Hills hoist ‘chandelier’ at eccentric Yarraville home for sale

A Hills hoist ‘chandelier’ — that still does the job it was designed to — hockey puck drawer handles, and hidden storage for days lie within this quirky abode packed full of surprises.

The polarising pad at 55 Tarrengower St gets mostly positive reviews from passers-by.

A Hills hoist ‘chandelier’ — that still does the job it was designed to — hockey puck drawer handles, and hidden storage for days lie within this quirky Yarraville abode.

Despite the loud looks of the two-bedroom cottage at 55 Tarrengower St, it’s what isn’t seen that’s most impressive at designer Ross Privitelli’s family home for sale.

Clever joinery hides desks, televisions, appliances — even two sizes of dinner table that extend “like a Swiss Army knife” from slots beneath the kitchen bench.

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The clothesline is lowered via an electric winch, and then raised again.

The warmest part of the house is the upper third. It’s out of the way, too.

“When people see what’s hidden within the home, they’re surprised,” Mr Privitelli said.

“We kept the original Hills hoist from the backyard and made that almost like a chandelier hanging above the living area, which comes down through an electric winch, so that’s where we dry our clothes, knowing that the warmest part of the home is the highest third.

“And with 3.3m high ceilings, we’re able to do that without really impeding on the space.”

Bulkier luggage is stored beneath built-in beds with hydraulic systems, with 48 cubic metres of storage crammed into the nifty package.

Huss Saad demonstrates the drying capacity. Handy in winter. Picture: Wayne Taylor

The built-in beds have hydraulic systems to store bulkier items beneath them.

Full of surprises.

Hockey pucks as far as the eye can see.

The eccentric facade also provides plenty of neighbourhood talking points, from the bold colouring, to the community library, and satire heritage plaque that poses a riddle.

“Our neighbours love it,” said Mr Privitelli, who has shared the home with partner Thuy Hoang, their son Laak, 8, and daughter Korin, 5.

“We’ve had people write post-it notes and leave them on the fence or on the front door, and had people question if it’s a daycare centre as well.”

The kitchen table folds out from the bench “like a Swiss Army knife”.

Geography was taught down the halls.

A clever veggie patch at the rear.

Village Real Estate director Huss Saad is selling the property with a $1m-$1.1m price guide via private sale and said the Yarraville Village location was a major drawcard.

The floorplan was “perfect” with the open-plan living space the back, and its sustainability cred was also appealing.

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Originally published as Hills hoist ‘chandelier’ at eccentric Yarraville home for sale