Live the Bellerive Bluff dream
The stately, historic homes by the water in Bellerive Bluff almost never hit the market - welcome to The Gables, writes Gordon Armstrong.
ASTUNNING Heritage Listed home is about to offer a new owner a lifestyle which should prove the envy of many. Known as The Gables, a nod to philanthropist Thomas Westbrook who gifted the property to the community in 1890, it has been home to Bob and Pauline Ford for the past 22 years. But now the couple has decided to downsize and let someone experience exciting times.
Bob has loved adding his touch to the Bellerive Bluff home’s upgrades in past years, saying the home and location he and his family have enjoyed will be among his cherished memories.
“I am really proud of what we have achieved,’’ Bob said. “The home has featured in write-ups and photos over the years and been a talking point, the quality of the timbers are a feature.
“The shape of the block is very unusual, which catches the eye, but one of the huge thrills is being able to look over the River Derwent and enjoy events such as the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
“I really enjoy the cruising aspect of the sport but in 1989 I actually competed in the race after we relocated from Melbourne to Tasmania.
“It hasn’t just been the Sydney to Hobart which has captivated us. You always get a great view of the Anzac Day ceremonies and New Year’s fireworks, too.
“Our family has traditionally come over for Christmas to our home and have come to love the home. But one of the things I have really enjoyed is walking home from the Bellerive Yacht Club at night and looking at the reflections off the water and thinking ‘this is ours’.
“We lived in Bellerive before we bought this property, when my wife saw it and thought it looked like a doll’s house. She is an antique doll collector, so it has been special to her too. It will be sad to see it go, but it’s time for us.’’
No.14 Victoria Esplanade’s captivating architectural style provides a striking mix of Queen Anne Revival, late-Victorian, and Tudor-style, built with double red brick on a sandstone base.
French wallpaper adorns the walls with Kauri timber flooring, Huon pine window and door frames and a blackwood staircase also feature. Original features, including sky-high ceilings and contemporary features for modern living, have been impeccably maintained.
Two expansive floors dominate the home’s layout with all-day Eastern Shore sunshine leaving a fine impression.
Family living spaces are everywhere on the ground level, with a reverse cycle air conditioner and gas fireplace featuring.
For those who love good-looking dining areas, they can look no further than here.
A gourmet kitchen has the best of mod cons, including premium, stainless-steel appliances, plenty of storage space within high-quality Huon pine cabinetry and stone benchtops.
Sumptuous accommodation occupies the upper floor, with up to four bedrooms or three with a home office or study. Two bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and the glorious master bedroom comes complete with a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite.
The property has undergone extensive maintenance over the years, with recent rewring and re-plumbing. The gabled roof, originally slate, benefits from a newly installed Heritage-approved corrugated iron roof.
The home rests on an expansive corner allotment, with English-style foliage-filled gardens, specially landscaped and cultivated to offer a suburban oasis dominated with greenery and colour.
A secluded outdoor entertainment area is there to be enjoyed, with high walls surrounding the private rear courtyard. A
BELLERIVE 14 VICTORIA ESPLANADE
Price: $2.3m-plus House size: 195sq m Land size: 829sq m Agent: Harcourts Signature Rosny Park refer Candice Gottschalk 6244 8111 realestate.com.au ID: 144756256
striking water feature adds to the property’s calm ambience.
Several outbuildings have made way to incorporate a double garage, secured by an automatic roller door. A paved area at the front of the home provides more off-street parking for more vehicles.
Harcourts Signature director Candice Gottschalk described the property as stunning.
“In my 17 years of selling real estate, this would be one of the most prestigious and unique properties on Bellerive Bluff that I have had the pleasure of marketing for sale,’’ Ms Gottschalk said.
“It is a career highlight to experience the history of The Gables and an absolute pleasure to work with the owners on a more personal level to understand the story of this much-loved home.’’