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See multi-millionaire businessman's astonishing plans for this Melbourne property: 'It will look like a superyacht'

• Mega mansion to be built in Toorak, Melbourne
• Architect Rob Mills designed it to look like a superyacht 

By Louise Allingham For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:50 EDT, 17 July 2023 | Updated: 20:53 EDT, 17 July 2023

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A five-storey mansion with a rooftop bar, car turntable, and wellness centre all designed to look like a superyacht is set to be built in one of the country's most affluent suburbs. 

The state-of-the-art home will sit on the edge of Melbourne 's Yarra River in Toorak, the city's most expensive suburb, 5km south-east of the CBD.

Millionaire businessman Howard Armitage gave architect Rob Mills creative freedom when he asked him to design a 'world-class family home' after purchasing the plot for $6.2million in 2017. 

'(Armitage) wanted an original design and he wanted it to be world class. He was really surprised when we presented it to him but he embraced it,' Rob told FEMAIL. 

An old home will be demolished to make way for the 'superyacht' that will cascade down the long, narrow block towards the water's edge and have all the trimmings of a world-class mega mansion. 

A mega mansion designed to look like a superyacht is set to be built on the edge of Melbourne's Yarra River in Toorak, the city's most expensive suburb

'The top level, which is the bridge of the boat, that's a bar with a pool table, built-in cellar, and built-in seating,' Rob explained. 

'Then it opens onto an outdoor terrace with a bar - that's on the point of the boat.'

An entryway sits on the level below as well as a private study, pantry, kitchen, living room and dining room which opens onto another outdoor deck. 

'There are external staircases, just like on a boat, leading to the different levels so you can travel between one level to another either internally or externally,' Rob added. 

Beneath the entry level, there is a media room, second bar, cellar and even a nine-car garage with a turntable to live out all your James Bond dreams. 

Another storey houses bedrooms, and a wellness centre with a home gym and sauna while the lowest level has a pool, cabana and a 'sweeping lawn' travelling down the hill to the river. 

An old home will be demolished to make way for the 'superyacht' that will cascade down the narrow block towards the water's edge and have all the trimmings of a luxe mega mansion

Rob said the typography of the 1,400sqm block heavily influenced the design of the house. 

'That's a five storey building so to create that superyacht shape you need the fall of the land then you tier the house down in the shape of the superyacht,' he said. 

'You couldn't do that on a flat site because you couldn't have the five storeys. You'd be limited to two or three depending on where you were.'

Stonnington councillors have 'unanimously' supported the proposal for the incredible home to be built. 

'They were kind of enchanted by it and surprised by it,' Rob said. 

Architect Rob Mills said the typography of the 1,400 sqm block heavily influenced the design of the house

'They were also very complimentary about the process because we consulted widely with the neighbours and tried to reach agreements and support for the proposal.'

Councillor Matthew Koce said the superyacht is one of the largest single dwelling homes he has supported. 

'The design follows the contours of the land and presents as a two story home from the street frontage,' he said in a Facebook post. 

'The development includes landscaping with lots of native plants and had the support of Council's Urban Designer and Parks.'

A Notice Of a Decision Grant a Planning Permit was issued and neighbours have their chance to appeal however Rob said he 'doesn't expect' any objections. 

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Toorak Residence / ADDARC

• Curated by Hana Abdel
• Architects: ADDARC
• Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1227 m²
• Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2020
• Photographs Photographs: Shannon McGrath
• Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers:   Fisher & Paykel , Miele , Tom Dixon , Apaiser , Arc One Gallery , Astra Walker , Blanco , Brokis , Bruce Armstrong , EST Lighting , FLOS , Falmec , Figgoscopecurates , Fletcher Art , Fletcher Art and Lon Gallery , Flinders Lane Gallery, ‘Matador’ sculpture by Peter Syndicas , FontanaArte , Franke , Glass Block , Guan Wei , +30 Home Italia , InSinkErator , Jetmaster , KODA , Kelly Wearstler , Le Parqueteur , Marta Figueiredo , Minotti London , NSW Leather Co , Nahoor Lighting , Nahoor Limelight , Otomys , Pepite , Qasair , Reece , Rephouse Australia , Roda , Rogerseller , Signorino , Smeg , Sophie Gannon Gallery , Stylecraft , Sub-Zero , Venicem , Viabizzuno , Victoria Whitelaw , Westend Art Space , Whitecliffe Imports , Wolf , Zip -30
• Lead Architects: Rohan Appel, Tamara Dunkley
• Flowers:  ADDARC
• Landscape:  Jack Merlo
• Styling:  Swee Design
• City:  Melbourne
• Country:  Australia
• Did you collaborate on this project?

