Historical information
Both of the architects involved in the 2.4-hectare Kinloch Gardens parkland development in Arthur Street, Eltham, are now living on the estate.
The project was conceived by Eltham architect Ian Jelbart, whose family has owned the land for more than 100 years, and fellow architect Graeme Gunn, who in the 1960s was one of the creators of the Merchants Builders concept that set new trends in Melbourne housing.
The $5 million project is based around two of the original buildings, on what was once a 100-hectare farm owned by the Jelbart family. Ian Jelbart always intended to continue living in the original homestead building, and now Graeme Gunn has moved into the big residence that once was the barn.
Kinloch Gardens is designed to combine the more manageable land sizes increasingly demanded by buyers with ample "internal space, flexible floorplans, privacy and individuality of designs.
Individual houses are placed on small separate allotments around an area of private parkland. The aim is to ensure total privacy, offer virtually unlimited views and parkland vistas, and remain aesthetically compatible with the local environment.
Homes in four basic designs over either two or three levels are being sold off the plan, with prices ranging from the high $200,000s to the high $300,000s. Two have already been sold.
Indication of land-only values
The prices being asked for some vacant blocks offered for private sale provides an enlightening comparison of the relative "land only" values for homes sites in various areas.
A 751 sq metre block on a new residential estate in Bentleigh/Carnegie is offered at $235,000, equivalent to $312/square metre; while in Merrett Drive, Williamstown, a 561 sq metre allotment offered for $169,000 carries a rate of $301/sq metre.
In Barnsbury Road, Balwyn, the $450,000 price tag on a 584 sq metre allotment equates to $770 sq metre; and in York Street, Richmond, a 198 sq metre postage stamp is priced at $230,000 or $1162/sq metre.
- Rex Booker
Physical description
Digital file only; created from scan undertaken by EDHS of item on loan
