Impressive on so many levels
The Age
Saturday November 28, 2009
This brick-and-timber showpiece makes the most of its bush setting, writes Paul Edwards. ARTHURS SEAT 219 Purves Road $1,385,000 Private sale Agent RT Edgar, 5989 0599 Melway 171 E1 BUILT in 1975 to a design by Suzanne Dance, this impressive house has for 10 years been home to Geraldine George, head of Piaff Interiors."Oh boy, am I going to miss this place," the owner says. "But I really must do something about downsizing. I don't need a property this size."It has been more than just a home; over the years I have used every room as a display showpiece for my clients. It's going to be a wrench. I'm going to miss Skippy and the odd koala, all the birds that come and go and a very neighbourly environment."The house has three bedrooms and bathrooms and sits on 1.41 hectares of lawns and gardens that retain strong elements of Australian bush. The brick and timber house is on several levels, which flow to the outside entertainment areas.When Ms George bought the house, she opened up the kitchen into the dining and outdoor areas and converted a games room into a study-office with a fireplace, its own entry and access to an upstairs "tower room".She sourced window furnishings from around the world, using quality curtains and designer blinds in every room.The kitchen is the heart of the house, she says, with three-metre ceilings, stainless steel appliances, an under-bench deep fryer, pullout spray tap and waste-disposal unit and sliding glass doors leading outside.Down three steps is the dining room, with three more steps leading into the main living area. This is large and comfortable, with built-in shelves and bookcases, heated by an imported stove that can function as a slow-combustion unit or open fire.Up three steps and the main bedroom is revealed, with its east and north-west facing windows and sliding door opening to a small terrace. There's a walk-in wardrobe and a luxurious en suite divided by glass into three areas. Walls and floors are tiled and there's a marble vanity with two basins and a bidet.A second bedroom on this level has its own bathroom.A striking feature is a spiral staircase leading to what was a den and is now a guest bedroom and well-appointed bathroom.It would be relatively easy to change the configuration and even develop the property as a B&B. The guests would find plenty to admire in the garden, with its grasslands, native trees, pond and vegetable plot.ABOUT ARTHURS SEAT–THE hill and its surrounds were named after a vaguely similar hill outside the Scottish capital Edinburgh. The highest point on the Mornington Peninsula, the Seat's views extend beyond the city and down to Port Phillip Heads.–The district is in the heart of one of Australia's most visited tourist regions, with wineries, restaurants, spas and a range of hospitality venues. Sadly, a main attraction was closed when the chairlift ran into operational and image difficulties but the equally popular Arthurs Seat maze complex is wildly successful and the state park has many walking trails.–The district is about 70 kilometres from Melbourne and, with a population of just 400, properties are held tightly. The nearest centres are Rosebud and Dromana.
© 2009 The Age
Share This