The 35th Annual Open Houses

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Posted 2014-03-09 by Nadine Cresswell-Myatt ⇒ follow

Sun 16 Mar 2014

Not to be confused with Melbourne's Open House, which runs later in the year and mainly in the City of Melbourne, Open Houses is an event to raise money for St.Joseph's Primary School, a small parish school in Hawthorn.

For the last 35 years this event, which opens up local, stunning, and breathtaking homes to the public has been a major success story.

In fact some 20,000 people have taken up the opportunity to ogle some of Melbourne's most lavish homes.

You do not have to drive or park as there are chauffeur driven shuttle buses that whizz you around between the properties.

There is also a lavish and complimentary afternoon tea which includes homemade sandwiches and cupcakes. Those who get in early will also receive complimentary coffee courtesy of the Axil Coffee Roasters.

The tour takes people to five stunning homes, all chosen because of their architectural, historical or aesthetic significance. Although if there is a particular property you wish to see you can opt to just go to one home.

The five houses you will visit are:

Camden Rd, Hawthorn
Miami St, Hawthorn
Hilda Cres, Hawthorn
Swinburne Ave, Hawthorn
Sackville St, Kew

**Camden Rd, Hawthorn
**
Camden Rd Hawthorn is a charming 1920's house which has been remodelled to include natural light but still maintain the original Art Deco embellishments. The use of glass is incredible in bringing the outside in. The interior designer, Kay Hodges of Pomp, has sprinkled lots of colourful flashes thoughout this stunning home.

Miami St, Hawthorn

Miami St, Hawthorn is a grand residence from 1873 originally built for the mayor of Hawthorn. It is one of the oldest and most famous grand residences in East Hawthorn. It has been passed down through many significant families including the Wiseman family - after whom Hawthorn's Wiseman Street is named - and the Mowling family, who founded Mowling and Sons Soap and Candle. In the 1920s the home was divided into flats but restored into a single residence again in 1936. A recent renovation is in keeping with the grace of this magnificent Victorian era home.
**Hilda Crescent, Hawthorn
**

This home is in Hawthorn's famous Grace Park estate, which has beautiful period villas in garden settings. It is owned by Melbourne architect Christopher Cowper. This Federation style home was built in 1907 for George Bingemann and has stunning bay windows and a huge collection of mementos from the owner's extensive overseas travels. These include vintage posters and even the sitting room chair which was found discarded on a street in New York and then restored, recovered and shipped to Australia.
Swinburne Avenue, Hawthorn

Described as a modern masterpiece this amazing home was designed by architect, Craig Rosetti in conjunction with the owner who is a commercial builder. This innovative home features beautiful craftsmanship and interior design well as stunning artworks throughout. It is a home with everything, including its own revitalizing magnesium pool. Many will find this construction interesting because it is designed for sustainable living. There are many features that harness the sunlight or catch cooling breezes such as the cross flow ventilation system, which creates a thermal flux through the use of louvres on the bedroom doors, ceiling fans, and electric operated windows.

Sackville St, Kew

This is a new home in the much coveted Sackville Street precinct. It is owned by a couple who run a successful home design, interiors and landscaping practice called Amber Hope Design . The home has a striking façade and an interior bathed in natural light. There are floor to ceiling double-glazed windows running the length of the entrance hall which overlook the garden. Downstair three metre tall sliding glass doors lead to an outdoor entertaining area with its own outdoor kitchen, and swimming pool. There is even a spectacular home theatre room with a 110 inch screen.

Tickets are $40 to visit all homes, ($35 pre-paid online) or $20 for a single home. Entry price includes complimentary afternoon tea and a gift bag of goodies valued at $60.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the school on the day. Details are on their website To ensure tickets arrive before the event, be aware that the last mailout for pre-purchased tickets will be Tuesday March 12. Online tickets can be purchased after that date but must be picked up from St Josephs on the day.