A Brighton home designed by late Test cricketer and architect Max Walker is up for grabs after a leading designer turned the “grotty mancave” in its basement into a hidden speak-easy.
Before his passing in 2016, Walker had an illustrious career that included playing 34 Test matches for the Australian cricket team and 85 VFL games for the Melbourne Football Club.
He also became a cherished radio and TV commentator, authored 14 books, and was honoured with an Order of Australia in 2011.
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Accoladed interior designer and Curatd founder Kirsty Ristevski has listed her Brighton “masterpiece” on the market.
The 7 Weatherly Grove home marks Ms Ristevski’s favourite project to date has been listed with a price guide of $6m-$6.6m
One of the most remarkable transformations is the home’s former basement now a secret speak-easy, concealed by a secret bookcase activated by pulling a book lever, revealing the entrance.
The former pool was a black expanse of water and four cats had taken over the back yard when Ms Ristevski took it on. Today, it is quite different.
Luxe ensuite spaces in shades of muted green add a new dimension to the home.
“Before, the basement had some taxidermy in it and a chunky 1950s bar – it was a very grotty mancave,” she said.
Ms Ristevski aimed to make every room an experience, featuring elements like a leather marble oblique fireplace, custom Spanish tiles, Dekton flooring, and restored cedar panelling.
The backyard, previously a neglected area with a rundown pool with four cats, now boasts a chic, sunlit poolside inspired by American photographer Slim Aaron.
The designer said she transformed the space using warm, neutral colours to create a feeling of cosiness and welcome.
Angular spaces add to the home’s architectural flair.
Expansive glazing and neutral colours create a cosy, yet coastal vibe.
“I’m not afraid of colour, I had a lot of fun with the carpet on the stairs and then we’ve got this dramatic “kalamata olive” coloured powder room – I thought why not wow guests that will be using the space”, Ms Ristevski said.
“The master bedroom is a beautiful soft, calming sage that makes you feel like you’ve retreated into a hotel suite.”
The property has attracted significant interest from design-focused buyers from areas like Albert Park, Middle Park, and Stonnington.
White Fox agent Lana Samuels expressed said the home would appealed to those who loved to entertain and appreciate distinctive design – 30 groups inspected the first open home.
Ms Samuels said the buyer would be interested in design.
Bedrooms offer expansive dimensions.
The kitchen is a showstopper with a variety of stone elements.
“It’s a luxurious move-in ready home, the buyer here loves to entertain – every single room has a moment and the house has a lot of personality,” she said.
Expressions of interest for 7 Weatherly Grove, Brighton close at 3pm September 17.
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