On The Market

A Mid-Century Masterpiece Hits The Market In North Warrandyte

For architecture lovers, it doesn’t get much dreamier than this almost untouched Robin Boyd-designed home in North Warrandyte.

The ‘Wright House’ has been called one of the architect’s most iconic properties, lauded for its timeless mid-century design, striking Coldstream rock walls and expansive views of the Yarra Ranges’.

After being carefully cherished and protected by the current owners for the last 10 years, this rarity is back on the market!

Written
by
Christina Karras

The enchanting light-filled living room inside the Robin Boyd home! Photo – Jellis Craig

Filled with mid-century magic. Left: Photo courtesy of Boyd & Friends. Right – Jellis Craig

Masonry stone walls wrap the fireplace and staircase. Photo – Jellis Craig

One of the three bedrooms. Photo – Jellis Craig

Inside the retro home office! Photo – Jellis Craig

The home is hidden amid towering trees and bush! Photo – Jellis Craig

‘We’ve also spent much time and effort to ‘clean up’ the bush garden, whilst maintaining its native origins. The whole space can now be used and provides the house with the setting it deserves,’ Victor explains. Photo – Jellis Craig

The well preserved home is not far off its original state! Left: Photo – Jellis Craig Right: Photo – Mark Strizic [Internal views of Robin Boyds Wright house 1962, Kangaroo Ground Road Warrandyte Victoria 1970, gelatin silver print]

Writer
Christina Karras
17th of May 2022

Victor and Janice Maree first saw this North Warrandyte home in May 2011, as part of a Robin Boyd Foundation Open Day. To their surprise, it came on the market one year later and they jumped at the chance to secure the architect’s masterpiece.

‘We were, and remain, ardent Boyd admirers and the beauty of the three-bedroom home was overwhelming,’ Victor says.

‘We couldn’t believe that it was almost entirely untouched. And we left thinking that there simply cannot be a better house anywhere.’

The Wright House was first commissioned back in 1950 for Joyce and James Wright, who were graphic artists and avid entertainers, but in the early ’60s it was ‘reduced to ruins’ by bushfires, according the Robin Boyd Foundation.

The only remains were the Coldstream stone walls, which were incorporated into the new Boyd design in 1963, along with a detached studio, which he designed in 1970. As a result, the ‘Wright House II’ features steel posts as protective cladding from future fire hazards, while retaining much of its original mid-century magic.

Standout design details include an ‘amazing’ flat roof, the floating mezzanine level, and expansive glass walls that take in the lush and leafy surrounds of the 2.54-acre block.

‘And, the fact that it’s almost a hidden treasure, makes it all the more special. Many people who see the home for the first time say that they’ve been past the property hundreds of times and had no idea it is here,’ Victor says of the property’s bushland location.

‘The one thing that really resonated with us is the originality of this house,’ Victor says. ‘And, like the owners before us, we’ve been very careful to retain its authenticity by not altered anything. And, we’ve limited work to necessary maintenance, repairs and improvements and restoration where necessary.’

This care from the former custodians means the house remains as close as possible to Boyd’s design, with only small, practical updates throughout the years to the kitchen – which was refurbished in the late 1990s, in addition to replacing old toilets and upgrading the hot water system.

Almost exactly 10 years from the day they bought it, the Marees have listed the residence they thought the thought they’d never leave after deciding to retire interstate.

‘When we drive through the gates towards the house, we still experience so much pleasure that we can call this beautiful place home,’ Victor says.

‘Whether it’s looking out over the valley to the Yarra Ranges to an ever-changing horizon, chatting with friends in front of the fireplace on a cold winter evening, or simply enjoying the many outdoor spaces, every part of the house is a wonderful experience.

‘This is such a special home, and like the owners before us, we hope someone that loves and cares for it as much as we do will buy it.’

84 Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Road, North Warrandyte is listed with Mark Salvati and Belinda Anderson at Jellis Craig Boroondara for private sale. Take a look at the full listing.

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