Influential architect Guilford Bell designed 184 Kooyong Rd, Toorak.
A Pompeii-esque Toorak house described as a masterpiece by famous architect Guilford Bell is for sale with a $4.4m-$4.8m asking range.
Stonnington Council heritage documents state the circa-1975 Hallow’s House is significant due to its “functional, eccentric and theatrical” character and association with Bell, a leading post-war modernist architect who designed homes for some of Australia’s wealthiest families including the Myers, Baillieus and Packers.
Jellis Craig Boroondara’s Mike Beardsley says that some rooms within the three-bedroom home at 184 Kooyong Rd, have been renovated in sympathy with its history.
RELATED: Howe’s Creek: High Country home by Guilford Bell boasts epic pool deck
Toorak: American-Prairie-style home for sale for first time in 70 years
Late Collingwood legend Lou Richards’ long-time Toorak home for sale
“This is one of Guilford Bell’s masterpieces and it remains very original to Guildford’s design,” Beardsley says.
“Guilford’s work, and in particular Hallows, was inspired by Roman style – clear lines, lots of natural light and symmetry.”
Bell Fisher Architects’ architect Graham Fisher, who worked with Bell, says that Hallow’s U-shaped build around a north-facing courtyard is similar to a residence “that could have been in Pompeii, in 76AD”.
Many homes in the Italian city of Pompeii, preserved in ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, had rooms arranged around a central courtyard.
Hallow’s House is considered a classic example of architect Guilford Bell’s designs.
Architect Guilford Bell was born in 1912 and died in 1992.
Clean lines, a timber-lined ceilings and tall floor-to-ceiling windows and doors are some of Bell’s hallmarks.
Behind its red brick facade, Hallow’s House features timber-lined ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, skylights and a north-facing living area.
Several rooms open to an outdoor paved area or the courtyard.
The kitchen is fitted with Miele appliances and twin-dish drawer dishwashers, while the study has a gas fireplace and built-in shelving and cupboards.
There’s plenty of room to display artworks.
There’s an ensuite in the main bedroom and a main bathroom with a double vanity, plus a guest powder room.
In the main bedroom, there’s two walk-in wardrobes, a dressing room and ensuite.
There’s also a bathroom with a double vanity, guest powder room and laundry.
Further highlights include ducted heating, split cooling, two storerooms, intercom entry and a double garage.
Beardsley says another storey could potentially be added to the abode, subject to council approval.
He’s received inquiries about Hallow’s House from local residents, interstate and overseas.
The renovated kitchen featuring Miele appliances, twin-dish drawer dishwashers and plenty of storage.
The main bedroom has a walk-in wardrobes and a dressing room.
Last year, co-founder of the former music festival Stereosonic Richie McNeill and partner Lauren Millay listed their 1960s-built Toorak riverfront mansion that Bell designed, with a $23m-$25m price tag.
In 2020, Sorrento’s Baillieu House, a well-known project of Bell’s, sold for about $19m to ex-Good Guys boss Andrew Muir and wife Emma.
That same year, the owner of renowned Melbourne restaurant Chin Chin farewelled a Lorne house created by Bell – dubbed the “Kentucky Fried Chicken house” thanks to its pyramid-like roof similar to those that once adorned the fast food chain’s outlets – for close to $6m.
Hallow’s House is close to Toorak train station, Toorak and Malvern Rd, schools, Toorak and Hawksburn Villages, the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club and the Monash Freeway.
The house is arranged around a central courtyard.
Billionaire James Packer offloaded his Sydney mansion for $70m almost a decade ago.
The six-storey compound was built after Packer bought a Bell-designed house for $18m, plus another two houses, and amalgamated them into the one mega-home.
In the late 1970s, Bell remodelled parts of the Prime Minister’s Canberra residence, The Lodge.
Hallow’s House will be auctioned at 1pm on August 31.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Australia’s youngest gun real estate agents revealed
Malvern: Spectacular house for sale blends Marvellous Melbourne with modern beauty
English (US) · 