The Rice House – designed by Kevin Borland, 1951
The Heritage listed Rice House is a rare, one owner-occupier iconic modernist architectural property. It’s idyllic location, sited on the top of the big hill directly above central Eltham enjoys both a convenient yet wonderfully private one acre+ bushland setting, with unsurpassed distant views to the Kinglake ranges and beyond as well as glimpses of the hills to the west/north-west. Deemed a building and property of significance, both ctesiphon-arched structures and all the land was registered as a Heritage Victoria listed property in 2006.
Epressions of Interest (opened 15th May – closes 15th July, 5:00pm) – Offers Invited
Harrie and Lorna Rice fulfilled their express wish to have the property Heritage listed 10 years ago, with the invaluable assistance of Philip Goad. Expressions of interest (see below) are invited from individuals similarly keen to preserve the future and have the rare privilege of owning this unique, iconic, Heritage Victoria listed property and our much loved childhood home. Should someone similarly respect and share a passion for sensitively restoring/extending the house, a piece of Harrie’s sculpture and several of his ceramics shall be bequeathed to the property, so that Harrie, “the frustrated architect”, can continue to live on in the home he cherished and lived in for 56 years. Lorna’s legacy remains in the garden, particularly the now towering listed trees surrounding the house.
Please note: We respectfully request that all interested persons seeking viewings and inspections, please make appointments using the contact form provided on the website. Thank you.
Offers Invited via Expressions of Interest (EOI)
- Expressions of interest (EOI) buyers are invited to submit an offer to purchase the property by a specified time and date. Each potential purchaser puts forward their best and final offer (in writing). Unlike a traditional auction, EOI buyers have only one chance to secure the property, so the highest sum is generally offered to prevent possible disappointment.
- Expressions of Interest can determine the market value of unique properties. They provide the benefits of a private treaty sale with the urgency of an auction, without the potential stress. An EOI is not legally binding, unlike a contract of sale. If the vendors agree to accept an EOI, it is expected that the Section 32 and contract of sale shall be signed shortly thereafter.
- The property will be on available for EOI submissions for up to 2 months to enable effective promotion and to ensure sufficient time is given for thorough property viewings and inspections by potential purchasers; investigations of HV report/listing inclusions; comprehension of Nillumbik Council valuation*, planning regulations, environmental overlays etc.; enabling time for determining scope for restoration; providing time for preparation of initial designs for HV & Nillumbik approved modifications and sympathetic extensions and in order to calculate costs and arrange availability of finance.
* Note to potential buyers:- the current Nillumbik Council property rates were determined over 2 years ago in January 2014. A new valuation was made in January 2016, which is expected to be officially ‘struck’ in the new financial year).
- When submitting an Expression of Interest, you will be required to include the maximum price you are willing to pay, any specific conditions of sale – such as settlement dates, any finance conditions plus inclusions and exclusions of the sale.
- At the end of the sale period the vendor will review submissions and choose the Expression of Interest which is most appealing. The vendor is not committed to selecting an offer. Should an attractive offer be made before the expiry of the EOI period, the vendors reserve the right to negotiate a sale. If an acceptable offer is not found by the vendor by the conclusion of the advised period, the property may be placed on the market.
For any enquiries and further information, please click Contact for details.
Go to the EOI page of the Rice House