10 Valmont Avenue, Beaumaris, Vic 3193

Mid-century homes in Beaumaris rarely change hands, and even fewer hold a place as significant as Lyon House. Designed in 1953 by architect Eric Lyon as a residence for his young family, the home reflects a pivotal moment in Melbourne's architectural story. Beaumaris now holds one of the world's largest concentrations of mid-century homes. Yet, Lyon House stands apart, appearing on ABC's Restoration Australia, featuring in both volumes of Beaumaris Modern and having won "Best Heritage Renovation" in the 2023 Bayside Built Environment Awards.

Rising from a quiet corner block, the iconic linear form unfolds through an H-shaped plan drawn from international modernist principles. Lyon's original blueprints guided its recent revival, where thoughtful updates sit easily among enduring details, hallmarked by timber, terracotta, cork and glass. A glass-encased threshold reflects light across a silver-lined ceiling, leading to a central sunroom and kitchen, which are defined by terrazzo, high-end Fisher & Paykel appliances, and a concealed butler's pantry. 

Vintage BECO light fittings, paper-lined ceilings and bespoke joinery carry through, particularly in Lyon's former den, now a fifth bedroom or media room, with a bespoke fold-out, velvet-lined couch and library storage. A lounge with a wood fire leads to an adjoining study, while the home's connection to the landscape is most clearly expressed in the timber deck, a gesture Lyon had intended but never completed. Carried through as part of the restoration, it now sits beneath a mature lemon-scented gum, extending the living space with a sense of resolution. 

Four additional bedrooms are positioned in the northern wing, including a main suite with a private ensuite, all appointed with original joinery. A second bathroom, a powder room with a mural referencing Lyon, laundry with drying cupboard, and a double carport accessed via Valmont Avenue round out the plan, whilst enhancements are layered in through double glazing, electric heating, 12kW solar, 10kWh battery, EV charger, automated sun awnings and garden irrigation. 

Located just 350m from the beach and within the Beaumaris Secondary College zone, moments from Mentone Girls' Grammar and The Concourse, this landmark residence continues to respond to the present without letting go of the past.