Getting to know the neighbourhood.

I'm enjoying my walks and sometimes drives around the neighbourhood and surrounding area. There is really quite a diverse mix of house in the area, ranging from california bungalows, 1940's waterfalls and 60's cream brick. There's also a high content of traditional weatherboards and the ubiquitous McMansion popping up here and there. The more radical contemporary homes, of which there are quite a few, are impossible to photograph due to the long driveways, expansive garden combination.
Yesterday, I focused on details. It was a hazy day so I only got a few.

Love the split rock wall.

This house had good solid contemporary lines. Built late 50's early 60's. Really hard to get a good picture.

Time capsule garage in Ringwood East.

Largely untouched 60's brick. The patio even had some lovely concrete planters.

It all in the details.

Despite the fact that I should have been in the studio sewing and that it was threatening rain at any moment, I slung my camera bag over my shoulder and went for another walk today. I did the circuit of streets at the back of my house, which is also know as "The Golden Mile". It's an area high on the hill that overlooks the valley where the Croydon township sits and towards Montrose and the Dandenong Ranges. The house block are huge and the gardens are gorgeous. Most houses are completely hidden from the street because of the rambling, tangled gardens. Today, as I realised that I couldn't get many full shots of houses because of trees, plants or even a car in the driveway, I decided instead to focus on the details. I was looking for an interesting mail box or a house name, perhaps an old hanging sign or some wrought iron railings. Here's some of what I saw....

One day in Autumn I went for a walk.....

...and this is what I saw.

Only pictures left.

Readers of this blog might remember this house I posted about last year.

Tragically, by all accounts this house is not longer standing. It was situated in the main street of Marysville, a township that was razed to the ground by bushfire on Saturday 8th February.
My only hope is that the occupants escaped and made their way to safety.

77 Montana Pde, Croydon

Photos courtesy of Carter Real Estate, Ringwood

'Peony Lodge'. Built in the late 50's to early 60's. Montana Pde is a very desirable location given it's glorious views to the Blue Dandenongs. I have walked along here a few times and I marvel at the large blocks and stunning houses, many which have been built with contemporary leanings. As much as I love this property it is wayyyy out of my league in terms of price. And the fact that we're not actually in the market to buy anything at the moment. But it doens't hurt to dream.

More details of this property here.

Lack of posting.

Sorry about the lack of pictures of late. It's been quite overcast and I haven't had the chance to go for a walk and get any good photos. I hope to remedy that now that the holidays are fast approaching.
Until then, I wish you all a safe, happy and mod Christmas.
xJoy

Dublin Rd, Ringwood East

Here's another Ringwood East gem that has just gone on the market. I was going to take pictures of this house as soon as we had a nice sunny day. I remember the first time I drove past this house, I had to do a double take. The sculptures are awesome and the whole house is a time capsule. I sincerely hope that someone who appreciates this house as it is now, buys it and keeps it the same, rather that knocking down the house and building units as is often the case. A house of this significance should be heritage listed for future generations to enjoy.
Pictures and text below courtesy of Phillip Webb Real Estate. You can view the complete listing here.

Even though you’re being introduced to a home built in 1956, you are also looking at a home before its time. A General Motors designer, artist and visionary set his pen to paper to design this home with a future extension in mind. Crisp white borders are balanced by porthole feature windows and sculptures in the garden were borne of the designers’ futuristic fantasies. Not one aspect of the property has been altered since its conception yet it is in pristine condition. And there are some design features that are appearing in modern architecture today – this designer saw the light half a century ago!