Taxi boss Kevin Gange lists eight-figure Hawthorn dream home
7 Chrystobel Crescent, Hawthorn, is the home of Silver Top boss Kevin Gange.
Taxi industry heavyweight Kevin Gange has flagged a $12-$13m fare for his Hawthorn home of 13 years.
As a Gange Corporation director he effectively became the man behind the wheel of the firm’s subsidiary Silver Top Taxis when his family’s firm bought it in 2003, and for a time was known as “God” in the industry.
Records show the former Victorian Taxi Association president has lived at 7 Chrystobel Crescent since buying the period charmer for $6m in 2007.
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He and wife Margaret have since updated the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, but fastidiously maintained its Queen Anne Federation era heritage.
Jellis Craig co-founder Alastair Craig said the about 1910-built home had been “a bit rough and ready” when the pair bought it, but they “went right through it” and “spent a lot of money to restore it”.
The home’s 1870sq m allotment is lined with mature gardens.
Period details have been restored and highlighted throughout the home.
“And it hasn’t been compromised in the way it’s been restored,” Mr Craig said.
“Someone will probably still come and spend some more money on it, but it does have a very good floorplan already … and all the gorgeous period features and high ceilings.”
In addition to its old-world charm, the property’s 1870sq m allotment would appeal to a range of buyers given it was “three times the standard block”.
The home has multiple living spaces throughout its double-storey floorplan.
French doors connect the living room with a deck area outside.
“Homes like this don’t come up on the market very often,” Mr Craig said.
“And it’s in what is probably regarded as one of the top streets in the Grace Park estate, which is one of the top ones in the area.”
Mr Gange and his two brothers, John and Alfred, took the wheel from their father, Alfred Gange (senior), but the family’s connection with the industry extends back to Joseph Gange who started a horse-drawn Hansom cab business near the turn of the 19th century.
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The kitchen has been modernised with polished stone surfaces and pendant lighting.
The dining room showcases the architectural details that help Queen Anne Federation homes stand out.
Formed in 1936, Silver Top Taxis is Melbourne’s largest taxi group and also operates one of the two major taxi booking businesses in the city.
At one time the Gange family was connected with about 170 taxi licenses and $100m in industry investment – and enough income for them to once receive a mention in the BRW Rich List.
Pressed metal ceilings can also be found in parts of the home.
Open fireplaces and box windows add appeal to numerous rooms, including the study.
A 2007 Herald Sun article revealed that when they contacted Silver Top and asked for Mr Gange, staff replied that “God’s not in today”.
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