Modernist Highton home scores $110k bonus, selling for the first time since 1964

News.com.au

12-05-2025

Devotees of Mid-Century architecture are proving to be large in number and deep in pocket with a classic Highton home selling for more than $100,000 above price hopes.
The three top bidders for a four-bedroom Mid-Century classic selling for the first time in Highton's Reigate Rd were in the industry, with the two underbidders both architects, McGrath, Geelong agent Tom Harrison said after Saturday's auction.
The two-storey home at 66 Reigate Rd sold for $960,000 after five bidders raised a hand for the residence designed by Walter Hodgson, built by his family and selling for the first time since 1964.
Mr Harrison said after a slow start, the competition for the home intensified at the auction called by McGrath Geelong director David Cortous.
And once contracts were signed, the family and buyers continued chatting about what's next for the beautifully presented mid century residence.
'It was going to be popular just based on the rarity of it and we ended up having five groups put their hand up,' Mr Harrison said.
The number one reason for the home's popularity was its mid-century architecture, he said.
'The best two of three auctions we've had have been mid-century homes. Both campaigns had 100-plus groups through.
'It's just that style, and with this one the facade was super-unique with floor to ceiling windows the whole way across, a triple garage underneath and a double carport at the back. And it was Reigate Rd.'
Mr Harrison said the buyers first saw the property while it was featured on a mid century architecture Instagram page.
'That's where they first saw it, then they go on realestate.com and just got all that exposure because it was super unique. The green carpet, the straw ceiling and the cool story behind it.'
The untouched mid century was a true time capsule which the original owner's family pitched in to finish while he was away overseas is selling for the first time in Highton.
The custom 1964 house was designed by local architect Walter Hodgson, who was also responsible for Belmont's Buena Vista motel.
Mr Harrison said the buyers don't expect to change much.
'They just want to modernise what they need to and keep the rest,' he said.
The beautifully preserved interior avoids artificial materials, instead showcasing natural materials such as the pressed straw ceiling, solid blackwood internal doors and alpine ash walls.
The owner's son said the house was a labour of love for his engineer father who spent several months working in Mexico during the build but stayed intensively involved through long, detailed letters.
He said his parents were attracted to the elevated site's panoramic views over Geelong and the opportunity to incorporate a large garage space where they could restore vintage cars.
The original kitchen retains ceiling-mounted cabinetry and floor-to-ceiling windows across both the front and back of the house remain.
The family member said a carport had been added for ease of access but nothing had changed inside apart from the hardwood floors now being carpeted.