Coveted Glen Iris home on the market

An iconic property among locals, the Spanish-influenced home of a well-known local family is on the market for the first time.

This single level residence, fittingly named “Casa De Alegria” (House of Joy), is popular with passers by, and recognisable to locals, who can often be found taking photos of the unique facade of the home.

“The home has certainly drawn some attention over the years. The tower above the front entrance is rather unique and we’ll often see people taking photos from the street,” Peter Gregory, current owner of the home said.

Peter and his wife, Elke, have lived in Glen Iris for nearly four decades and are well known in their local community for the Spanish restaurant they owned and operated until 1987.

“Owning the restaurant was a fun time. We would often have Spanish artists fly over and perform in the restaurant and host fiestas for them in our home,” Peter recalls.

The couple decided to sell the restaurant as the demands of raising a young family took over.

“When you have young children, owning a restaurant can take you away from your family. We made the decision to sell in 1987 so that we could focus on being a family,” Peter said.

The four-bedroom home sits on around 1064sqm of land approx and is surrounded by trees that provide complete privacy.

“We’ve loved our home and it’s sad to leave, but now that the kids have grown up, we just don’t need the space anymore.

“We are too attached to the community to move out of the area and we’ve bought an apartment just a few streets away,” Peter explains.

Selling agent, Carmen Stenta, of Ray White Manningham says they hope to achieve in excess of the high $1m mark at the 31 May auction.

“This is a property that offers it all; located in one of the best suburbs in Melbourne, the home offers space and privacy - inside and out. There’s fantastic entertaining and family areas, a pool, veggie patch and you also get the privilege of living in Glen Iris’ most popular house!” Carmen concludes.