82-86 Drysdale Street, Portarlington, Vic 3223

Meticulously restored to the highest calibre, hand sourcing authentic features from around the globe in full appreciation of the homes original construction by Purnell & Sons - Architects and Builders Geelong; this 128 year old property of distinction is steeped in rich history, renowned as one of the first - if not the first - house designed by Arthur William Purnell in 1896.

Deep set verandahs cradle the Queenslanders bones, primarily designed to protect inmates from the intense summer heat. Rich timber features, fretwork and detailed glazing give hint to what may lie beyond this character infused and sturdy exterior. High ceilings, reproduced wallpaper from the Victorian Era, Tasmanian Blackwood floors, intricate ceiling roses, Lincruster wallpaper and ornate restored chandeliers are a breathtaking focal point on entry, demonstrating a flawless attention to detail that is continued throughout the home's entirety.

The original footprint is made up of a formal living area, formal dining room, master suite and two guest suites - each with the addition of ensuite bathrooms - sunroom, sitting room and library; all featuring 100% authentic fixtures and fittings relevant to time, tastefully brought to life by the creative eye and historical expertise of the current owners. Genuine working fireplaces with cast iron hearths grace most rooms, with kerosene lamps imported from England, intricate hand-crafted curtains from Greece, lighting from Jordan, and pull-chain toilets circa 1800’s from England - just to name a few.

Culinary architecture is celebrated in the open plan American Oak kitchen and meals area to the rear, with an elite La Cornue central island setting the essential stage for gourmet excellence. This original and numbered piece handcrafted in Paris, comprises electric and gas oven, induction cooking, gas hot plates, storage drawers and commercial grade sink, complemented by a La Cornue Chateau rangehood inherited from Steve Vizards kitchen. An additional Kleenmaid oven with gas cooktop, grill and deep fryer, completes this gastronomes dream, with bespoke splashback tiling from Morocco and Jerusalem. Adjacently set, the commercial grade butler’s pantry is fully equipped with AG fridge and freezer, Hobart dishwasher, stainless steel benchtops and Kleenmaid double wall ovens with warming drawers, and convenient service access through to the formal dining room.

Alfresco dining is accommodated on the commodious outdoor patio, with twenty irrigated wicking vegetable beds promoting your garden to table lifestyle, along with a chook house, orchard and herb gardens. The original 1890’s underground water tank holds 50,000L with the founding hand pump in-situ. This semi-sustainability enables you to change the way you ‘Cook, Eat & Live’, encouraging a clean and happy existence.

Further assets include - Hydronic heating with cast iron radiators from Ballarat, aforementioned wood fireplaces and underfloor heating to all bathrooms. Six car garage with two adjoining studios/offices, laundry with commercial appliances and bathroom. Firepit area. Monitored security system. Rainwater tanks. Inground swimming pool and jacuzzi. 

A truly remarkable and irreplicable property, with stunning surrounding grounds, landscaped gardens, fishponds and a myriad of peaceful nooks to quietly sit and admire this historical and most memorable work of architectural art.