In Focus April 2023 - Jellis Craig

In Focus

BEHIND THE LISTING: BOYD BAKER HOUSE

Boyd Baker House is located in Long Forest and offers up an opportunity to own a heritage-listed mid-century gem by one of Australia’s most influential architects.

A SUSTAINABLE SPACE

In celebration of Earth Day this April, we are looking at 7 ways you can lessen your impact on the environment and create a more sustainable home.

MY NEIGHBOURHOOD WITH ANDREW INGHAM

We sat down with Jellis Craig Barwon Heads Director, Andrew Ingham, to talk about living and working on the Bellarine Peninsula.

21 MIDDEN TERRACE, BARWON HEADS

Featuring north-facing Barwon River views and surrounded by iconic Moonah woodland, this breathtaking owner-built riverside property includes a solar-heated swimming pool and outdoor entertaining zones.

2 RUDA STREET, DONCASTER

Cultivate an inspired park-side lifestyle enriched by community and connectivity in an unrivalled location.

OPEN DOORS OPEN DIALOGUE

Contact us to discuss your next property move and find out why our relationships speak for themselves.

Behind the listing: Boyd Baker House

There are few opportunities to own a piece of Victoria’s mid-century architectural history, let alone a Robin Boyd residence. The Boyd Baker House located in Long Forest is currently on the market and offers up an opportunity to own a heritage-listed midcentury gem by one of Australia’s most influential architects.

Here, we go behind the listing and speak to the vendors about what makes this home so special.

305-307 Long Forest Road, Long Forest

The Boyd Baker house, located in Long Forest, Victoria, was named after architect Robin Boyd and its original owner Dr Michael Baker (a mathematician).

The house was devised through a mutual love and understanding of geometric calculations and is now listed as one of Australia’s most iconic residential properties.

Set amongst beautiful native bushland, the 35-acre property holds a collection of three dwellings; the main house, a smaller ‘Dower House’ and the ‘Sir Roy Grounds Library’, which was designed by Roy Grounds and built to house Michael’s large collection of books.

In 2007, the site was added to the Victorian Heritage Register, having remained relatively untouched since its construction bar a few internal renovations to the kitchen and bedrooms.

One of the more unique things about the home is the fact it is planned in a square design. The home is surrounded by twelve stone cylinders topped by a shallow pyramid roof and at the centre lies a large courtyard beneath a flywire roof.

We sat down with current owners Peter & Mary to discuss the proud history of their property.

You purchased Boyd Baker House and the two additional dwellings on the land in 2006, what was the key driver in your purchase?

“The Boyd Baker House, together with the Dower House designed by Robin Boyd and the library designed by Sir Roy Grounds which sits on the property were purchased by us in 2006. The main driver in the purchase was the absolute awe we had for the organically designed buildings and what we perceived was their perfect setting amongst the Australian native bush. We saw them as fantastic getaway from Melbourne, a resting on the eye and the soul.”

Internally, the rooms in the house line the walls of the courtyard, with small windows facing into the courtyard. This then leaves room for large, openplan spaces along the perimeter of the building. The perimeter of the walls are glazed, opening onto deep verandahs which allows for circulation inside the house.

It is clear that Boyd put much consideration into the unique conditions of Australia. Boyd developed a style of work that connected the conditions and landscapes of the surrounding area.

Whilst originally the construction was planned in concrete, the house instead was made with locally quarried stone from Bacchus Marsh. As with all of Boyd’s projects, the materials are warm and robust. These tough and low maintenance materials further reflect the conditions of the surrounding Australian bushland on the block.

Tell us about your first impressions?

“A unique memory from the first time we visited the Boyd Baker House, before we purchased it, was that these buildings needed to be preserved and celebrated as part of the Australian milieu. They were breathtaking in their juxtaposition amongst the native flora.”

The dwellings are some of the most iconic examples of Robin Boyd architecture in Australia, what legacy do you think the mid-century designer leaves in his buildings?

“These buildings were given birth by the thought processes of Robin Boyd who understood that this country needed to create structures sympathetic to the surrounding flora and fauna and the weather conditions. It is not surprising that he surrounded the buildings with proper functional water storage tanks dressed in locally quarried stone and created spaces to be cool in summer and warm in winter. Sir Roy Grounds followed suit with the design of the library, a very functional space for the owner Dr Baker, who commissioned the building of the structures. The library was used by him for the storage of his extensive library but also as an art studio where he could retreat to express his creativity.”

