Live a life less ordinary in Melbourne’s north-east
“Mysterious” Eltham home built of recycled ammunition containers
Those on the hunt for something unique will find these properties for sale by Barry Plant Eltham simply irresistible.
Slightly quirky and, mostly, unconventional, these homes stand out from the rest with their eye-catching designs and unusual construction materials.
Recycled ammunition containers form the walls of Ross House, iconic three-bedroom home at 50 Arthur Street, Eltham.
The heritage-listed Tudor-style house with a price guide of $1.375-$1.5 million makes a striking statement on a large 1845sq m block, close to the township.
It is a significant home in the area, according to Barry Plant Eltham director Jason Stepanow.
“It has changed hands a few times since it was built in the 1970s, and is a bit of a mystery,” he said.
“It would make a great art gallery or appeal to a builder with creative flair.”
With its charming Juliet balcony and dormer windows, the house stands tall on one of the largest blocks in the area and includes a small vineyard producing 30 litres of Shiraz a year.
Set over three levels, the interior has multiple living areas warmed by two fireplaces, including a central brick fireplace with a chimney that soars through the house. The second fireplace brings warmth to the second level containing a living room and two bedrooms.
The house also includes a secluded third level children’s retreat, a well-appointed kitchen and a family bathroom.
The Eltham treasure is within walking distance of village shops and cafes, Woodridge Linear and Alistair Knox parks, Woodridge preschool, numerous schools, bus services and the train station.
In Eltham South, a five-bedroom mud-brick house on 12,926sq m at 2-6 Stringybark Road is causing a stir among buyers looking for something out of the norm.
Those from inner-city areas wanting a tree-change have also been drawn to the unique home with a $3 million price tag, according to Barry Plant Eltham agent Sheryl Emerson.
“The property is in the exclusive green wedge sector and offers a peaceful haven in a secluded bush setting,” she said.
Designed by esteemed architect Robert Marshall, the sprawling house is on the market for the first time and has been a much-loved family home for nearly 40 years.
Displaying character at every turn, it has mud-brick infills sourced on the site and a wooden frame built mostly of River Redgum timbers salvaged from a railway bridge near Albury in New South Wales.
The mud-brick marvel is adorned with an array of recycled materials, including Oregon beams, handmade brick floors, dolomite marble benchtops and jarrah veranda posts more than a century old.
“The reclaimed timbers alone are prized, as they will never be available again,” Ms Emerson said.
“The mud bricks help the house stay cool in summer, while the hydronic heating and open fireplace are great for winter heating.”
The property also attracts abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, possums, kookaburras, cockatoos, lorikeets and the rare Eltham Copper Butterfly.