ANN Kerley’s home on the cliff above the Esplanade was sold by auction at the weekend realising a whopping $2,610,000.
The 3-bed Ocean Grove property was put up for sale following Ann’s sudden death last June and had been in her family for more than 70 years.
Ann and the Kerley family had occupied the old boathouse on the east of the Look Out since it was moved there in 1937. Her mother’s family, the Mundays, actually owned the boathouse back in the 19th century when it was located at Barwon Heads with 60 other boathouses.
Bidding started on time at 2pm on Saturday with more than 100 spectators sat on the sloping lawn beneath the property.
Real Estate Agent Damian Cayzer described it as a ‘beachfront home with a forever view’.
“It’s one of the most outstanding views available,” he said. “It’s abolutely blue ribbon”.
Mr Cayzer of Kerley’s Coastal Real Estate started the bidding at $1.8 million. The first bid came in at $1.850,000 and a vendors bid took it up to $1.9 million.
Three bidders – two phone and one in person - and 43 bids later and it was sold for a price matching acreage on the eastern side Port Phillip Bay.
Unquestionably one of Ocean Grove’s most sought after properties – agents from her family’s real estate business went further suggesting the property boasts “arguably one of the finest ocean views in Victoria”.
“Set high atop the cliff above Ocean Grove’s beach, this unique beachfront property has until now remained in one family ownership since 1937,” the publicity spiel stated.
“The opportunities are abundant, the land size is generous, the views are unbeatable.
“Without doubt a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Among those who attended the auction were many of former owner Ann Kerley’s family, including her two brothers Neil and Frank.
They also have a sister who lives in Canberra.
Neil who had lived at the house with his siblings and his parents James and Teresa Kerley told the Voice that the house “held some strong memories”.
He also explained that the boathouse had actually been transported from Barwon Heads on a low loader being pulled by a team of Clydesdale horses.
Many other spectators came to see the auction having known Ann.
All of them described her as a wonderful, even eccentric, character. Ann’s main passions had been her Catholic faith and a love of Geelong Football Club.
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