41 Cottrell Street, Werribee

In keeping with both State and local government policies, Werribee is about to expand enormously and become a major business centre in Victoria. Close to the City of Melbourne, and with fast transport to Geelong recently improved and increased, it is ideally suited for this development and role in the State economy. In this context, a unique opportunity to purchase this large property (1696 m2) on the Werribee River, close to the central town, should not be missed. It has no equal. There is no other property available for purchase now with such a river frontage in Werribee. The mature native trees and shrubs in the strip of remnant bushland along the river bank, where the concreted Council walk path leads over a foot-bridge towards the town centre, and in the long established garden, are home to a wide variety of enchanting birds and song. This home, built in the late 1950s, was designed by Melbourne architect Peter McIntyre - long renowned, from his part in designing the Melbourne Olympic Games pool, until being honoured again in June last year, with wife Dione, by an Enduring Architecture Award. The characteristic steel frame elevates the house and seems to suspend it lightly over the riverbank - a hallmark of McIntyres work. The house has spacious open plan living areas with clear views of the river and its bank through floor to ceiling windows; 3 large bedrooms; a modern kitchen with broad polished granite benchtops, and the space for a breakfast table has peaceful views on two sides over the garden and river. A large outdoor timber deck is accessed from the kitchen area, with a full 180 degree western prospect over river and garden - ideal for breakfasts or long lunches, as sunshine bathes it throughout the day. Downstairs there are two small rooms of equal size, one previously a pottery studio, and the other including toilet, shower and hand-basin. There is also a concrete brick shed. Beneath the house there is covered space sufficient for up to four parked cars, or for recreational use. Table tennis was a family favourite there in the past. As it is, building and nature blend to create the environment for a complete lifestyle - far beyond its residential function. However, the property has recently been re-zoned from residential to commercial (March 2015). It is already within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and both train and bus via the Councils Werribee River Shared Path. Therefore it is also a great prospect for future development, such as ground floor offices, restaurant or retailing businesses; with living units/apartments possible on the upper floors, to a height of seven (7) levels. For some potential buyers, an even more exciting prospect, and aspiration, could be to design and build a landmark architectural feature, with its open aspect across the river.