A landmark Edwardian residence on Williamstown’s prized waterfront, once the creative hub of pioneering gallery owner and artist Marianne Baillieu, is hitting the market for the first time in decades.
Known as TARNEIT, the grand home at 28 The Strand, Williamstown occupies a substantial 1,279sqm parcel on one of Melbourne’s most coveted bayside streets.
From 1980 until her death in 2012, Ms Baillieu used the house as both a painting studio and a cultural salon, hosting artists, writers, filmmakers and thinkers who helped shape Australia’s contemporary art scene.
Ms Baillieu, who founded Melbourne’s influential Realities Gallery in Toorak in 1971 before turning to full-time painting, held 15 solo exhibitions across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Her home became famous for its legendary gatherings, welcoming established masters such as Fred Williams alongside emerging artists who would later become household names.
Guests also included Buddhist monks, who held prayer ceremonies in the gardens, while acclaimed director Paul Cox filmed his 1984 feature My First Wife on the property.
“The house is so close to the water that ships seemed to sail right into our front garden,” recalls James Baillieu, Marianne’s son.
The residence showcases early 20th-century grandeur, featuring large reception rooms, stained glass internal windows, and established gardens designed by Ms Baillieu herself.
A dramatic basalt swimming pool, carved from the rocky foreshore by dynamite, forms a striking centrepiece with sweeping harbour views.
Selling agent Joanne Royston of Ray White Williamstown says TARNEIT represents a rare blend of architectural significance, cultural heritage and prime waterfront location.
“The combination of architectural significance, cultural heritage and prime waterfront position makes this an exceptional offering,” Mr Royston said.
“The local prestige market has been relatively quiet over the past few months, but we’re excited to launch 28 The Strand. We expect interest from established Williamstown buyers, while some purchasers from inner bayside suburbs such as Port Melbourne and St Kilda are also exploring the area — especially given how scarce true waterfront homes are.”
The property has a price guide of $6.5 million to $7 million.
