Menzie's Arts and Crafts home in Kew, with "weird" sales hooks...

Updated: Aug 12, 2019

Sir Robert Menzies owned this 1874sq m property, which dates back to 1912, from 1929-1949, including two years spent as Victoria’s deputy premier.

While it is NOT a mansion, it’s also not imposing — yet with a quirky artistic facade, red brick and stucco, and fascinating chimneys and even fakery sales plugs.

"After transferring to federal politics, Menzies was sworn in as the Australian PM when United Australia Party leader Joseph Lyons died while still in office.

Menzies committed Australia to World War II, resigned as PM in 1941, but returned to the position at the head of the newly formed Liberal-Country coalition from 1949-1966." (When of course he moved to the Lodge in Canberra.)

Geoff and Anne Green have lived in the home for the past 22 years and said you could feel the history.

The home retains many of the period features that Sir Robert enjoyed.

“You pinch yourself now and then when you think about what has happened here,” Mr Green said.

“(In) the front two rooms of the house we have really made sure to preserve the character.”

The rooms include what was once Sir Robert’s office, a space that makes the most of afternoon light with leadlight windows.

“We will be leaving with heavy hearts, but it’s a house that’s made and designed to have families in it,” Mr Green said.

“It feels like it needs kids running around in it.”

The dining room is another part of the home that has been kept largely the same.

“It’s not your standard period home with a modern renovation,” Mr Curtain said.

“It’s a home that has an authentic feeling to it and it feels like the real deal.

However the agent does not seem to know the real deal:

The agent says

Georgian Revival with Mediterranean (eg Tuscan) influences (from a spurious Boroondara Council description) - please - is this house a simple Georgian style?? It was built in the Federation boom, and there is no stone facing visible. eg red-brick + stucco + tall ornamental chimneys = Arts and Crafts style
this is a mansion (please, with only four bedrooms??) and more...
the magnificent grounds feature a large Tuscan style terrace for out-door entertaining (Ah, the Mediterranean influence) - is there even a picture?
with breathtaking Edna Walling style gardens including feature rock walls and terraced lawns, "Prove it!" (eg Are there garden plans, evidence of any designer employed?)
There is however a tennis court, and a small pool on the Tuscan terrace.

The home is for sale at a Private Auction on Wednesday 28th November, just after the Victorian State election on Saturday 24 November 2018. Could be a bargain!