I Do Like To Be Beside The Sea

I Do Like To Be Beside The Sea

The Age

Saturday July 14, 2007

Mary Kerley

This grand residence could become a great guests' getaway, writes Mary Kerley.

Queenscliff

15 Swanston Street

$2.5 million-plus

Private sale

Agent Fletchers, 5258 2833

Melway Map 500 H1

KENT House was named after the birthplace of its original owner, George Admans, who owned Queenscliff's Vue Grand Hotel and became borough mayor. Completed in 1909, the sprawling mansion, with its observatory tower and underground ballroom, would have been a landmark in the prosperous resort town.

Current owners Geoff and Glennyse Schirmer had been regular visitors to the historic seaside town when their family was growing up in Geelong. "We spent many Sundays here and always loved it," Mrs Schirmer says. Moving to their favourite place on the coast became a serious possibility when they retired and Kent House was on the market. After inspecting it twice, Mrs Schirmer had her heart set on it.

"She just had to have it, no matter what," Mr Schirmer says.

They moved into the six-bedroom house about four years ago, intending to turn it into a bed and breakfast. Although they have had many guests, the property has remained a family home. There is plenty of potential for the next owners to develop it further. With its high ceilings and huge, light-filled rooms, there is ample room to close off sections for paying guests, who would appreciate the short walk to the beach and Hesse Street, with its 19th-century hotels and terraces among modern shops.

The observatory tower has 360-degree views including Swan Bay and The Rip - a three-kilometre stretch of water dividing points Lonsdale and Nepean. Depending on the weather, it can be peaceful or dramatic. "You can sit up here and watch the ships coming in for hours," Mrs Schirmer says.

The house has had various renovations since its heyday early last century but many original features remain, including seven fireplaces, most working, ornate pressed-metal ceilings, leadlight windows and dark timber banisters on the wide staircase.

The oak panelling from the ballroom has been retained in the converted, self-contained, two-bedroom apartment in the basement. Doors opening to a paved courtyard could be a separate entrance.

Entertaining on a grand scale was obviously de rigueur for the Edwardian-era owners and there is no shortage of party space. Large living areas include a sunroom shaded by an ancient Norfolk pine, a tiled conservatory in the middle of the house, an open-plan, renovated kitchen and living room and a formal sitting or dining room with french doors to the veranda. A crystal chandelier from 1870, in original condition, adds to the grandeur.

"It's all complete. I've taken every piece off for cleaning and put it back," Mr Schirmer says.

Verandas facing west and south-east have been enjoyed through the decades on warm summer evenings.

The main bedroom opens onto the veranda and has a separate, glassed-in library and bathroom. At the opposite corner of the house, a sunny bedroom with fireplace opens into a recently renovated, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom with spa bath. There is also a central bathroom and separate laundry.

A saltwater swimming pool and spa heated by solar roof panels are popular with the extended family in summer. The coach house has been a studio with a loft and can be used for extra accommodation.

About QUEENSCLIFF

? On the Bellarine Peninsula, Queenscliff is 103 kilometres from Melbourne via Geelong. Or you can take the ferry from Sorrento. Ferries run from 7am to 6pm.

? Named for Queen Victoria, Queenscliff was a fashionable getaway in the 1880s and 1890s. Elegant 19th-century hotels are part of the attraction today.

? The number of houses is limited to about 800 by the town's position on a peninsula. Weatherboard cottages fetch $500,000 to $800,000. Waterfront properties have sold for $2-3 million.

? Fishing and tourism are the main sources of income for the town. The harbour redevelopment, expected to be finished next year, will double the number of boating berths.