Hannan House 2: Artist’s mid-century masterpiece restored to original ‘70s charm by ex-neighbour
A mid-century lover’s dream pad built and lived in by late Australian artist Shirley Hannan is up for sale in Melbourne’s south east after it was restored by a former neighbour.
A mid-century lover’s dream pad built and lived in by late Australian artist Shirley Hannan is up for sale in Beaumaris after it was restored by a former neighbour.
The four-bedroom, Daniel Robertson-brick house was designed by Ms Hannan herself in collaboration with her friend and colleague, architect Joe Palliser.
Known as Hannan House 2, it was originally built in the early 1970s on subdivided land from the artist’s previous home, Hannan House 1, following the untimely death of her husband.
Although Ms Hannan was best known as a portraitist, she also began crafting artisan copper furniture pieces at the 14 Point Ave pad in its large, self-contained studio space.
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Her bespoke copper fittings and fixtures are found throughout the home, as well as Daniel Robertson floor and wall tiles, and restored timber ceilings.
A renovated kitchen by interior designer Alexi Robinson compliments the original ‘70s design with natural stone benchtops and Gaggenau appliances, while an adjoining corridor leads to the main living room, accessed via custom, oversized timber sliding doors and featuring the original open fireplace.
According to information published in Beaumaris Modern Volume 2, the current owner of the home grew up next door at Hannan House 1 after Ms Hannan sold it to his family.
He vowed at the time to repurchase the house in the future, but upon finding out that the owners had no plans to leave anytime soon, he settled for “the next best thing” – Hannan House 2.
Kay & Burton Bayside agent Christine Henderson said the vendor spent two years in lockdown completely restoring the home to its original charm after it had been “whitewashed” in the 1980s.
“He sanded it by hand and did over $2m in renovations,” Ms Henderson said.
“Everything is brand new but he’s kept all the mid-century features – all the timber work has been restored and all the beautiful copper grates and drains he took out by hand and restored and polished them.”
She added that he now thought the home was “perfect” and was ready to embark on a new project.
Beaumaris Modern also stated that the owner’s mother was friends with Ms Hannan and he inherited her handmade furniture and recycled metal light fittings when buying the house.
“The current owner was committed to a full restoration, no expense spared, to honour this exceptional house with its fine pedigree,” an excerpt from the book reads.
He also used the original timber cabinets his mother once purchased from Ms Hannan in the living room.
The kitchen, living and dining rooms all open out to a tranquil, natural spring pool surrounded by tropical plantings and lush landscaped gardens by Mark Browning Landscape Design.
A spacious main bedroom also accesses the outdoor area and features a custom-fitted, walk-in wardrobe and glamorous dual-vanity ensuite featuring mosaic tiles and a sunken shower, spa and steam room.
Two further bedrooms are found at the other end of the house beside a family bathroom with a Japanese cedar bathtub and an adjoining sauna.
Ms Henderson added that the property had scope for “off-grid living” with solar panels on the roof.
“It’s the brightest, most vibrant home in daylight, even with all the brick, but I’ve also been having dusk (inspections) once a week and the house goes from bright to super sexy and extraordinary at night … it’s just magical,” she said.
“So many people have come through and say it just feels really homey and comfortable.”
The agent said the campaign had been “crazy” with prospective buyers including a mix of downsizers who appreciate its single level, as well families looking for a place with separate zoning for children and adults.
“It’s been a joy to show, it’s just such an extraordinary home,” Ms Henderson said.
The 887sq m property is listed with a $4.9m-$5.3m price guide, with expressions of interest closing on June 27.
PropTrack data shows the vendor bought it for $2.2m in 2016.
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Originally published as Hannan House 2: Artist’s mid-century masterpiece restored to original ‘70s charm by ex-neighbour