Cotton On co-owner puts his Melbourne mansion on the market for $8.8MILLION - and the classic heritage facade hides a marvellous modern makeover inside

Cotton On Group co-owner Ash Hardwick is parting ways with the stunning Melbourne waterfront mansion he's called home for the last 14 years as he and his young family swap city life for a sea change.

He and his wife Samantha have put their St Kilda West home on the market with a $8-$8.8million price guide, up to four times more than he paid for the property in 2006.

The couple and their two sons are moving to Geelong to be closer to Mr Hardwick's work at the headquarters of the company founded by his cousin Nigel Austin in 1991.

Cotton On Group co-owner Ash Hardwick is parting ways with his stunning Melbourne waterfront mansion

Located opposite the beach and parkland, the Victorian home's classic heritage facade isn't the only stunning feature that will attract interest

Located opposite the beach and parkland, the Victorian home's classic heritage facade isn't the only stunning feature that will attract interest. 

Agent Kay & Burton describes the four bedroom, three bathroom property as a glamorous home for contemporary family life.

'This home has the perfect balance between heritage and a new aesthetic in this prized residential pocket,' the property description states.

Mr Hardwick transformed the former bed and breakfast accommodation into a stunning modern family home with extensive renovations in 2011.

'Grand scale dimensions are matched by a striking palette of dark and light hues, underscored by high- end finishes of European oak timber floors, with stone and marble in the kitchen and bathrooms,' the description adds.

'Original ornamental details have been highlighted and reinvigorated, from the deep skirtings to the marble mantelpiece, staircase and windows.' 

Mr Hardwick transformed the former bed and breakfast accommodation into a stunning modern family home with extensive renovations in 2011

What was once a traditional hall has been transformed into an impressive study with marble mantelpiece and built-in shelving.

The marble-finished kitchen is every entertainer's dream with three Miele ovens, cooktop, coffee machine, integrated fridge/freezer along with a well-appointed butler's pantry. 

Other features include a children's playroom, a large underground cellar, an elevated swimming pool, landscaped gardens, hydronic heating and cooling, underfloor heating in the tiled areas.

Mr Hardwick's wife admitted it will be difficult to say goodbye to the home. 

Other features include a children's playroom, a large underground cellar, an elevated swimming pool, landscaped gardens, hydronic heating and cooling, underfloor heating in the tiled areas

Mr Hardwick's wife admitted it will be difficult to say goodbye to the home

'Being able to live in such a beautiful, vibrant area with the beach and great parks, but still having a house that was so private and quiet, was something so valuable to us,' she told the Herald Sun's Property Insiders.

'I love the big double doors at the back of the house that allow for such great flow inside and outside, with plenty of freedom for kids in the backyard.'

Interested buyers have until November 12 to lodge an expression of interest.

Mr Hardwick bought the property for $2.2million in 2006.

The Cotton On Group was started in Geelong by Mr Hardwick's cousin Nigel Austin in 1991. 

The company now consists of eight brands and now operates in 19 countries.

Interested buyers have until November 12 to lodge an expression an interest. Mr Hardwick bought the property for $2.2million in 2006