HISTORIC SALE

A NEWTOWN family has secured the opportunity to renovate one of Geelong’s hidden real estate gems in the grand homestead originally built for textile giant Godfrey Hirst.

The 1897 Federation-style residence in Belmont is a rare piece of history, with elevated views over the Barwon River and the city.

It even comes with a viewing tower, where Mr Hirst reportedly used to keep an eye on his woollen mill. People were queuing for a chance to climb the tower on Saturday.

The home sold after auction for $1.43 million, after attracting bids from two parties.

Buxton, Highton agent Tony Moorfoot started the auction with a $1.35 million vendor bid and refused a lower offer from buyers advocate Tony Slack.

Competition between two families stalled at $1.39 million when the 1893sq m north-facing property was passed in.

Buyers Chris and Chiara Kennedy emerged with a signed contract after negotiations.

Mr Kennedy said the old style of the house — including the classic exterior — were the main drawcards, plus the enormous block.

“It will be a major renovation just to make it our family home with our two young kids,” Mr Kennedy said.

“We’re looking forward to having the space.”

Ms Kennedy said their two boys, aged 10 and 6, had their own highlights.

“The kids are pretty chuffed about having a tower,” she said.

“It will be amazing, I think they will just run and down it all the time.”

With wraparound verandas and decorative period features, 2 Royd Grange Court, Belmont is a window into the past.

Owned by the Notley family for about the past 40 years, its sale offered the chance to rejuvenate one of the city’s grand old dames.

Charmaine Notley said her late father Clive was the only person to put his hand up at auction for the property last time it sold, when it was a crumbling nursing home.

Huge crowds viewed the home during the campaign, including almost 400 the first weekend, many returning to enjoy the rare opportunity to view the house on Saturday.

It has two old-world living rooms with large sash windows opening onto the veranda that faces the river.

There’s also city views from two of the bedrooms — one of which was originally the formal dining room and has access to the tower via a spiral staircase.

The old servants’ quarters have been updated over the years, providing a self-contained, two-bedroom suite.

Mr Moorfoot said it was a great that a family had purchased the home with a view of renovating. “It’s nice it’s gone to a family to live in it and do all that was well,” he said.