Brighton: Former Racing Victoria director Barbara Saunders lists historic Dalton House
Ex-Racing Victoria director Barbara Saunders is selling an estate made partially from World War I artillery shells, and where Jacki Weaver and Derryn Hinch got married.
Former Racing Victoria director Barbara Saunders and husband Barry are selling their Brighton house featuring a World War I artillery shell fence with $13.5m-$14.5m price hopes.
Set on 2127sq of landscaped gardens, the circa-1884 grand estate named “Dalton House” at 39 Normanby St boasts a tower, swimming pool, floodlit mod grass tennis court, in-ground trampoline, wraparound iron lacework veranda, leadlight windows, a tessellated tiled entry and built-in bar.
Mrs and Mr Saunders also own Denistoun Park, a 28.32ha thoroughbred training property in Tuerong, where about 150 horses – both their own and other’s – are based.
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Previously Baby Bunting’s executive chairman and an ex-Reject Shop managing director, Mr Saunders was a senior executive at other retailers including Myer and Big W before he retired.
Before the Saunders owned the Dalton House, the now-divorced Academy Award-nominated actor Jacki Weaver and former Victorian senator and radio personality Derryn Hinch celebrated one of their two weddings there.
The home’s original owner, hardware merchant Richard Linton, is thought to have purchased the artillery shells used to build the fence as scrap metal.
Children would run a stick along the fence to make a clanging sound, so Mr Linton filled the shells with concrete so neighbours wouldn’t complain about the noise.
Mr and Mrs Saunders have lived in the four-bedroom house for more than 30 years.
Apart from the fence, another talking point is a decommissioned landmine on the lawn, believed to have also been salvaged and installed by Mr Linton.
“It has a flagpole in it, and we fly a flag in our racing colours that my husband gave me for Christmas from it when our horses win,” Mrs Saunders said.
She and her husband hosted their daughter’s wedding reception in a marquee on the tennis court with just over 100 guests.
“It was the most beautiful wedding, a very special time,” Mrs Saunders said.
She described the house’s formal lounge and dining rooms as “just exquisite” with their marble fireplaces and high coffered ceilings.
The kitchen includes granite benchtops, a butler’s pantry and integrated workstation, while the main bedroom has its own courtyard, walk-in wardrobes and a sunken spa bath in the ensuite.
Mrs Saunders said the tower “is a great spot on a clear day, you can see all the way to Queenscliff“.
The couple are selling because they want to spend more time at Denistoun Park.
“This is the spot I’d like to live in forever, unfortunately that just wouldn’t be practical,” Mrs Saunders said.
Nick Johnstone Real Estate’s eponymous director described Dalton House as “absolutely iconic”.
“I think it’s the single-best landholding in Victoria, based on where it is, the potential and the position,” Mr Johnstone said.
“It is right near all Church St’s cafes and amenities and the beach is at the other end, and
Brighton Grammar and Firbank are nearby.”
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Originally published as Brighton: Former Racing Victoria director Barbara Saunders lists historic Dalton House
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