Text description provided by the architects. Positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the Toorak Residence is a dichotomy of sensory experiences. Designed to be both bold yet effortlessly understated the Toorak residence is quietly ephemeral with an overarching sense of minimalist luxury and restrained opulence.

Designed by ADDARC, the architecture and interiors are an exemplar of minimalist design and detailing. This deliberate restraint in palette allows the crystal-like transformation of shadows to dance through the double height gallery and connect with the landscaped oasis beyond. Solid glass bricks create a translucent veil upon which to glimpse this tranquil passing of the day and imbue a surreal luster and humility to the surroundings. Paired with sculptured insitu concrete, monolithic stone insertions and textured black japan stained timber each space is curated to contribute to the sense of drama and intrigue. This restraint in form and palette allows the crafted details and layering of art and furniture to enrich the space.

Through the grand front door, an imposing entry hall awaits, drawing one’s eyes from the dark granite floor and textured oak walls up to the custom pendant light and glass bridge which hover above. Beyond; a contemporary colonnade entwined with climbers stitches the outdoor living pavilion into the landscape. This gallery is the axial heart of the house with both formal and informal living divided either side, occupying this most public level. The upper floor sees a series of more private spaces with the glass bridge demarcating the master suite from the secondary bedrooms and retreat. The luminous glass brick veil envelops elevated and secluded gardens which provide both privacy within and a moving silhouette of foliage behind the facade when viewed from the street. A cascading landscape mass-planted with a carpet of ivy provides light and aspect to the lower level. Alongside parking this lower level accommodates a further guest suite, wine tasting room and cellar, theatre room, wellness area complete with gym, sauna and steam rooms.

The outdoor spaces embody an ornamental approach that unifies architecture and enduring materials with an emotive and layered flora palette. Variations in scale, and sentiment combine to provide outdoor spaces for quiet contemplative thought, define stately vistas or provide for relaxed family gatherings. Beyond the alfresco living area and manicured lawn, the lap pool and spa glisten against the pale limestone and structured hedges. Garden follies sit alongside carefully selected specimen trees sourced Australia wide, clipped topiary and architectural insertions which punctuate the otherwise orthogonal geometry of house and landscape.

Inside plush furnishings and luminescent brass light fixtures sit harmoniously aside dark figured marble and stained parquetry flooring. Texture and light effortlessly transcend the spaces into a kaleidoscope of curated volumes, each as dramatic yet timeless as the last. The soft furnishings throughout were procured in collaboration with Minotti London together with a few pieces designed by ADDARC, where the scale of the space demanded a bespoke product. The extensive art collection, including pieces from Michael Armstrong, Richard Stringer, Dale Frank, Guan Wei, Richard Blackwell, Vera Möller, Martia Figueiredo, Morgan Shimeld, Ben Sheers was sourced through Sophie Gannon Gallery, Fletcher Arts, Figgoscape Curates, Flinders Lane Gallery, Otomys and others. The Toorak house sets a new benchmark for the dramatic.

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A New Life For A Legacy Robin Boyd Home

Suspended above a creek bed in Melbourne’s Toorak is The Richardson House – designed in 1955 by legendary Australian architect Robin Boyd. After numerous renovations in the five decades since its completion (including an extension in the 1980s, which created an entirely new residence on a separate part of the block!), the current owners wanted to return the residence to its former glory.

Architecture firm Jolson were engaged by client Karen Liberman in a collaborative effort to reimagine the house based on Boyd’s original intentions. The result is a jaw-dropping interpretation of an iconic Australian home, with strong connections to its significant past.

The Bridging Boyd project by Jolson connects an original 1955 Robin Boyd structure with a separate 1982 addition on the same block. Photo – Lucas Allen .

