The grand home at 23 Hotham Grove, Elsternwick.
A grand circa-1890s Ripponlea estate described as the “perfect trophy home” is for sale with a $4.5m-$4.7m asking price.
Named Ulverstone (also known as Ulverston), the house at 23 Hotham Grove near Elsternwick was restored by master craftsman Derek Marvelly who worked on Ravenswood and Werribee Mansion.
The five-bedroom Victorian property features a tessellated tiled veranda, original stained glass windows, ornate ceiling roses, handpainted gold-leaf cornices and carved marble fireplaces.
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The 1325sq m grounds boast three street frontages, a pool by designer Ian Lyell and three-car garage with kitchenette and temperature-controlled wine cellar.
Gary Peer & Associates Caulfield North director Jeremy Rosens said the large site “was like a park when you get inside, with resort-style living and a stunning pool”.
“It really is a sort of generational opportunity here, it’s a really rare to find an amazing home that boasts such a rich history and gorgeous facade,” Mr Rosens said.
“It’s the perfect trophy home, the type of property if you’re lucky enough to buy it, would be great place to bring up a family.
“It’s the type of home that’s always going to capture the imagination not only from locals but people who come from far and wide to have a look.”
The ground floor has two bedrooms, a formal living and dining room, bathroom, laundry, country-style kitchen and rear sunroom.
The pool was the brainchild of designer Ian Lyell.
A Port Phillip council heritage review classified Ulverstone as “significant” and a “substantial house of its period”.
The house’s exterior is heritage-listed but its interior is not.
The review stated the home was built for an Alfred Ramsden, who was possibly a bricklayer and developer.
CoreLogic records show Ulverstone last sold for $2.975m in 2015.
Period features abound.
The stylish kitchen.
Plenty of room to play footy or cricket with the kids, grandchildren or friends.
Ulverstone’s owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said he and his wife purchased the estate as a place to bring up their three children after “falling in love” with the property.
However, he said the family decided to move into another house closer to both his workplace and parents.
The owner said he originally intended to renovate the abode’s interior in a modern style but retain its period features, after Mr Marvelly restored the site for a previous resident.
“We just cleaned it up, fixed things up, did a zhuzh and fixed up the pool area and garden,” he said.
The house will be auctioned 5 June 5 at 2.30pm
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