By Molly Magennis
A unique 1930’s Kingsville property is open for expressions of interest, presenting a rare opportunity for potential buyers.
The nine bedroom house is rich with history and is estimated to be worth $4-$4.5 million, four times the average price for houses in Kingsville. If sold, it will set a record for the area.
The Catholic church style house was built in 1932 by William Murphy and remained in the family for several decades until it was purchased in the early 1980’s by another local family.
The Yarraville Murphy family has been in the area since Thomas Murphy, a cabinet maker, arrived in Port Phillip in 1842 from Ireland. The Murphy’s were successful business owners, with the family opening up several quarries in the area and operating one of Footscray’s first stone crushers.
When trucks eventually replaced horses, the Murphy family moved into the truck business, and with 76 trucks it was claimed that by 1959 it was the largest privately-owned transport firm in the state.
Real estate agent Anna Grech, who is overseeing the expressions of interest process, said the house has been meticulously maintained by the current owners.
“The property is entirely intact as it was originally built,” she said.
“It’s still got all the LED lights, original windows, everything in the home is original, nothing has been added.
“It’s got enough [space] for four cars, it’s got a garage, it’s even got the little door where the milkman would leave the milk.”
The current owners of the house have even received awards for the property’s garden, taking out third prize in city of Footscray’s (now Maribyrnong) 1988 bicentennial beautification competition.
“The gardens are beautiful, they’re immaculate,” Ms Grech said.
“It’s really an outstanding property.
“These [houses] only come up once in a lifetime.”
Expressions of interest close November 30 at 1pm.
