Bizarre time capsule homes hiding in our suburbs

These Aussies homes are where time has stood still. Hidden in the suburbs but still wowing with their trippy designs.

Kirsten Craze

3 min read

June 13, 2024 - 5:00AM

What year is it?!

Hidden behind the contemporary facade of 1-3 Kimberley St, Vaucluse sits a 1970s time capsule ready to be discovered.

The immaculate three-bedroom top floor apartment has been preserved in time, seemingly untouched since the complex of 11 units was built back in 1972.

Craig Pontey and Violet Farebrother of McGrath Double Bay have listed the blast from the past deceased estate with a price guide of $2m and an auction date of June 15.

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Time travel is possible.

Not much is known of the owners, according to Ms Farebrother, only that an elderly lady by the name of Koch lived there since the block was built more than 50 years ago. It is unclear as to whether she lived with a husband in earlier years.

“I never knew them, and apparently Mr Koch passed away a few years ago,” she said.

“Mrs Koch lived there I believe up until last year and she’s now passed as well. What I do know is that she was very well-loved in the building and the neighbours miss her a lot,” she said.

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Original ‘70s wallpaper.

Groovy.

Time pieces.

Throughout the home there is vibrant original 1970s wallpaper, timber-panelled walls, a stone feature wall and period light fittings.

The kitchen is a flash back to a 1970s interiors magazine with funky orange tiled splashbacks and original appliances while the bathrooms have period hardware and even carpet underfoot as was the trend 50 years ago.

Mr Pontey said the one-of-a-kind retro residence is a surprise package giving the Eastern Suburbs’ trend of renovation.

“It’s funny, this is my 45th year in real estate and I reckon I’ve only seen half a dozen of these immaculately preserved properties. You just don’t see them very often. Clearly, she lived a very comfortable life,” he said.

“It’s seriously like you’ve just walked into a time warp. We’ve kept her old retro furniture in place but you should have seen it before, it was full of antiques and glassware which have been sent off to be auctioned.”

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Plenty of wood.

Despite the apartment’s flamboyant furnishings, Mr Pontey said potential buyers are please with what they see.

“At the first inspection, a lot of the people were saying that other than maybe painting and carpeting, or a little work in the kitchen and bathrooms, that they quite like that sort of retro look. There’s no doubt that when it comes to interiors things can come full circle. People like that style again and it’s hard to replicate authentically.”

In addition to the groovy decor, the memorable home has an even more remarkable grand rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean over Diamond Bay Reserve. The exterior of the property has undergone a recent renovation to bring the facade up to 21st Century standards.

Retro cool.

Measuring 336sq m on title, the apartment is in a building of only six within the complex and features three bathrooms including an ensuite to the main bedroom, a second balcony and a double lock up garage.

Throughout Australia these rare real estate gems comes to market less and less, but when they do the images are a fabulous flashback for house hunters. Across realestate.com.au there are even more time capsule homes for sale.

17 Hurtle Street, Lalor in Victoria – $685,000 to $740,000

This humble four bedroom home has been listed for the first time in 45 years and is full of throwback features. Sitting on 640sq m, the 1970s house has period details throughout, especially its brown kitchen complete with timber panelling, retro floor tiles and tiled benchtops

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For sale for the first time in 45 years.

17 Hurtle Street, Lalor, Vic 3075

166 White Road, North Wonthaggi in Victoria – $519,000

Timber cabinets, cork floors and feature tiles, this three-bedroom house in regional Victoria has a whole lot of 70s throughout. On a 751sq m block 40kms west of Phillip Island, the property is just 250m from the local Bunnings so DIY buyers can add their own personal touches.

Has anyone seen Marty McFly around here?

Great Scott!

Heavy Doc.

1 Sandra Place, Seaforth – Price to be advised

A unique mid-century modern time capsule, this entirely circular home is a stand out in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Although it’s a one in a million design, the house is on the market with DA approved plans for demolition and a contemporary residence to be built in its place.

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