From a mid-century veterinary clinic to an iconic vacation home, a quirky property in a popular tourist town is piquing the interest of locals, architecture aficionados and donut lovers alike.
For more than seven decades, the unusual property – also known as Belairberry – has been one of the most recognizable landmarks in the township of Berry, a picturesque country town on the south coast of New South Wales.
The iconic property is currently used as vacation rentals and generated $150,000 in sales last year. Image: realestate.com.au
Now the time capsule house, which sits across the street from the popular Berry Donut Van, is on the market for just the third time in its 72-year history.
The prestigious property at 60 Queen St is now being offered through an expressions of interest campaign that closes on October 1 and is expected to be priced at around $4 million. The last sale was in 2013 for $900,000.
Built in 1954 by Ukrainian immigrant George Boris, Berry’s first city veteran, Belair Berry was from day one an architectural highlight in a city full of historic Victorian and Edwardian homes.
The house sits on a 1,727sqm double block. Image: realestate.com.au
Local legend has it that even post-war shortages did not stop Boris from experimenting with building materials.
The lower level was constructed of double brick, while three concrete slabs were used inside to create varying ceiling heights and split-level arrangements. There are wide corner windows, portholes, colorful checkered floors, and kitchens with some of the original left field lines.
Price expectations for the home are around $4 million. Image: realestate.com.au
The result is a 1950s P&O style home filled with an eclectic collection of nooks and crannies, unexpected spaces and rare architectural details that have stood the test of time and changing design tastes.
Co-listing agent Jordan Case of Platinum Property Partners Huskisson said the home is part of the city’s collective memory.
“If you were lucky enough to grow up here in the Shoalhaven, you may have memories of being dropped off at the Berry Donut Van at the weekend. You come up the main street of Berry, you see this amazing house and then you think, ‘Hmm, I wonder what the story is behind it?'” he said.
The house is as iconic as the famous Berry Donut Van. Image: Getty
“The current owner is a lover of great design and has some really interesting properties,” he said.
“Lately he’s been using this as a short-term rental and last year he turned over about $150,000. But the new owners have plenty of opportunity to create something really special, whatever they want to do with it.”
Mr. Case added that after a week of going online, he received a flood of inquiries from both local and interstate buyers.
Michael Parmenter, Platinum co-agent on the listing, said there was a lot of potential.
“This is an entertainer’s dream. The popular, unique design and floor plan means you can use it in a variety of ways,” Parmenter said in the marketing video.
The house offers a view of the embankment. Image: realestate.com.au
“The property consists of several unique rooms, each with its own design and atmosphere. In its current form it can accommodate up to 19 people, but could easily accommodate more than 100.”
Boris originally used part of the property for his veterinary practice. These former treatment rooms have now been converted into two of four guest suites.
There are now a total of seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, as well as a selection of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for large or more private entertaining.
Berry is a small country town on the south coast of New South Wales, not far from Gerringong. Image: realestate.com.au
The spacious block features established landscaping, multiple terraces with antique paving stones and an 11m x 4m saltwater pool at the heart of the site.
In addition to the 1727m² main block, there is an additional 850m² plot to the rear of the property which can be negotiated separately.
