Cheltenham estate for sale

FOR the first time in 36 years a sprawling corner block estate in Cheltenham is on the market.

THE hallway at 183 Beecroft Rd, Cheltenham, is about 20m long, almost the same length as a cricket pitch from stump to stump.

Since the Californian bungalow’s construction in 1924, numerous children have run up and down the wide hallway, its timber floorboards protected by a custom-made hall runner.

Dr Paddy Kevin and his wife Rene bought the property in 1980 when the youngest of their three children was three years old.

Dr Paddy Kevin and his wife Rene in their beautiful character home.

They are the third owners of the magnificent 4103sq m property, which commands the corner of Beecroft and Cheltenham Rds.

Now their children have grown up and have children of their own, the couple have made the tough decision to downsize.

They will leave behind a sensitively restored and maintained four-bedroom (plus sunroom) residence surrounded by manicured parklike gardens.

This corner block estate in Cheltenham is for sale.

The couple have made a huge effort to maintain bespoke original features that include gleaming leadlight windows, dark timber mantelpieces, bay windows, high ceilings in every room and even the maids’ bells in the kitchen,

The tennis court was built shortly after they moved in and is on a separate lot and title. It was inspired by Paddy’s uncle — legendary tennis player Harry Hopman, after whom the Hopman Cup tournament in Perth is named.

“Harry was my mother’s brother and the third of eight children,” Paddy said. “I remember my grandmother’s place always had a tennis court and it was something I always wanted.”

The Kevin kids were not as keen and used the court mostly for basketball, cricket and soccer.

“Our granddaughter likes it,” Paddy said. “She dances on it.”

The Kevin family has celebrated many milestone events in the elegant home that is blessed with a range of entertainment options.

This elegant Cheltenham home is surrounded by park-like grounds.

These include a front veranda that extends the length of the home and two rear patios.

Rene loves to cook in the huge modern kitchen “where most of the activity is taking place”.

It has granite benchtops and European gas appliances.

Leaving the family home won’t be easy. “It is gorgeous and we’re devastated to leave it,” Paddy said.