Architecture firm Jolson devised a series of suspended bridges to the front entrance, leading the resident through the unusually wild suburban landscape to the floating architectural dream beyond. Photo – Lucas Allen .

The interiors of the 1982 residence were completely rebuilt to keep continuous with the original Robin Boyd structure at the other end of the block. Photo – Lucas Allen .

The timber window frames were removed and replaced with steel to create material continuity between the 1982 residence (designed by Peter Crone) and Boyd’s original 1955 structure. Photo – Lucas Allen .

A wine cellar is a standout feature of the new design! Photo – Lucas Allen .

A floating terrace was added by Jolson to the re-designed residence. Photo – Lucas Allen .

Timber and travertine finishes create a warm and inviting material palette. Photo – Lucas Allen .

The extensive kitchen caters to all the needs of a modern resident! Photo – Lucas Allen .

A study and music room were among two notable additions to the residence. Photo – Lucas Allen .

All internal obstructions were removed to restore Boyd’s original open-plan layout, which allowed panoramic views to stretch from one end of the structure to the other. Painting by Joshua Yeldham . Photo – Lucas Allen .

A second lounge room in the residence. Photo – Lucas Allen .

The bedrooms and bathrooms in the 1982 residence were completely redesigned and fitted with soft, contemporary flourishes. Look at that bathroom! Photo – Lucas Allen .

Boyd’s original Richardson House comprises the entry structure to the network of connected pavilions. It is identified by the notable steel arch. Photo – Lucas Allen .

This incredible home designed by Australia’s most influential design legend looks as though it’s buried somewhere in the Daintree, or at the very least, nestled in one of Melbourne’s leafy outer suburbs. But no. The Richardson House – designed by Robin Boyd in 1955 – is located in the inner-city neighbourhood of Toorak. Surprise!

Nowadays, many Robin Boyd homes are protected by heritage overlays, and alterations to these homes must be vetted by The Boyd Foundation. But before these protections came into play, this innovative Toorak residence underwent a series of interventions over the years, under different owners. The most significant of these was a 1982 renovation by architect Peter Crone.

Though Boyd’s original design contained just a single, rhombus-shaped pavilion immersed in the unusually wild suburban block, Crone’s renovation saw the interiors partitioned in a closed-plan layout, and an entirely new residence added to the block. This separate structure is connected to Boyd’s original steel dwelling (now renamed ‘The Bridge’) by an external pathway, and remains a sympathetic addition to the original architectural design.

New owners inherited this altered floor plan in 2013, and engaged architecture firm Jolson to redesign the renovated residence once more, to bring it closer to Boyd’s original intentions, as well as unify the two existing pavilions.

To begin with, Jolson devised a series of suspended bridges leading to the front door of the original dwelling, guiding the resident through the wild landscape to the concealed residence. Internally, the architects stripped the dated, closed floorplan that architect Peter Crone had devised during the 1980 renovation, and reinstated the open-plan layout of Boyd’s original design, which prioritised engagement with the surrounding landscape. All dividing walls and internal obstructions were removed to open the house as much as possible to panoramic views from one end to the other.

When it came to updating the newer residence (which is not protected by a heritage overlay), the architects took more liberal steps to redesign it, again using Boyd’s principles to guide them. ‘We basically rebuilt the home, and reimagined every finish and material,’ explains Stephen Jolson. ‘The original timber frame windows, which weren’t heritage protected, were redesigned in steel and double glazed. We also created a new entrance below the bridge, with an internal staircase, and elaborate wine cellar.’ Other new spaces include a music room, a study and a large circular terrace suspended above the garden (not to mention THAT bathroom!).

To connect the interiors of the two separately designed structures, Jolson looked to the surrounding greenery, access to which was so central to the home’s original design. A warm, artisanal material palette dominated by timber and travertine finishes was adopted to mirror the treetop view. Handcrafted wooden furniture and custom light fittings shaped like tree branches bring a sense of the external environment indoors. Homeowner Karen Liberman was a collaborator of Jolson’s, especially when it came to designing the metalwork and finer furnishing details.

The resulting home is a series of elevated pavilions connected by external pathways and suspended bridges. This carefully constructed network of freestanding structures  create a ‘floating’ sensation for its residents. It is a respectful and meticulous union of two previously disparate designs.

