Ballina’s iconic windmill house has been approved for demolition, and this is what will be built in its place
Despite community outrage over the loss of this iconic and much-loved East Ballina home, it’s going to be knocked down. Now the owner of the beachfront site has unveiled their plans.
Lismore
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It’s the beloved East Ballina home that no-one wanted to see demolished.
But the owners of the iconic windmill house have secured approved from Ballina Shire Council for its removal, and now they have lodged a development application for a new building on the beachfront site.
The new house, which is estimated to cost around $1.45 million, would have four bedrooms, three with ensuites, a main bathroom, a study and a swimming pool.
In documents lodged with the council, Ardill Payne & Partners explained the two-storey dwelling would be constructed with FC weatherboard walls or similar cladding, and have a Colorbond metal roof.
On the ground floor would be a triple garage with two garage doors, a storage area and stairs to the next level.
The lower floor would consist of the lounge room, kitchen, dining room, living room, study, two bedrooms, one with an ensuite, main bathroom and laundry.
There would be an outdoor area off the living room and a porch, entry hall and foyer.
The swimming pool is proposed to be 7m by 3.6m.
The upper floor would have the master bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite and sitting area, plus the fourth bedroom, also with an ensuite.
“The height, bulk, scale, built form and external appearance of the proposed dwelling is considered reasonable,” the report states.
“The first floor of the dwelling is on a reduced footprint to reduce bulk and scale.
“The dwelling has good articulation to the front side and rear elevations to provide visual interest.
“The site will require minor earthworks for footings.
“The dwelling has been designed to follow the contours of the land and step up the site.
“Excavation will be required for the subfloor basement area of approximately 1.7m however this cut will be within the building footprint.
“The swimming pool will require the ground to be excavated by approximately 1.2m to 1.8m.”
The East Ballina windmill house’s claim to fame was its many windmill and lighthouse sculptures, made by artist Pieter Gutter when he lived there.
The property was sold for $1.4 million in 2018.
Despite community outrage about the impending demolition, Mr Gutter’s son, Alstonville resident Anton Gutter, Pieter’s son, said the family understood the house will be gone and they were okay with it.
“It would be nice if there was an opportunity (for some of the art) to be preserved, but as a family we understand that you have to be philosophical about things and realise that some things are just not going to stay on forever,” he said.
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