Developer Dean Montgomery's mission to revive St Albans Stud
One of Geelong finest historic homes, St Albans Homestead, found the ultimate custodian when Geelong businessman Dean Montgomery bought the property 15 years ago.
The heritage building enthusiast had long admired the remarkable 1873 estate and former stud best known for producing a direct lineage to 10 Melbourne Cup winners.
Mr Montgomery was not only determined to restore the grand 30-room mansion to its former glory but also to reclaim some surrounding land to create the sprawling country garden he felt the property deserved.
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'When we bought it, it was on six acres and there was a two-and-a-half acre block next door which had been cut off by the previous owner which we then bought back off a developer who was going to turn it into these two-storey townhouses,' he says. 'We then turned that into a botanic type garden around it.
'It's a real shame to see beautiful old places like that keep getting smaller and smaller so we wanted to do the reverse of that.'
He remodelled the grounds of 6-30 Homestead Drive, St Albans Park, added a tennis court and set to work painting and repairing mortar and chimneys to turn the polychromatic brick homestead, designed by Melbourne architect James T Conlan for noted horse breeder James Wilson, into a comfortable family home.
Ornate original details have been meticulous maintained throughout the six-bedroom main residence, where an impressive 19th Century skylight towers over an elegant reception area and adjoining circular sitting room.
More than 10 open fireplaces are still in working order, while the leadlight is so impressive that an international specialist in the art recently toured the house.
A series of separate formal dining and living rooms, featuring high decorative ceilings and bay windows, are complemented by a more relaxed family room and a renovated kitchen and meals area where an old stove sits comfortably alongside modern appliances.
There's multiple access points to a large paved central courtyard that links to timber-lined space perfect for a party or billiards.
'As much as I love antiques, it was very important to my wife as well that it wasn't a museum and that it did have modern areas,' Mr Montgomery says. 'It's a big house but it doesn't feel like a mansion that you get lost in. Our children were never far away from us so it's a great family home.'
Lighting the open fireplace is always a pleasure in the main bedroom, which has access to a spacious bathroom with a claw foot bath and antique style vanity and a huge dressing room.
There's also an ensuite guest bedroom and a dedicated home office.
Another self-contained, one-bedroom guesthouse or caretaker's residence is privately positioned behind a stable complex comprising 30 stalls that's perfect for equine enthusiasts.
Whitford, Newtown agents John Moran and Peter Fort are handling the sale of 6-30 Homestead Drive, St Albans Park.
Price hopes are $7m to $7.5m.
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Herald Sun
a day ago
- Herald Sun
Developer Dean Montgomery's mission to revive St Albans Stud
One of Geelong finest historic homes, St Albans Homestead, found the ultimate custodian when Geelong businessman Dean Montgomery bought the property 15 years ago. The heritage building enthusiast had long admired the remarkable 1873 estate and former stud best known for producing a direct lineage to 10 Melbourne Cup winners. Mr Montgomery was not only determined to restore the grand 30-room mansion to its former glory but also to reclaim some surrounding land to create the sprawling country garden he felt the property deserved. RELATED: Geelong mansion linked to 10 Melb Cup winners Landmark selling for first time in decades New era dawns for Geelong's 'most iconic home' 'When we bought it, it was on six acres and there was a two-and-a-half acre block next door which had been cut off by the previous owner which we then bought back off a developer who was going to turn it into these two-storey townhouses,' he says. 'We then turned that into a botanic type garden around it. 'It's a real shame to see beautiful old places like that keep getting smaller and smaller so we wanted to do the reverse of that.' He remodelled the grounds of 6-30 Homestead Drive, St Albans Park, added a tennis court and set to work painting and repairing mortar and chimneys to turn the polychromatic brick homestead, designed by Melbourne architect James T Conlan for noted horse breeder James Wilson, into a comfortable family home. Ornate original details have been meticulous maintained throughout the six-bedroom main residence, where an impressive 19th Century skylight towers over an elegant reception area and adjoining circular sitting room. More than 10 open fireplaces are still in working order, while the leadlight is so impressive that an international specialist in the art recently toured the house. A series of separate formal dining and living rooms, featuring high decorative ceilings and bay windows, are complemented by a more relaxed family room and a renovated kitchen and meals area where an old stove sits comfortably alongside modern appliances. There's multiple access points to a large paved central courtyard that links to timber-lined space perfect for a party or billiards. 'As much as I love antiques, it was very important to my wife as well that it wasn't a museum and that it did have modern areas,' Mr Montgomery says. 'It's a big house but it doesn't feel like a mansion that you get lost in. Our children were never far away from us so it's a great family home.' Lighting the open fireplace is always a pleasure in the main bedroom, which has access to a spacious bathroom with a claw foot bath and antique style vanity and a huge dressing room. There's also an ensuite guest bedroom and a dedicated home office. Another self-contained, one-bedroom guesthouse or caretaker's residence is privately positioned behind a stable complex comprising 30 stalls that's perfect for equine enthusiasts. Whitford, Newtown agents John Moran and Peter Fort are handling the sale of 6-30 Homestead Drive, St Albans Park. Price hopes are $7m to $7.5m.
