19 Oak St, Beaumaris VIC 3193

Designed by Polish architect Tadeusz "Tad" Karasinski and completed in 1966, this solid double brick mid-century residence was built by the one family who have called it home for six decades. Their devoted stewardship has preserved the essence of its European-inspired design, where a distinctive open-plan concept is enhanced by hand-crafted materials, generous natural light and a deep garden setting that is simply breathtaking.

Planned along modernist principles, the two-level home is oriented to capture morning rays in the kitchen and master bedroom and western evening sun through the living areas, while cleverly maximising outdoor space at every turn. Natural riverstone, collected by the owners themselves, was hand-stacked to form the front garden beds and generous double carport, while mature gardens have grown around the red brick exterior over the decades, shaping a landscape that feels entirely of its time. A commissioned coloured-glass artwork reminiscent of Leonard French's celebrated ceiling at the NGV greets you beside the front door, opening to a luxurious foyer finished in Palladiana flooring, a hand-laid composition of irregularly shaped marble set in terrazzo. Built on solid concrete slabs across both levels, the ingenious floor plan makes large-scale family living and entertaining effortless.

Substantial open-plan living and dining spaces, framed by wide sliders and picture windows, draw the eye to the rear garden where a towering cedar pine creates natural shade and established flowering clivias offer seasonal colour and a sense of quiet seclusion. Expanses of Black Bean timber panelling, a premium Australian hardwood now in limited supply, line feature walls and ceiling, lending warmth and unmistakable mid-century character to every room. Entertaining flows with ease from indoors to out, complemented by a dine-in kitchen finished with the same Palladiana flooring, electric appliances, and integrated storage. A ground-floor study features bespoke timber joinery with built-in bookshelves, cupboards and a bar, while an adjacent powder room provides convenient amenities for the lower level.