What are three words you would use to describe the property? Sublime, Unique, Spectacular.

Boyd Baker House is available to purchase through Michael Armstrong and Andrew Macmillan from Jellis Craig Stonnington.

How to transform your home into a sustainable space

In celebration of Earth Day this April, we are looking at 7 ways you can lessen your individual impact on the climate and create a more environmentally friendly home.

There are a variety of simple changes you can make in your daily life to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet. From reducing water usage to utilising energy-efficient appliances, there are many ways to create a more environmentally friendly home. By taking these steps, you can help do your part to help preserve the natural beauty of our planet for generations to come.

Set up a composting system

The rubbish in our landfill systems is heavily compacted, meaning it takes a long time for food waste to break down. This produces excess methane gas, which is then emitted in a way that is harmful to the environment. One way to cut down on landfill is to set up your own composting system at home. Food breaks down much quicker in a dedicated composting environment and makes for a great addition to your garden. If you don’t have enough garden or outdoor space, consider instead:

• Talking to your building’s body corporation about setting up a communal space

• Pairing with a friend, neighbour or family member who has space nearby for shared composting space

Reduce water wastage

Being conscious of your water usage can make a significant environmental impact. Some simple ways you can reduce your water usage includes:

• Fixing leaking taps

• Install grey water or rainwater tanks, harnessing excess water and recycling it for use in your home or garden.

• Using your washing machine and dishwasher sparingly and with only full loads

• Using a timer to keep showers under 5 minutes

• Installing low flow shower heads and taps

Switch from single-use plastics to reusable alternatives

Single-use plastics (straws, takeaway containers and plastic bags) can take up to 1,000 years to break down and they often can’t be recycled, heading straight for landfill. Investing in reusable alternatives at home can help you to cut down your contribution to landfil. Some ways this can be done include:

• Storing leftovers in reusable containers or with bees wax wraps as opposed to disposable plastic

• Replacing single-use plastic straws with washable ones

• Making your own cleaning products and storing them in reusable bottles

Install solar panels

The sun is a sustainable source of energy, whereas traditional methods such as coal and gas are detrimental to the environment Whilst solar panels can be expensive initially, long term, you will save on your electricity bills and the panels will pay for themselves.

Shop vintage

You can find some truly unique and incredible finds on a number of curated online vintage furniture sites, eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. Less items heading to landfill is just a bonus of shopping vintage.

Insulate your house

As we head into the cooler months, it is time to think about the sustainable advantages of properly insulating your home. Adding insulation to the walls of your home prevents warm air from escaping during the winter. Insulation materials include cork produced from the regenerating bark of a cork oak tree and cellulose from recycled newsprint and paper.

Make your home ‘smart’

Using ‘smart’ lighting, heating and cooling systems can help to reduce energy use by up to 50%. This is because homeowners can optimise the energy efficiency in their homes through only using their connected systems when applicable.

The theme for Earth Day 2023 is "invest in our planet". The theme is focused on engaging governments, businesses and the more than 1 billion people who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part. Visit www.earthday.org to learn more about Earth Day 2023.

My Neighbourhood

with Andrew Ingham

Barwon Heads is the first Jellis Craig office to open in the Bellarine and Greater Geelong area. Tell us about your ambition for starting this new business and your plans for the future.

Starting a business with Jellis Craig on the Bellarine has gone from a conversation to a reality in what seems a short time frame. It is extremely exciting to do what we love in a beautiful part of Victoria with Jellis Craig. We are an experienced, close knit team and have plans to grow in time with the right people to bring the exceptional Jellis Craig experience to the Bellarine and Greater Geelong.

You entered the real estate industry 13 years ago. What do you love most about living and working in the area?

The lifestyle, location and most importantly the people I connect with are just some of the reasons. Living and working in small communities allows me to make meaningful connections through daily interactions, whether that is grabbing a coffee at our local cafe, on the dog beach (or park), or through the regular transactions with ancillary property services, relationships are developed over time and become an important part of my own identity, a sense of belonging, and my connection to place.

