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Connecting people and communities
Tuesday, 10 November, 2015 Page 13
mail.starcommunity.com.au
10 NOVEMBER 2015
GRANDEUR OF YESTERYEAR THE property “Rockley” is on a superb corner block that offers total privacy, is fully fenced and bordered by two quiet roads. It is both secluded and serene. The first glimpse of this estate is through white English hunting gates commissioned especially for the property. In among the Edna Walling-style gardens, discover a grand yet gracious, two-storey weatherboard home, with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and four separate living areas. The home respects the past and embraces design elements of today. Pressed metal ceilings and doors salvaged from the theatre at Kamesburgh gardens in Brighton anchor the most recent renovation, encapturing
beauty and balance. There is even a cellar hidden behind a secret doorway on the stairwell, an inviting delight for the enthusiast. The white on white theme throughout, with original baltic floorboards provides easy, functional living. Dual access driveways provide winding tours of the garden, where 100-year-old oaks and stands of silver birch calm the senses before entering the graceful and majestic home. A ferny, winter creek adds to the ambiance of the garden. Numerous sheds on the property offer a wide range of options, but the studio made of mini ripple iron in a version of Monet
green and smothered in white roses, is a picture in itself. Rockley began its days as a simple miner’s cottage at the turn of the century but soon became the focal point for horse and carts travelling on dirt roads up to Mount Dandenong. As the original coach stop serving afternoon teas for refreshments, this absolutely glorious residence is steeped in history. During the 1930s, a major renovation began Rockleys grand and classic journey. With true elegance of the era - high ceilings indulgent with detailed art deco features the mood was created. Two open fireplaces capture the cosiness
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
of home, while heritage detailing is abundant. The impressive turned posts on grand balconies lord over the estate and frame a place of days gone by when the piano was rolled out onto the balcony and music drifted down to all those enjoying the romantic gardens beneath. Rockley has provided a loving haven for the current family whose babies are now well and truly grown up. They wish to see this glorious home passed onto another guardian who will appreciate beauty and value the creature comforts of life.
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Montrose Inspect: By appointment only Price: $980,000-plus Contact: Corinne Sukroo, 0419 805 915, or BELL REAL ESTATE, OLINDA, 9751 2375 Ryan Bell, 0417 052 297, or BELL REAL ESTATE, MONTROSE, 8761 0688