This website uses cookies to improve your experience navigating our site. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OK, I understand

A Modernist Mansion Fit For A 'Contemporary Goddess'

Modernist Australia

Today we are THRILLED to be welcoming back the fabulous Patricia Callan of Modernist Australia fame to the pages of TDF! After shuttering her beloved website in 2020, we had a sneaking suspicion that the lure of excellent mid-century-modern design would bring her back soon enough. With a few sneaky Instagram posts here and there, our suspicions were confirmed, and we couldn’t help but ask Trish to return as a regular columnist, to share her expert perspective on the most marvellous mid-century houses that hit the market, across Australia.

And what a way to welcome her back – with the spectacular Golowin House by Iwan Iwanoff in Mount Lawley, Western Australia! Over to Trish.

15th April, 2021

Photo – courtesy of Danielle Geagea at Zsa Zsa Property.

Photo – courtesy of Danielle Geagea at Zsa Zsa Property.

Photo – courtesy of Danielle Geagea at Zsa Zsa Property.

Photo – courtesy of Danielle Geagea at Zsa Zsa Property.

Photo – courtesy of Danielle Geagea at Zsa Zsa Property.

Photo – courtesy of Danielle Geagea at Zsa Zsa Property.

Photo – courtesy of Danielle Geagea at Zsa Zsa Property.

Patricia Callan
Thursday 15th April 2021

An unexpected thrill to an otherwise ordinary week is guaranteed when an Iwan Iwanoff home pops into view. From the destroyed to groundup grandeur of Paganin House (1965) to the untouched museum piece of Toschkoff House (1959), a celebrated slice of residential Modernism from the Perth-by-way-of-Bulgaria tour de force, nowadays, always draws a deserved crowd. Now comes ‘Golowin House’ (1959). Cherished and restored by its savvy owners, who have held fast to this excellent example for the last 3 decades, they now relinquish their charge into the hands of another Modern lover, someone who can enjoy this heritage listed home, sit in its endless sunlight and dance on that parquetry till dawn.

Once more a legacy of our immigrant endowment, this residence was a commission for Iwanoff’s preferred builder, the Russian-Jewish family, Golowin Builders, who carried out the construction in the best tradition of astonishing, old-world craftsmanship leaving not a crumble or crack to be seen over 60 years later. Harmoniously accompanied by lush, sympathetic landscaping there is simply nothing more to do to this sweeping abode but move on in.

Certain naysayers of Mid-Century Modern architecture hold a rather shallow politics on why it can never compare to, say Greek or Roman Classicism, that Internationalist ‘boxes’ do not lift the spirit or embody the heroicness of humanity. But to that, our Iwanoff answers in his own particular and spectacular language. For how can one walk up that split level entry, in party best, on a balmy Perth evening and not feel like a contemporary goddess?

View the real estate listing here

Similar Stories

Modernist Australia

A Fond Farewell To Modernist Australia!

Going, going... GONE! We bid a sad adieu to Trish Callan, and look back at some highlights from Modernist Australia, the website that raised...
Sasha Gattermayr

Mid-Century Modern

This Ritzy Mid-Century Palace In Caulfield North Is On The Market

A marble dressing room and terrazzo patio? This 1960s mansion had us at ‘for sale’!
Sasha Gattermayr

Mid-Century Modern

This Unparalleled Mid-Century Masterpiece Is The DREAM Home

The Bruce Rickard-designed Mirrabooka House in New South Wales is a bona-fide bombshell - AND it’s for sale!
Sasha Gattermayr

This Week

Interiors

Inside The Memo Co-Founder Phoebe Simmonds’ Family Home

Entrepreneur Phoebe Simmonds and builder Shaun Caton's 'contemporary Edwardian' Melbourne family home.

News

Find Timeless Timber Furniture At Mark Tuckey’s Workshop Sale

Australian furniture brand Mark Tuckey are holding their biggest clearance sale yet, with up to 60% off!
Sponsored

Studio Visit

Di Lunedi’s Nostalgic Ceramics Serve Up A Slice Of Coastal Italy!

Step inside the Northern NSW studio of De Lunedi's Elise Eales, who creates one-off ceramic pieces inspired by her love of Italy's seaside.

Gardens

The Bountiful Country Garden of The Design Files' Alice Ziebell!

Take a wander through the magical Korumburra garden of The Design Files' partnership manager Alice Ziebell, and see the unbelievable 'before...

News

Shop Zenn Design + Christopher Blank’s New, Must-Have Bedside Tables

It’s time to elevate your bedroom with this sleek new collection of solid timber tables.
Sponsored

Design Eye

Creating A Timeless Interior, With Jean-Pierre Biasol

Melbourne interior designer Jean-Pierre Biasol reveals how interior spaces can outlive trends, thanks to careful furniture selections.

Shopping

Style Meets Sustainability In Armadillo’s New Melbourne Showroom

Melbourne design lovers will be happy to hear beloved rug brand Armadillo have opened a new showroom in Fitzroy!
Christina Karras

Weekend Read

Why Is Good Quality Furniture So Expensive?

With cost of living on the rise, we speak to two leading local furniture brands to find out what drives the price behind their designs.
Christina Karras

News

Now's Your Chance To Buy Classic Thonet Pieces, For Less!

Snap up your favourites from Thonet, with 20% off chairs, barstools and tables in store, until 1st April.
Sponsored

On The Market

A Luxuriously Modern Home For Sale In Sydney's Forest Lodge

This new home has everything from smart-home features to solar and an electric car charger, alongside a dreamy outdoor entertaining area!
Christina Karras
  16 hours ago

Homes

A Victorian Coastal Family Home Inspired By A Famous Alpine Village

The Jan Juc family home of artist Ingrid Daniell and designer Clifton Daniell.

Architecture

A Vibrant Transformation Of A Brown Brick Suburban Home

Play House by State of Kin in Marmion, Perth makes a strong case for the retention and renewal of suburban brown brick homes!

Stays

10 Retro-Inspired Motels To Book For Your Next Weekend Away!

Is there anything more nostalgic than a vintage motel with a dreamy pool? Here's some of the coolest ones to visit across Australia.
Christina Karras

Interiors

A Sunny Bondi Terrace Renovation With A Candy-Pink Bathroom!

The interiors of this family home now feature an all-pink bathroom and olive green features, inspired by the owners' personal style!
Christina Karras

Architecture

A Playful Renovation + Extension Of A 1910s Edwardian Weatherboard Cottage

This once lacklustre Edwardian cottage has been given new life thanks to a renovation and extension by Architect George Meek, of Studio Meek...
Bea Taylor
  24 hours ago

Similar Stories

Modernist Australia

A Fond Farewell To Modernist Australia!

We bid a sad adieu to Trish Callan, and look back at some highlights from Modernist Australia.
Sasha Gattermayr

Mid-Century Modern

This Ritzy Mid-Century Palace In Caulfield North Is On The Market

A marble dressing room and terrazzo patio? This 1960s mansion had us at ‘for sale’!
Sasha Gattermayr

Mid-Century Modern

This Unparalleled Mid-Century Masterpiece Is The DREAM Home

The Bruce Rickard-designed Mirrabooka House in New South Wales is a bona-fide bombshell - AND it’s for sale!
Sasha Gattermayr

The Design Files acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

First Nations artists, designers, makers, and creative business owners are encouraged to submit their projects for coverage on The Design Files. Please email bea@thedesignfiles.net