Property of the Week: Woodside, 55 Blessington St, St Kilda

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

A bold architectural statement in Melbourne’s inner east, this unique Glen Iris home marries sculptural design with sophisticated family living in a remarkable real estate relationship.

Conceived by Pandolfini Architects, with interiors by Lisa Buxton, the custom-built four-bedroom, two-level home was crafted for its current owners but is now coming to market for the first time.

Listed via an expressions-of-interest campaign with Marshall White agents Rae and Hugh Tomlinson and Mandy Zhu, 8 Erica Ave is on the market with price expectations of $7.5 million to $8 million.

Its dramatic street appeal sets the tone for what’s to come, because beyond the contemporary façade sits a modern residence unlike any other.

Pandolfini’s team brief was to create an inviting home made from hard-wearing materials, with a palette inspired by ancient ruins and old industrial buildings.

The result is striking, cantilevered terracotta brickwork and a patinated copper-screened exterior that borrows hues from the classic neighbouring cottages.

One within the home, the Erica Ave property unfolds across three interconnected pavilions positioned along the deep block. Long gallery hallways are framed by floor-to-ceiling glass to showcase garden and pool views, making the most of the 886 sq m site.

Raw, heavily textured walls create an industrial aesthetic inside and out, while curious “upside-down” arched windows introduce a creative architectural twist.

At the heart of the home, the central living and dining zone is divided by a sculptural fireplace rendered in hard plaster. High barn-style spotted gum timber ceilings rise above bush-hammered concrete walls with Roman travertine floors, and American oak joinery.

In the marble kitchen, there are premium Wolf and Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, an integrated study nook, and a bespoke curved window that wraps around a custom-made banquette dining space.

Walls of glass frame the north-facing terrace where a heated swimming pool and spa are enveloped by private landscaped gardens with an integrated barbecue setting.

Within the front pavilion, the large parents’ retreat features built-in and walk-in wardrobes, a dresser, and a travertine ensuite with a freestanding bathtub, rain shower, and a dual-marble vanity. Also on the ground floor is a second bedroom and a media room with a built-in daybed and a picture window overlooking the yard.

One floor up via the curved staircase with skylight, there are two more bedrooms with terrazzo bathrooms, study spaces, and leafy outlooks.

Car enthusiasts not only have a single lock-up garage on Erica Ave, but an additional rear showroom-style five-car pavilion or grand studio accessed via Irymple Ave. It has a high vaulted ceiling, a concealed in-floor Maha car lift, a workbench, and a sink.

Added extras include a mud room, laundry with side access, in-floor heating and climate control within the engineered European oak floors, deluxe joinery, and CCTV security.

The Glen Iris home is within walking distance of Central Park Village, Harold Holt Swim Centre, and Gardiner Station, as well as popular schools including Sacré Cœur, Korowa, and Caulfield Grammar.

The Pandolfini-designed house at 8 Erica Ave, Glen Iris is listed with Marshall White for $7.5 million to $8 million via an expressions of interest campaign.

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

Crafted by Pandolfini Architects with interiors by Lisa Buxton, the Glen Iris residence pairs industrial-inspired design with refined contemporary living and a five-car showroom pavilion.