A mid-century gem once home to one of Australia’s leading post-war architects has hit the market in incredible original condition.
The Ernest Fooks 1964 creation at 32 Howitt Road, Caulfield North is for sale with a $4-$4.4m price guide.
Gary Peer Caulfield director Phillip Kingston said the three-bedroom property was built for Dr Fooks and his wife Noemi, who immigrated from Austria, via Canada, before World War II.
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32 Howitt Road, Caulfield North is for sale.
A curved ceiling in the living room is one of the most impressive features.
He said Fooks House had been the ultimate party pad for the couple, who owned the property until 2013.
“They never had children, so it was a home where they entertained in a huge way,” Mr Kingston said.
“Their time was spent was having friends over to this house and celebrating life.”
Dr Ernest Fooks created the house for himself and wife Noemi.
Original features remain completely intact.
Retro finishes include a colourful living room bar, curved wooden ceiling and bespoke brickwork both inside and outside the home.
Mr Kingston also noted a Japanese influence in the design, including its landscaped gardens and sliding doors.
“This is a visionary creation,” he said.
“Most modern interior designers and architects would kill to be able to create something like this.”
The ultimate bar for a house party.
A large central living room.
A pool in the large backyard adds extra appeal.
The 1092sq m block includes a large pool and is on one of Caulfield North’s most prestigious streets, he added.
Ms Fooks successfully secured National Trust heritage protection for the house in 2002, before she died a decade later aged 103.
In a Beaumaris Modern video by Trace Films, Ms Fooks said the house had always caught the attention of architecture enthusiasts.
The property is on one of Caulfield North’s best streets.
It’s for sale with a $4-$4.4m price guide.
“There is no maintenance required for this house,” Ms Fooks said.
“People think I’m crazy to live in such a big house on my own, but no work needs to be done.
“Every room has a function and access to the garden.”
It previously sold for $2.41m in 2013, according to CoreLogic.
An outdoor area near the pool.
The property has been heritage listed by the National Trust.
While the home has remained in original condition since its last transaction, there are approved plans and permits for an extension, which add a second storey with another living room and three additional bedrooms.
“It would be a sympathetic addition to the rear, which does not impact the heritage listing,” Mr Kingston said.
“The owners were going to do the renovation, but their circumstances have changed so they are now passing the property on to its next owner.”
Historic photos of Fooks House. Picture: Supplied.
The house was built in 1964. Picture: Supplied.
A previous application to demolish the kitchen, which has survived five decades with most of its original features intact including a General Motors Holden Custom Deluxe frigidaire oven, was rejected by the National Trust.
Mr Kingston said the discreet campaign would be more broadly advertised once the ban on private inspections was eased.
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