5 Glenleith Ave, Drumcondra, goes to auction on October 30 with $1.6m to $1.76m price hopes.
A sense of history runs deep at a landmark bayside property that was the first residence constructed in the prestigious Drumcondra Estate.
The grand Federation-era home was initially built for prominent Geelong benefactor and Baxter House namesake John Percy Baxter back in 1912.
A century on, 5 Glenleith Ave, Drumcondra, remains one of the jewels in the suburb’s crown, occupying a substantial 1205sq m corner block just 150m from Corio Bay.
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Even though it’s located on a main road, the vendor says the family home retains an air of mystery as much of it is hidden from public view behind established ornamental gardens.
Beyond the return front veranda lies a series of well-proportioned rooms showcasing 3.4m-ceilings, intricate fretwork, leadlight windows and ornate heritage fireplaces.
When the vendors moved into the property, the previous owners had already added their own rear extension, but with that now dated, they saw a golden opportunity for a fresh renovation.
With that dream yet to be realised, the chance now falls to the new buyers.
The formal living room are rich in period detail.
You can see the bay through the front bay window.
A late 1990s extension at the rear features parquetry floors and a well-appointed kitchen.
“We wanted to secure one of the biggest blocks in Drumcondra, about 150m from the waterfront, but also with the understanding that the house was really liveable but the scope to renovate was and is there,” he says.
“We are huge on history and character and it was actually very similar to the house that I grew up in.”
The corner block and vast roof cavity creates great flexibility to extend out in almost any direction or add a pool.
Currently, the kitchen and informal living zone, featuring stainless steel appliances and a large island bench, overlooks the north-facing back garden where decking and a custom-made pizza oven set the scene for outdoor entertaining among mature trees and a vegetable garden.
Here you’ll also find a double garage, accessed via Beach Pde, and a self-contained, one-bedroom studio that allowed the vendor’s mother-in-law to live independently on site.
The north-facing back deck overlooks a large garden with scope for an extension.
The house is fitted with hydronic heating and extensive solar panels with battery storage.
The dining room overlooks the property’s original hothouse.
Other highlights include a formal dining room with views of the original greenhouse and the water glimpses which have opened up from the main living room since the block directly across the road was cleared.
“My favourite would have to be the living room. The return veranda comes into it and looking out the window you can see the bay, plus it’s got the fireplace,” the vendor says.
As well as quick commutes to the CBD, the family has enjoyed living so close to the waterfront and the revamped Rippleside Park.
“During summer we would ride our bikes down to Eastern Beach, because you can never get a park down there, have a swim and ride back,” he says. “ We’d walk down to the roundabout and watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve and when there’s rain or big thunderstorms we would sit on the veranda and watch it.”
Gartland, Geelong agent Michael De Stefano will auction 5 Glenleith Ave, Drumcondra, on October 30 at 6.50pm.
Price hopes are $1.6m to $1.76m.
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