4 Higgins Lane

Shoreham VIC 3916

An icon of classic Australian architecture, this unique residence designed by architect Robert Van Rompaey in 1958 as his own private beach retreat has been beautifully preserved and is a rarified, unrepeatable reflection of organic architecture. Held by the one owner since 1968, this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a perfectly preserved piece of Australian architectural history set on 1399sqm approx.
As an influential architect, Van Rompaey is best known and recognised for his innovative house designs most notably the White Lodge in Camberwell which he built for his family in 1966. His beach house at Shoreham is designed to beat in rhythm with the picturesque natural bush setting overlooking a creek. Van Rompaey utilised cutting edge engineering and rare artisanship to architecturally express the freedom of the Australian Bush using three keys components - timber, glass and stone. Soaring floor-to-ceiling glass walls are framed with Oregon beams to give pattern and rhythm to the picture window outlooks, while unique marine plywood ceilings, polished floorboards and superb handcrafted timber cabinetry add a warming colouring to offset the deep greys and creams of the breathtaking central drystone fireplace positioned to create division between the living areas and kitchen.
In the 1980s the owners commissioned Van Rompaey to design and supervise a three-bedroom extension with a bathroom to retain the integrity of the original home which is crafted around a central rose-draped courtyard perfect for alfresco entertaining. Designed to seamlessly integrate with its setting, every room frames a pocket of nature; while the glass walls ensure that the house and its setting are interwoven and vibrant with the changing daylight and the seasons' variations. Within it, the areas for social life, privacy and service are clearly separated but conveniently linked. Stunning living and dining areas form an L-shape around the fireplace; while the kitchen is positioned to interact with the dining area. A reading room complements a gallery retreat which links to the three bedroom sleeping accommodation with a second bathroom with a laundry positioned in the original section of the house.