Essendon family estate sells for $2.642m in Windy Hill

Five bidders clashed over this Essendon federation classic, ending an emotional 50-year chapter for one family. Picture: Supplied

An Essendon family home held for nearly 50 years has sold in an emotional auction showdown for $2.642m, more than $400,000 above its guide.

The 27 Raleigh St property, a 920sq m corner block with ornate federation detail and a separately metered bungalow, drew five strong bidders.
Jellis Craig Moonee Valley director Christian Lonzi said competition started briskly in $50,000 increments before slowing to $25,000 rises as momentum carried the price well past the $2.2m-$2.4m price guide.
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“It was a fantastic auction, five interested parties, no vendor bids needed, and three serious contenders right to the end,” Mr Lonzi said.
“The property was declared on the market at $2.6m and pushed a further $42,500 before the hammer came down.”

The sale was especially poignant for the vendors.

The estate was managed by an executor son on behalf of his siblings after their parents had lived in the home for close to half a century.

Retro charm: the backyard gazebo hides a spa bath that became a quirky drawcard for buyers. Picture: Supplied

A time-capsule kitchen from the 1970s awaits transformation in the next chapter of this Windy Hill home. Picture: Supplied

Before them, it was occupied by the original builders, the Englands. In a rare moment of continuity, the granddaughter of the Englands even returned to watch the auction.

“It’s only ever had two families, which made it extra special,” Mr Lonzi said.

“When the gavel fell, there were tears outside with the family gathered together.
“It felt like the end of an era.”

Pretty in pink: vintage bathroom fittings show the home’s untouched character after decades in one family. Picture: Supplied

Character detail shines through in the children’s bedroom, complete with ornate fireplace and federation proportions. Picture: Supplied

The buyers are a young family relocating from nearby Moonee Ponds, who intend to make the property their long-term home.
They plan to enjoy it in its current state before renovating, with the separately metered bungalow to be used as a home office and accommodation for an au pair.

“It’s incredibly solid, a real quality build, with beautiful federation character,” Mr Lonzi said.
“Heritage overlays mean you need to preserve the facade, but buyers love that. Inside, there’s scope to modernise and really make it a forever home.”

Once a games retreat, the billiards room reflects the home’s generous scale and old-world elegance. Picture: Supplied

The oversized main suite captures the grandeur of Essendon’s federation streetscapes. Picture: Supplied

The Jellis Craig Moonee Valley director said 920sq m corner blocks in tightly held Windy Hill were “once-in-a-generation opportunities”, with recent nearby sales failing to offer the same stature or land size.

Mr Lonzi predicted the late start to Melbourne’s spring market would see more listings emerge through October and November.

“If we see a rate cut, it’ll fuel demand further,” he said.

“Buyers are already responding positively. Melbourne still represents value compared to other capitals, and that confidence will only build into 2026.”