Agents and their spaces: Oliver Bruce

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Warm, inviting and filled with quirky details, the wide single fronted Edwardian home of Marshall White director and auctioneer, Oliver Bruce, is idyllically located moments from the beach in Middle Park.

12 September 2018

Oliver, his wife, Tina, and their daughters Leila and Zoe moved into the home three years ago, falling in love initially with the location as well as the impressive renovation featuring spacious open plan living at the heart and a seamless connection to the landscaped courtyard and outdoor entertaining area.

‘My wife loves the bath with the skylight above, the large open plan living room and yoga room above the garage. I love the music room at the front of the house, the gas fireplace and space to store surfboards, snowboards, bikes, kiteboard kit and a second fridge in the garage,’ says Oliver.

Hardwood floors and soaring ceilings flow throughout, enhancing the sense of space. Family heirloom furniture features intrinsically within the interior styling including two reupholstered armchairs originally owned by Oliver’s grandparents and an 18th century style chaise longue from his parents, adding a sense of warmth and history to the home. This is balanced with chic contemporary styling integrating an abundance of greenery and an array of treasures collected from past travels, creating a welcoming vibe.

‘We have abutting neighbours either side so natural light comes at a premium. Because of this, walls, floors and ceilings are white or very light. Internal plants and mirrors help with depth and bring the outside in. Two ficus hedges provide calm and privacy to the courtyard,’ says Oliver.

Born and raised in the area, Oliver was initially drawn to the position of the home due to the proximity to local amenities.

‘Our little bubble consists of the beach at one end of our street and Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and Albert Park Lake at the other, with very little traffic. Our children’s school is a two minute walk and Middle Park shops are a five minute walk,’ says Oliver.

With almost two decades of real estate experience, Oliver specialises in selling prestige property in the City of Port Phillip as well as in surrounding suburbs. Throughout his career, he has had innumerable memorable moments, however one particular property was a clear stand out. A double fronted Georgian style home with a fascinating history on Eastern Road in South Melbourne he has sold three times over.

‘Whilst being updated, my client found a subterranean entrance which uncovered a bluestone basement filled with rubble, old shoes, bottles and paper. Once this was removed it became clear that the home was actually built as a double storey double front,’ says Oliver.

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