Together with your wife (and business partner) Sarah, you raised your son in the area. What made it a great location to start a family?

Andrew Ingham Director & Auctioneer,

Craig Barwon Heads

This month we open a brand-new location in the heart of the Bellarine Peninsula and our first in the Greater Geelong area. We sat down with Jellis Craig Barwon Heads Director Andrew Ingham, to talk about living and working on the coast and how his local area has changed through the years to become a vibrant hub for not only holidaymakers, but permanent residents and young families.

It’s a fantastic place to raise a family. The coastal village towns make for a great place to connect with friends, get involved with sporting clubs, and take advantage of all the great activities the Bellarine Peninsula has to offer. We know personally that our son experienced a sense of freedom and connection. Our son was lucky to walk to the beach, school, football oval and main street to enjoy with his friends, and build long-term connections across the region. There is so much to do and explore…it can be hard deciding on the weekends what or which direction to take, by car or foot. It is truly a wonderful place for families of all ages to live, we certainly have not looked back since we made the move over 13 years ago.

Jellis

FOR COFFEE

What are some of the most important considerations that buyers should keep in mind when looking for a property in a coastal town?

There are unique towns and locations within the Bellarine, so consider your lifestyle needs. There are retro beach shacks, architecturally designed masterpieces, or modern apartment living, so there is something for everyone. Locations vary from beach, to the river, to townships. Research is important, so I suggest you come and stay a while to explore and get a feel of the different areas! There are fantastic schools (both primary and secondary) and Deakin University is on our doorstep. The peak holiday season happens, and our visitors are so important to the viability of the region. So, we tend to go into ‘holiday’ mode during these periods and enjoy the weather and buzz of activity. Make sure you are happy to receive visitors from family and friends during ‘their’ holidays (and if you are away yourself, don’t be surprised if they ask you to leave a key behind!)

FOR DINNER

The Dunes

How has the coastal real estate market changed over recent years?

How I wish we bought a home when we first decided to relocate here instead of renting to ‘see how we go’. The market moved very quickly not long after we moved in 2009 from regional Victoria. Our son started primary school when there were approx. 300 students at Barwon Heads Primary School, now that number has nearly doubled showing that the demographic has changed a lot. Other parents/families shared similar reasons for moving to the area, for the relaxed small community lifestyle, the beautiful beaches, while still having easy access to Geelong and Melbourne. The coastal market has certainly changed in recent years. The relaxed and community-led lifestyle has seen the population grow with more and more families making the move to the Bellarine. The access to quality schools, the beach and the outdoors lifestyle means there is a lot to offer families looking for a change of pace.

Do you remember the first home you sold in the area? Tell us about that.

It was a classic fibro beach shack that I auctioned. It was bought by a great young couple who still enjoy it today as their holiday home.

Do you have a favourite sold property? What made that so memorable?

58-60 Hodgson Street, Ocean Grove. The home itself is iconic. It’s on the beach with sweeping views from Barwon Heads to Point Lonsdale and it holds the record price for Ocean Grove. What was just as special is the longstanding relationship made with both the vendor and buyer.

21 Midden Terrace, Barwon Heads is currently on the market.

If you had a friend visiting from interstate, where would you take them...

Staycations become the norm and you find it hard to leave. You won’t look back once you have made the move.

BARWON HEADS 21 MIDDEN TERRACE

Featuring north-facing Barwon River views and surrounded by iconic Moonah woodland, this breathtaking owner-built riverside property is complete with a solar-heated swimming pool and outdoor entertaining zones.

Michael Armstrong 0407 063 263

Andrew Macmillan 0418 142 252

LONG FOREST 305-307 LONG FOREST ROAD

ROBIN BOYD’S ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE

Located on over 35 acres of bushland the ‘Boyd Baker House’ is renowned for being one of Melbourne’s most architecturally important buildings. In the mid 1960’s, Robin Boyd was commissioned by the Baker family to design this classically and mathematically inspired masterpiece.

BREATHTAKING FAMILY ESTATE LIVING

Idyllically set on 11.9 sumptuous acres approx of European inspired gardens with a gently undulating pastoral landscape, this sublime 5 bedroom+ estate has been carefully crafted with a mesmerising mix of finesse and sophistication, depicting stunning contemporary Tuscan influences throughout.