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
Developer Dean Montgomery's mission to revive St Albans Stud
One of Geelong finest historic homes, St Albans Homestead, found the ultimate custodian when Geelong businessman Dean Montgomery bought the property 15 years ago. The heritage building enthusiast had long admired the remarkable 1873 estate and former stud best known for producing a direct lineage to 10 Melbourne Cup winners. Mr Montgomery was not only determined to restore the grand 30-room mansion to its former glory but also to reclaim some surrounding land to create the sprawling country garden he felt the property deserved. 'When we bought it, it was on six acres and there was a two-and-a-half acre block next door which had been cut off by the previous owner which we then bought back off a developer who was going to turn it into these two-storey townhouses,' he says. 'We then turned that into a botanic type garden around it. 'It's a real shame to see beautiful old places like that keep getting smaller and smaller so we wanted to do the reverse of that.' He remodelled the grounds of 6-30 Homestead Drive, St Albans Park, added a tennis court and set to work painting and repairing mortar and chimneys to turn the polychromatic brick homestead, designed by Melbourne architect James T Conlan for noted horse breeder James Wilson, into a comfortable family home. Ornate original details have been meticulous maintained throughout the six-bedroom main residence, where an impressive 19th Century skylight towers over an elegant reception area and adjoining circular sitting room. More than 10 open fireplaces are still in working order, while the leadlight is so impressive that an international specialist in the art recently toured the house. A series of separate formal dining and living rooms, featuring high decorative ceilings and bay windows, are complemented by a more relaxed family room and a renovated kitchen and meals area where an old stove sits comfortably alongside modern appliances. There's multiple access points to a large paved central courtyard that links to timber-lined space perfect for a party or billiards. 'As much as I love antiques, it was very important to my wife as well that it wasn't a museum and that it did have modern areas,' Mr Montgomery says. 'It's a big house but it doesn't feel like a mansion that you get lost in. Our children were never far away from us so it's a great family home.' Lighting the open fireplace is always a pleasure in the main bedroom, which has access to a spacious bathroom with a claw foot bath and antique style vanity and a huge dressing room. There's also an ensuite guest bedroom and a dedicated home office. Another self-contained, one-bedroom guesthouse or caretaker's residence is privately positioned behind a stable complex comprising 30 stalls that's perfect for equine enthusiasts. Whitford, Newtown agents John Moran and Peter Fort are handling the sale of 6-30 Homestead Drive, St Albans Park. Price hopes are $7m to $7.5m.
Herald Sun
08-06-2025
- Herald Sun
Plenty: ‘Entertainer's home' boasts theatre, pool, tennis court
This architectural masterpiece in Plenty's Blackwood Acres has been home for three years to the vendor and her family – her husband, four children and pet Frenchie. 'The pocket we are in is really a hidden gem surrounded by grand residences and lush gardens,' the vendor says. 'It's only 21km to the CBD and you get the feel of the country, but you're in the suburbs.' The home at 2 Grange Ave sits on 4014sq m surrounded by nature, with Plenty Gorge on its doorstep. 'There are amazing walking and mountain bike riding trails as well as Blue Lake, which is a well-known watering hole in the summer. It is full of people taking a dip,' the vendor says. While the location is undeniably stunning, it's the home itself that takes your breath away. MORE: Ex-Blue star linked to nine-figure deal Bulldozed Toorak block asks $40m+ for dirt Savvy investors eyeing Balwyn North arcade It was designed by TNA Architecture in close collaboration with the owners. Thoughtfully designed to capture natural light, the entry foyer with an atrium garden and soaring 6m ceilings creates a memorable first impression, while in situ concrete formwork and reclaimed San Selmo bricks imported from Spain add timeless texture and elegance. The dining zone and a sunken lounge room feature a soaring double-height ceiling, gas log fire, and a custom-designed couch, while a glass fibre reinforced concrete feature wall by Concrete Collective adds architectural drama. 'The sunken lounge is a favourite of mine as we all gather there each evening as a family, and it's so cosy,' the vendor says. But more than anything, the house is 'definitely an entertainer's home'. 'We have had countless events and celebrations in this home, as recently as Christmas gone, when we entertained 60-odd family members,' she says. 'We celebrated our daughter's 16th in the home and another's 13th. The kids have hosted their deb after-parties and formal parties. 'It's a place where we all just come together.' The home features multiple living spaces with standout architectural features, as well as outdoor living centres including a floodlit tennis court, solar-heated pool and spa, all of which have been favourite features for the current owners. 'Our little boy loves the theatre room and tennis court, and basketball ring,' says the vendor. 'The kids all collectively love the pool and spa. They sit in the spa on many nights, whether summer or winter. And my husband loves having his own wellness centre with a gym, sauna, steam room and ice bath. He gets lost in there,' she says. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Bold move to kickstart VIC's ailing building sector Overseas buyers eye St Kilda pad near Luna Park Geelong mansion linked to Melb Cup hits market
