Abrahams House: Landmark Beaumaris mid-century house for sale again

Beaumaris’ landmark Abrahams House is on the market once again and still under threat of the wrecking ball, despite years of community outcry.

Architecture advocates hope a mid-century modern enthusiast will buy the Arthur Russell design at 372 Beach Road, which is for sale with about $2.8m price expectations.

Nick Johnstone Real Estate agent Bert Geraerts said the vendors won a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal appeal against Bayside City Council last year, allowing them to retain a permit for two large dwellings on the block.

RELATED: Melbourne mid-century homes: Lax heritage schemes endangering history

Beaumaris mid-century ‘marvel’ facing demolition after council vote

Beaumaris mid-century homes: New fight to save modernist pad

But he said many people were interested in keeping the classic 1961 waterfront residence.

“The owners have had a bit of a stressful time and decided that they will sell if they get the right price,” Mr Geraerts said.

“It has got the permits, but so far we’ve had interest from people who want to renovate it because it is such a unique architect-designed home.”

The vendors have tried to sell multiple times since buying the property for $2.2m in 2015.

Bayside Council rejected several of their planning applications for the construction of two dwellings, stating that significant trees would need to be removed for the development. But VCAT overturned the decision in favour of the vendors last year.

The large L-shaped residence was built for Daryl and Christine Abrahams, who founded the famous Christine Abrahams Gallery located in Richmond from 1980 until 2008.

Historian Simon Reeves has previously described the Beach Road property as being “an unusual expression of modernist residential architecture” due to its layout, grey concrete brickwork and glazed stairwell bay with “finlike piers”.

Beaumaris Modern president Fiona Austin said they were searching for a mid-century fan to buy the property and renovate it to its full potential.

“It’s not in great condition and it needs quite a lot of work, but if you’re someone who has a vision you could take advantage of the beautiful position and amazing views,” Ms Austin said.

“The house has come so close to demolition so many times – we are hoping this time could be different.”

For sale signs have only just gone up at the waterfront property, available via expressions of interest.

READ MORE: Albury Wodonga, Latrobe Valley: Victoria’s top cheapies with prospects

Melbourne property: Greatest quarterly house price hike since 2000

‘Remarkable’ turnaround makes 2020 a boom year for new homes