Renovated and extended to meld period charm with contemporary allure, this four bedroom, two bathroom Californian Bungalow showcases elegant design and a northerly entertainer’s courtyard.

An illustrious setting within Melbourne's premier private school belt with frontage to one of Deepdene's prettiest tree-lined streets reflects the sheer majesty of this magnificent French Provincialinspired residence, lavishing its beautiful floor spaces with the finest of finishes and detail-oriented sophistication.

C.1960 – THE

From the moment it first took its place on Mount Eagle, The Delbridge House c.1960 has been admired, applauded and celebrated as one of Victoria’s most significant mid-century modern homes. Innovatively designed, meticulously built and carefully crafted by three builder brothers for their parents.

Gracing a desirable heritage row just a short stroll from the beach, MSAC/Albert Park Lake and Albert Park Village, this graceful 4-bedroom balconied Victorian terrace flawlessly merges period charm, grand proportions and a sympathetic renovation, resulting in a beautiful family residence.

Poised as one of the premiere residences within the illustrious 13th Beach Estate, this light filled, 4bedroom home on a corner allotment of 1347m2 (approx.), welcomes you inside with its laid-back holiday comforts that create an instant sense of calm.

‘ROMAROO’ THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME

Positioned high on the hill with spectacular 360-degree views, this stunning one-of-a-kind home will capture your heart the moment it comes into sight. Enjoyed by the same family for over 6 decades and recently renovated to an exceptional standard, the hand-cut bluestone juxtaposed with clinker bricks and wide return verandahs provides a warm welcome.

is a stunning property on approximately 75 acres in one of central Victoria’s most soughtafter lifestyle destinations. Located minutes from the rural township of Lancefield, it is hard to believe that Melbourne CBD is a little over an hour away.

Malumba

EDWARDIAN GRANDEUR, MODERN LUXURY

Distinguished by striking Edwardian elegance, this superbly preserved and stylishly transformed two storey residence showcases modern low maintenance living and entertaining, relishing a sought after north facing rear within an elite locale. High ceilings, leadlight windows and timber floors introduce a luxurious open plan living and dining domain with custom storage and in built seating.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND GRANDEUR

One of Ballarat’s most significant homes is offered to the market for the first time in some 60 years. Set on Ballarat’s picturesque tree lined boulevard of Sturt St, this 1930’s solid brick home on 1177 sq metres (approx.) expounds the period detail of its era with exceptional proportions and quality throughout.

GRAND ELEGANCE IN A PRESTIGE POSITION

Retaining all the grandeur of its Victorian origins yet displaying light-letting contemporary flair, this glorious solid-brick terrace (c1890), complete with off-street parking and side laneway access, delivers a ready-to-enjoy lifestyle of quality and versatility in a prestigious city-fringe neighbourhood.

A magnificent Art Deco home extended with enchanting sympathy, this exceptional three bedroom plus study, two bathroom c1920 classic is family entertaining at its best. Beautifully matching the high ornate ceilings, warm timber detail, charming fireplaces and geometric leadlights throughout.

MURRUMBEENA 249 MURRUMBEENA ROAD

Footsteps

Redesigned with a vision and renovated to perfection, the transformation this home has undergone is truly breathtaking. Displaying a level of integrity often seen in designer magazines, the modern character home known as “Tralee”, is one of supreme style and function, where space and sophistication collide in spectacular fashion.

2

Ruda Street, Doncaster

Cultivate an inspired parkside lifestyle enriched by community and connectivity.

Unrivaled in its location and admired for its vision, Parc is a boutique collection of only 6 residences, nestled beside the lush parklands of Wilsons Reserve. At once discernibly modern and undeniably timeless, Parc’s striking linear form and layered materiality pay homage to the distinct residential fabric of Doncaster. Classic materials including stone, brick and aluminium are softened by cascading greenery, creating an intimate connection with the land it resides on.

“Wow what a result. We’re absolutely delighted. Thanks so much team Jellis Craig, we couldn’t have done it without you.”

- Vendor

“Such a fantastic campaign! We really enjoyed working with you both and look forward to helping you find your next home.”

- Jellis Craig