A historic circa 1900 Geelong bungalow that’s hit the market after 93 years in the same family holds a big secret.
The brick veneer house presents an incredible time capsule waiting to be unwrapped at 128 Fitzroy St, which was the long-time family home to a local electrician, Thomas Sullivan, and then his daughter, who passed away last year.
But what lies beneath the house will surprise most – a reinforced concrete bomb shelter built during the Second World War which could be transformed into a big wine cellar for new owners.
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It’s not the only rare feature, with the house containing a Coolgardie safe, a pre-war briquette heater and original stained glass leadlight windows depicting different scenes.
Mark Newton, who is the executor of estate, which has put the 606sq m corner property on the market, said the bunker’s existence was known to neighbours during the war.
“I remember my grandmother saying a couple of people in the street said if something happens, can we come and sit in your bomb shelter,” he said.
Happily, things never got to that point. The closest the war came to Geelong was a lone Japanese naval reconnaissance plane flying across Corio Bay in 1942 en route to Melbourne, the same year that Japanese midget subs launched attacks on Sydney and Newcastle.
“When we were cleaning out the house when my aunty went into a nursing home there were preserves that looked like they had been made back in the 60s,” Mr Newton said.
“They were still in the jars. We never ate them, we didn’t like the look of them.”
His grandfather had also lowered and reinforced the attic floor to create loft storage for his electrical business.
“We took two tonnes of gear our of (the attic) because Wayne wanted it cleared because it was very messy,” Mr Newton said.
Fletchers selling agent Wayne Wrigley said it’s a time capsule with original floorboards, a formal lounge and dining room with a swanky bar and bedrooms with high ceilings.
The bathroom is the only room that’s modernised, while the kitchen had also been updated.
The position of the home would allow new owners to create a modern addition behind the period front section, Mr Wrigley said.
“It’s on a corner, which means that you’ve got a single garage at the front, but you’ve also got access to the back through Verner St.”
Internal walls include a mix of original timber panels, distinctive concrete render, with original light fittings and quirky nooks.
Mr Newton said his memories of the home come from a small child, with some rooms appearing as they did in the 1950s.
“It’s sad because of the long association with the family, but it’s time to hand it on to the next person so they can make it beautiful again,” he said.
“She’s a beautiful house and it’s got a lot of charm, character and potential.”
Expressions of interest for 128 Fitzroy St, Geelong, close on March 21, unless the property is sold prior. Price hopes are $825,000 to $885,000.
Originally published as WWII bomb shelter unearthed as Geelong ’time capsule’ home hits the market
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