A Frankston manor built for Australia’s eighth Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce has hit the market with a $2.7 to $2.9m million price tag.
The circa 1926 built ten bedroom, six bathroom residence at 34 Pine Hill Drive, Frankston, has been painstakingly restored by its owner of 14 years with materials sourced from across Australia.
34 Pine Hill Drive, Frankston was built for Australia’s eighth Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce. Picture: realestate.com.au
Sales agent Garry Donovan from Belle Property Mentone said structurally the building was in good condition, but meticulous work has gone into restoring the timber panelled walls and ceilings, as well as the open fireplaces and plasterwork, with no expense spared.
“The authenticity is just perfect,” he said.
“It (the house) certainly comes with a lot of history that’s for sure.
“You just walk into it and (think), ‘If these walls could only talk’.”
34 Pine Hill Drive, Frankston was built for Australia’s eighth Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce. Picture: realestate.com.au
Prime Minister Lord Stanley Bruce led the country from 1923 to 1929, and Bruce Manor was designed by architects Prevost Synnot and Rewald, in association with Robert Bell Hamilton, and was built in a similar architectural style to 'The Lodge' in Canberra.
Interestingly, Lord Stanley Bruce was the first to live in both residences.
34 Pine Hill Drive, Frankston was built for Australia’s eighth Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce. Picture: realestate.com.au
The heritage listed residence is part of the National Trust and the Victorian Heritage Database’s statement of significance states the house is significant “as the home of the most dominant figure in Australian politics in the 1920s, a man who became a distinguished counsellor to leading statesmen of other nations, a most illustrious Australian.
“It is an example of the new house planning that developed during the inter-war period permitting great comfort and privacy for the occupants without the use of a large domestic staff.
“It is an early example of the integration of the motor garage into the planning form. Stylistically the house demonstrates the new romantic regard for sun and shadow with its links with the Mediterranean via Beverly Hills.”
34 Pine Hill Drive, Frankston was built for Australia’s eighth Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce. Picture: realestate.com.au
Hallmarks to the residence’s heyday include paved courtyards, Cordova patterned roof tiles, large living areas, a sitting area and balconies, as well as a two bedroom manager's cottage.
Other highlights include, a gym and sauna, a double and triple garage, underground cellar and the study and library is in original condition.
“If you walk into that old study, you can just imagine a Prime Minster sitting there,” Mr Donovan said.
34 Pine Hill Drive, Frankston was built for Australia’s eighth Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce. Picture: realestate.com.au
While the 4565sqm landholding was residential, Mr Donovan said there could be scope for it to be used as a wedding reception venue, a bed and breakfast or an art studio.
The home is for sale via an Expressions of Interest campaign until April 7.
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