The house at 208 Kooyong Rd, Caulfield North, has a cool entertaining set-up.
A mid-century modernist house designed by celebrated architect Dr Ernest Fooks is bringing a slice of Palm Springs cool to Melbourne’s southeast, after a $1m+ restoration.
The groovy 1960s-era home at 208 Kooyong Road, Caulfield North, is for sale with a $4.15m-$4.55m asking range.
Gary Peer & Associates director Leon Gouzenfiter, who has the listing, also sold the four-bedroom pad to its current owners in 2022.
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Caulfield North mid-century masterpiece designed by architect Dr Ernest Fooks for sale
They wanted to save the residence, designed by Dr Fooks – who is considered one of Australia’s most important post-war mid-century architects – from the wrecker’s ball.
“When they bought it, it was certainly in need of renovating,” Gouzenfiter says.
“One of the owners, who has a background in building and cabinet making, took it on as a restoration project, to do it properly.”
The new fence has been designed to match the home’s 1960s look.
The kitchen features a cantilevered island bench and breakfast bar, stone surfaces and plenty of cabinetry.
Teaming up with architect Lani Fixler, the owners set about restoring the house with the aim of retaining its character and original features, while adapting it for modern life.
“They essentially stripped the house and put it all back together,” Gouzenfiter says.
“My understanding is they spent more than $1m on the project.”
It’s possibly Melbourne’s grooviest house.
Plenty of sunlight streams in through the large windows.
Dr Fooks’ hand-drawn designs for the house, which have survived to this day, provided plenty of inspiration.
For fans of ‘60s-style entertaining, the landscaped garden’s patio, pool decorated with a dolphin artwork, cabana with a barbecue and banquette seating is a winner.
Gouzenfiter likens the set-up to legendary singer and actor Frank Sinatra’s famous mid-century modern house in Palm Springs, named Twin Palms.
“It’s very much like that backyard with a big pool,” says Gouzenfiter, who visited the iconic address during a US trip.
The study is an ideal place to work, study or watch an episode of Gilligan’s Island, Get Smart or I Dream of Jeannie on your laptop.
Perfect your beehive or pompadour hairdo in the bathroom.
The Caulfield North abode’s retro-esque living room includes concertina doors and a wall of handcrafted timber cabinets concealing a built-in sink and record player.
“It’s like going back in time but everything is new and works,” Gouzenfiter says.
The dining room boasts terrazzo floors, while the kitchen has a cantilevered island bench and breakfast bar with a bronze and brown-coloured quartzite benchtop.
The home is close to schools, public transport, parks and shopping strips.
There’s even a home gym – maybe bust out some callisthenics moves.
A walk-in wardrobe, an ensuite and balcony feature in the main bedroom suite.
On the ground floor is a bathroom with a sauna, a terrazzo-tiled gym and home office.
There’s also a smart home system, zoned heating and cooling, a return driveway and a double garage.
Gouzenfiter says the owners are selling up with plans to find their next renovation project.
The house will be auctioned at 11.30am on August 25.
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