‘His idea was brave and robust, and created a meaningful dialogue between the site and the landscape,’ explains Stephen of Robin Boyd’s original design principles, and the architectural decisions to reinterpret rather than rehabilitate them. ‘There is so much to learn and be inspired from.’

See more projects from Jolson here .

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Melbourne’s most expensive mansions revealed

A BILLIONAIRE is building what will be one of our most expensive homes. So how will his $50m palace compare against Melbourne’s most luxurious properties?

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BILLIONAIRE property tycoon John Gandel is building a lavish new Mornington Peninsula estate that will be one of our most expensive homes.

Estimated to have cost up to $50 million to build, industry insiders have revealed details of a residence unrivalled in sheer extravagance.

But what makes this property stand out from Melbourne’s most luxurious homes?

MUIR PROPERTY, TOORAK

When Good Guys whitegoods boss Andrew Muir came knocking on celebrity Steve Vizard’s Toorak mansion to offer him about $18 million for the place in 2007, it became what was believed to then be Melbourne’s highest house price.

Steve and Sarah Vizard bought the 100-square, two-storey English mansion-style home at Orrong Road, Toorak, about five years earlier for $5.4 million.

AVON COURT, HAWTHORN

It’s got two pools, seven kitchens and room for 10 cars.

The Hawthorn mansion’s private fitness centre is bigger than most public ones and the main bedroom is bigger than most one-bedroom flats.

The luxurious Avon Court, at 18-20 Shakespeare Grove, is considered one of Melbourne’s best properties.

When it changed hands last May, it reportedly netted its owners more than $20 million.

Set over four storeys, the home boasts a billiards room, marble fittings and an 18-seat Teppanyaki kitchen.

There are 9 bedrooms, more than a dozen bathrooms and a 400-plus bottle wine cellar.

Added to that is a flower room, gym, sauna, maid’s quarters and rooftop entertainment space.

A Melbourne businessman bought the mansion after seeing off strong competition from two international buyers.

Former Richmond president Clinton Casey paid $5.7 million for the property in 2003, before spending about $9 million on an extensive refurbishment. That’s a tidy profit.

GANDEL PROPERTY, MERRICKS

Clad in stone imported from Italy and set on top of a 10-car basement garage, sources say the estate will be a luxurious seaside playground for the very private Mr Gandel.

Mr Gandel is Australia’s sixth richest person and part-owner of the Chadstone shopping centre.

Solid oak floorboards flow throughout the home, which has three palatial living zones, three kitchens, four bathrooms and a helipad on the gym roof.

Remarkably there are just four bedrooms, including the servants quarters in the basement and a main bedroom encased entirely in steel.

All this is included in a sprawling 1860sq m floorplan — which is around 10 times the size of an average family home.

Outside a swimming pool is fitted with wave generators and enjoys breathtaking views of Western Port Bay.

The opulent house is the star of a majestic rural development at Merricks near Point Leo that will include a 150-seat restaurant, a winery, cellar, wine store, art gallery and a sculpture walk for the public to explore artworks by prominent Australian artists.

The art pieces have been acquired and commissioned by the Gandel family for their private collection over a number of years.

Construction of the house is almost finished on a massive parcel of land Mr Gandel compiled by combining several large blocks with uninterrupted, private views of the bay.

An army of tradesmen has worked tirelessly for more than two years to create the holiday home of unparalleled luxury in the sleepy, summer holiday destination.

But by far the most striking feature of Mr Gandel’s summer retreat is his bedroom. With a walk-in robe as big as a normal bedroom, the entire bedroom is fortified by steel.

An elaborate network of security cameras also monitors the house and grounds of the safety-conscious tycoon, estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of $3.6 billion.

Described as a “development of architectural and design excellence” in plans submitted to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, the property is dotted with vineyards and enjoys stunning water views.

The site has heritage and cultural significance. Mr Gandel has relocated and restored the historic farmer’s cottage “Kalimna” that was built on the site in the early 1900s. An earthwall outbuilding constructed about 1870 has also been restored.

Expected to be one of Australia’s most expensive homes, the property will rival Mr Gandel’s lavish Toorak mansion that industry experts have estimated is worth more than $70 million.

