16 Rothwell Street, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

What is it like to be a resident in Ascot Vale?

Ascot Vale is tightly held, and for good reason. A safe, inclusive, social ‘village’ where residents smile, stop to chat, enjoy the cafes, walk dogs, ride bikes and support local traders. The Ascot Vale community is friendly and family-oriented.

The grounds of 16 Rothwell Street are a place for creating memories, be it a conversation starter from the established gardens, or the spectacular light that displays the home in all its glory. Perfectly trimmed hedges, to a height where the close-knit community can enjoy the grounds at eye level- no small detail missed illustrates what is to come. 

The expansive, perfectly manicured grounds lend themselves to enjoying the outdoors, social gatherings, relaxing or playing with the children or pets. The tranquillity can be enjoyed by the owners but also the appreciative passers-by and this special charm adds to the appeal of ‘Gladswood’ as an Ascot Vale landmark property.

What are some of your favourite memories in Rothwell?

16 Rothwell Street is not just an exquisite property, it’s the definition of a home. You are instantly drawn to its warmth, detailing and a sudden sense of joy through every room. It’s clear this home has been spent gathering family, celebrating special occasions, and enjoying the important things in life.

As you enter this magnificent home, you are thrown into an era of another kind. One where families sit at the table for dinner and have a conversation and one where friends meet to enjoy the company and laugh late into the evening.

From Christmas to birthdays and many special functions, celebrations of all kinds have been enjoyed here and that becomes very prevalent as you walk your way through. Ample rooms to relax or socialise, plus stunning external entertaining areas provide a myriad of options to enjoy and host events.

Tell us about the detailing?

Originally built in 1904, this home has been meticulously renovated to its former glory. Every available intricate detail of this home was researched from the historical society, not a single detail missed by way of a magnifying glass to ensure even the smallest of detail was included.

Instantly greeted at the front with an original solid timber door that was held in the church for storage, all stained glass work has been restored to a level of detail rarely seen in craftsmanship. Make your way into the foyer and look up to the deep cornices containing period embellishments, outlining the detail to come throughout. Stand and look through to the light-filled internal pond where small fish are lucky to call home.

As you sit and take in the formal lounge room, you are drawn to the deep cornices, working fireplace with pristine tiling, and exquisite view of the grounds from the three perfectly placed windows.

Even down to the flooring, each floorboard runs all the way through in one solid line, a unique and special feature, complimented by every nail perfectly aligned.

It’s hard to imagine this home was once trashed prior to its renovation, and for it to be restored to this loving state of perfection, it’s clear this is a home for a family who appreciates what it is to own a piece of history.

History of 16 Rothwell Street:

Originally built by Thomas Brunton (MLC) in 1904 for his son Stuart as part of the Roxburgh Estate. 16 Rothwell Street was then sold in 1916 to become Gladswood Aged Care Nursing Home which was in operation until 1999. A historical picture of the residents sits above the fireplace in the study as you enter the home.

The local council next purchased the property with the intention of turning it into a homeless men’s or drug addict shelter.

This plan was vehemently opposed by local residents and the property was then sold to a couple in 2004 who had the vision and passion to restore the by now derelict home’s former glory and to extend and renovate with the utmost care and attention to detail, using award-winning local builder Elder Constructions.

The current owners purchased Gladswood in 2012 as an unfinished project and have lovingly completed the home, designed the gardens, automated the running of the home and enjoyed the space, charm and beauty of this stunning home with family, friends and neighbours for close to 10 years. A wonderful place to watch the children grow up, having friends over and celebrating life. Living many lives, Gladswood was constructed to be a proud and long-standing iconic family home.

About the grounds:

Carefully crafted and designed by Exquisite Gardens, each element has been carefully curated into the established pleasure that is 16 Rothwell Street. Spend time in the front garden, selecting your preferred location for seat placement where you’ll find multiple options, for every time of the day to capture the warmth of the day’s sun.

Garden connoisseurs or admirers near and far will appreciate the criss-cross hedging, immaculate grass, lush Jasmine- we could go on. Chase the day and enjoy the evening with strip lighting that showcases the trees, shape of the paths and leads you to the entrance of the home. Spotlighting on trees paints a relaxing and considered nightscape.

To enjoy the level of detail, hours could be spent taking it all in.

What are features that you would need to know, to see?

• On entering the home, note all the colours of the original stained-glass features and the intricate design of the cornices which were fully restored by a hand moulding technique.
• Light-filled house thanks to floor to ceiling windows and French doors throughout the home.
• Deep skirting boards, fretwork, 4 original fireplaces (in working order), French doors open out to many verandas on the ground and upper levels
• Guest wing accommodation with separate kitchen and bathroom
• Take in the views from the top balcony, relax with a wine or read a book
• The main living area includes a bar area, with French doors opening to the outdoor pool area, perfect for parties and functions
• The garage flooring (a great party dance floor!), along with subtle metal wires holding black-out curtains create an extra entertaining area and ensure any garage clutter is concealed
• A custom, the bespoke marquee has been created to adjoin the garage and the pool house, making for a functional space through the colder months
• The pool house is fully functional, television, kitchenette, lavatory, heating and cooling, a perfect spot for teenage children and folding doors to open to the outdoor pool area
• Landscaping around the pool allows privacy but also creates a resort-like feel
• Each bedroom has the ability for television, with all cabling wired
• The reading room off the master bedroom is a delightful place to curl up with a book, feel the sun or watch the sunset, a little nook of privacy!
• The upstairs games room gives the children their own space to play and entertain friends with bar amenities and a lovely view of the garden
• Cellar- temperature-controlled and storage for lots of wine!
• Big linen press with shelving for storage
• Control room: neatly stores all the wiring needed to run such a grand home, with a sump to protect from flooding
• Hydronic heating for allergy-prone
• Timber flooring- sourced from Western Australia. Kiln-dried & stored for 18 months prior to laying
• The timber in the wardrobes is Fiddleback, a unique formation of wood only possible through the natural fall of a tree
• BBQ on gas and two outlets accessible (Pool house and outside of the kitchen)
• Sound system- 12 locations around the house and garden.
• Bus stops just across the road on Rothwell Street, Ascot Vale Train station is an easy 3-minute walk, Rothwell Park just across the road and Union Road shops & tram also an easy walk, with plenty on offer to utilise and enjoy