Kinglake: ‘House of Bottles', made from 13,569 bottles, awaits a new owner
Noble Knight Real Estate's Megan Tiberi at Kinglake's House of Bottles. Picture: David Caird.
It's a real corker – an eye-catching building made from more than 13,000 bottles is for sale in Kinglake.
Known as the House of Bottles, the quirky property at 8 Parkland Rd has a $680,000-$730,000 asking range.
The 2200sq m site is also home to a 5000-bottle windmill, plenty of unusual memorabilia, a separate four-bedroom house, tearoom and toilet block.
RELATED: Aussie Earthship home, made from recycled garbage achieves near $2m deal
Is this Australia's best home cellar?
Earthship home, made from recycled garbage, sells in million-dollar deal
Noble Knight Real Estate's Anthony Knight, who has the listing alongside colleague Megan Tiberi, said the address was formerly operated as a museum and cafe.
Dutch immigrant Joseph Eykenbaum used 13,569 bottles to build the structure in 1969, with the windmill added in 1972.
Two decades later, prolific rock and mineral collectors Les and Muriel Gray purchased the address.
After Mr Gray retired from the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade (now Fire Rescue Victoria), the couple bought the museum so the public could enjoy their treasure trove of rocks, minerals, fossils and gemstones.
There's a total of 13,569 bottles incorporated into the House of Bottles. Picture: David Caird.
Noble Knight Real Estate's Megan Tiberi with one of the many bottles on display inside the former museum. Picture: David Caird.
The property formerly operated as a museum and tearooms. Picture: David Caird
They added 58 million-year-old fossils, a Tyrannosaurid dinosaur claw and metamorphised volcanic ash to the historic bottles on display, some which back to the 1850s.
Mr Knight said the House of Bottles itself was not actually a residence but more of a display space that looked like a small church, complete with bottle light fittings.
MORE: Quirky home of builder, designer Hamish Knox is looking for a new owner
'I think it was a local icon back in its glory days,' he said.
'It is just very unique, different and quirky at the same time- it's something where you could utilise the existing set-up to support some kind of business.'
There's a separate four-bedroom house on site.
The windmill was added in the 1970s. Picture: David Caird.
There's even bottle light fittings. Picture: David Caird.
Inside the cafe building.
Most buyers have been potential owner-occupiers with some looking to open a cafe or run short-term rental accommodation.
Some of the museum's items have been sold to collectors but those that remain will be available to purchase.
The main home has two bathrooms and an open-plan living area with a wood fire, plus there's a double carport and double garage.
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: Blairgowrie: Pad with sculpture garden ideal location for White Lotus-themed parties
Regional Vic ex-church for sale as potential home with outdoor toilet block, no kitchen
Mount Martha beach box sells for $1m at hotly contested two-hour auction
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Shop all-natural pet solutions for 25 per cent off with Aussie pet care brand Michu's EOFY sale
If you're a pet owner, now is the perfect time to stock up on pet supplies because Aussie pet care brand, Michu is having a massive EOFY sale, offering up to 25 per cent off sitewide. Until June 22, shoppers can enjoy 25 per cent off sitewide by entering the discount code EOFY25 at checkout. And that's not all because from June 23 until June 30, Michu is offering shoppers 20 per cent off sitewide by entering the code EOFY20 at checkout. Both deals apply exclusively to full-priced items. These limited-time promotions are more than just seasonal markdowns, it's a chance to try Michu's newest innovation, Michu Wonder Litter. This Australian-developed cat litter is a breakthrough for cat owners, especially those using automatic litter boxes. Unlike traditional clay-based options that tend to form sticky, hard-to-clean clumps, Michu Wonder Litter is made from 100 per cent plant-based ingredients, offering a natural, eco-conscious alternative that simplifies clean-up. In just 10 seconds, waste clumps are fully formed and ready to scoop, leaving no residue and no lingering odours behind. Michu Wonder Litter retails for $22.99 and shoppers have given it a 5-star rating on Michu's website. 'This product is awesome! It smells great and clumps beautifully, absorbing everything so you can completely remove it leaving only clean litter,' one shopper wrote. 'Scooping used to be the worst part of my day — not anymore. Michu Wonder Litter clumps instantly and stays firm, so I can clean up in seconds with no sticky mess. Total game-changer for any cat parent,' another shopper added. 'Since switching to wonder litter, the air in my home feels much fresher. It clumps really well without sticking to the bottom, making cleaning super easy, ' a third reviewer commented. With its origins firmly rooted in Australia, Michu has rapidly earned a reputation as a global leader in sustainable pet care. Its hero products — such as the renowned tofu cat litter have been praised for their clean performance, environmental benefits, and thoughtful design. Michu's approach has resonated strongly with pet owners across Australia and the United States, where demand continues to grow thanks to its commitment to creating safer, smarter, and more sustainable solutions for pets and their people. Michu also offers a range of pet accessories, wooden cat trees as well as cat grooming and bedding items.
Herald Sun
5 hours ago
- 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
The Age
8 hours ago
- The Age
Bots to help fill Victoria's budget hole: State hopes AI can slash costs
Artificial intelligence and automation will be a cornerstone of the Victorian government's $3.3 billion cost-slashing plan as Treasurer Jaclyn Symes pledges to free up public servants from repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Symes told budget estimates hearings last week that automation and new technology would be key ways the government looks to make savings and create a more efficient public service. Asked if this meant losing jobs to AI, Symes said she 'probably' wouldn't characterise it like that. 'We're not replacing humans with robots but we are certainly looking at efficiencies with technologies and ensuring that people can do their job as effectively as possible,' she said. 'In relation to the opportunities with AI, the ability for people to be assisted to do their job, I think there are some great opportunities in that respect. 'I know the Department of Government Services is leading the way in that regard. Freeing up people from repetitive tasks so they can really target their work into the things that matter most to the Victorian community, I think, is worthwhile work to do.' The AI efficiency push comes after the government pledged to make $3.3 billion – the equivalent of 1200 jobs – in public sector savings over the forward estimates in last month's budget. Symes has conceded the government is far too large and the state's more than 500 entities and 3400 boards and committees need to be scaled back. The State Revenue Office already uses AI to detect unpaid taxes and fraud, while staff also use the tools to process 'routine administrative tasks' like meeting transcripts. The new digital revamp will initially focus on making licensing and other government approvals smoother and faster, as well as fast-tracking students with prior experience through TAFE courses. The Community and Public Sector Union has warned the government against using AI as a tool to cut costs and jobs, saying it should only enhance public servants' work.
