The Upwey home that provided world-renowned painter, the late Fred Williams with much of the inspiration for his most significant landscape artworks is on the market.
The 1924-built two-storey house known as ‘Allawah’ and the 4388 square metres it sits on was home to Williams from 1963 until 1969 and significantly influenced many of his most famous works including his Upwey, Lysterfield and Bushfire series.
In a 2011 exhibition of his work, his paintings were said to have “revolutionised the way we see and think about the Australian landscape”.
The famous 1965 painting which bares the suburb’s name, Upwey Landscape was sold in April 2006 for $1.987 million and set the record for the second highest price for an Australian artwork at the time.
Many other artworks created in the eight years Williams lived at Allawah have sold for similar amounts, however the property’s vendor, Roger Hudson said he is fairly certain none were left at the property.
“I have searched extensively under the house and in the roof. I’m pretty sure there are none of Williams’ paintings still here,” Mr Hudson smiled.
While the three bedroom, three bathroom property is not heritage listed - having been renovated since the Williams family lived there - it is deemed as having heritage significance, containing many original features, including the country feel and outlook that was so inspirational to Mr Williams.
“It definitely has that Australian bush feel to it. You’re in the foothills of the Dandenongs, it’s ultra-quiet, a real tree change,” Mr Hudson said.
“There is plenty of greenery. We often have kookaburras sitting on the rear deck waiting to be fed. I have also seen the odd Echidna.”
Selling agent Matthew George from Ray White Ferntree Gully said that despite Upwey’s country village feel and the property’s rural outlook, Melbourne’s CBD is only one hour by train, with the station and bus stop only a few minutes’ walk.
“Upwey High School and Upwey Primary School are also a short walk away, yet there are only around 10 houses in the street, all on sizeable blocks,” Mr George said.
“Allawah is a very charming property with plenty of character throughout: high ceilings, a formal dining room and it’s in very good condition,” he added.
Scheduled for Auction on 20 September, Mr George cited recent relevant sales in the area as 46 Mahoney Street Upwey selling for $700,000, 335 Glenfern Road Upwey selling for $740,000, and 35 Belbrook Road Upwey selling for $770,000.
Contact Matthew George from Ray White Ferntree Gully for more information. matthew.george@raywhite.com | 0431 632 127
