This circa 1901 house at 24 Meakin Street, East Geelong has only had three owners.
AN East Geelong heritage home that counts a city mayor and prominent athletics figure among its former owners is ready for its next chapter.
The Federation-era weatherboard house at 24 Meakin Street has been listed for sale for only the third time its 120-year history.
‘Morningsyde’ was home to former Geelong mayor Bervin Purnell during his time in office from 1949-1952.
RELATED:
Ocean Grove’s historic Broome Cottage restored
Mud-brick bush haven for sale in Anakie
Inner city buyer gets more than meets the eye
The Federationn-era house is rich in period detail.
Mr Purnell, a prominent businessman, was also an instrumental in the formation of the Geelong Guild Athletics Club and used his cabinet making skills to design built-in furniture that remains at the house today.
The four-bedroom house is on a 1166sq m corner block just moments from Eastern Park.
Hayeswinckle, Newtown agent Rachel Taylor has set a price guide of $1.2m-$1.3m ahead of an online auction scheduled for August 29.
The vendors have updated the kitchen/meals area with Miele appliances and timber cabinetry.
And kept the period detail in the formal loungeroom, which has a box bay window and open fireplace.
Ms Taylor said the property’s rich history and its beautiful established gardens made it a once-in-generation opportunity.
“The garden is absolutely to die for and it’s all a credit to the current owner,” she said.
“He’s an avid gardener and he has maintained it.
“And the high ceilings and the original fireplaces are definitely a standout for me.”
The house has formal lounge and dining rooms, a study, a large sunroom and two bathrooms, plus an enclosed veranda where the original owner’s children used to sleep.
This sunroom is the perfect place to take in garden views.
The current owners have added a deck off the kitchen.
Ms Taylor said the old maid’s quarters had been converted into kitchen/meals area that adjoins a deck for outdoor entertaining.
The property once included two neighbouring blocks and still has the shed where the first owners, the Riches, kept a horse and buggy.
The corner block paves the way for the addition of a new double garge with access off Gurr St.
The vendors, who bought the house from Mr Purnell and his wife 44 years ago, said it had been a wonderful place to raise their three children and a collection of pets.
“It will be the (new owners’) treasure and their joy,” she said.
“It’s just beautiful to look out the windows and see the garden.”
Mr Purnell is credited with helping secure runner John Landy’s place in Australia’s 1952 Olympic team through a silent fundraising campaign.
The post Historic East Geelong house has links to city’s postwar mayor appeared first on realestate.com.au.