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"The house is so close to the water that ships seemed to sail right into our front garden," recalls James Baillieu, Marianne's son, whose childhood memories paint a picture of an extraordinary artistic household.
James, now a prominent chairman and investor in early-stage technology companies, has continued his family's tradition of making significant contributions to important causes, recently writing a compelling op-ed about Australia's vital but often overlooked support for Ukraine's defence efforts.
The property became famous for its legendary gatherings, hosting everyone from established masters like Fred Williams to emerging talents who would later become household names. The dramatic basalt swimming pool, carved from the rocky landscape through careful dynamiting, became a focal point for memorable artistic encounters.
The house's spectacular large Edwardian rooms, featuring stunning stained glass internal windows, provided the perfect backdrop for Marianne's renowned hospitality. Garden parties brought together diverse cultural communities, including Buddhist monks who held prayer ceremonies on the grounds.
The property gained additional cultural significance when acclaimed director Paul Cox chose it as a primary location for his 1984 film My First Wife.
The house's distinctive architecture and waterfront setting provided an evocative backdrop for this important Australian cinema work.
This substantial Edwardian residence showcases the grandeur of early 20th-century domestic architecture, with spectacular large-scale reception rooms; distinctive stained glass internal windows; dramatic waterfront positioning; established gardens designed by Marianne Baillieu herself and the famous basalt swimming pool with harbour views.
Marianne Baillieu's influence on Australian art extended far beyond her groundbreaking Realities Gallery in Toorak. After selling the gallery in 1980 following her mother's death, she moved to this Williamstown house to focus on her own painting career, developing "an abstract style uniquely hers, unbeholden to any art movement or school."
Over the following three decades, she held 15 solo exhibitions across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, while maintaining her home as a gathering place for artists, writers, filmmakers, and cultural figures from around the world.
This property is being marketed by Joanne Royston of Ray White Williamstown with an auction date of October 11, with a price guide of $6.6 million to $7 million.
Ms Royston said Tarneit represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of Australian cultural history - a house where art, film, and creative community flourished for over three decades.
“The combination of architectural significance, cultural heritage, and prime waterfront location makes this an exceptional offering,” she said.
“The local prestige market has been relatively quiet over the last few months however we are excited to launch 28 The Strand. We expect the buyers may come from the local Williamstown market however we have seen a few buyers from other inner bayside suburbs ie Port Melbourne/StKilda consider Williamstown as an alternative especially when waterfront homes are quite scarce.”
About Marianne Baillieu (1939-2012)
Born in Stockholm to Danish parents, Marianne Baillieu founded Realities Gallery in Toorak in 1971, which became one of Australia's most influential contemporary art spaces. After selling the gallery in 1980, she became a full-time artist, exhibiting widely and becoming a finalist in major Australian art prizes including the Archibald, Sulman, and Blake prizes. She was known for her universal spiritual interests, legendary hospitality, and unwavering support of Australian artists throughout her life.
