Designed by renowned modernist architect Ernest Fooks as the private home for himself and his wife, Noemie, this spectacular residence in Melbourne’s Caulfield North was built in 1964, and remains in near-perfect original condition.
Comprising of a single storey, the three-bedroom structure is brick-clad inside and out and complemented by a slate-shingled roof. It retains most of its original fixtures and finishes, including in-built polished teak joinery throughout. Besides the timber ceiling battens, the most notable of these textured surfaces are the floors, which move from a terracotta-tiled entry foyer to herringbone parquetry in the library, and original terrazzo tiles through the rest of the residence.
Sitting on a staggering 1,092 square metre block, enclosed courtyards dotted throughout the layout create consistent connection with the outdoors, not to mention a strong Japanese influence. The garden even retains its original plantings!
Appearing simple at first glance and eminently complex on closer inspection – this slice of Australian architectural history won’t be around for long! We have all our fingers and toes crossed that it falls into the right hands.
32 Howitt Road, Caulfield North will be sold through private sale by Gary Peer. See the listing here.
