Could This Be Australia's Most Beautiful, Original Mid Century Home?

Modernist Australia

We know, it’s a bold question… But Patricia Callan and Pete Bakacs, the MCM gurus over at Modernist Australia, put it to us when they introduced the ‘Gascoigne House’, and we have to agree that this home is definitely a contender!

MA lead us on a tour of this 1969 Theo Bischoff-built residence, originally commissioned by renowned Australian artist Rosalie Gascoigne and her husband, astronomy professor Ben Gascoigne, in the Canberra suburb of Pearce.

6th July, 2018

Designed in 1969 by Theo Bischoff, the ‘Gascoigne House’ was originally designed for artist Rosalie Gascoigne and her professor of astronomy husband Ben Gascoigne. Photo – Kasey Funnell.

This incredible mid-century home is ahead of its time! Photo – Kasey Funnell.

Modernist architecture experts Patricia Callan and Pete Bakacs of Modernist Australia deem this house to be one of the best they’ve encountered! Photo – Kasey Funnell.

Modern details in this mid-century home. Photo – Kasey Funnell.

The kitchen. Photo – Kasey Funnell.

Living room details. Photo – Kasey Funnell.

The home has been immaculately cared for over the last 50 years. Photo – Kasey Funnell.

Bedroom with a view! Photo – Kasey Funnell.

Details of the bathroom. Photo – Kasey Funnell.

‘This residence sits at the nexus of excellence where all are concerned’, says Patricia and Pete. Photo – Kasey Funnell.

Patricia Callan and Pete Bakacs

Friday 6th July 2018

‘It is astounding how so very current this middle-aged, immaculately constructed and cared for home really is.’

Intimidating and breathtaking, we cower in its wake. Could this be one of the most beautiful, original, pedigree MCM homes in the entire country?

From one of the best practitioners Modernist Canberra has to offer in Theo Bischoff, it was built as a commission for a power couple of formidable minds: renowned artist Rosalie Gascoigne and her professor of astronomy husband Ben Gascoigne in 1969.

This residence sits at the nexus of excellence where all are concerned.

It is particularly astounding how so very current this middle-aged, immaculately constructed and cared for home really is. Should someone suggest it was built by a headlining architectural firm say, last year, few would question that statement. And that, dear friends, is the Modernist creative vision so impeccably devised that it sustains its owners (and wows its admirers) over five decades with light, air, aspect, craftsmanship… and still looks brand new.

A soul-affirming built environment at a level of sublime so heightened most of us cannot dream it exists in order to wish for it ourselves.

View the listing here, and original MA article here.

Run by Patricia Callan and Pete Bakacs, Modernist Australia is the passion-project/website dedicated to raising the profile of mid-century design and modernist principles in Australia. For more swell eye-candy, visit Modernistaustralia.com.

View Comments

3 years ago

Miruska

3 years ago

Condition of this home is amazing. That kitchen is still brand new. The cupboards in the bedroom all close perfectly and fit together so well. and the bathroom looks like it was renovated yesterday. so timeless. Amazing home!

3 years ago

Nguyen Duong

3 years ago

Great, I have found the design for my dream home.

3 years ago

Jane

3 years ago

Does this house have any kind of heritage protection?
The listing says “Extend, renovate or rebuild – the choice is yours.” Not only is the building significant but it was the home of Rosalie Gascoigne…

3 years ago

Janetta

3 years ago

What a gem! Beautiful light filled spaces that look so inviting. This says so much about the importance of how a space feels rather than its size or the things that fill it. I so hope it is bought by someone who treasures it.

2 years ago

Claire

2 years ago

It is gorgeous & the principles have been respected & honoured. But… as to the question of whether this is Australia’s Most Beautiful, Original Mid Century Home – I say: many homes in Beaumaris, Victoria would give it a run for is money. The suburb is a treasure trove of this style. 2019 saw the publication of a lovely book called “Beaumaris”, which is all about Mid Century modern homes located in the Bayside suburb :)