Know Your Place #3 - "South East"

One of the most prominent houses in the district is South East, which for a century has dominated the high side of Studley Road.

It has helped this stretch gain its real estate moniker of "the golden mile".

A white painted two story rendered art deco house with balconies set in a large open garden can do that.

Nilss has found a 1931 reference to the garden -

"The Herald, 27.03.1931, Page 3

Prize Gardens Open To The Public

The garden of Mr F. M. Spry, which was awarded first prize in the open section of The Herald Garden Competition, will be open to the public during the week-end. A collection will be taken up in aid of the Austin Hospital.

Visitors are advised to take the train to Eaglemont. "South East," the home of Mr Spry, is in Studley Road, just opposite the station."

‌The property was last offered for sale in 2014 as a mortgagee-in-possession sale.     ‌

"An Art Deco masterpiece presiding over expansive botanical grounds, 'South-East' is one of Ivanhoe's most magnificent domains boasting breathtaking uninterrupted views of the city skyline and distant mountains. Commanding pride of place on a significant 3000 m2 allotment (approx.), this imposing residence c1935 affords refined family living and entertaining in a prestige location minutes to private schools, first-class shopping, parklands, hospitals and train station. A grand entrance precedes a spacious two-storey layout comprising four bedrooms and three bathrooms (two ensuites), formal sitting room, dining room, ornate family lounge area (stunning marble OFP), upstairs living room opening to spectacular terrace, fully-appointed granite kitchen/meals, powder room, laundry, sweeping staircase, cellar/storage, ducted heating, air-conditioning, alfresco entertaining area and double garage."

(2014 real estate agent's description of the remaining South East property)