A 1975 waterfront home with mirrored walls, marble floors, central bar, sweeping staircase, and even swan-shaped gold tapware… It sounds like the set of a Hollywood movie, but it’s for sale in Melbourne at 344 Beach Road, Black Rock!
‘Saade House’ is one of the best remaining homes by architects and Holgar & Holgar. The practice was formed in 1963 by husband and wife John and Helen Holgar who designed several opulent Melbourne homes.
According to a recent heritage citation, 344 Beach Road was constructed in 1975 for the Saade family in tribute to a grand residence left behind in Lebanon.
Holgar & Holgar designed a modernist-style, five-bedroom home comprising tiered box-like forms with horizontal emphasis, flat roofs with broad eaves and deep fascias, expansive glazing, and a semicircular driveway leading to an undercroft carport.
Distinctive Middle Eastern influences are evident in the repetitive use of striking cast concrete panels across the principal elevation, the soaring double-height entrance with columns and broad tiled stairs leading to the main door, and elaborately detailed front gates (adorned with an ‘S’ for Saade).
The main bathroom is worthy of its own mention, complete with a deep circular tub, patterned walls, deep blue tiles, and elaborate gold tapware!
Views across the bay can be appreciated from the upper-floor terrace. An additional terrace and pool occupies most of the backyard.
The property is currently protected by an interim heritage overlay before a hearing later in the year.
344 Beach Road, Black Rock VIC is listed with Oliver Bruce and Matthew Pillios at Marshall White and goes to auction Saturday August 20 at 11.30am.
