By Carole Levy
This house, built in the year the First World War began, was crafted by the original owner – a cabinet-maker by trade. It’s remained in the same family for all that time – 104 years.
The wonderful abode oozes history and a passion for craftsmanship; even the quirky outbuildings on the block of 1000-plus square metres tell a rich story.
38 North Road, Newport 3015
- Williams Real Estate: 9397 2000
- Price: $1.9–1.95 million
- Auction: December 15 at 11.30am
- Find out more about this property on domain.com.au
The square-set cornices on high ceilings all through speak of the no-nonsense approach of that earlier generation, yet beauty abounds in the leadlight front door and window transoms, the ceiling roses and fretwork. Doors have a rich walnut burl and decorative handles, while deep skirts and architraves are dark-stained.
That eye for beauty is again seen in the spacious lounge room, where picture rails are ornately carved, and in one of the three bedrooms (along the wide entry hall) where a hand-crafted surround frames a cast-iron fireplace.
Also along the hallway is the bathroom, with a large modern shower and the look of a late 1950s revamp. That’s the same era a tapestry-brick surround was added in the lounge room; it now frames an old-school gas heater.
Adjoining a spacious vestibule/lobby with built-in cabinetry and original stained-glass window, the kitchen evokes chats with grandma over scones and cuppa. It has a gas cooktop set in the original chimney breast, a wall oven and plenty of storage.
A dining room, with built-in cabinetry, neighbours the lobby and could serve as a fourth bedroom.
Those aforementioned outbuildings, made by a man with a practical turn of mind and the ability to create lots from little, include a laundry, toilet and two-room powered workshop.
Equally sturdily made are a chook house and a potting shed/greenhouse.
A side gate provides access past pretty gardens to a steel shed.
The gardens include a bed of hollyhocks, roses, lilacs and numerous cottage plantings, with brick pathways meandering among them. An apple tree with gnarly trunk provides summer shade near the house, and apricot, plum and citrus trees are dotted around. Down the back is a vegie garden with numerous planting boxes.
The Strand waterfront is just down the road and shops, cafes and schools are all within easy reach.
