Dating to the 1860s, ‘Flagmount’ is a classic Gold Rush era residence with extended elegance and contemporary flair in Kensington, Victoria. For sale by Jayson Watts and Liz Brettell of Nelson Alexander Flemington.
One of Melbourne's oldest surviving homes of the Gold Rush era, ‘Flagmount’ was originally transported to Australia in kit-form by a Ship’s Captain as ballast in his ship and assembled in the early 1860s.
The owners told WILLIAMS MEDIA, “To say it has been a joy to be the Trustees of 50-52 Bellair Street is an understatement and we are sure that this friendly community will welcome the new owners. We have made many lifelong friends along the street and many wonderful memories from our 34 and half years in our home that we will cherish.”
Over the years the freestanding Scottish Pine home has been tastefully renovated, from a basic four room house with a lean-to in the 1920s through to a fully renovated 4-bedroom home.
The home retains many of its original features, including the distinctive façade, though it nearly turned out differently. When renovations began in 1985, large painted boards were discovered beneath the Victorian weatherboards. A visit from the Trust and an early kit home expert revealed the house had a numbering system and the lovely pine boards were on all four sides, hidden under the weatherboards. After discussion with Council it was agreed the home should be restored as a Colonial Cottage rather than a Victorian. Boards from the lean-to were stored and reused on the front of the second storey - painted to help protect against the weather.
The owners dug further into the history of the house and were able to meet and speak with a member of the family who had owned the house for 90 years. He provided photos of family members during their time in the house, revealing that at one time the home had housed 3 generations within the 4 rooms.
Original rates books held by North Melbourne Library showed that the house had been built by 1872, one of only 17 properties - some only 2-room shacks - occupied in the entire street at that time. Rates notices prior to 1872 were lost in a fire.
Today, the inviting interior accommodates four large bedrooms, including the enormous upstairs master retreat with walk in robe and private balcony, two stylish ensuites and a main central bathroom. A separate lounge and spacious open-plan living/dining area complemented by a marble-bench kitchen, 1000-bottle wine storage room, and discreet laundry facilities complete the floorplan.
Bi-folds from the living area reveal a private backyard with paved entertaining area, solar-heated salt-chlorinated pool, external powder room, large storage cupboards and secure carport to a wide ROW.
The home is walking distance to over 65 eateries including restaurants, cafes, hotels, wine bars and takeaways, as well as Kensington Village shops, local parks, popular schools, Kensington Station and Newmarket Station, as well as Racecourse Road trams, buses and with easy access to Citylink.
See more of 50-52 Bellair Street Kensington VIC 3031, including additional photos, floorplan, and location map, on The Home Page.
To arrange a private inspection or enquire about a price guide phone or email Jayson Watts of Nelson Alexander Flemington or Liz Brettell of Nelson Alexander Flemington via these links.
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