This illustrious Italianate villa in near original condition has been sold by Judy Balloch, Scott Patterson and Claire Endersbee of Kay & Burton following a 4-week campaign. 

Known as ‘Bochara’ and dating to c1898, the residence has been home to just two families and comprises seven principal rooms. The home is set amid mature gardens on a substantial 1,195 sqm allotment (approx.), with deep northward frontage to College Place.

Judy Balloch told WILLIAMS MEDIA around 80 groups of people inspected over the campaign including a number of second and third inspections. 

“The landmark home in the heart of the private school belt of Kew which sits on a vast amount of land with the original horse stables at the rear attracted an enormous amount of interest,” Judy told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

“This property requires a lot of work in restoration and to bring it into the style required for today’s living. It was so incredible that it was still presented in almost its 1890’s state/condition. It also comes under significant Heritage control (which is wonderful), but meant that many potential buyers were concerned about restrictions that would be imposed and stop them from moving forward.”

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Source: Kay & Burton

A private auction was held on the morning of 29 February, open only to registered buyers. 

“There was keen interest from approx. 6 parties which diluted down to 3 on the day after some of the buyers felt the cost and implications covered by the Heritage protection were too restrictive to them.”

After being passed in, the sale of ‘Bochara’ was negotiated with the purchasers for an undisclosed price. “Sold to an Architect and an Artist – who will, I am sure restore this property to its former glory!” Judy told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

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The residence exhibits all of the grandeur, grace and glorious romanticism of the era, with a marvellous façade with its detailed eaves, distinctive slate roof and return veranda. 

The ornate interior showcases opulent high ceilings, colossal open fireplaces and a wealth of period features from antique light fittings to servants’ bells.

A grand triple-arched hallway culminating in a classical statue niche leads to a series of sumptuous rooms including sitting room, dining room and large living room. Bedrooms and study, kitchen, pantries and bathroom; the layout is as spacious as it is flexible. 

Also included is a semi-enclosed sleep-out plus rainwater tanks, workshop, cavernous storage rooms, and woodshed, while at the rear of the property a separate solid brick stable houses an extensive loft (timber mansard ceiling and wet area) and garaging plus a huge sub-floor cellar.

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“The luxury property market in our area continues to remain strong, especially for good substantial homes such as this.  The requirements generally being a good balance of great sized rooms, good floorplan and a good allotment of land within walking distance to many amenities,” Judy told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

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