Circa 1890s house offers rare window into Ocean Grove’s history
Author: Nicole Mayne - Geelong Advertiser
A charming weatherboard home dating back to the 1890s saves the best for last in Ocean Grove.
Step back in time with a circa 1890s character home that harks back to Ocean Grove’s early days as a fledgling summer resort.
‘Almora’, a Victoria-era weatherboard house once the residence of local identity Joseph Ingamells, is up for sale.
It might be one of the town’s few surviving original homesteads, but the rich history of the property is not immediately apparent.
Originally built on a larger piece of land, the classic period facade now faces the rear of 56 The Parade, where it takes in impressive ocean and bluff views.
Barry Plant, Geelong agent Dion Plum has listed the property with price hopes of $1.495 million.
He said the traditional section of the three-bedroom house retained its period character.
A mid-century extension at the front has a more retro feel and overlooks a resort-style pool area.
“When you drive up the street you have no idea because all you see is a straw fence,” Mr Plum said.
“The traditional front is actually the back of the house. Originally it would have been a larger homestead but with the development it’s now at the back.”
The Victorian Heritage Database citation says the house, once known as Frisckney, originally fronted The Terrace and is believed to have been home to Joseph Ingamells, proprietor of the Coffee Palace.
Local historian Gil McKeown also lived there from 1950.
Mr Plum said it was a sensational property that combined character, views and a top location only 170m to the main shopping strip.
The restored section of the house has high ceilings with ornate cornice works, baltic pine floorboards and open fireplaces with decorative mantles.
It’s home to a formal loungeroom with a large bay window facing the sea, a formal dining room and three bedrooms, including one with an ensuite.
Black and white flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows create a more Modernist vibe in the open-plan kitchen, meals and living room at the front.
It overlooks a heated swimming pool and feature rock waterfalls.
The 774sq m property also has a separate studio and a tandem carport with a remote roller door that doubles as a covered outdoor entertainment area.