‘Like buying a piece of art’: Is this Melbourne’s most beautiful mid-century home?

One of Melbourne’s most beautiful mid-century homes has hit the market with a price guide of $1.65 million to $1.8 million.

Built in the 1950s, ‘The Rice House’ was designed by renowned Australian architect Kevin Borland.

Located in leafy Eltham, the property is situated on a hilltop with views of the city and Mt Dandenong.

According to information provided in the listing, Borland designed ‘The Rice House’ while working for the Victorian Small Homes Service under tutors, and celebrated architects, Robin Boyd and Neil Clerehan.

The result is a brilliant house that “blends a philosophy of simplicity with incredible technical complexity”.

The sale of the property is being managed by agents Chris Chapman and Mandy Edge from Jellis Craig Eltham.

Mr Chapman said the home has a special significance to Melbourne’s architectural community and is studied by architecture students at RMIT.

“At the time it was an extremely progressive, alternative style of design and construction technique,” he said. “It holds a lot of importance in the history of Melbourne’s architecture.”

The home comprises a pair of shell-like structures. The first contains the open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, a rumpus room, bathroom and main bedroom.

The second structure contains two additional bedrooms and a bathroom.

“It’s an incredible place to actually experience,” said Chapman.

“It’s totally unlike any other home that I’ve been in, and I’ve been in quite a lot of homes.”

The property at 69 Ryans Road is just a short drive from shops, cafes, public transport and the iconic artists community Montsalvat.

The current owners purchased the property in 2016 after stumbling across it by chance. The owners then embarked on a restoration of the property which Chapman said became a “passion project” for them.

The property was very dilapidated,” said Chapman.

“Both the home and the property itself had been very neglected.

“The owners took it on as a project and their intention was always to restore it back to its original glory. They’ve done that now and decided it’s time to move on.”

Unlike many run-of-the-mill properties, Chapman acknowledges that finding a buyer for a unique home like this one takes a bit longer.

“It’s not just a house, it’s more like buying a piece of art,” he said. “So we were aware going into the campaign that it might take a little bit longer to find the right person or family.

“But in terms of interest, inquiries, and traffic on the website, it’s been really well received.”

The home is listed for sale by Chris Chapman and Mandy Edge from Jellis Craig Eltham. The price guide is $1.65 million to $1.8 million.