‘Amazing and completely brutal’: Home once crowned Victoria’s most outstanding for sale

For the third time in its history, Fenner House, a modernist brick townhouse in South Yarra, Victoria, has entered the market for sale, with an asking price ranging from $5 million to $5.5 million. Designed in 1964 by renowned Melbourne architect Neil Clerehan for the retired pastoralist Fenner family, the home has become a symbol of mid-century architectural innovation and is now attracting widespread attention. Esther Clerehan, 65, the architect's daughter, described her experience walking through the property as one of surprise at its spaciousness, noting that the house feels far larger than its modest footprint suggests. Fenner House, located on Domain Road in South Yarra, was added to Victoria’s heritage register in 2016, nearly five decades after Clerehan received the Victorian Institute of Architects' most outstanding house award for the structure in 1967. That award, now called the Victorian Architecture Medal, is considered the state’s highest honor in architecture, having recently been bestowed upon the St Kilda Pier. The house reflects the design ethos of the mid-20th century, incorporating features such as seamless indoor-outdoor integration, large north-facing windows, and an open-plan layout connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Exposed brick walls, timber ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass further highlight its era-defining character. Clerehan’s design for Fenner House is notable for its unconventional approach to spatial organization. Rather than following traditional layouts, the house is structured around three central courtyards accessible from every room. Bathrooms and a walk-in cloakroom occupy the front facade, while three bedrooms lie beyond. This configuration creates a unique "inside-out" effect, where the house appears to face inward rather than outward. Associate Professor Rory Hyde from the University of Melbourne described the structure as “amazing and completely brutal,” emphasizing its imposing presence from the street. Despite its low profile, the house exudes strength and a sense of purpose, with no windows breaking the façade, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a substation. Neil Clerehan, whose legacy extends beyond Fenner House, was also a prolific writer and contributor to The Age’s Small Homes Service, where he designed numerous sample house plans. His influence can also be seen in The Age Dream Home, built in 1954 in Surrey Hills, though that structure has since been demolished. Esther recalled her father’s relentless dedication to his craft, describing him as someone who lived and breathed architecture. He worked tirelessly, often occupying his weekends with visits to properties and late-night conversations with clients, driven by a passion that blurred the lines between labor and love. Real estate agent Ben Bongiorno from Marshall White Stonnington noted that the listing, which became available on August 5, has already drawn a record number of visitors during the open house on August 8. While some attendees may not be potential buyers, Bongiorno suggested that several interested parties have already expressed interest. The property’s historical significance, coupled with its architectural uniqueness, positions it as a rare opportunity in the current real estate landscape. The sale of Fenner House marks a pivotal moment in its storied past. Originally conceived as a private residence for the Fenner family, it has since become a landmark in Australian architectural history. Its inclusion in the heritage register underscores its cultural value, while its recent availability for sale highlights the ongoing relevance of mid-century design principles. As the property enters the market, it invites both scrutiny and admiration, offering a glimpse into the creative vision of an architect who shaped the contours of modern domestic life in Australia.