One of Moorabool’s iconic and controversial homes will go under the hammer later this month.
Boyd Baker House, designed by the legendary Robin Boyd, is on a 12-hectare bushland block beside Long Forrest Road between Bacchus Marsh and Melton.
The house was commissioned by mathematician and academic Dr Baker and completed in 1965 before being purchased by Peter Mitrakas in 2006. Mr Mitrakas has since managed the property. Previously, it has served as a function centre for up to 200 guests.
Residents in Long Forrest opposed the use of the historic house as a function centre and overnight accommodation.
In December last year, the owners were temporarily banned from using it as a function centre after the CFA said it was an unacceptable fire risk.
A planning application to continue running Boyd Baker House as a function and accommodation venue was refused by Moorabool council on December 4, 2013. The application proceeded to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which concluded in favour of the council and the objectors.
The property will be sold along with the two other heritage-listed buildings: the Dower House and Baker Library. Bidding on Boyd Baker House is expected to start at about
$1.3 million and for the Dower House and library about $500,000.
“Boyd Baker House is a magnificent example of mid-20th century Australian modernism; it is a work of art but a work of art you can live in,” Mr Mitrakas said.
“I hope to sell it to an owner who shares this sentiment and cherishes the inherent integrity and beauty of the house.”
