A heritage-listed home located in Eltham, Victoria invites Expressions of Interest from interested buyers who are keen to own, preserve and sensitively restore the iconic property.

Designed by noted Melbourne architect Kevin Borland for the first of his residential clients, Lorna and Harrie Rice in 1951, the Heritage Victoria listed property, Rice House is a modernist home set in an idyllic location, about 100 metres away from the road and sited on a hilltop directly above central Eltham. Enjoying a convenient yet wonderfully secluded setting spread over more than an acre of bushland, the property provides unsurpassed distant views from its elevated position to the Kinglake ranges and beyond as well as glimpses of the hills to the west and north-west.

Deemed a historically and architecturally significant property, both the Ctesiphon-arched structures and all the land were registered as a Heritage Victoria listed property in 2006.

Expressions of Interest are invited from individuals keen to own this unique mid-20th century Heritage Victoria listed property. Should the buyer share a passion for sensitively restoring or extending the house, a piece of Harrie’s sculpture and several of his ceramics shall be bequeathed to the property.

Requiring non-structural restoration internally, the Rice House currently comprises of an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, one bedroom, study, bathroom and laundry plus three storerooms and attached triple carport with additional wood storage space. The smaller building houses a living room with kitchenette, two bedrooms and a bathroom. The property would be an ideal home or retreat for creative individuals.

The buyer will have plenty of opportunity to refurbish the interiors as well as design and incorporate sympathetic extensions subject to Heritage Victoria and Nillumbik council approvals. The entire land is Heritage Victoria listed and is also protected by a Nillumbik Council environmental overlay.

Many of Lorna’s original plantings remain as her enduring legacy, including a magnificent, large Deodar cedar and several huge lemon-scented gums raised from seed. The planted garden surrounding the buildings incorporate exotic and native species, while most of the periphery retains its rare status as undisturbed indigenous bushland, including native hyacinth orchids as well as Bursaria bushes, the latter being the only breeding habitat of the rare Eltham Copper Butterfly.

OFFERS INVITED VIA EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)

Buyers are invited to submit their best and final offer to purchase the property before 15th July, 5:00pm. Viewings and inspections of the property will be allowed on prior appointment.

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