Shane Crawford, Olivia Anderson selling landmark Brighton home
Shane Crawford is selling his impressive pad – once home to a mayor – after totally transforming it to feature a pool, tennis court and gym.
Property
Don't miss out on the headlines from Property. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AFL premiership player-turned-TV personality Shane Crawford has listed his landmark Brighton home, following his family’s move to northern New South Wales.
The Hawthorn great and his partner, Olivia Anderson, have $9m-$9.9m price hopes for the grand four-bedroom estate at 44 St Andrews St, which they totally transformed.
Crawford told Property Confidential the “old Victorian” had “character (but) needed a bit of love” when they bought it – for $3.05m in 2009, according to CoreLogic records.
RELATED: Tim Watson’s Albert Park pad attracts huge price
North Melbourne great Brent Harvey lists $3m Yarrambat family haven
Melbourne’s five most expensive homes for sale
The couple “fixed it up”, with the 1887-built house now featuring a magnesium 20m lap pool, a tennis court and a classic light-filled interior with four bedrooms.
The huge 1477sq m block also contains a pool house with a gym and a steam room, while inside, luxurious fittings include Italian marble benches, marble fireplaces, Miele kitchen appliances and Tasmanian Oak parquetry flooring.
“It’s a beautiful house in a great spot, and there are a lot of great memories for us,’’ Crawford said.
His favourite was the time former coach Alastair Clarkson turned up at the home after the Hawks won their third consecutive flag in 2015.
“He knocked on the door with three premiership cups and said, ‘I thought you might like a picture with these’,’’ Crawford said.
The 1999 Brownlow medallist had been travelling between Melbourne and NSW since Anderson and their sons Charlie, Jack, Ben and Harry made a sea change last year. But he now hoped to spend more time up north with them.
“Covid has brought a lot of change and the family’s made a sea change, so it’s a waste living in such a big house here,” he said.
Anderson added it was “time to pass on our beautiful home to another family to enjoy.”
“We have had 12 amazing years there and restored it back to its prime,” she said.
“It’s the childhood home of the four boys, so it’s sad. But times have changed and we are so excited about the next chapter.
“Melbourne will always be our favourite city and we will always have a base there.”
Crawford said the aim of the move was to give his children an experience away from city life.
“I grew up in a little country town (Finley) and loved it,’’ the 46-year-old said. “The boys have only known a city lifestyle, so it’s good to experience something different.
“And they can always come back – it’s one of those, ‘why not, give it a go and see what happens?’
“It’s a very different way of life up there, cruisy and relaxed. I just hope the boys get into everything – try lots of different things, get involved in different sporting teams or drama or whatever they’re into.”
Crawford said the property was already attracting big-money offers, via listing agency Fredman Property Group.
When he and Anderson purchased Ellesmere – which was once home Brighton mayor Thomas Wilson – locals dubbed the estate “the paddock” because of its large land size.
MORE: ‘Covid-proof’ Ashburton Indian grocery store sells $1m above reserve
Hepburn Springs pub sells twice in 10 months
Oldest standing cottage for sale in Victoria’s own city of gold
First look: New Coast shopping centre for surprise site
A long-empty site in a surprise location will be transformed into a retail showroom complex under fresh plans lodged with the council. FIND OUT WHERE
Revealed: How much rent you need to pay in every Qld suburb
Rents have increased again in 252 Queensland suburbs, reversing the brief downward trend recorded just three months ago. See how your suburb compares!