Property of the Week: Woodside, 55 Blessington St, St Kilda
This residence has been home to not one, but two well-known Australian artists, who left their mark on the interiors
2 min
Just knowing a formidable artist has once live in a home gives a property plenty of creative clout, but having two celebrated artists as former residents really takes the cake. And the cherry on top at this recently listed Melbourne residence is that the presence of those legendary homeowners are still tangible today.
Woodside in St Kilda was once owned, at different points in history, by celebrated expressionist painter Albert Tucker AO and his wife Barbara, then was later home to contemporary artist David Bromley.
Across from the lush St Kilda Botanical Gardens on Blessington St, the landmark Victorian-era villa is a testament to artistry, creativity, and architectural heritage all within reach of the bustling waterfront esplanade. George R Johnson – the mastermind behind the stately Collingwood and Daylesford town halls – designed the four-bedroom period property in the 1860s.
The Blessington St house was owned by six-time Archibald Prize finalist Bromley between 2008 and 2011. During his time there, Bromley painted a uniquely raunchy mural in the dining room which remains in place today. The Tuckers lived there from 1979 to 2008, during which time they created an artist’s studio out the back.
Tom Staughton of Kay & Burton Boroondara is marketing the 1177sq m property today with a price guide of between $8.4 million and $8.95 million through an expressions of interest campaign closing on October 29.
Thoroughly modernised, Woodside still retains a number of historic features from the high ornate ceilings and lead light windows, to multiple marble fireplaces and stately archways.
There are both formal and informal entertaining zones with either picturesque bay windows, or French doors leading out to a choice of front or rear alfresco areas.
In the impressive kitchen, high-end Miele and Liebherr appliances firmly set the home in the 21st Century and a spacious butler’s pantry makes it an avid entertainer’s ideal space. For outdoor dining there is also a bluestone-paved courtyard with pizza oven and barbecue as well as a wisteria-covered patio.
The palatial primary bedroom suite houses dual built-in wardrobes and a marble ensuite, while the remaining bedrooms each feature big built-ins and fireplaces and share a grand family-friendly bathroom.
Additionally, a large study in the main house is a perfect work from home space and the freestanding two-storey guest house – formerly the original stables complete with a combined living and dining room, a full kitchen, upper level bathroom and ensuite – is another option for work, rest or play. The Tuckers’ inspired studio space in the backyard offers yet another spot for creative reflection.
Woodside is a slice of St Kilda history with carefully considered modern touches like hydronic heating, ducted air-conditioning, a basement wine cellar, and a 10,000-litre rainwater tank.
The property is near vibrant Acland St, the local botanical gardens, cafes, restaurants, schools, and the St Kilda Marina.
Woodside, at 55 Blessington St, St Kilda is on the market with Tom Staughton of Kay & Burton Boroondara and Darren Lewenberg of Kay & Burton Stonnington with a price guide of $8.4
Records keep falling in 2025 as harbourfront, beachfront and blue-chip estates crowd the top of the market.
A divide has opened in the tech job market between those with artificial-intelligence skills and everyone else.
Australia’s castles are rare, but this one is real. Built in 1849 and held by the same family for 50 years, Overnewton Castle in Melbourne is now seeking its next custodian.
3 min
Australia’s castles are few and far between, and the opportunity to buy one rarely pops up. There is, however, now a bona fide 35-room chateau for sale in suburban Melbourne.
Listed for the first time in half a century, Overnewton Castle in Keilor, north west of the city, has launched to market through Sean Cussell of Christie’s International Real Estate with a $6 million to $6.6 million price guide.
The 176-year-old Scottish Baronial-style property has been home to the Norton family for the past 50 years, but was originally built for Scottish settler, grazier and former Mayor of Keilor, William James Taylor.
On a sprawling 2.25ha estate surrounded by rolling grounds filled with sculpted gardens and 170-year-old elm trees, the ivy-clad seven-bedroom three-bathroom residence is layered with a blend of Scottish, French and English influences.
Inside the heritage-listed mansion, there is a grand ballroom seating up to 150 guests, a lavish dining room, and a private chapel that was converted from the original billiards room.
Gastroenterologist Dr LJ Norton and his family have invested five decades in Overnewton Castle, partly preserving its period features while also updating the house for the 21st Century. After a devastating fire in 1979, the Nortons upgraded the infrastructure, installed mains water and access roads, and created a 100-vehicle car park.
Many of the 1849 estate’s original features, including drystone walls, period fireplaces and the dramatic western turret – accessed via a 40-step spiral staircase with a mahogany handrail – have been meticulously maintained. Even the turret’s slate “fish scale” roof tiling and ornate wind vane are straight out of the 19th century.
“Overnewton Castle is not just a property; it is our home and a piece of local history that we have cherished for 50 years,” says Norton family member and managing director of Overnewton Castle, Emma Stott.
“Living here, respectfully updating the facilities and operating our business has been a labour of love. As a family, we have created so many fond memories here, as well as played an important role in countless weddings and other events hosted on our grounds.”
In addition to hosting weddings at Overnewton Castle, the Norton and Stott families also run historical tours and high teas on the property.
Cussell says the unique listing represents an opportunity of historical significance. “Overnewton Castle is one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture in the Southern Hemisphere and an ideal setting for a private residence, luxury retreat, education facility or event venue,” he explains.
“It represents a rare convergence of architectural grandeur, cultural heritage and enduring family legacy. The listing truly is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of Australian history.”
Overnewton’s cultural footprint reaches beyond local tourism, with the castle making its mark in Australian cinema. It played a role as the fictional Monclare mansion in the 1982 cult horror film Next of Kin.
Earlier this year, the period Victoria Racing Club nominated property to display the Melbourne Cup during its prestigious Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, and in 2024, the site was also a finalist in the Victorian Tourism Awards.
Beyond the grand residence, there are several restored outbuildings suitable for entertaining or accommodation, including The Stables for up ten guests, The Loft which sleeps eight, The Cottage that accommodates six, and The Cabin with space for four people.
The stately address is soon to become even better connected with the forthcoming Suburban Rail Loop and Sunshine Superhub infrastructure projects, improving access to the city. Overnewton is about 20kms from Melbourne’s CBD and 8kms from Melbourne Airport.
Overnewton Castle is listed with Sean Cussell of Christie’s International Real Estate with a price guide of $6 million to $6.6 million. The expressions of interest campaign closes on November 21 at 3 pm.
A cluster of century-old warehouses beneath the Harbour Bridge has been transformed into a modern workplace hub, now home to more than 100 businesses.
A bold new era for Australian luxury: MAISON de SABRÉ launches The Palais, a flagship handbag eight years in the making.
