Windsor homeowner’s book boosts $1.625 million sale,
A Windsor home, described by its owner as a “really big hug,” was sold yesterday for $1.625 million in an auction that exceeded expectations by six figures.
In 2020, the vendors delved into the property’s 136-year history during a renovation and documented it in an 86-page book about the home.
Owner Matthew described the house, one of the few remaining double-storey Victorian buildings in the suburb, as feeling like a “really big hug” when they first entered. The history they uncovered helped explain this comforting sensation.
Built in 1888 by the renowned builder Alfred Spur, the home was named Eliza in honor of his wife. Even at that time, it distinguished itself from other homes with ceiling heights elevated an additional 500-600 mm above the norm.
At the onset of WWII, it was converted into an apartment building but was restored to a single residence in 1983.
Historical records also indicate that the property was auctioned in 1926. Sales records from that period suggest it would have sold for around 1,000 pounds, which is approximately $94,000 in today’s inflated currency.
Even with the historical adjustment, the final sale price of $1.625 million is a small fraction of the home’s earlier estimated value.
Michael Tynan, director at Biggin & Scott Stonnington, noted that two bidders quickly drove up the price, starting with a $1.485 million offer right at the top of the home’s price guide. The property was officially placed on the market shortly thereafter, as soon as the auctioneer had the opportunity.
Despite the home’s location on a busy road, Tynan remarked that documenting and sharing the property’s history helped create an emotional connection with potential buyers.
Windsor homeowner’s book boosts $1.625 million sale;
“In 20 years, I have never seen anything like this. People really connected with the history, which significantly contributed to the sale,” he said.
Tynan also highlighted that the successful sale demonstrated how renovations can positively impact the marketability of a property.
Among the updates made by Matthew and his partner were replacing 1980s-era plastic skylights with modern double-glazed versions and installing a rear deck made from recycled plastic.
Spending four years training a Wisteria to climb along wires in the backyard also helped create a summer “oasis” for family and friends.
Their aim was to uncover and restore the home’s original features rather than “cutting the back off and building a glass box,” as many others have done.
Windsor homeowner’s book boosts $1.625 million sale;
They’ve now embarked on a new restoration project—a double-storey period home in neighboring Prahran—and are working on another book to document it.
Yesterday, they celebrated the successful sale by climbing a ladder with some sandpaper, continuing their tradition of peeling back the layers.
