Wacky Bachli

Its been a while since my last post but Spring has kept me busy checking out lots of cool mid-century homes in Banyule. 

MR and i took a stroll through the Golf Links park over the sunny weekend and stopped off at the inspection for 6-8 Bachli Court, Rosanna.

All current images courtesy Hocking Stuart Ivanhoe

We had often wondered what the house's story was. Although parts of the home seemed in keeping with the merchant style of the golf links estate, others seemed out of step, almost castle-like with angles and forms that aren't familiar to mid-century architecture. After an opportunity to walk through the house and a review of the floorplan, it was clear that the rear section with upper floor had been added at a later time. Although the materials used in the addition were sympathetic, the reworked ground floor had a disorienting layout of rooms. 

Floor Plan Hocking Stuart

After a little research online, I managed to find that the original house (House 'A') was designed by feted architect Charles Duncan and built in 1968-69. The open fire in the living room is entirely reminiscent of the one at 27-35 Seymour Drive, Viewbank so I should have twigged! There are even some photographs taken by Peter Willie in the State Library Archives showing what the original house looked like. Below I have paired the State Library photos with the current sale campaign photos. As you can see, some fairly substantial additions and changes have been made over the years but in line with the materials and character of the original design.

Original entry - Single level dwelling with garage set back from entrance. Dark exterior colour scheme.

Current entry - Upper floor added, garage brought forward.

Original Living - Trademark Charles Duncan fireplace. Beams painted dark.

Current Living - Mantle added to fireplace(?) Beams painted light. Brick planter box to LHS fireplace has been removed.

Original Living - Brick dividing wall between living room and kitchen.

Original kitchen - Small basic original kitchen space.

Current Entry/Dining Area - Probably original kitchen area where current entrance table is. Brick dividing wall between living room and original kitchen has been removed.

Original Rear of Home - Single level dwelling only

Current Side of Home - Taken from an adjacent angle but it shows how the home has dramatically changed form over the years.

Current Family Room/Kitchen - Wacky angles but sympathetic material palette to original parts of the home.

Current Ensuite - Strange 'Speedboat Bath' in very open plan ensuite! - Sympathetic material palette.

Melcombe & Me

I have walked past this home at 25 Melcombe Road, Ivanhoe for many years and love its Modern lines - It's a little more Deco than what I usually go for but I'm sure it appeals to people of many differing tastes. It has been updated in many areas internally but great to see the original bathroom has been left as a showpiece.

Classic exterior - Love the old garages too!

Original Deco fireplace

Original Bathroom

All images courtesy Miles Real Estate

Starlings of Spring

I know re-development is a complex & controversial topic - I live in Heidelberg Heights where it seems an old house falls to be replaced by three cheap and poorly designed townhouses on a weekly basis. Montmorency is another nearby community that is struggling with developers. I certainly don't have an issue with tearing down poor quality older homes, or with increasing the density of living in our suburbs, but I do take issue with the quality of housing that is really being 'thrown up' in its place. I mean it's 2012 - surely by now we should be building houses to the solar orientation of each block and able to build homes with almost zero building waste??

Development currently for sale in Heidelberg Heights

Anyway, this post wasn't meant to turn into a rant, I was simply going to mention that the rendering for the new homes at 39 Starling Street Montmorency looks interesting. Nice to see a contemporary development with a little design integrity and quality materials - at least externally.

Image courtesy Enrichment Property Group Eltham

Laurel & Hardy

Okay so this is a brand new house but... it looks amazing and has certainly taken some cue's from Modernist ideals - particularly the front facade & materials. Great bathrooms & kitchen too. Not to mention the view over the Ivanhoe Golf Course!!
 
16 Hardy Terrace, Ivanhoe East is for sale through Jellis Craig Ivanhoe and brought to you today by Jealous Renae.

Yes, that is a little bridge to get from the pedestrian path to the front door!

Carrara marble & timber kitchen - Nice & simple

Living areas with that view!

Beautiful elegant simple bathroom

All images courtesy Jellis Craig Ivanhoe

Tranquil Winter is Over

Thank goodness Spring has sprung! Don't know about you but I really struggled with mood & motivation this Winter. It just seemed extra long and so dreary!! I am now excited about longer, warmer days, BBQ's with friends, working in the garden and on the house and - of course - the Spring property market! For those looking for a new nest, might I suggest 6 Tranquil Winter Court, Viewbank? Not sure when it was built - possibly 1980's? I'm keen to check it out over the weekend.

Fantastic Native Garden out front

Timber lined ceilings - I'm totally a sucker for those!

Stainless Steel bench tops - For the professional cooks out there - MR would love that.

A little Aztec inspired courtyard? Lots of great windows in the living areas.

All images courtesy Barry Plant Rosanna

Edwards Street Appeal

I have a soft spot for this place at 23 Edwards Street, Lower Plenty from the outside!

For sale through Morrison Kleeman

Wyalla Court Opening

I originally blogged about this great looking apartment block in Ivanhoe East late last year. Now there is an apartment for sale at 7/18 Carmichael Street, Ivanhoe East and it looks as fantastic on the inside as it does on the outside!! It always looks so great decorating inside in a style that suits the house externally. Love it.

Great living room!

Great furniture & artwork too!

All images courtesy Miles Real Estate