Designed by architect Robin Boyd, 43 Kireep Rd, Balwyn, was built circa-1952.

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A Balwyn house designed by pre-eminent Australian architect Robin Boyd, described as “a work of art you can live in”, is on the market with a $2.2m-$2.4m asking range.

The heritage-listed, circa-1952 Gillison House last sold more than four decades ago.

One of the nation’s most influential architects, Boyd, was a leader in bringing modernism to Australia.

Also an educator and author, he was awarded a Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ gold medal – which recognises those in the profession who have designed buildings of high merit – in 1969.

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Jellis Craig Boroondara Group’s Mark Salvati said the three-bedroom residence 43 Kireep Rd showcased elements of Boyd’s “Victorian type” design, such as the extensive glazing of northern-facing windows, a flat roof, exposed timber materials and retaining native trees in the garden.

The “Victorian type” was Boyd’s idea of a well-designed and affordable modern home, created with aspects including the landscape and the Australian lifestyle in mind.

In the 1950s, writers Douglas Napier and Joan Gillison asked Boyd to design the two-storey house for them.

Heritage documents state that Napier served in the RAAF during World War II including as a public relations officer in the Pacific and in London.

He wrote an official history of the RAAF covering 1939 to 1942 and later served as press secretary to the Minister for Air and in public relations for the Department of Civil Aviation.

The walls of diamond-shaped windows let in plenty of sun.

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The garden is planted with native trees.

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Original timber cabinetry features in the house.

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In the 1960s, while based in London, Gillison worked for Encyclopaedia Britannica, a role in which she prepared questions for the BBC program Hughie Greene’s Twenty Questions.

She was also a Royal Historical Society of Victoria fellow, newspaper reporter, radio presenter and published a history of the women’s-only Lyceum Club Melbourne, in 1975.

Gillison House still features an original writers’ study with slot windows and a dumbwaiter.

Other highlights include the abode’s distinctive facade with a wall of diamond-shaped windows, original timber cabinetry and two mature Lemon-scented Gums planted in the 821sq m garden by iconic landscape designer Edna Walling.

“With the open spaces, and with the floor plan, most rooms have a view to the north and the garden, and the sunshine that comes in – the lovely studio upstairs is in the treetops,” Mr Salvati said.

“I would say, like many Robin Boyd homes, you are buying a work of art you can live in.”

Entertain in 1950s style.

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One of the bathrooms has been modernised.

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Green views from the second storey.

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One of the living areas has a Jetmaster open fireplace, while the main bedroom has an original walk-in wardrobe and modernised ensuite.

There are also a laundry, gas heating, ceiling fans, timber floors and dual off-street parking.

Gillison House is zoned for Balwyn High School and close to the Maranoa Gardens, Beckett Park, Whitehorse Rd tram stops, Balwyn Village and schools.

Mr Salvati, who has previously marketed other Robin Boyd-designed houses, said they were popular with buyers especially fans of the architect’s work.

“We do have people come from far and wide, people who travel from interstate and make special trips to see them,” Mr Salvati said.

Gillison House will be auctioned at 11am on December 14.

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