Untouched mid-century property in Ascot Vale listed for $1.35m-$1.45m
From the bold bathroom to the flamboyant wallpaper and fancy tiles, there is little else on the market in Melbourne’s northern suburbs like this decades-old beauty.
Buyers in the hunt for an original-condition mid-century house would have to travel to the other side of the city to find anything close.
The time warp at 92 North Street, Ascot Vale, is for sale with price hopes of $1.35 million to $1.45 million, and goes to auction on August 23.
The four-bedroom house was lovingly built by an Italian immigrant family, who came to Australia in the 1940s or ’50s, and it has barely been touched since they handed over the keys five years ago to the current owners.
Little gems can be spotted throughout. To buy a replica of the authentic, bulbous silver pendant light that hangs over the dining table would cost $4000 to $5000, says agent Ryan Currie of Nelson Alexander Ascot Vale.
“They basically built the home, we believe, almost by hand themselves, using all the original materials at that time,” Currie says.
“Even now, the only things in the entire property that have been changed are two windows on the south side, facing the street, which have been replaced.”
The interior is period-perfect – terrazzo tiles, angular shelving, loud wallpaper, decorative glass sliding doors and a sunken bath in a pink bathroom.
The metalwork in the home was done by the father, who is understood to have been employed by the Ford Motor Company. The wife was known in the neighbourhood for her impeccable dress sense.
Their care and style are still evident in the single-level home, years after they left.
Locals know of the vintage marvel, and plenty of curious prospective buyers have walked through. Such is the cult status of these sorts of homes that even those not in the market to buy have wanted to take a look inside.
“There’s always a buyer for these, and there are also buyers who will wait as long as it takes for something like this,” Currie says.
“I think it’s going to be someone who loves the architecture – maybe even an architect.”
He says intact houses of this style are uncommon in this part of Melbourne.
“I have sold the odd beautiful art deco home, but that was a different era altogether, whereas this is just something to behold,” Currie says.
“I’ve had a few buyers call me from areas like Doncaster, Templestowe and Wantirna. I’ve had a couple of people say, ‘We only see these properties out where we are, and we can’t actually believe there’s one left in its original condition in the inner city.’”
The property has been rented by a design lover who was enraptured by its unspoiled style.
“They absolutely adored it and promised the owners they would look after it – and, true to their word, they did,” Currie says.
It is unclear whether developers are interested in the address, given the shape of the 658-square-metre block and its position in a peaceful cul-de-sac.
However, many prospective buyers have expressed a hope that it remains as is.
“Most of the people are walking out saying, ‘Even if we don’t decide to buy this, we really hope that it’s kept in the original format,’” Currie says.
Mid-century houses for sale right now in Melbourne
With heaps of character and on a block of almost 1100 square metres, this property is in a quiet area near a golf club, and is a firm reminder of life decades ago.
The home features the hallmarks of its mid-century build, positioned high to capture state park and treetop views. One of its many highlights is the vast pool and spa.
The listing celebrates the home’s “nostalgic character”. Here, time has stood still. There are views of the Box Hill skyline and the Dandenong Ranges from the front of the handsome, two-level family home.
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