MIEGUNYAH, TOORAK

‘Miegunyah’ at 641 Orrong Rd, Toorak set a record price for a Melbourne property when it sold for about $23 million in 2009.

The six-bedroom home was sold by former Pacific Dunlop boss Phillip Brass and his wife, Vivien, who bought the mansion for around $2 million in 1992, giving them a tidy $20 million profit or growth of $1 million a year just for living at home.

Miegunyah, which also boasts a pool and grass tennis court, is hailed for its magnificent botanic gardens and is thought to be the second or third largest home in Toorak.

TOWERS RD, TOORAK

The mansion at 1 Towers Road, Toorak, set the record for Melbourne’s most expensive property after it sold in 2013 for $25 million.

Former JP Morgan Australia chairman Brian Watson and his wife Edwina sold the six-bedroom, seven-bathroom luxury home more than 18 months after first putting it on the market.

The 3900sq m block was bought by the Watsons for just over $11 million 12 years ago.

Businessman John Elliot is a previous owner of the house.

The house was originally predicted to sell for between $26 million and $30 million.

ORRONG RD, TOORAK

The lavish Toorak estate owned by prominent couple Norman and Tania Smorgon sold for a reported $20 million last December.

The 5500sq m property at 750 Orrong Rd, Toorak, was tipped to challenge Melbourne’s record $24 million sale price when was initially listed but it failed to sell after more than a year on the market.

The expansive grounds contain a swimming pool, tennis court and pavilion with a gym, cinema, bar and living areas.

MOULE AVE, BRIGHTON

12 Moule Ave, Brighton, sold last year for around $18 million.

The large bayside property boasts a dual-heated pool with spa and a tennis court overlooking a beach-access boathouse.

Its position near the marina provides a handy berth for yacht enthusiasts, but also a quieter stretch of sand from the popular beach down the road.

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A PLACE OF PERMANENCE

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A contemporary reimagining of classical grandeur, this expansive three bedroom, two  bathroom apartment is suffused with soft light, considered detail and understated prestige framing spectacular lifetime views. 

Inspired by modernist architecture and infused with playful Art Deco interventions and sculptural innovation, South Yarra House promises to age gracefully, providing a restored sense of permanence and preservation. 

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car

This luxurious three bedroom, two bathroom residence exudes sophistication, with ample Northern natural light, attention to detail and subtle elegance. Featuring breathtaking views of the Yarra River and the city skyline.

The design collaboration between architects SJB and interior designers Hecker Guthrie, developers, Wattletree and Dorman Capital deliver a fully realised vision of restrained grandeur and refinement.

4 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car

Elevated ceilings, North facing with Yarra River and city views. This four bedroom, two bathroom residence is a contemporary reimagining of classical grandeur, inspired by modernist architecture.

Tactile hand-laid brickwork, fluid archways and circular detailing eloquently echo the suburb’s historic architectural vernacular. Natural tones and textures exude warmth and infuse interiors with light and life.

4 bed, 3 bath, 3 car

This generous four bedroom, three bathroom residence is suffused with soft Northern light, considered detail and understated prestige, framing spectacular views across the Yarra River towards a breathtaking city skyline.

Flanked by lush parks, landscaped gardens and within wandering distance of the finest hospitality, South Yarra House will long be considered one of Melbourne’s most enviable addresses.

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Authentic materiality, careful craftsmanship and a minimal, restrained sensibility offer an aesthetic antidote to surrounding developments. This distinguished new landmark promises to age gracefully in place, providing a restored sense of permanence and preservation.  

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May 20, 2024

Entrepreneur splashes near $100m on Toorak house, Portsea beach house

Tech entrepreneur Grant Rule and his family have paid close to $100 million for a Portsea beach house and a Toorak home.

Rule founded SMS marketing technology company MessageMedia in 2000. Originally known as Message4U, the business was sold to Swedish rival Sinch for $US1.3 billion in 2021.

The Roman villa-style home on the beachfront at Portsea, set around a central courtyard and swimming pool, made headlines in recent weeks when it transacted.

Its new owner is philanthropist Dr Sophie Oh, public records of the settlement confirmed on Friday, who is married to Rule. The buyers were first reported by The Australian Financial Review .

Public records show the sale price for the property was $23.23 million. However, two sources with knowledge of the deal but not authorised to comment publicly put the total value of the deal at close to $25 million, as it also included a boat shed with power and water as well as a mooring.

