Thursday, March 28, 2024

Iconic Rockland family home is being sold for the first time ever (PHOTOS/VIDEO)

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If you’ve been driving along Rockland Avenue, you’ve probably noticed a one-of-a-kind home standing along the street near the Government House.

The property, the Catalan Modernist Hartnell family home, was constructed by Victoria-born architect and businessman Peter Hartnell in 1972.

The uniquely designed home is up for sale for the first time ever and is perfect for anyone who loves truly funky architecture and has a cool $1,798,000 to spend.

The 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom home includes its iconic two-storey oval shaped concrete ‘great room’ with parabolic windows, an “oversized” rooftop patio, heated pool, custom tiled centrepiece fireplace, outdoor stone fireplace, mahogany walls, and a glass-railed second floor mezzanine walkway.

Additionally, many building materials including tiles, marble, paint, and wool carpeting were imported from Italy, Japan, Korea, and Mexico to ensure the interior had an authentic look and feel.

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Peter Hartnell was a local builder who owned many residential and hotel buildings in Victoria, including the Hartnell House Apartments, Victoria Princess Hotel, Thunderbird Motor Inn, and Michelangelo Apartments. He was also responsible for the construction and management of the Queen Victoria Hotel.

While he owned a number of properties in the city, the construction of his family home at 1346 Rockland Avenue was a true passion project and labour of love.

“My father, who is now deceased, was inspired by the architecture of Antoni Gaudi during his travels to Spain in the 60’s,” says John Hartnell, current homeowner, long-time resident, and son of Peter Hartnell.

“He built this unique house because we needed a larger space for my nine siblings to grow up in and because he liked to design and create interesting things. He wanted it to stand out.”

While relatively young compared to most heritage homes, this large Rockland Avenue property was nevertheless added to heritage researcher and writer Nick Russell’s 2011 book, Glorious Victorians: 150 Years – 150 Houses.

“My father left a legacy with this house,” said Hartnell. “Not only is it unique, but it’s a great family house and spectacular place for entertaining friends and family… There were even three family weddings here, including my own.”

“It’s time now though for me and my partner to downsize and travel. I just hope whomever purchases the house appreciates it for its architecture and funky style. It’s a perfect property for anyone that loves entertaining indoors and out.”

The full 1346 Rockland Avenue listing can be found online here.

Check out some images and a video tour of the property below:

(Image / Lee Milliken, Spartan Media Group)
(Image / Lee Milliken, Spartan Media Group)
(Image / Lee Milliken, Spartan Media Group)
(Image / Lee Milliken, Spartan Media Group)
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Adam Chan
Former Staff Writer at Victoria Buzz.

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