Iris' rural past

PC Whitehall & Sons is building the 20-townhome project at 18 Scott Grove, with eight already snapped up following strong early interest ahead of its late-2027 estimated completion.

So far, every buyer has been an owner-occupier. Eton Property Group, which is selling Orchard Mews, says the majority of those are downsizers moving out of large family homes into something lower maintenance that still offers generous space and easy access to local amenity.

"Buyers point to quality, value and location as their reasons for buying, and the level of customisation and finish has drawn particular comment in the display suite," Eton's Daniel Caspar says.

Cera Stribley designed the project as two distinct but related forms facing the street, split by a central landscaped mews that gives pedestrian access to each townhome.

Jack Merlo has handled the landscaping, which includes a seating area beneath an arbour within the mews. The existing street trees are being retained, along with two lilly pillies and two large palms at the front of the site.

“The brief to the architect was to create homes that cater to varying lifestyles and preferences,” MontCoeur Managing Director Andrew Hogan said.

“We wanted to create a space that encouraged community connection, yet offered privacy.”

That flexibility shows up in the floorplans. The three-, four- and five-bedroom townhomes come with one, two or three living zones. Each has a full floor given to kitchen, dining and living, which opens to one or two private courtyards. A north-south orientation brings light through both ends of the home.

Below ground, every residence has a basement containing private double lock up secure car spaces, bicycle parking and a multipurpose room that buyers can configure as an extra bedroom, wellness studio, wine cellar or golf simulator. Private lifts are standard, and kitchens pair natural stone with Miele and Gaggenau appliances.

“From clever storage to tailored finishes, every detail is crafted to bring ease and elegance to everyday living,” said Cera Stribley senior interior designer Melanie Ting.

The development is all-electric, with EV-ready infrastructure and a 41,000-litre rainwater harvesting system supplying irrigation and toilet flushing. Through MontCoeur’s Clean Earth Future Initiative and a partnership with ReforestNow, 500 trees will be planted for each townhome, which Hogan says will offset the household’s carbon emissions for 25 years.

The street’s orchard past also carries into resident life. Crab apple trees are planted within the mews, and a limited-release Orchard Mews Apple-Infused Gin will be produced for residents each December. A private residents’ app is designed to keep neighbours in touch.

“Orchard Mews is a place where an affluent community thrives, where people become lifelong friends, where people are at their best and where positive energy abounds,” Hogan added.

Beyond the gate, Scott Grove puts residents close to some of the area’s most sought-after schools, including Scotch College and Sacré Cœur, as well as Cabrini Private Hospital and Kooyong Tennis Club. Trams and Gardiner Station are nearby for trips into the city, and Chadstone is a short drive away.

Three-bedroom townhomes start from $2,295,000.