News Corp Australia
First published 16 May 2025, 5:00am
A photo dropped anonymously in the letterbox sparked a massive 32-year restoration of a grand bluestone villa at Rostrevor.
Vendor Michael acquired “Rostrevor House’’, at 3 Lindwood St, from his parents, who bought the circa-1880 home in 1961.
It fell into disrepair after being rented out for a short time, prompting Michael to move back to his childhood home in 1992 and fix it up.
During early repair work, a black and white photo of the house in its heyday, complete with
an imposing turret, was left in his letterbox with the message: “It’s nice to see someone finally restoring this beautiful old place’’.
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The Rostrevor home at 3 Linwood St, which has hit the market, has been restored over the years.
It has a rich history in the community.
The turret is among the original features restored by owner Michael after his parents ripped it down.
“I didn’t know who dropped it in my letterbox – they never made contact (again) – but I could finally see what the turret had looked like and that there were nine steps at the front (entry) which I couldn’t see (anymore),’’ said Michael, a civil engineer.
“I ran out with a picket shovel and started digging the front up and a step appeared and then another and another.
“I started uncovering all that and all of a sudden I had a project on my hands.
“I just thought I’ve got to unmask this and bring it back to how it was.’’
Along with restoring the front entry and replacing the original turret, which was dismantled by his parents after it became unsafe, Michael set about creating a light-filled open-plan extension at the rear, with a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen and casual dining and living spaces.
The original home, which has hit the market, now boasts a formal living area and up to five king-sized bedrooms, including an impressive upstairs master bedroom with a walk-in robe and ensuite and a spacious retreat that occupies the turret and overlooks the sprawling front garden.
It’s modern inside but many of its character features have been retained.
The castle-like home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Great care has been taken in the home’s restoration.
There’s also an original cellar and new entertainer’s terrace, swimming pool and pavilion, as well as garaging for six vehicles.
“I’m still working but I’ve probably put in two days a week on this house since I bought it from mum and dad and that’s just my own time – I always did the grunt work but I got professionals in to help me,’’ Michael said.
“I’ve kept all the architectural details (in the original home) and made sure everything is as close as it could be to how it looked in that photo.’’
Michael, who lives alone, said it was now time to let another family enjoy the home, recalling happy childhood memories spent playing hide-and-seek.
“It’s not like just hiding behind a couch,’’ he said.
“You would lose a friend or a cousin for a couple of hours here because the place is so big.’’ In more recent times, Michael said the expansive 1440sqm property has played host to 130 people for his dad’s 80th birthday, as well as countless Christmases and other celebrations.
The largest bathroom in the home has a bath.
The main bedroom is upstairs as part of a suite with its own bathroom, balcony and retreat area.
Best offers for the home close on May 27.
“You don’t have to worry about noise (because of the distance of neighbours),’’ he said.
“I’ve had the guys over many times to watch the (sporting) grand finals and it’s just an instant party.’’
He said the house was also perfect for quieter times.
“Just to go into the turret and look out – I will definitely miss that. And also sitting in the big (grand living) room playing my guitar.
“I’ve been the king of the castle here.’’
Offers for the home, which is listed without a price guide with Williams Real Estate, close on Tuesday, May 27, unless sold prior.
– by Lauren Ahwan
English (US) · 