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
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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
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A sprawling French Provincial-inspired estate on two hectares has hit the market with a $17 million to $18 million price guide.
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A grand 2ha family compound in Sydney’s north west has come to market with expectations it could break through the current price benchmark for the sprawling semi-rural suburb.
The Middle Dural estate at 65 Cranstons Rd is listed with William Brush of Manor Real Estate and has a price guide of $17 million to $18 million.
If the trophy home hits its target, the six-bedroom, five-bathroom residence will become the district’s priciest property.
Currently, the house price record for Middle Dural and the broader Hills District sits with 3 McLeod Rd. That stately mansion, also on 2ha, achieved $15 million last June through Manor Real Estate.
American architect John Henry designed the elaborate two-storey Cranstons Rd house, which merges French Provincial sophistication and Hamptons glamour alongside indulgent resort-inspired amenities.
Beyond security gates, a sweeping driveway and statement fountain announce the modern mansion with its classic columns and elegant porch.
Inside, a dramatic entrance foyer immediately captures attention upon arrival, with soaring 6m ceilings, a chandelier, and an elegant double-curved staircase as a standout centrepiece.
The home’s spacious floorplan covers approximately 1200 sq m of living space, specifically crafted to accommodate every event, from intimate family gatherings to large-scale entertaining.
Formal and informal lounge and dining areas flow out to multiple alfresco spaces, including the vast casual family zone and a stone kitchen complete with a fireplace, high-end integrated appliances, a long eat-at island bench, and a fully equipped butler’s pantry.
There is also a home theatre, a billiards room with a marble cocktail bar, a walk-in wine cellar and tasting room, a large home office or guest suite with bathroom, and a fully equipped gymnasium.
The detailed craftsmanship throughout the home includes herringbone timber floors, coffered ceilings, bespoke joinery and walls of windows framing the leafy outlook and grounds.
Upstairs, a mezzanine gallery separates two accommodation wings. On one side, the palatial main bedroom has a sitting area, a private balcony, and a large dressing room featuring two accessory tables. In the spacious ensuite, there are dual vanities, two showers and a freestanding bathtub.
Five more bedrooms, each with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, and an upper-level library that is ideal for children’s study or as a second home office.
The outdoor amenities at the Middle Dural compound rival a five-star resort with a 20m swimming pool, a championship-sized floodlit tennis court, and a separate entertainer’s pavilion that includes an outdoor kitchen, an open fireplace, a bathroom, and a sauna.
Additional features include elaborate chandeliers and feature lighting, a wine display wall, ducted air conditioning, decorative wainscoting, wallpaper, carpeted bedrooms, security and solar panels.
Surrounding the manor, the manicured gardens consist of expansive lawns and sculpted hedges, with an established neighbouring forest.
Popular schools, shopping centres, cafés and everyday amenities are within easy reach, with Sydney’s CBD approximately 40 km away.
The Middle Dural estate at 65 Cranstons Rd is listed via private treaty with William Brush of Manor Real Estate.
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