On The Market

The Most Glamorous 1970s Melbourne Beach House Is For Sale

At the risk of sounding like a pushy salesperson, the house for sale at 344 Beach Road, Black Rock is exceptionally rare.

Built in 1975, ‘Saade House’ was designed by architects Holgar & Holgar — a Polish-born couple who migrated to Melbourne in 1952 and were largely unappreciated in their own time.

Their clients were often fellow European and Middle Eastern migrants, including the owners of this remarkable home overlooking Port Phillip Bay that remains in near-original condition. 

The design pays tribute to the client’s former grand residence in Lebanon, adopting a suitably Middle Eastern-influenced style inclusive of a curving central staircase, and the most lavish bathroom you’ve ever seen!

Written
by
Amelia Barnes

Inside the 1975 Saade House in bayside Melbourne. Photo – supplied by Marshall White

The house was designed by architects Holgar & Holgar — a Polish-born couple who migrated to Melbourne in 1952 and were largely unappreciated in their own time. Photo – supplied by Marshall White

According to a recent heritage citation, the house was constructed in tribute to a grand residence left behind in Lebanon. Photo – supplied by Marshall White

Lavish features start in the kitchen. Photo – supplied by Marshall White

A curving staircase connects the upper-two storeys.

Photos – supplied by Marshall White

The opulent bathroom complete with a deep circular tub, patterned walls, deep blue tiles, and elaborate gold tapware!  Photo – supplied by Marshall White

Views across the bay can be appreciated from the upper-floor terrace. Photos – supplied by Marshall White

An additional terrace and pool occupies most of the backyard. Photos – supplied by Marshall White

Distinctive Middle Eastern influences are evident in the repetitive use of striking cast concrete panels across the principal elevation, the soaring double-height entrance with columns and broad tiled stairs leading to the main door, and elaborately detailed front gates (adorned with an ‘S’ for Saade). Photos – supplied by Marshall White

Writer
Amelia Barnes
2nd of August 2022

A  1975 waterfront home with mirrored walls, marble floors, central bar, sweeping staircase, and even swan-shaped gold tapware… It sounds like the set of a Hollywood movie, but it’s for sale in Melbourne at 344 Beach Road, Black Rock!

‘Saade House’ is one of the best remaining homes by architects and Holgar & Holgar. The practice was formed in 1963 by husband and wife John and Helen Holgar who designed several opulent Melbourne homes.

According to a recent heritage citation, 344 Beach Road was constructed in 1975 for the Saade family in tribute to a grand residence left behind in Lebanon. 

Holgar & Holgar designed a modernist-style, five-bedroom home comprising tiered box-like forms with horizontal emphasis, flat roofs with broad eaves and deep fascias, expansive glazing, and a semicircular driveway leading to an undercroft carport.

Distinctive Middle Eastern influences are evident in the repetitive use of striking cast concrete panels across the principal elevation, the soaring double-height entrance with columns and broad tiled stairs leading to the main door, and elaborately detailed front gates (adorned with an ‘S’ for Saade).

The main bathroom is worthy of its own mention, complete with a deep circular tub, patterned walls, deep blue tiles, and elaborate gold tapware!  

Views across the bay can be appreciated from the upper-floor terrace. An additional terrace and pool occupies most of the backyard.

The property is currently ​​protected by an interim heritage overlay before a hearing later in the year. 

344 Beach Road, Black Rock VIC is listed with Oliver Bruce and Matthew Pillios at Marshall White and goes to auction Saturday August 20 at 11.30am. 

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