6 days ago
Newport: AFL dynasty's renovated family home seeks $2m+
The Newport house where late North Melbourne footballer Bryan Martyn and wife Mary brought up their five children including AFL player Mick Martyn is on the market with a $2m-$2.2m price tag.
A VFL player in the 1950s, Bryan won the 1957 Syd Barker Medal for the Kangaroos' best and fairest player.
After being drafted to North Melbourne under the father-son rule, Mick went on to win the same award twice during his own football career.
Footy legend's side hustle flipping homes
He played two grand finals with the 'Roos in 1996 and 1999 and later joined Carlton but retired due to a serious knee injury in 2003.
During their lifetimes, both Bryan and Mary were extensively involved in the community.
The Bryan Martyn Oval on Market St, Newport, was named in his honour, in addition to the gates of a garden between a local church and school.
In the 1990s, Bryan poured almost $250,000 of his own money into upgrading the Newport Football Club's rooms and recruited fellow residents to further help out with materials and volunteer hours.
He knew a thing or two about construction, after starting a small sheet metal fabrication business in 1975.
Mick currently works alongside his brother Stephen Martyn at the company, Able Industries Engineering that's based in South Kingsville and Spotswood.
It nowadays specialises in several areas including defence and renewable energy.
The engineering firm also contributed to projects such as Crown Casino, Federation Square, Dreamworld's Cyclone roller coaster (now the The Gold Coaster) and the now-retired Lethal Weapon ride at Movie World.
Stephen said his parents moved into Mirls St, Newport, in the 1950s.
In 1984, they purchased a different house, a Californian bungalow at 58 Mirls St, which became their much-loved family home.
After both of his parents passed, Stephen became the abode's owner.
He has since lived at the four-bedroom house with his wife and their now grown-up sons.
In recent years, the residence has undergone a large-scale renovation in sympathy with its period character, retaining features such as ceiling roses and polished timber floorboards.
'Every room's a favourite because we've spent a fair bit renovating it,' Stephen said.
'I wish my mother and father were alive now to see it made into such a beautiful home.'
Set on a 662sq m block, the house has two living areas and a formal dining room where bi-fold doors open to the outdoors.
Stephen said his father had particularly loved the front garden's palm tree and weeping willow.
There's also a study, two bathrooms, a laundry, solar power and a double garage with a separate gym and workshop.
Part of the home is devoted to a display of Stephen's extensive pinball machine collection including AC/DC-, Addams Family- and Guns N' Roses-themed arcade games.
However, all of the machines will be going with him and his wife when they move.
Compton Green Inner West managing director Adrian Butera said a rumpus room above the house's garage could be further altered or converted, possibly for use as a billiards room or work from home space.
The residence is close to the Mason St shops, Newport train station, Newport Lakes and schools.
'It's so centrally located at Newport, if you've got very young kids it's great,' Mr Butera added.
'It has a nearby maternal health centre, you've got the library around the corner, a series of cafes, butchers and greengrocers all within very close proximity, which makes it super convenient.'
The house will be auctioned at 1pm on August 30.
