South Yarra: Late architect Allan Powell’s house rumoured to have been home to famous racehorse Archer - REA

Late Melbourne architect Allan Powell’s South Yarra property, rumoured to have once housed famous Australian racehorse Archer, has hit the market for the first time in 30 years.

Mr Powell was a prominent figure in the design industry, working on luxe homes across Melbourne, including those belonging to the likes of fashion icon Jenny Bannister and Collingwood Football Club president Jeff Browne.

Following his death last year, the 167-year-old home has been listed with a $9.6m-$10.5m asking price by the architect’s family.

Steeped in history, the vintage European-style property’s original stables remain as a freestanding building at the rear, believed to have once housed legendary racehorse Archer — winner of the first and second Melbourne Cup in 1861 and 1862.

Behind a striking Italianate gold facade, the interiors reflect Mr Powell’s own work, complementing period features such as 4m-high ceilings, marble fireplaces and its original Georgian-style windows.

Forbes Global Properties Australia directors Robert Fletcher and Michael Gibson have the listing for the 82 Millswyn St property.

Mr Gibson said the home “could be in Italy”.

“It’s an absolute one-off for South Yarra, it takes you to a different world,” he said.

The dwelling is accessed via two street frontages — Millswyn St at the front and Mason St at the rear, in addition to a cobblestone laneway with a gate leading to the charming gardens.

There’s also a central courtyard with a terrace, fountain, and sculptural circular staircase leading up to two self-contained apartments upstairs.

The old stables offer space for a garage or storage, plus an empty loft above.

Expressions of interest close at 5pm on November 15.