The going rate for sought-after boat sheds in the area is in the ballpark of $1.2 million to $1.3 million, while moorings can cost about $50,000.

Sellers Nick and Camilla Speer bought the house in March 2020 for $13.48 million and completed a cosmetic renovation but have since moved to Sydney, where Nick is head of Affinity Equity Partners in Australia and New Zealand. Camilla runs luxury travel consultancy Carte Blanche Travel, and is part of Melbourne’s property developer Deague family.

RT Edgar’s Warwick Anderson and David Gillham handled the sale off-market, although the home had previously been advertised as a five-bedroom residence set on almost 2000 square metres.

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“I have been going to Portsea since I was a three-year-old and I reckon it is the best home, personally, that I have been into down there,” Gillham said.

“It really is one of those homes that you walk into and you could be anywhere in the world.”

Anderson declined to comment when contacted.

Rule also bought a grand Toorak mansion in 2022 for $74.5 million, the second-highest sale in Melbourne, a deceased estate bought from the Nanut family.

Blair House, on coveted boulevard St Georges Road, is a Georgian Revival home on an oversized block of 7800 square metres with tennis court, separate guest accommodation and expansive lawns. The agent handling that deal was Marshall White’s Marcus Chiminello.

Melbourne’s house price record was set on the same street by cryptocurrency casino Stake.com co-founder Ed Craven for an $80 million knockdown rebuild.

Rule’s sale of MessageMedia was described at the time as one of the largest for an Australian technology company, and provided an exit to Australian private equity group Mercury Capital, which reportedly owned about half the company before its sale.

Rule and Oh co-founded the Susan McKinnon Foundation, which focuses on initiatives to enhance democratic institutions including The McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, the McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership, and the e61 economic research institute.

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“Leura,” Toorak, the Residence of the Hon. R. Simson.

Georgius - George Alphonse Collingridge de Tourcey (1847 - 1931)

Scarce colonial engraving of the grand mansion Leura in Toorak as it looked in 1860. The original house was purchased by Robert Simson, demolished, and Leura erected. Simson was a wealthy pastoralist who landed in Tasmania in 1842, moving across … Read Full Description

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Scarce colonial engraving of the grand mansion Leura in Toorak as it looked in 1860.

The original house was purchased by Robert Simson, demolished, and Leura erected. Simson was a wealthy pastoralist who landed in Tasmania in 1842, moving across to the mainland in 1843.

References: Ferguson, J. A. Bibliography of Australia Volumes 1-8, Canberra 1976 16439.

Collections: National Library Australia: Bib ID 4084242 State Library Victoria: CCF 994.5 V66S State Library New South Wales: 74Vv5vQ4lxmZ

Collingridge was an artist and historian. He rarely used 'de Tourcey'. His parents moved to France in 1853 and he was educated at the Jesuit College, Vaugirard, and the Académie des Beaux-Arts, Paris, studying architecture under Viollet-le-Duc, wood-engraving and painting. Corot informally accepted him as a pupil, a very rare favour. In 1867, when Garibaldi invaded the Roman States, Collingridge joined the Papal Zouaves and took part in seventeen engagements, receiving no wounds but three medals, including the Mentana Cross. In 1869-70 he was back in Paris, returning to England after Sedan before settling again in Paris in 1872. Although he continued to paint throughout his career—he held his last exhibition in 1926—he now found his real métier in wood-engraving, then the staple form of graphics in such famous journals as the Illustrated London News and L'Illustration, for both of which he worked. On the advice of his brother Arthur (1853-1907), also an artist, who was already in Australia, Collingridge migrated in 1879 to join the Illustrated Sydney News, he also worked for the Australian Town and Country Journal and the Sydney Mail. Dissatisfaction with lay control of the existing New South Wales Academy of Art led the brothers to found the (Royal) Art Society of New South Wales in July 1880, and in 1888 they launched the short-lived Australian Art, the first such journal in the continent. Both brothers taught in schools and technical colleges. Between 1890 and 1925 Collingridge devoted two books and some thirty articles to establishing Portuguese priority to the charting of teh Australian coastline.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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Pages:  379-406

In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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