Illustrator Ann James grew up at 48 Aurum Crescent, Ringwood North.
The picture-perfect childhood home of celebrated illustrator Ann James is on the market in Ringwood North.
The six-bedroom house, built by Ms James’ father at 48 Aurum Crescent in the late 1940s, has a $1.3-$1.4m price guide.
Ms James described the property, which her family sold in 1982, as a “magical place to grow up”.
“We kids, and there were lots of us, were pretty much free to play all day and we did,” she told the Sunday Herald Sun.
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The weatherboard home is on the market for $1.3-$1.4m.
It captures panoramic views and is visited by wildlife.
She even walked past the house about four years ago and told vendors Anthony and Lara she was “thrilled” the letterbox her dad installed was still standing.
The couple, who asked that their surname not be published, then decided to track the illustrator down to give her the mailbox as a parting gift after listing the much-loved family home.
Ms James said it was “so sweet of the owners” to make the offer and promised to send some of her books for Anthony and Lara’s kids to thank them for the gesture.
The illustrator and gallery owner has worked on more than 60 books, including A Pet for Mrs Arbuckle, which was written by Gwenda Smyth, Lucy Goosey, with Margaret Wild, and I’m a Dirty Dinosaur, with Janeen Brian.
Ann James is a decorated illustrator. Picture: Sarah Matray
Vendors Anthony and Lara have reinvigorated the home’s interiors.
An inviting spot for a coffee with a good book.
Anthony said he and Lara, a visual merchandiser, had spent the last five years respectfully updating the home.
“When I’m gardening, a lot of people stop me and say what a beautiful house it is,” Anthony said. “What we love about this place is the birdlife and the serenity — you’re constantly hearing kookaburras and cockatoos.
“We will sincerely miss this home and it’s nice to be a part of the history of the house. But we look forward to the next journey of our lives.”
Among the recent renovations are a new kitchen, updated bathrooms and installation of smartphone technology.
Subway tiles add a splash of contemporary class to the kitchen.
There are multiple living zones in the home.
The comfortable home has six bedrooms.
Philip Webb Ringwood director Sam Babalis said the 1713sq m property, which is due to go under the hammer virtually on October 15, was already attracting upsizers.
“Everyone loves to know when the halls have got a story, and it looks like a bit of a storybook house itself,” Mr Babalis said.
“When you stand at the top of the driveway and the sun sets behind it, it’s quite magic.”
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The post Ann James’ picture-perfect old Ringwood North home for sale appeared first on realestate.com.au.