People will have a rare chance to see inside some of Williamstown’s most intriguing homes and businesses at Open Williamstown this month.
Proceeds from the guided walking tour go to Cancer Council Victoria, and while private addresses are under wraps until the day, Star Weekly can reveal they include a Victorian cottage built in 1920, a stunning modern family home and a Victorian Italionate dating back to 1862 where writer Hal Porter once boarded.
People will be able to see behind the scenes of a fifth-generation business at the heritage-listed C Blunt Boatbuilders building in Nelson Place.
Fifth-generation boatbuilder Greg Blunt said his family business started in Geelong in 1858 and moved to Williamstown in the 1870s in another premises. The current building is 103-years-old.
He said people on the Open Williamstown tour would gain insights into the ancient craft of boatbuilding.
“We’re going to put on a display of some old tools,” he said.
“We’re going to put on a display of recycled timber, which is a bit of a story in itself – where the timber comes from.
“There’s going to be some old boats, of course.
“The place kind of speaks for itself. Once they walk in, they love it.”
Open Williamstown chairwoman Barbara Phoenix said the event starts at Williamstown’s Mechanics Institute at 5 Electra Street, and includes five homes and the maritime business.
Open Williamstown is in Sunday, April 17 at 12:30pm until 4:30pm. Tickets are $35 online or $40 on the day. Book at ticketebo.com.au/openwilliamstown2016
