Unfinished Symphony In Waiting

The Age

Wednesday May 21, 2008

Katherine Townsend

Forget the demolition plans and prepare for a long renovation, advises Katherine Townsend.

SO MANY big old houses on large land are knocked down these days to be replaced by charming townhouses or blocks of apartments that it's hard to remember some people might actually love the challenge of real estate's version of the unfinished symphony.

But Kinfauns, an 1880s farmhouse on Bluff Road, Sandringham, comes with a heritage overlay that means its future is protected and demolition is ruled out, so put away the demolition plans and prepare for the long-haul renovation.

The once lovely timber home sits in the middle of a huge block of land, 27 metres by 46 metres, and the grounds are unkempt to say the least. There are three large trees - a peppercorn and what look like two oaks - on the rear boundary and that's it.

Originally known as Sandringham Heath Farm, the front rooms have been well restored but there is still plenty of work, money and time to be expended upgrading the rest of it.

Set well back from busy Bluff Road - but still awaiting a noise-proofing fence - the front door is on the northern side of the timber veranda that runs around the front of the house as well. The block-fronted timber facade has been recently repainted in two contrasting creamy tones and looks smart against the white wrought iron.

Inside the hallway, two bedrooms open off to the right. They are a good size with classic tall Victorian windows overlooking the front garden and they both have pretty fireplaces.

The hallway then turns towards the back of the house and has a small third bedroom opening from one side and another large bedroom opening off the northern side.

There is a small updated bathroom on the southern side of the hallway serving these four bedrooms.

At the end of the hallway, you arrive into the home's showpiece living room. This is a massive room - 8.3 metres by 4.9 metres - and has a large north-facing bay window fitted with what looks like an ornate beaten-brass pelmet. With the sun pouring in and shining onto recently polished floorboards, it has a warm, welcoming feel. A set of double doors face east and open to a covered pergola area.

The rear of the house is, frankly, a complete mess: a half-upgraded kitchen, an old bathroom, a meals area, another bedroom and a huge old rumpus room that looks like a converted shed or garage.

Much of the hard work has been done on the original part of the house but there is plenty of room to extend and plenty of scope to add more accommodation.

And even though Sandringham farmers in the 1880s probably didn't have a pool, there's plenty of room for one.

270 Bluff Road, Sandringham

Agent's quote $1.35 million-plus

Auction 3.30pm, May 31, through Buxton, Sandringham, 9598 8222

Melway 77 A10

© 2008 The Age

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