Chin Chin owner Chris Lucas sells luxury Lorne ‘KFC house’
He’s the owner of some of Melbourne’s favourite restaurants, but Chris Lucas’ incredible Lorne beach pad is fondly known as the ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken house’. It’s no fast-food design though.
Top restaurateur, Chin Chin owner Chris Lucas has sold his luxury Lorne hideaway, dubbed the ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken house’, for close to $6 million.
The resort-style property, best known for its pyramidal roof similar to those that once adorned the fast food chain’s outlets, is a landmark in the coastal town.
Late acclaimed society architect Guilford Bell designed the grand six-bedoom house, which sits above the township, taking in ocean views.
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Great Ocean Road Real Estate, Lorne agent Ian Stewart could not disclose the figure paid for 77-79 Smith St but said it was close to the $5.95 million asking price.
He said the Melbourne buyers were looking forward to holidaying at the property, as Mr Lucas and his family had done for many years.
“He and his family have been long-time Lorne enjoyers but his kids have grown up so they’re moving on to different things,” Mr Stewart said.
The restaurateur, who owns restaurants Kisume, Hawker Hall, Baby and Kong alongside Chin Chin, listed the holiday house in January.
The private 1816sq m sanctuary comes with a tennis court — one of the few in Lorne — and a circular swimming pool.
It was last traded for $3.65 million in 2007, according to CoreLogic records.
Mr Stewart said a string of recent big sales in Lorne helped the property achieve close to the asking price.
“Again it was a sensational result for the Lorne market, there has been a few in a row,” he said.
“It was just the uniqueness of the angles and the feeling of what is brilliant architecture — Guilford Bell just captured it all.
“You walk into the house, and it was built 43 years ago, and it would not matter if you walked in 20 years or 30 years or 40 years ago, it just feels the same over the years.
“We have sold it the three times it has been sold and every time we go back you just open the door and you have that aura of being in your own resort.”
Sliding doors reveal a deck with a circular swimming pool and outdoor kitchen.
Secure gates with remote entry introduce the 1816sq m property, which offers two titles and covered parking for four cars.
The house was originally commissioned by the Seccull family, who also had Guilford design their iconic minimalist Brighton home, and has since been sympathetically updated.
The pyramidal ceiling is the centrepiece of the home and towers above the open-plan kitchen, dining and living room with terrazzo flooring.
Not surprisingly, the kitchen offers a dream workspace for home chefs who can also take advantage of the nearby outdoor kitchen.
Secure gates with remote entry introduce the property, which offers also two titles and covered parking for four cars.
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Originally published as Chin Chin owner Chris Lucas sells luxury Lorne ‘KFC house’