Family to polish retro gem
A YOUNG family plans to renovate an n original 1960s American countryclub style house to glory after buying it at auction.
Grant Simpson and Arley Plush em- braced after Hayeswinckle, Drysdale auctioneer Daniel Hayes knocked down the Clifton Springs property to them for $643,000, more than n $80 $80,000 000 above the vendor’s reserve.
The three-bedroom house at 205-207 Country Club Drive was one of the original spec homes built at the Clifton Springs Country Club, which was designed by Victor Gruen Associates for US developers Willmore & Randall in the 1960s.
The retro gem is packed with American country club features like raked ceilings, split levels, original light fittings and a concrete block feature wall.
The 1208sq m double block overlooks the golf course, with a view that takes in the sweeping gum trees, fairways and ends on Corio Bay.
Mr Hayes told the crowd he though the house was “a cool pad”. “I think we’re moving back into that sort of ground of house design in the 2000s,” he said. “In my view, this is a very cool home, a big parcel of land and the view is incredible.
“Can’t you see yourself sitting out there with your friends showing off that gorgeous view. You can change the home, but that view is forever.”
Mr Simpson, who is a Drysdale builder, said they were going to do the house up and live there. “It’s got potential,” he said. Ms Plush said she was relieved after the auction.
“It’s always nerve-racking when you spend that much money,” she said. “We’ve got a young family. The outlook is nice, the b backyard is big and th there is lots of spa space here for us to gr grow.” Bidding opened at $480,000 and the property was on the market at $560,000, but t three of the five bi bidders kept it in play until it was knock knocked down in the auction th that lasted almost 15 minut minutes. CoreLogic r records show the property is the most expensive to front the golf course in a tightly held neighbourhood. It achieved $500 more than a modern house in Clear Water Drive sold in 2004. That home was later offered to the market at a higher price range. The Clifton Springs Country Club failed to take off, with the old Shire of Bellarine eventually buying the golf course. It took another 40 years before golf course estates took off in the region, withThe Sands at Torquay and 13th Beach near Barwon Heads.